Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 50828 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50828 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
“You have chosen three mermaids and a trumpet. Perhaps a different silhouette? Maybe”—she withdraws a dress from the rack draped in heavy plastic—“something like this.”
Out of the bag comes a dress from fairy tales. A white, lacy confection that makes me gasp the instant I set eyes on it.
“This will be perfect for your shape and accentuate your best features while concealing what you wish to minimize.”
Jen nods. “It’s gorgeous.”
Five minutes later, Luna laces up the corset back, then circles me, seeming to make mental notes before she stops in front of me with a smile.
“Does it look okay on me?”
“I do not wish to influence you. See for yourself.”
As she shuttles me in front of the full-length mirror, Jen covers my eyes. Once Luna releases me, my bestie lifts her hands with a grin.
I blink at my image. Tulle shaped like roses create thick straps over my shoulders that give way to lacy sleeves. The sweetheart neckline with a crisscrossed bodice harnesses my breasts and reveals a respectable amount of cleavage. The simple bodice ends at my waist, which the stylist enhanced with a sparkling sash encrusted with crystals and pearls. It calls attention to my small waist, while the flare of the dress hides the wider thrust of my hips and falls gracefully until the scalloped lace brushes the cool marble floor.
Everyone smiles as I gawk.
Holy cow, that beauty with the perfect body is me? Tears spring to my eyes. “I love it.”
Jen hands me a tissue, then dabs at her own eyes. “You’re going to be a beautiful bride, honey.”
This is crazy. I barely know my groom, and I’m being forced into this, but… “I actually feel like a beautiful bride.”
“Is this the one?” Luna asks.
I nod before she even finishes the question. “Yes.”
“Good,” Jen says. “If you said anything else, I was going to override you and have your head examined.”
After more laughter, Luna pins fabric along the bodice and at my waist, then removes the dress and disappears into another corner of the suite. Mita and Gita approach next. I can’t tell them apart.
Franz nods. “Let us talk about colors…”
What is there to say? “Okay.”
“They weren’t talking to you, honey,” Jen whispers. “Let them do their thing. If Luna was any indication, these people know what they’re doing.”
The next four hours pass in a blur. After Franz washes and deep conditions my hair, Mita—I think—attacks my face, starting with a sheet mask and tweezers for my brows. Gita gives me a first-rate mani and pedi. Somewhere in the middle, Jen brings me a sandwich and wanders the suite.
Finally, the trio who have poked, primped, and prodded me step away.
“Your dress is ready.” Luna stands from behind her portable sewing machine. “I also took the liberty of choosing a veil for you.”
Normally, that would annoy me, but this woman grasps what will look good on me. “Thank you.”
“Of course. I’ll help you into your dress when you’re ready.”
Before I can answer, I hear the snick of the key in the lock. Nathan?
Instead, a soft knock proceeds an unfamiliar woman entering. She’s older, maybe in her midforties. She wears her wispy blond hair in a face-framing style and a beige beaded dress that accentuates her lanky figure.
“Am I interrupting”—she glances around the room until she lays eyes on me and smiles—“Isabella? It’s nice to meet you. I’m Laurel, your new sister-in-law. I’m married to Nate’s brother, Steve.”
As she takes my hand, she radiates kindness. I like her right away. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.” She searches the room, spots Jen, and introduces herself.
“Hi.” My bestie is usually a tough cookie to win over, but she seems almost instantly comfortable with Laurel, too.
“Ready for your big day?” the woman asks me.
“I’m trying.”
“Preparing for a wedding is a lot of work. It’s been more than a few years, but I remember being a bride.” She squeezes my hand. “Nate tells me your mom passed away?”
The mere mention of Mom today has my eyes stinging with tears. “Five years ago.”
“I’m so sorry. I would never presume to replace her, but I have four adult children, so I have a lot of experience being a mom. If you need anything, even a hug…”
“Thank you.” I try not to let my tears fall, but it’s hopeless.
“Oh, sweetheart.” Laurel grabs a tissue and gently dabs my face. “Of course you miss her. But she’s always with you, so just know she’s bringing you a bit of heaven as you get married.”
That’s a lovely sentiment. Even if it’s wishful thinking, it makes me feel better. “Thank you.”
“Of course. Do you have something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue?”
“No.” I didn’t think of any of that.
“That’s okay. Just like Nate thought you might need your best friend and some motherly guidance, he also thought you might not have had time for these traditions.” She reaches into her bag and withdraws a baggie. “Something old. It’s a pressed flower I wore in my shoe at my wedding. My grandmother swore it would bring me good luck. She was right.”