Miss Impractical Pants Read Online Free

right.
    “Never mind, I’ll do it.”
     

Chapter Two
     
    Were it possible to die of mortification, Katie would have croaked right there in the chapel. Sheila’s iconic Hollywood gown clung to Katie’s curves tighter than Saran Wrap, giving her the appearance of a six-foot-tall Academy Award. If that weren’t humiliating enough, the across-the-front halter left a gaping cleavage-hole that had Katie feeling way too exposed. She feared that one misstep in her oversized Manolos was all it would take to jiggle a boob right out of the opening.
    She gripped Jared’s bicep so tightly that her knuckles turned white as she advanced past the almost two hundred seated people to take her place in the second row. They hadn’t even made it halfway down the aisle when the old lady whispers of Janice and Beverly Martin began to ricochet through the chapel.
    “I’m surprised to see little Katie Sutherland in such a provocative outfit.”
    “She’s not so little anymore. She’s got to be close to thirty now.”
    “Still, it’s not like her to be so inappropriately dressed…though doesn’t she look glamorous?”
    “For the life of me, I can’t figure that girl out. She should be married with a couple of babies by now. With those curves, it’s clear the good Lord intended her to be rearing children, not parading around like some high-dollar prostitute.”
    Her step faltered and Jared wrapped a boa constrictor hold around her waist, supporting her so she had almost no weight on her precarious legs. She gave him a weak smile, trying not to notice the ghosts of high school past and the strangers present gawking at her. As the cesspool of gossip gurgled up around them, she had to force herself not to flounder in it as she finished her trek down the aisle.
    “What in the world are you wearing?” an astonished whisper from the row behind warmed her ear.
    Katie turned her head toward the familiar mocking voice. “Don’t ask.” Her heart was racing too fast to attempt conversation with Anna, her ultra-pregnant best friend.
    “Don’t worry about the old lady Martins.” Rob, Anna’s husband, warmed her other ear. “Like they have room to talk. They’re ancient spinsters. We don’t care if you look like a prostitute—we think you look hot.”
    Katie turned in his direction and noticed a few other loyal friends, including her dear pal Dylan, all nodding in agreement.
    “I can’t believe you would think to wear something like this to Christopher’s wedding!” Anna said. “You’ve got major cajones. ”
    Katie snapped her head back toward her. “I wouldn’t be wearing this dress if it weren’t for Christopher.” She guarded her abdomen with crossed arms. “I hate it—it shows my Little Buddha.”
    “Believe me, no one is looking at your belly. Who’s the dude?” Anna flicked her chin toward Jared, taking his place next to Christopher at the front of the chapel.
    “That’s Christopher’s college buddy—Jared Stone.”
    Anna sported her favorite menacing grin and offered one of her annoying hmmms, which were always laced with many layers of meaning.
    The organ roared to life, announcing the bride’s grand entrance. Katie couldn’t help but feel proud for Christopher. Heather was an ethereal beauty who seemed to float toward him, her excited pace telling the world she couldn’t float fast enough. She stopped for an infinitesimal moment to honor Katie with a warm smile. It was a bull’s-eye to the heart. Katie’s smile sprung to life on its own volition and was as heartfelt as if she were smiling at a sister.
    As Katie listened to Christopher and Heather exchange vows, she felt certain she wasn’t losing her Christopher, but adding Heather to her patchwork family. Despite gaining that comfort, Katie couldn’t shake the curious feeling of emptiness that filled her chest.
    After the chapel had almost cleared, Katie and Anna were still seated, sniffing and dabbing their eyes.
    “Well, Dylan, I guess we