In Love By Christmas. Cari Lynn Webb

       CHAPTER ONE

      “WE’RE THIRTY MINUTES into the workday and no one is at their desks.” Theo Taylor wove through the open-concept offices of Coast to Coast Living’s San Francisco headquarters. He glanced at his sister, who was beside him. “Was there a meeting I wasn’t told about?”

      “Looks like Mother is holding another one of her impromptu employee-wellness sessions.” Adriana pointed at the crowd gathered outside a corner office and frowned. “Wonder what it is this week—parrot yoga, IV drips or detox teas?”

      Employee wellness was fine and, in fact, encouraged, but not during work hours. Theo had explained that to his mother last week after he’d interrupted her crystal-stone-therapy session, and the week prior after he’d unplugged the blender and dismantled her charcoal-and-celery-juice presentation. Theo shook his head and veered toward his mother’s office.

      His assistant VP of marketing and his human-resources manager noticed Theo’s approach and scurried away, avoiding his gaze. Several well-placed shoulder taps alerted their employees to his arrival and the crowd thinned.

      “Ladies and gentlemen, perhaps lunchtime would be more appropriate for this.” Adriana’s voice drifted from behind him.

      Theo reached the glass wall of his mother’s office and gaped. No time would ever be appropriate for this. Ever.

      His mother stood on the cherry-wood coffee table, her cell phone perched in her hand and angled high above her head. Not unusual—his mother always had a firm grip on her cell phone. And the jeweled crown pinned in her black hair—even that could be overlooked. But…

      Unease latched onto Theo like an extra shadow—the feeling was dense, cloying and unshakable. His mother wore a wedding gown. A very familiar, custom-made Linden Topher wedding dress that belonged to…

      His sister reached his side and gasped. “She’s wearing my gown.”

      Theo managed only an uncomfortable nod.

      “Tell me this isn’t happening.” The sudden silence amplified Adriana’s abrupt command.

      Theo’s words lodged in his throat.

      “I won’t wear the same wedding dress as Mother.” His sister’s voice lowered, as if they were standing in a crowded elevator. “Remember last Easter? She showed up at the charity egg hunt in the same dress I had on. I bet she already tried on my sample veil and shoes from Linden Topher, too.”

      That wasn’t a bet Theo would take.

      “She’s not even engaged and she’s already glowing like a new bride,” Adriana snapped. She moved toward the closed office door. “Look at her blushing.”

      Theo set his hand on his sister’s arm, stilling her and silencing the alarms clanging inside his head. “I’ll take care of it.”

      “Mother declared at dinner last night she had to find the perfect dress for her next wedding.” Adriana lifted her chin, the stiff movement not enough to hide the tremor in her mouth. “I didn’t think she meant now, before she’s even found her next groom.”

      Theo eased around Adriana, gripped the door handle and glanced back at his sister.

      “I