“Then Selene should dump that pussy and date Preacher.”
“I don’t date men who preach about women’s bodies, but thanks for the suggestion, friend.”
“That’s not what happened.” Selene ignores Preacher’s objection and gives him the side eye. “But if you’re sure you don’t want to go. I have backstage passes.” Preacher shrugs. “I’m sure I can find someone else to come with me.”
Selene’s eyes go wide, and her mouth opens. Preacher shoves his phone in her face. He leans down, gets close to her ear and whispers, “Mami, let me upgrade you.”
Epilogue
Dax
From across the room, I can feel my wife’s apprehension. I thought I knew everything about her, but I’m wrong. She’s nervous; her hand trembles as she unfolds a piece of paper that looks like it’s seen better days.
“You got this, cousin!” For once, Selene’s voice doesn’t annoy me. She and Eden have been with Cori every step of the way in getting the shop ready for opening, providing free labor, encouragement, and whatever was needed.
“Come on, Cori.” Eden’s tone, as always, is calm and steady.
Cori straightens and clears her throat. “Public speaking is not my favorite, so please bear with me.” Everyone quiets. “As most of you probably know, fashion has been my dream since I was a little girl. It’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do, and when I got older, I decided to focus on bridal couture.” She exhales. “The road here has not been easy. It’s been full of disappointments and delays, but I’m here.”
“You got here right on time, baby!” Cori smiles and nods at Hazel’s words.
“I suppose I did,” my wife agrees. “Because I’m here now, and I’m going to take the world by storm.” Applause breaks out, and I whistle loudly. “I want to thank everyone who stood by me on this wild, crazy ride. Thank you to Selene and Eden, the best friends a girl could ask for. When it seemed all was lost, they encouraged me without being overbearing. They’ve been here every day since I got this shop, working hard and refusing to take a penny. The same goes for the best mother- and sister-in-law in the world. They haven’t been on the journey as long, but their support is just as strong. To all the residents of Shadow Cove who are here tonight, I appreciate you. And last, but definitely not least, thank you to my amazing husband Dax, who not only encouraged me, but—” She stops, locks eyes with me, and winks. “Encouraged isn’t the right word. He didn’t just tell me I was good enough—he has this deep faith in me that goes far beyond this shop. He sees me, down to my core. If he tells me I can do something, I believe him. He gets me. That sounds simple, but it’s not. There’s a depth there only I can understand.”
Goosebumps spread through me. This feels better than the first time she said she loved me. “His belief was so strong, he agreed to help make this dream a reality long before he’d heard my ideas or seen my business plan. He urged me to go to fashion school and helped me through the entire process. And yesterday I received my admission letter.”
The room erupts again; as planned, confetti falls from the ceiling. Once people quiet down, Cori continues. “He saw things in me I never saw in myself. He believed I was better than I thought I was. He made us a family.” She points at Ruby, being held by Leander. “And how could I forget that little munchkin?”
“Mama!” Ruby bounces in Leander’s arms. Cori gestures; he brings Ruby to her. She kisses the child’s cheek before positioning her on her hip. “Thank you, Ruby, for teaching me patience and for always being my little model.” Leander walks away with tears in his eyes. Cori breathes deep and bounces our daughter. “I can’t believe Corine’s Creations opens in just three days. Having you all here has already made it a success.” Her eyes shine with unshed tears while everyone in the shop claps. With Ruby still in her arms, she walks to me.
“Don’t ever make me give a speech again.”
“It was beautiful. You did great.”
“I know this will sound bad, but I wish my parents hadn’t come. I feel bad because I didn’t thank them.” She exhales.
“It’s your night, baby. Don’t worry about anyone.” I kiss her temple.
The party celebrates all the hard work Cori poured into Corine Creations. The shop looks like an upscale bridal salon, and despite her nerves, I know it will succeed. She’s booked solid for the first week, though she’s still anxious.
Leander returns and takes Ruby.
“Congrats, Cori. The place is wonderful.” He can barely look his daughter in the eyes.
“Thank you,” is all Cori says. He walks away with a babbling Ruby.
We’ve had Ruby since her father said he couldn’t care for her; despite Cori’s reservations, she slipped into caregiver mode. She designed Ruby’s room, chose the furniture, reads to her, bathes her, spends time with her, and loves her. It was like a switch flipped—when Ruby became ours, Cori allowed herself to love the little girl.
After hearing Cori’s terms, I was anxious about the meeting with Devin. There was no way I was going to lie to my wife, and I feared even a hint of hesitation would lead to us not takingRuby. My fear was unnecessary. Devin was so relieved when Leander told him we were willing to adopt Ruby that he offered no argument and promised not to be a problem. The adoption isn’t finalized yet—we go before the judge in a month—but for now, Cori’s parents see Ruby often. I facilitate visits; I drop her off and pick her up. Cori keeps her parents at arm’s length. She hasn’t cut them off, but she doesn’t go out of her way to see them.
“Oh my God, Cori.” Selene hugs her cousin again. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Me, too.” Eden dabs her eyes.
“Don’t cry again,” Cori warns. “You’ll make me cry.” Selene points to the big TV. “Who had the great idea to do that?”
“You did.” Selene beams at my words. “You did good, cousin.” I squeeze her shoulder, and she smiles. Selene suggested a slideshow of dresses Cori made, worn by friends and family, along with vignettes from Eden and Rip’s wedding.
“And look at how pretty my Fincherella looks.” I roll my eyes at the nickname. A snapshot of my dog in a flowing white skirt appears on screen. “She made the prettiest doggy bridesmaid.”
