Page 94 of Ballrooms & Blackmail

Before long, the dresses hang from rolling racks.

Shoes are lined up along the wall.

Jewelry sparkles from velvet trays.

Hair accessories sit arranged on the dining room table.

A folding screen stands in the corner so we have privacy to change.

And one of Pascal’s men carries in a large mirror so we can see ourselves in all our gloriousness.

“This is amazing,” I whisper, slowly turning in a circle as I try to take it all in.

“It is, isn’t it?” Briar says, sounding—rightfully—proud of herself.

“Did you rob a dress store?” Rory teases.

Her lips twitch. “Just the fairy princess section.”

We laugh.

“In actuality, I had Brooks call in some favors.” A shrug. “Plus, it’s easier for Pascal’s crew for us to do this here.”

“And more fun,” Marie says, fingering a light blue dress that will go beautifully with her skin. “All the time and none of the pressure from the sales people.”

Tiff turns a burgundy ballgown from side-to-side. “Positively magical.”

“Try it on,” Chrissy encourages.

A shake of her head. “This is River’s ball. She should go first.”

“Nonsense,” I tell her. “Try it. I want to peruse my options,” I prompt when it seems as though she’ll still argue.

That does the trick and she snags the dress, moves behind the screen.

I touch the beautiful gowns.

Silk. Velvet. Tulle.

Embroidery. Beading. Sparkles.

It’s like everything has been pulled directly from one of my books…or maybe from my imagination.

My heart pulses. “Briar,” I whisper, blinking back tears.

She takes my hand, nudges an emerald-green gown toward me. “Try this one.”

“I—” I hug her tightly. “Thank you.”

She hugs me back. “You’re welcome. Now go on,” she commands. “Let’s play dress up.”

We all take that gentle order to heart, and an hour later the room has descended into complete chaos.

Shoes are everywhere.

Jewelry is tangled across the sideboard.

Half-empty champagne glasses rest on every available flat surface.