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“Well, let’s get this party started!” Lily clapped.
“Right this way, ladies,” Bella, my dress consultant, directed. We’d worked together quite a bit over the years. Bella’s Bridal Boutique was revered in Southern California. She’d helped many of my brides find the perfect dress. I sent business her way and she did the same for me. It seemed only right that I come to her for my wedding dress.
“How are you?” Lily asked, taking my hand. When she heard the long, sordid tale of the breach and Jason, she had quickly forgiven Will. I was so relieved to have the truth out. Of course, Tate was still guarded, but he at least shook hands with Will. A goodwill gesture for my benefit, I was sure.
“The best I’ve been in months. What about you? I mean, since seeing Henry at the hospital.” I wasn’t at all surprised to see Henry in the waiting room with the family when I’d arrived. Naturally, my concern had been for Lily. I didn’t know what seeing him again would do to her. The few times we’d talked since Will was released, she never once mentioned Henry.
Lily waved me off. “I don’t know what you mean. I’m fine.”
“You don’t fool me. I saw you two talking close in the waiting area.”
“No. What you saw was Henry talking close to me. I let him to avoid making a scene.”
“Hmm… Okay, if you say so.” I didn’t believe a word of it, but I’d leave it alone. Eventually, Lily would open up. Or hoped she would.
“I do. So. House shopping and wedding dress shopping on the same day, huh? How did it go?”
I sighed. “Shopping for a house is stressful. Between York and Axel talking about security measures and Will wanting a beachfront home, I was overwhelmed. Hopefully, finding a wedding dress will be a lot easier.”
Lily made her cute “I understand” pouty face. It faded away a moment later, and her emerald eyes glittered with intrigue.
I followed her gaze to Simone and Axel, who seemed in a heated discussion. Or more like Simone was heated. Axel appeared cool as a cucumber, with his arms crossed over his broad chest and lips pressed thin, as he received an ass chewing from Simone. I’d observed this same situation a few times in the last couple of weeks. Poor guy.
“Champagne…” Bella handed a flute to Lily. “Ginger ale.” She winked, giving me a glass.
“Thank you, Bella.” I sipped my drink and gazed at all the gowns.
We hadn’t selected a wedding date, but Will thought it best to get my dress out of the way. I didn’t argue, though I thought it was too soon for it. We’d just been back together a few weeks, and I’d blimp out within the next month or so. He probably only wanted me out doing fun things after the hell we’d been through. But wedding dress shopping? I preferred to shop for baby furniture.
An hour later and I was over it all. Tulle, satin, pearls, and sequins. Long sleeves, cap sleeves, spaghetti strap, strapless, sweetheart neckline… I was exhausted and feeling a little hangry.
“This is the sixteenth dress.” I sighed, frowning into the three-panel mirror. “Not one dress has felt right.”
“Aww. You’ve looked absolutely gorgeous in every one of them,” my mom said as she took my hand in hers. “What about these dresses didn’t feel right?”
I shrugged a shoulder. “It’s just so much…white.” I fluffed up the gazillion layers of tulle surrounding my body. “I’d always dreamed of wearing a sleek sheath or mermaid style, but my baby bump will show.” I rubbed my belly over my precious princess. “I’ll look like a big white cloud floating down the aisle.” Even if we waited until after the baby was born to get married, which was what I thought we’d agreed on, I had no idea what my body would look like after growing a human.
“I have an idea!” Simone chirped from the silver velour settee. She hopped up and turned toward Axel. “Big grumpy-looking man. Follow!” She snapped, then beckoned him her way as she took off toward the wall of bridal gowns.
I wish I knew what was going on with them. Each time they looked at each other, she glowered and his eyes darkened. Even now, I could see her mouth moving a mile a minute as if she was giving him hell. I’d have to ask Will about it. There seemed to be some tension whenever they were around each other. Like at the hospital the day I returned. When I wasn’t with Will in his room, which wasn’t often, I’d caught Simone and Axel shooting each other dirty looks or whisper-shouting in the corner of the waiting room.
If I didn’t know any better, I’d think they were hot for each other. But Simone? Miss Socialite with Axel? The man hardly spoke, much less seemed refined enough for someone like Simone. She wasn’t a snob, but the men she dated were all from affluent families who lived in the same type of world as the St. James billionaire dynasty. They were attractive, highly polished businessmen. Cultured and educated and ridiculously wealthy. Much like my own gorgeous billionaire. Except I didn’t care about Will’s money or status the way Simone did, or at least seemed to.
“Okay!” Simone returned with a bright smile on her face. “Let’s go try these on. Come, Axel,” she called to him as if he were her servant.
The poor guy had a pile of pale-pink gowns in his arms. Frilly and fluffy. It reminded me of cotton candy. The tortured expression on Axel’s face was too funny. I couldn’t help but laugh at this big, intimidating, scary man following behind Simone to my dressing room. She indeed ruled her world.
Simone stayed while Bella helped me into a gorgeous blush gown with tulle and white floral embroidery. I loved the deep V-neck and wide straps. It had an embroidered belt that went just below my bustline. In this dress, my baby bump was hidden.
“I love it!” Happy tears blurred my vision. “I never considered any other color other than white.”
“It’s perfect. And pink is perfect for our baby sweets, as Lily calls her.” Simone squealed in delight.
I smiled, staring at myself. I glanced back at Simone, who was staring starry-eyed.
I just had to ask. “What’s going on with you and Axel?”
She blinked twice, taken aback. “Nothing. Why?”
