AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Because this wedding gave us an idea.”
The taqueria’s door opened, and a gust of wind fluttered the multicolored papel picado overhead.
I stepped aside for two customers to pass. “We’re adding a wedding venue to Chateau Mont Bleu, and we need an in-house caterer. Are you interested?”
“You two have had your heads together.” Rosie’s eyes danced as she stared at the red-brick wall, seeming to look inward. Finally, she met my gaze. “For years, I’ve thought of expanding. Now may be the time.”
“We hoped you’d say that.”
“And speaking of time, do you two have your marriage license?”
“Not yet.” I shook my head.
“With only twelve days until the wedding, you’d better hurry. Texas has a 72-hour waiting period, and have you found a minister yet?” Rapid-fire, Rose mentioned the key elements. “How about music? And flowers? And do you have your wedding gown?”
“No, no, no, and no.” I blew air from my cheeks. “From here, I’m going into town to order flowers and begin looking for a dress. Yikes! Is a wedding in two weeks doable?”
****
Still hyperventilating, I stopped at the florist’s.
“Can I help you?”
The saleswoman’s tone cut through my mental fog.
“Yes.” I didn’t realize I was holding my breath until the word came out a sigh of relief. “We’re getting married in twelve days. Is that enough time to place our order?”
“You’re cutting it close, but we’ll make it work.” The woman gave me a reassuring smile. “What kind of flowers do you want?”
“I don’t know.” I felt the blood drain from my face. “I haven’t had time to think about it.”
“Let’s start with your colors and go from there.”
“Rosé and Champagne.”
Nodding, the saleswoman opened the cooler behind her and took out a spray of roses. “A new variety just came in, Sensational Sonoran. Their blooms have soft pink centers with champagne outer petals and an overall garden rose look.”
From a single stalk, the roses swelled into a compact cluster.
“One stem looks like a bridal bouquet.” I stared in wonder. “And its colors are perfect.”
“All right, we have the bouquet.” The woman made notes on a pad, then looked up. “Now what about the boutonnieres, flower girl’s petals, table centerpieces, altar arrangements, aisle decorations, and wedding arch?”
****
An hour later, I left the shop dazed by the details and variety of floral choices. Then mentally checking flowers off my list, I walked to the bridal salon with a bounce in my step.
The sumptuous window dressing lured me inside, but the interior was anticlimactic. Because the small shop had little space for dress racks, the styles were limited, and the selection was meager, at best. Despite the limited options, one dress caught my fancy, but the only sizes in stock were zero, two, sixteen, and eighteen.
“Try on the sixteen.” The salesperson held the dress against me as she spoke to our reflection in the mirror. “See how you like the style. We can always clip it, then have alterations take in the seams.”
“Can’t you order a size eight?”
“Not if you need it in twelve days.” The woman’s spine stiffened. “These dresses are made-to-order and typically take six-to-nine months to create.” Her smile brightened. “But alterations can resize it.”
“I can understand taking in a dress a size or two”—I cocked my head—“but cutting down a sixteen to an eight? I don’t think so.”
Now what? Order something online? I dragged my feet on the way back to the car. Then spotting a consignment shop, I stopped in on a whim. “Do you have any wedding gowns?”
