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I made it home in record time, suddenly wishing I had a dog or cat—hell, even agoldfish—to tell my good news to. It still felt so surreal. I was getting myownstorefront. On 5thAve! I couldn’t wait to tell Madeline, but I felt like this was news to tell in person. She would want to celebrate with me. I knew we would go out for a drink and spend the night envisioning what the boutique was going to look like.
I made myself a quick salad and grabbed my glass of wine, making my way over to my design table that sat perfectly in the bay window that overlooked the city. Clicking on the lamp and turning on some music, I smiled. If any stress was hanging on me during the day, it would instantly be lifted as soon as I sat on this chair with The Avett Brothers serenading me. This was my happy place. I took a seat on the tall chair, the half-finished design attached to the angled desk staring back at me.
It showed a woman looking off to the side, her long hair braided and gently sitting on her shoulder. The wedding gown fit her like a glove. Lace flowers dancing over the bodice and flowing sleeves. The V-neck dipped down into the bust, with flowers trailing to buttons that cascaded down the back of the skirt. The fabric on the sleeves and the dress would be lace, almost see-through, but elegant just the same.
I picked up my pencil and leaned down to the photo, adding some more flowers to the skirt. I wasn’t sure if this was going to be Madeline’s dress, but the moment she asked me to design a gown for her, ideas poured from my mind. I had stacks of drawings for her to choose from, all neatly placed in a portfolio that I would carry with me on the plane. To me, these drawings were gold and had to be protected.
My mind went right back to the boutique. As much as it would be amazing to have styles for all seasons in the boutique, I wanted to design gowns. Elegant wedding gowns and pieces that could be worn to galas, only enhancing the woman’s beauty. I didn’t know if it was the pure fact that I was hyper-focused on Madeline’s dress, but I could feel a new passion lighting inside of me.
Ophelia Fuller, wedding gown designer.
“That would be the ultimate dream,” I said aloud to no one.
The small ding from my phone brought me back to reality. I placed my pencil down and reached for my wine, taking a sip before unlocking my screen.
JoAnn:I drew up paperwork and hired Carter to go to Portland with you. Photographer and Instagram extraordinaire.
Carter. PhotographerandInstagram extraordinaire.
Ophelia: He sounds great. When do you need the paperwork signed?
JoAnn: Just before you leave. We need to get started right away. Booking a hotel for Carter. Where are you staying?
Ophelia: With my friend, but there are a lot of great places to stay in Portland. Carter will have a blast.
JoAnn: I’m sure he will. Talk tomorrow, Ophelia.
I closed the text thread. Instantly needing a friend, I pulled up Madeline’s number.
Ophelia: I have some amazing news to share. You free to FaceTime tomorrow?
Madeline's response was instant.
Madeline: Of course! After work?? Say 6 my time??
Ophelia: You got it. Can’t wait to tell you this! Milo CANNOT be around when I do. Ok?
Madeline: Now I’m intrigued.
Ophelia: I’ll leave you hanging. It has to do with your dress
Chapter Three
-Clay-
“D
addy!” Holly’s voice rang in my ears as I heard her run through the apartment. I tried my hardest to keep my eyes closed. Going on two months of sleeping on Milo’s couch had its cons. Holly not being aware of me every morning was one of them. Or maybe she was aware and was just trying to wake me up. Either way, I didn’t like it.
“When is Mommy coming!? I don't have the books Maddy gave me!” Holly screamed as she ran past the couch, her feet thumping louder than I ever remember.
“Madeline got you a Kindle for the flight, and keep your voice down. Uncle Clay is still sleeping.” Milo tried to keep his voice to a whisper, urging Holly to do the same. I heard her suck in some air.
“Oh, I forgot,” she whispered.How could she forget? It’s been two months.“Do you remember where I put my Kindle?”
“No idea, but your mom is going to be here in about ten minutes, so you better find it. You have a plane to catch.” I heard Milo hit a few buttons in the kitchen, and then a gurgle of the coffee maker began. Thank theLordMilo knew I needed coffee.
The last two months had been incredibly hard, not what I was used to in my life. Milo had agreed that I could stay as long as I needed, but his two-bedroom apartment forced me to stay on the couch. During the summer, before the wedding, Holly was traveling to Scotland and Ireland with her mom and stepdad, and Milo’s days were full of wedding planning. He was going to move into Madeline’s house at the end of the summer once Holly got back from her trip. What were my plans then? Couldn’t tell ya. Absolutely no idea as to what I was going to do.
