There was that reminder again at how completely different our worlds were. That he had money to spend on the things he deemed important. “Does it bother you that I’m a dog groomer?”

His face became perplexed. “Why would it bother me?”

“It’s not some glamorous job.”

He paused for a beat. “When it comes to your job, what do you feel like you were put on this earth to do?”

“Take care of animals,” I answered quickly. There was no question of that.

“And for me, it’s acting. It’s in my blood. It’s what I’m meant to do. So I admire you for doing what you love and having the guts to go after it.”

“I admire you for the same reason.”

“As well you should,” he said and kissed me gently on the nose. “Joe is on his way. Go get packed and bring Sunshine back with you.”

Some part of me probably should have felt bad that Joe had watched Sunshine on more than one occasion, but there was no way I was going to miss Shelby’s wedding.

Everything happened in a big flurry of excitement and activity after that—we rode in a black SUV to the airport and got on our private plane, where we were treated like royalty. Also, the flight attendant was definitely making eyes at Noah, and I found it infuriating. Another SUV was waiting for us on the tarmac at the small airport in Las Vegas, and Allan opened a bottle of champagne for us. We toasted their marriage, and I realized how glad I was that Noah was with me for this moment. Not because he was financing the entire thing, but because I wanted to share it with him.

We checked into the Waldorf Astoria, where Kyle had reserved three rooms for us. We went up to the twenty-second floor, and I realized that they weren’t actually rooms but massive suites. Ridiculous-size suites. What was I supposed to do with two bedrooms and a dining room and my own kitchen? I was about to call Shelby when I got a text from her.

I laughed and texted her back, asking if she needed help getting ready. She said she was good and told me to come over when I was done, as Allan was getting ready in Noah’s suite so that they technically wouldn’t see each other right before the wedding. And we were going to take two cars to ensure it. I thought that was sweet.

Her room was at the opposite end of the hallway, and when I knocked on her door and she opened it, I gasped. She looked stunning in her strapless ivory dress with a huge poufy princess skirt. “You’re so beautiful!”

“So are you!” she said and hugged me. “But no crying. I’m not putting my makeup on again.”