Page 362 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

"Oh, yes."

She laughs softly. “Every mother wants her son to find such happiness.”

She walks toward the dress. "I think it's time we helped you become a bride."

"And perfect timing," my mother says. "We're trying not to cry before we've even started."

"How's that working?"

My mother smiles ruefully. "Not especially well."

The two women exchange a look that only mothers seem to understand before laughing together.

Watching them, I'm struck by how naturally they've fallen into one another's company over the past few weeks. They come from different towns and different lives, yet somehow, they've become friends because the people they love found one another. It feels like another gift Jamie has quietly placed into my life.

Jamie's mother carefully unzips the garment bag and lifts out the dress.

For a moment no one speaks. The gown isn't extravagant. It's elegant. Soft ivory satin flows into delicate lace sleeves, and tiny pearl buttons trail down the back in a perfect line.

"It's beautiful," my mother whispers.

Jamie's mother smiles at me. "So are you."

I laugh. "I think you meant the dress."

"I didn't."

Before I can protest, she gently places it in my hands. "Go on."

"We can help with the buttons."

***

Ten minutes later I stand in front of the full-length mirror while the two mothers work quietly behind me.

My mother smooths the skirt.

Jamie's mother fastens one pearl button after another with practiced patience.

Neither woman seems to be in a hurry. The room feels filled with something much more important than excitement. Peace.

Finally, the last button slips into place and Jamie's mother steps back.

"There."

I lift my eyes to the mirror, and for a moment I don't recognize the woman looking back at me.

Then I do. Not because of the dress. Because of the smile. It's the smile Jamie tells me I wear whenever I look at him.

"I can't believe this is really happening."

My mother's voice is suspiciously quiet. "It's happening."

I turn carefully toward them. Neither woman says anything. They simply look at me.

Then, almost at the same moment, both sets of eyes begin to fill with tears.

"Oh no." I laugh. "We were doing so well."