[///ON HOLD///] Animal House (Rendezvous #2)

Chapter 22

The detective working Nora's case wasted no time. A day after she informed him of the new information provided by Grant, she was told that they had found and arrested the two young men. They admitted to their crimes and would be charged for breaking and entering, as well as vandalism. When they were questioned about any other accomplices, both denied the existence of another. And since there was no actual evidence that showed Keely's involvement, there was no need to include her in the official report.

However, Nora was also informed they would serve no time in jail. Their fines were also easily paid and Erika said it was because the two came from wealthy families themselves—that was why they were close with Keely and willing to act out in her place.

Did the consequences for their actions seem righteous to Nora? No. But she knew what it was like to be young and do dumb things, so she let it pass.

Besides, she didn't have time to dwell on it. Ava immediately began preparations for the wedding. During the workday, Nora was left undisturbed and able to perform her duties as a veterinarian. However, the moment her coat came off, it was time to accompany her future mother-in-law in the Animal House's loft.

Throughout the week, Ava visited a few hours a day to get a notion of Nora's tastes when it came to things like decorations and atmosphere. Since Ava owned a successful international clothing company, she knew what to look for when it came to people's preferences. Each day she came back, she had more pamphlets and catalogues from acquaintances who worked in the wedding scene.

Nora knew weddings required a lot of planning, but to actually experience it herself felt overwhelming—especially since hers was quickly approaching.

The past few days, she spent more time with Ava than Declan. However, unlike with him, Nora's brothers didn't seem to mind Ava's presence. The discussions often occurred in the living room where Ace and Dane played video games and her brothers never failed to make a comment or two during their meetings. Mrs. Mills was also welcomed to join in their talks, as well as Denora.

As for the pets, Archer and Raccoon sat by her brothers while Bandit lounged on the back of the couch. It was crowded, but Nora loved the sight of everyone gathered together.

"Besides the traditional white, I have a few color schemes I thought you'd like." Ava handed Nora some photos. The pictures contained sample wedding receptions with different colored themes. "Blue with purple seems to be your favorite combination. We can have your bridesmaids and the groomsmen in blue while the decorations can have gradients of both colors."

"How pretty!" Mrs. Mills cooed as she bounced Denora in her lap.

"How many groomsmen will Declan have?" Nora asked.

Ava sheepishly smiled. "Declan may be a social butterfly, but he doesn't have many close friends. Since the wedding will be small as well, he only has two people in mind. One of them is his brother, Heath, while the other is Kane Jones, a childhood friend of both my sons."

Nora mirrored the older woman's smile. "I don't have many close friends myself. The only bridesmaid I can think of is Ella. I thought about asking Veronica or Erika, but I don't want to put my employees in an awkward spot."

"Oh!" Ava clapped her hands. "I can ask Claire, if you'd like. I'm sure she won't mind being a bridesmaid."

"What?" Nora gasped. "But Claire and I barely know each other."

Granted, the few times they interacted, Claire had been a pleasant and polite woman. Even after their first meeting that involved a misunderstanding, she still treated Nora normally.

"There's no need to be shy," Ava softly said. "You two will become family soon. This would be the perfect time to get to know each other. Believe me, Claire would be honored."