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She scratches her nose. “The girls made me do it. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Of course not.”
“It’s not, like, a meringue dress with a veil or anything. It’s just an ordinary dress.”
“I’m sure it’ll look amazing.”
She clears her throat. “Are you okay to keep an eye on Leia? I might have a bath.”
“Of course. Enjoy yourself.”
She retrieves her bag. “Okay. See you in a bit.”
She goes into the bathroom and closes the door. Soon I hear music emanating, and the sound of running water.
I check my watch—it’s just gone three, so we have about forty-five minutes. I lie on the floor and play with Leia for a while, and then when I hear the bath empty and Aroha drying her hair, I start getting ready. Leia rolls onto her tummy and watches me, and I chat to her while I put on my suit.
I’m just doing up my tie when she comes out of the bathroom. My hands stop moving, and I stare at her.
She’s wearing a champagne-colored, satin sheath dress. Tiny pearls line the spaghetti straps. The hem reaches just past her knees, but a split runs all the way up the outside of her thigh. She’s matched it with a pair of sexy, high-heeled sandals.
She’s swept her hair up into a chignon and pinned it with a clip the same color as the dress. She has pearls in her ears and a single strand around her neck.
It’s simple and elegant, and she looks amazing.
As I continue to stare, she glances down at herself. “It was on sale,” she says. “And I can wear it afterward, so it’ll get more than one use.”
“Are they real pearls?” I ask, surprised my voice sounds normal. I’m sure she’d have told me if she’d bought herself some on my credit card. I feel a sudden, sharp, surprising surge of jealousy at the thought that an ex-lover got them for her.
But she laughs and touches them. “No. They’re pretty though, don’t you think?”
I’m relieved. “You look amazing.” I wish I’d bought her some proper pearls, or diamonds to compliment the dress.
“So do you.” She admires my navy suit. “It looks different from your normal suits. Why’s that?”
“It’s Italian. I normally wear British-cut suits to work. Neapolitan styles are closer fitting, without the shoulder padding, and the front panels are curved.” I’m waffling, and I clear my throat. “So, it’s nearly time.”
“Yes, I just want to change Leia.” She picks Leia up and kisses her neck, then takes her over to the bed with Leia’s bag.
I finish tying my tie, half-watching her in the mirror. The dress may have been in the sale, but it fits her beautifully, accentuating her figure. Hmm. I’m pretty sure from the way her breasts move beneath the silky fabric that she’s not wearing a bra…
She glances over her shoulder. I hastily look back at my reflection, tightening my Windsor knot.
When I’m done, I pocket my wallet, phone, and room key card. By this time, Aroha’s finished dressing Leia, and she holds the baby up to show her new blue dress with small white flowers and matching headband.
“Well, look at you,” I tell her, taking her out of Aroha’s hands. “Pretty as a picture.” I kiss her rosy cheek, and she swats me.
“She’s going to be a boxer,” Aroha says, collecting a shoulder bag that’s the same shade as her dress. “Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
“Do you want me to bring her carry seat?”
“Yes, just in case.”
“I’ve got her dummy, and I’ve made up a bottle.”
We move around the way I’ve seen other parents do, collecting toys and blankets and bottles, and then eventually we’re ready, and head over to the door.
