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Mary dropped her head back as she laughed. When she looked at me again, she shook her head. “Did you hear the part where I asked to carry your gowns under my label, love? And I would love for you to design me a wedding gown or two for an exclusive line.”
I opened my mouth, snapped it shut, opened it, then closed it again.
She smiled. “Take some time to think about it.”
“Yes! Oh my gosh, Mary, yes! I’d be so honored. I…I don’t know what to say. Thank you so much for believing in me.”
“I believe in you because I can see your talent firsthand. I’ll have a photographer here at the wedding, taking pictures. Your name will be splashed everywhere, along with A La Chic Boutique.”
I quickly wiped away a tear. “That means so much to me. You have no idea. Thank you so much for helping us.”
She waved me off. “I’m merely using my platform to promote two women whom I think are at the top of their game. Now, let’s go show everyone your dress.”
We walked out, and my mother instantly started to cry. I laughed and wiped my own tears away as she walked up and took my hands. “You better start designing your own wedding gown soon, darling.”
Drawing my head back, I asked, “Why?”
She swept her eyes over me and motioned for me to do a spin. When I faced her again, she put her fingers to her mouth and let out a small sob. “When Ryan sees you in this dress, he’s going to fall to his knees and beg you to marry him.”
All the women let out a loud eruption of cheers as I laughed and hugged my mother tightly.
She moved her mouth to my ear and whispered, “I’m so, so proud of you, Morgan Elizabeth Shaw.”
Holding her tighter, I replied, “I have you and Daddy to thank. I love you, Mom.”
She held me back at arm’s length and smiled. “Oh, I love you too, Morgan.”
It was the day of the wedding, and the only way to describe the atmosphere appropriately was with one word—chaos.
The wedding was being held in one of the barns on our family ranch. My mother had hired someone to decorate it, and beautiful wasn’t nearly a strong enough word to describe it. It looked like we’d stepped into a fairy-land barn. Delicate swaths of blush and white tulle were draped across the ceiling, and tinkling white lights sparkled everywhere.
Rows of white chairs had been lined up with a beautiful white runner that ran between them and spanned the length of the barn. It ended at an arbor that my uncles and father had built for the wedding. It was covered in gardenias, freesias, irises, dahlias…all of Georgiana’s favorite flowers.
Placed on the ground at the end of every row of chairs was a stunning assortment of cosmos and greenery.
The bridesmaids carried bouquets of cornflowers, which I thought was so sweet and simple and screamed Georgiana. The bride’s bouquet was made with white freesias mixed with greenery. I could smell the flowers the moment I stepped foot in my parents’ house, where we were all gathered before the ceremony.
My mom had transformed her bedroom into a dressing room for everyone to get ready. Lily was doing everyone’s hair, while Rose insisted on doing our makeup. We all had our hair pulled up with little wisps hanging down in some form or fashion. Georgiana had her hair pulled back in the most elegant ponytail I’d ever seen.
When she stepped out of the room while the other girls got changed, I slipped out to talk to her.
I found her sitting in my father’s office. It had a view of the back pastures, where horses and cows were dotting the fields.
“How are you holding up?” I asked as I walked over and leaned against the desk. Georgiana was in a robe with her legs tucked up and her chin resting on her knees.
“I’m already exhausted.” We both laughed. She turned to look up at me. “May I give you a piece of advice regarding weddings.”
“Hit me with it.”
“Elope.”
I laughed harder and shook my head as I turned my attention to the view. “Thank you for letting me talk you into the two dresses.”
“Mary is going to shit her pants when she sees them both.”
I smiled. “I just thought that you should be comfortable during the reception.”
She nodded. “I will be, in that dress.”
“You helped design it, you know.”
“I made the flowers and that was it.”
“Please.” I nudged her shoulder. “They’re the most beautiful part of the dress.”
Georgiana sighed.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, frowning.
“I’m so happy, Morgan…and a part of me wonders if the rug is going to be pulled out from under me. I’ve loved your brother for so long, and the idea that I’m going to be his wife in a matter of hours seems like it’s too good to be true.”
