Chapter One
“You really went and got your ass married in Vegas without me, bitch. I still can’t believe you.” Caresha fussed, flipping through a rack of curated gowns. She and Nivéa stood in one of Satin Hills’ most exclusive bridal boutiques. A place that catered to the wealthy…wives, fiancées, and girlfriends of men with money.
“Listen, my man asked, and I wasn’t about to say no to his big, fine ass.” Nivéa shot back, unapologetically. “Besides, you know I’ve always wanted a small, intimate wedding.”
“Yeah, yeah. Well, I’m just glad y’all are having a reception with family because, babyyy, we need to celebrate. Fuck that intimate shit.”
Nivéa cracked up until her eyes landed on a particular gown. Her smile slowly faded as she gasped and lifted it from the rack. Holding the gown against her body, she turned toward the mirror and admired her reflection. Out of everything the stylist had brought, this ivory beauty stood out the most. Something about it spoke to her.
“Oh, my God. I love this. What you think, sis?” She asked, turning to Caresha.
Caresha turned from the rack, sizing her up. “Ohhh, it’s beautiful. Shit. Yeah, that’s the one, girl. Don’t you dare pick up another dress.”
Twisting her lips to the side, Nivéa rolled her eyes hard. She knew Caresha was being sarcastic, ready to get out of there. “Your lying ass. Why are you like this? You ain’t even truly look.”
Caresha smacked her lips, snickering. “Girl, my ass is tired. We’ve been here all damn day. But…I’m serious, sis. I do love it. Hell, I love all of them. I can’t help it you picky as fuck.”
Nivéa sighed as she studied her reflection once more. “Whatever. Let me try it on.”
It was Caresha’s turn to roll her eyes. She loved her girl to death and was so happy for her, but if Nivéa came out of that dressing room and said never mind again, she was going to lose it.
Inside the dressing suite, Nivéa stepped out of her clothes and carefully slipped into the gown. She pulled the zipper up as far as she could, then reached for her neck and adjusted the straps. After smoothing the fabric over her hips, she turned toward the mirror. The second her eyes landed on her reflection, her breath caught.
The gown hugged every small curve she possessed before flowing down into a fitted mermaid silhouette. Beading and crystals sparkled across the fabric, catching the light with every movement. The straps crossed beautifully near her neckline while the dramatic overskirt cascaded behind her.
For a moment, Nivéa just stared, and after a while, Caresha came knocking. “Sis, you need help? Let me see, girl.” She said.
“Coming,” Nivéa snapped out of her trance and opened the door.
“Oooh, you look so beautiful. I love it so much.” Caresha showed her true reaction that time as her eyes watered; her heart was just as full as Nivéa’s. “I play about a lot of things, but this ain’t one of ‘em. You need to get this one. It’s perfect.”
“Right,” Nivéa said before turning back toward the mirror. “This is the one.”
“Yessss.” Caresha stepped behind her, sliding up the zipper until it closed.
Staring at herself, Nivéa had no words for how she felt. The moment only amplified the emotional high from her and Crown’s trip to Vegas. She had left that city as Mrs. Knight, and damn, it felt amazing. But standing here in this gown, preparing to celebrate with the people she loved most, felt even better.
“Oh, Mrs. Knight,” the stylist, Dana, approached with a knowing smile. “I think your search is officially over. This dress was made for you, darling.”
Dana had been in the game long enough to recognize when a woman found her perfect dress.
Nivéa smiled. “Yes, ma’am. This is the one.”
Dana stepped closer, gently pinching the fabric at Nivéa’s waist and hip, then crouching slightly to check the length.
“It’ll just need a few minor alterations. We’ll bring the waist in here and clean up the hem.” She reached for her pins. “Step over here for me.”
Dana guided her onto the pedestal in front of the mirror. Once Nivéa stepped up, the gown fell beautifully around her, and she finally got the full effect.
“Yep, this is the one. I want it now.”
“Praise God,” Caresha sang.
All three women laughed in unison as Nivéa stepped down.
“How about a toast to finding the one? Would you like a glass of champagne?” Dana asked.
“No, I’m okay. Thank you, though, Dana. I truly appreciate your help. I know I can be picky and annoying.”
