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‘Wow, look at them all! This is so exciting.’ Brooke walked across to one of the many rows of wedding gowns.
‘This one is beautiful. How about this one, Elsie?’ Nina called over her shoulder.
‘Oh, that one is lovely. I don’t think that neckline would suit me, though.’ Elsie tugged at the collar of her coat.
Evie paused in the middle of the shop. Last week, helping someone shop for a wedding dress would have been her worst nightmare, but today, when she looked around at all the people who had come to support Elsie, it didn’t feel like a nightmare at all. Even the idea of marriage didn’t seem that futile anymore. She could see how much in love Elsie and Ian were, and she actually thought and hoped they would enjoy married life for many years.
‘I hope Diane warned whoever she booked the appointment with that Elsie was bringing a massive entourage.’ Standing next to Evie, Molly grimaced. ‘Everyone introduced themselves, didn’t they?’
‘Yes, yes. I can’t promise I’ll remember everyone’s names, though.’ Evie grinned. In addition to Molly, Wendy, Teresa, Diane, Brooke, Nina, Freya, Carrie and Daisy, she’s also been introduced to Olivia, Paige, Gemma, Heidi, Lauren and Jessie.
‘I thought exactly the same when I first came here.’
‘You volunteered at Elsie’s bakery too?’
‘Yes, before I got the job there. Everyone here did.’
She looked around. ‘Really? Why did everyone decide to stay?’
‘I don’t know. Different reasons, I guess. Personally, I fell in love with the bay, the people, being close to the sea. Plus, I realised my then-ex, Jude, lived here.’ She shrugged. ‘We got back together whilst I was volunteering and the rest, as they say, is history.’
‘I can certainly see the charm of the bay.’ Evie nodded. ‘The way Elsie and everyone at the bakery are so welcoming, too. I’ve never experienced that before.’
‘Yes, they’re a good bunch. All of them. And Elsie is just amazing, one of the kindest people I’ve ever known.’
‘Same here.’ It was true. Elsie seemed to have time for everyone. Even when she’d turned up late after her lunch break earlier, she had only praised her for helping rescue the sheep. She hadn’t been disappointed she’d been late or made her feel as though she’d let anyone down. In fact, she’d insisted she’d taken a bit of time to clean herself up and get something to eat before serving again. Elsie herself had stood in for her so that Diane and Brooke hadn’t missed their breaks.
‘Come on you two, you might as well put your two pence worth in as well.’ Linking arms with Evie and Molly, Elsie walked them towards a row of wedding gowns. ‘What do you think?’
Evie pulled out a large, puffy ivory gown and grimaced.
‘Not that one, hey?’ Chuckling, Elsie shook her head. ‘I don’t think it’s for me either.’
‘Which one do you like?’ Evie ran her fingers across the row of dresses.
‘Oh, now you’re asking. Nothing too puffy or too embellished, that’s for sure. Apart from that, I don’t really have a clue.’
‘Have you thought about the colour?’ Molly pulled the skirt of an ivory gown and held it next to a white one.
‘That’s one thing I have thought about. I think ivory. I’m worried the white will wash me out.’ She tapped her cheeks. ‘Especially with my hair, too.’
‘Ivory will be nice. It’ll warm your features.’ A woman in high heels, wearing a black dress suit, held out her hand. ‘You must be our bride, Elsie? I’m Savanah and I’ll be your stylist today.’
‘Hello, Savanah, lovely to meet you. I’m sorry for filling up the shop with my entourage.’ Elsie blushed.
‘That’s absolutely not a problem. I think I spoke to Diane on the phone? She did warn us how many of you they’d be.’ She giggled. ‘It’s lovely to see so many people here to support and help you choose your perfect dress.’
‘Well, yes, it is. I’m very lucky.’ Elsie beamed.
‘Have you had enough time to browse our collection? Has anything caught your eye?’
‘Not really.’ Elsie frowned. ‘Not because I haven’t seen anything I like. It’s the opposite, really. There’re so many beautiful dresses I’m not really sure where to begin or what would suit me.’
‘That’s where I come in. I suggest we try on a few different silhouettes first? Once we find the shape which suits you best and you feel the most comfortable in, we can go from there. How does that sound?’
‘That sounds perfect. Thank you.’
‘I’ve found this one. Look, isn’t it just perfect?’ Diane wafted a gown in front of her.
