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“Did everything go okay?” I ask, removing my sandals. “No one followed you?”
“The plan worked like a charm,” Ryan says. “Celeste parked underground and left via the mall.” He motions at the suitcase. “She packed a few things like you asked. It’s best that you change cars as soon as possible, preferably before you leave Cape Town. I left enough money in your bag to buy a new one in cash.”
My mom pulls down the zipper at the back of my dress.
“Have you decided where you’re going?” Ryan asks.
“Colin’s family has a chalet in the Drakensberg. We’ll stay there for a couple of weeks until the worst of Angelo’s wrath has blown over.”
“And then?” he asks, concern pleating his brow.
I shrug as if the confrontation will be a breeze and not the storm I fear. “Then I’ll send Angelo a message with the news.”
“Take the rings to Colin, Ryan.” Mom shoos him away. “Let your sister get ready.”
Ryan offers me one of his rare smiles before he gives us privacy.
“The dress is gorgeous,” Mom says, taking it from the hanger. “I don’t know where Celeste found it, but it looks like your size.”
I take in the classical cut and the sensual lines. “It seems a bit much. Colin doesn’t even have a wedding suit.”
Mom waves the comment away. “He’s fine. Making a little effort to look like a bride for him is the least you can do. You’ll have to take off your bra. The back is open, and it’s a halter neck.” She sighs. “What a pity you don’t have proper wedding underwear. Something new and white and lacy. And something old and blue. I should’ve taken my pearls for the something old. Or my earrings.”
“The dress is already more than we bargained on.” I slip out of my sundress, remove my bra, and step into the dress she holds for me. “A wedding gown wasn’t part of the plan.”
Tightlipped, my mom says, “I have to admit, Celeste did something right for once. Remember to thank her.”
I turn around with a nervous smile, letting Mom zip up the dress. The silk hugs my hips but not too tightly. The fabric is soft and comfortable, caressing my thighs where the skirt is narrow before flaring out toward the hem.
I lift my hair for Mom to fasten the button of the halter neck at the back. The top is a little loose over my breasts, but I don’t mind. At least I won’t battle to breathe. I’m already short of breath from stress as it is.
Mom grips my shoulders and twirls me around to face her. “Let me have a look at you.” Emotions flood her features. “You look perfect, Bella. It’s not the wedding I would’ve liked to give you, but it’s something. At least you’re marrying the right man. I only wish your father was here. Giving you away to Colin would’ve made him very happy.”
My chest tightens, and tears spring to my eyes.
My mom pulls her back straight. “Now isn’t the time to be emotional.” She clips the suitcase open and buries her head inside, hiding non too discreetly while composing herself before rising with silk slippers. “Oh, look. Celeste even brought shoes.”
Grateful for the foresight, I take the shoes and put them on. They’re a little wide, but I’ll be able to walk in them.
Mom steps back and studies me with a critical look. “Let’s get some color on your cheeks.”
When I unzip my toilet bag, I’m relieved to find that Celeste remembered to pack my birth control pills. At the same time, it’s weird to think about Colin in an intimate way. There was a time when I considered losing our virginity together, but so much happened since. After Angelo, I can’t imagine sleeping with Colin or any other man for that matter. I’m sure sex with Colin will be tame and safe. I have no doubt that Colin will be patient. Knowing him, he’ll give me all the time I need.
While I brush out my hair, Mom rummages through my make-up bag. As she takes out my lipstick, the door opens, and my sister enters.
“Mattie,” I exclaim with a mixture of joy and concern. “What are you doing here? You’re nine months pregnant, for crying out loud.”
She gasps, cupping her hands over her mouth. “Oh, Bella. You look gorgeous.”
“No tears,” Mom warns in a stern tone. “Bella is right, Mattie. You’re too close to having the baby to be here.”
“I’m fine.” Mattie rubs her belly. “You didn’t think I’d miss my sister’s wedding, did you?”
“Impromptu wedding,” I say.
Mom hands her the make-up bag and the lipstick. “Help me get some color on her face. Colin is waiting.”
“They can wait another minute,” Mattie says. “It’s a big day after all. Jared bought flowers.”
