Page 104 of The Dragon Laird’s Obsession

The carriage stopped before a seamstress shop near the center of the village. Through the small windows, Ailis could see bolts of wool and linen stacked upon wooden shelves, ribbons hanging from pegs, and several gowns draped over wooden forms.

“This is where we are goin’?” she asked.

“Aye. Mistress Harriet has been charged with makin’ yer gown.”

Ailis sighed and toyed with her skirts a little. “Another woman who shall ask me about the bindin’.”

“I daenae think Laird MacLaren really wants ye to leave. Rowan swears he thinks his brother is in love with ye.”

Ailis scoffed and shook her head. “He isnae,” she told Sorcha. “I daenae think he is capable of that emotion.”

And me? Am I capable? Do I love him?

She did not have the answer to that.

Sorcha reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Perhaps give it a little more time. I learned to love me husband. It didnae happen at first, and I didnae think it even would.”

Ailis was grateful for her sister’s support as they held hands for another moment then they stepped out of the carriage and went into the seamstress store. Inside, an older woman approached them with a deep curtsy.

“Ladies,” the woman greeted with a wide smile. “Welcome.”

“Good day, Mistress Harriet,” Sorcha greeted. “We have come for the final fittin’.”

“Of course.”

Ailis was promptly surrounded by cloth. Mistress Harriet adjusted the bodice while Sorcha inspected sleeves, embroidery, and the fall of the skirt.

“Lift yer arms, Ma’am.”

Ailis obeyed.

“Turn.”

She turned.

“Again.”

Ailis sighed. “Must a weddin’ dress require so much sufferin’?”

Sorcha laughed. “It is a dress, Ailis.”

“It feels like armor.”

Mistress Harriet smiled. “Ye will thank me when ye see it finished.”

“Will there be pockets?”

Sorcha looked at her. “Pockets?”

“Aye,” she said with a nod.

“Whatever for, Ma’am?” Harriet asked with a laugh.

“I daenae ken. Things.”

“What things?” Sorcha questioned, too. “Are ye up to some mischief?”

Ailis laughed. “Nay, I promise. It is merely because I might need some honeyed fruits to feast on while I am nervous. Ye ken I eat a lot when I cannae relax.”