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“When you talk about him, you glow. It’s beautiful to see how much you love each other.”
“Thank you for coming with me.” I’m serious.
“You’ve nothing to thank me for. I’ll probably enjoy this more than you,” Anita adds as we get in the SUV.
“Either way, thank you. You’re the mother I’ve always wished I had.”
“Sweetheart, that means so much to me. Now we have shopping to do.” She smiles but secretly, her eyes are glassy.
* * *
A few hours later…
The shop attendants brought out dress after dress for me to try on. I’m ready to give up. Nothing seems right. I’m not sure what I’m searching for, but I’m certain it isn’t here.
“Come on, you have to admit the one you’re wearing is the one,” Tina observes.
“It isn’t. It doesn’t feel right,” I say.
“Tina, let her be. She will know when it is the one.” Anita adds. I look at her, relieved she doesn’t think I’m being difficult. “You will know. Trust me.”
“Everything just feels too modern or not me.” I flatten the dress with my hands.
“I had something brought here. You don’t have to try it on, but I brought my mother’s wedding dress. She was small like you. I couldn’t fit into it when I got married. My mother said I was big-boned like my father.” Anita shares. At that moment, a salesperson strides over with the dress. I can’t help the tears that well in my eyes. “That is the reaction you’re supposed to have when you find a dress.”
“But it’s so ordinary,” Tina complains.
“It’s perfect,” I assure her, weakening her whines.
“We can make alterations to custom fit it and add or remove anything you want,” The salesperson adds.
I check with Anita. “Try on the dress and see if it’s for you. Who knows, maybe Aisling will want to wear it on her wedding day too. The dress could be your something old.”
The salesperson guides me into the dressing room. She helps me out of the current dress before sheathing me in the one Anita brought. The moment the dress is on, I know. It feels amazing and fits like a glove.
The salesperson clips the dress, holding it in place. “Ready when you are,” she says, smiling.
As I leave the dressing room, nerves hit me. This is like a Cinderella moment.
I’ve barely made it onto the mirrored platform when I notice Anita and Tina crying. When I see myself in the mirror, I understand why. This isn’t just a dress. It’sthedress. A dress made for royalty.
“My God, you look like a princess. It is like that dress was made for you.” Anita says.
“Barbie, move over,” Tina adds, drying her tears.
“You’re stunning,” the salesperson praises.
“This is the one.”
In this dress, I can picture myself walking down the aisle to the man who makes me whole.
ChapterForty-Three
Ava
Laying in bed, staring at the ceiling, I think about what day it is. Viktor surprised me when he said he would spend the night at Oliver’s place. He went traditional on me. Something about being bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. I told him he was losing his mind, but he insisted.
Who am I to deny him anything? He saved my life more than once.
