Page 42 of A Highland Family Affair

‘I love it.’ Her eyes welled with tears, and she covered her mouth with her hands. ‘Could I try it on, please?’

‘Absolutely. I have some pegs behind the counter so we can hold it in at the back with them. That way you’ll get a better idea of how it will look when altered.’

In the small changing room, Olivia slipped the dress over her head and the fabric shushed to the floor. As suspected, it was a little too big but not so much that it couldn’t be altered without changing the appearance. When she was ready, she called the assistant in and, as suggested, she pulled it in at the back and secured it with the pegs. Olivia turned to look at her reflection in the full-length mirror and knew immediately this was the dress she would marry Brodie MacLeod in. Emotion flooded her, her heart rate picked up and her stomach knotted, her eyes overflowed with tears.

‘This is it. It’s perfect… or at least it will be.’ She stepped out of the fitting room, and it was Mirren’s turn to gasp.

‘Oh, Olivia! You’re the image of your mother. She would be…’ She shook her head and dabbed at her eyes. ‘She would be so very proud of you. Just look at you.’

In that moment, Olivia’s feelings about the dress were confirmed. She turned to the sales assistant. ‘I’ll take it, thank you so much.’

The assistant raised her eyebrows. ‘I haven’t told you how much it is yet.’

Olivia gazed once more at her reflection and shook her head. ‘I honestly don’t think I care at this point.’ She laughed.

‘I’d better go and check the price for you.’ The assistant left her for a few moments and when she returned, she hesitated before speaking. ‘I’m afraid it’s… it’s five hundred pounds. Is that still okay?’

Olivia’s eyes widened. ‘Really? Then 100 per cent yes!’

When they arrived home, she called Harper to tell her about the dress. ‘It’s just stunning, Harper, and so reminiscent of my mum’s dress.’

‘God, I love seventies-style dresses. You’re gonna look like a model, you know. Nina will be on your case trying to hire you back for the catwalk. Speaking of Nina… I have news of my own.’

Olivia’s interest piqued. ‘Go on!’ She tried and failed to hide her excitement.

‘So, I’ve been promoted.’

‘Harper, that’s incredible! I’m so proud of you! What will you be doing?’

Harper paused. ‘I’m taking over all visual merchandising and will be leading the graphic design team too. My degree will finally be put to use.’

‘That’s absolutely brilliant. You are so perfect for that job.’

Harper paused again and Olivia wondered why she didn’t sound more excited. ‘The only problem is… I won’t be able to attend your wedding.’

It was Olivia’s turn to be silent. After a few seconds, she simply said, ‘Oh.’

‘I’m so sorry. We have a show over that week, and I need to be there.’

Olivia tried to hide her disappointment. ‘Okay… that’s fine… it can’t be helped.’

‘I feel terrible. I was supposed to be a bridesmaid.’

Olivia fought back tears. ‘Hey, it’s okay. I’ll just have to make do with two.’

‘Are you okay? You don’t hate me, do you?’

Olivia sighed. ‘Of course I don’t hate you. I… I just can’t believe you’re not going to be here, Harper. You’re one of my best friends. How can I do this without you?’

‘You’ll be absolutely fine. Bella and Skye will be there. I’m so, so sorry. This year is just crazy with shows. It’s Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week around the wedding. Although Nina did want me to ask you to postpone it till the winter.’ She laughed. ‘I was like, yeah, I’m not doing that, boss.’

Olivia sighed deeply. ‘Maybe we should postpone it until you can make it.’

‘Absolutely not! This is your day. And I will be with you in thought. I’ll get over as soon as I can and we can have a party, okay?’

‘I suppose. But it won’t be the same.’

‘Of course it won’t, I’m hella fun at parties.’ She laughed. ‘Seriously though, honey, don’t change your plans because of me. You have to make it work for you and Brodie. You have to put you guys first.’