My heart sinks. Of course she’s old enough to remember that. Caleb and I haven’t discussed much about that time other than me not being able to contact him. I’d always imagined he missed me the way I missed him, but over time I wondered maybe if it was more one-sided.
“What was he like?”
Chloe takes my hand in hers and gives it a squeeze. “Why don’t we go for lunch after this, and I’ll tell you all about it?”
“I’d like that.”
“You’ll be my sister-in-law soon, and I’d love it if we were close.”
Tears prick my eyes. It’s been so long since I’ve had any friends of my own, and I’d love to have more women in my life. Chloe’s so nice and she understands the pressures of being a mother.
“I’d like that too.”
She nods in the direction of the dresses. “Let’s go find something that’ll make my brother’s eyeballs fall out.”
I bark out a laugh, and she tugs on my arm.
Her bouncy mood is infectious—it helps me relax and enjoy the moment.
I think I’m going to enjoy friendship with Chloe very much.
I lost count of how many dresses I try on. Each one looks amazing on the hanger, but once it’s on, they just don’t feel right.
Except one.
The very last one I try on floats down me like a dream as I slip it over my head.
I pat myself down before leaving the dressing room.
“Oh, Emma. That’s the one.” Chloe’s breathless, and when I turn to look at the mirror, I completely understand why.
The pale blue gown hugs my waist and hips like a second skin, and the skirt flares out, weightless and airy down to my feet.
“Your boobs look amazing in it. Caleb will swallow his tongue.” Chloe laughs, and it brings a smile to my face.
“I feel like a princess.”
“You look like one. We need to find some jewellery to match. I know the perfect place.”
I grimace. “I can’t spend much.”
“It’s on me. I’ve got to get you a wedding present anyway.”
I turn toward her. She’s beaming with happiness, and it’s impossible for it not to rub off. “Chloe, I can’t ask you to do that.”
“We are going to be sisters.” She grasps my arm. “You make him very happy.”
“He makes me happy. I’m just not sure if he’ll stick around afterward, you know?”
Her brow furrows. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, he asked me to marry him when facing up to my father. When all that’s resolved, do you think he’ll want to stay married to me?”
Her blue eyes pierce my brain, and I have to look away.
“I think that once you’re married, there’s no keeping him from you. He loves you, Emma. I remember when you left. He was such an angry, miserable mess and it took him a long time to get over it. But when he realised you were back … it was like no time at all had gone past.”
I meet her gaze again. “That’s how I feel when we’re together.”
