The Confetti Countdown by Judy Jarvie Part of By Grace Publishing's Brides and Bouquets Anthology 2008 Felicity Truro's diary is fast filling up with problems. First there's the ugliest bridesmaid's dress in the world, then there's her sick aunt's serious secret. But it's Rod McAllister, the handsome firefighter best man with attitude, who's melting her willpower and frazzling her nerves the most. Can Flick survive being a bridesmaid for the eleventh time whilst falling for the groom's aide for real? And how will she cope when Rod needs a stand-in and she's promoted to top of the candidate list? Read an excerpt here...   Excerpt From The Confetti Countdown:   To: FelicityT@netbunnies.com From: rodmcallister@natfiresquad.com Dear Flick Thought I'd give you a cyber hi-five as Linda gave me your email and asked me to say hi. Mack tells me you're chief bridesmaid, which is great news, so I just wanted to let you know, how thrilled I am. As you know, I'm best man and I'm enthusiastic and positive we'll be a great team. As long as we both don't end up wearing lime and purple accents, eh? Seriously though, Linda's an interior designer, so I'm sure we're home and dry on the 'taste side.' Hope to see you at Crimpley's Cafe for the 'wedding get-together lunch' next week. Catch you then. All the best - Rod (McAllister, Mack's friend and best man in training)   To: rodmcallister@natfiresquad.com From: FelicityT@netbunnies.com Dear Rod Hi-fives backatya. Ditto to the fabulous news. Linda will be a stunning bride and I'm so delighted for her and Mack. Hope you've started work on that speech. No pressure, but we want it to be a Pulitzer Prize number! Joke. Seriously though?speeches are important and quite hard to write. I'm certain you'll do a marvellous job, though. It'll be up there with Harold Pinter (I'm told you're very exacting in everything you do). But if you do need help, just shout. We're all dying to hear it. See you next week. I happen to think lime and purple accents would suit you. LOL. Felicity P.S. Don't call me Flick. I got rid of the nickname after school, thanks. Didn't you know? I'm surprised Linda didn't tell you that. P.P.S. Is it Roderick or Rodney? Just curious.   To: FelicityT@netbunnies.com From: rodmcallister@natfiresquad.com Dear Felicity Thanks for your input, but the speech is well in hand. In fact, it's coming along a treat. My mother's an expert speech writer, and she's been giving me pointers. She gives talks to the Ladies' Forum on speech etiquette and impeccable manners. The thing about being a best man is you actually have quite a bit of responsibility and input into the wedding. Though I suppose being the 'glamorous bridesmaid' must be nice, too. I'm sure you'll look gorgeous in your dress - lime and purple would bring out your eyes. Joking. Are you planning on attending any dance lessons as a warm up? Just wondered. Rod P.S. I'm a very good dancer. If you need a hand or are worried about being rusty, please give me a call. I could do you a refresher. P.P.S. It's Roddy. That's on my birth certificate. Why d'you ask?   To: rodmcallister@natfiresquad.com From: FelicityT@netbunnies.com Rod Dance lessons would be superfluous; I'm an experienced bridesmaid. I also have certificates in Modern and Jazz to Level Five. Are you thinking of getting instruction yourself? You say you're very good, do you have any certificates you're keeping quiet about then?