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“I think he’s just really protective of her privacy. He wants her to grow up surrounded by love, and the only way to ensure that is by controlling her environment.”
“I get that, but for her to have a full life she needs to learn about the world around her and he needs to help her.”
“I know, but it’s not my place to tell him.”
Norrie rolls her eyes. “Of course it is. Any idiot can see you two are in love, and if you want it to work, Tia will be a big part of that. You need a say, too.”
Norrie is right, and I do want us to work out. Since everything came out, our relationship has gone from strength to strength. It’s like we’ve slid into this perfect space and joined our lives seamlessly, but perhaps not all of the big things have been discussed.
Amelia and Tia walk from the back of the shop to the staging area where we’re sitting on pale pink velvet couches. They’re holding hands and grinning like two little kids with a secret.
Shané is a few steps behind them, and she’s carrying a dress on a mannequin. As Amelia and Tia sit down beside each other, I get my first glimpse at the dress and my breath whooshes from my chest.
The gown is sexy and glamorous, a stunning sheath style, chic and minimalist with long sleeves, heavily embellished cuffs, and a gorgeous illusion back with a chapel train. The ivory coloring is perfect for my skin, and I feel my heart speed up with excitement.
“Oh, wow, that’s stunning. Who is it by?” I finger the ivory silk as I admire the detail on the back.
“It’s one of my own designs.”
My gaze flies to Shané. “You made this?”
She nods with pride.
“It’s truly spectacular. You’re so talented.”
“Would you like to try it on?”
“Yes.”
Shané helps me into the dress as my friends wait and I can hear them all talking softly with Tia’s voice just a fraction louder and full of joy.
When the last button is hooked, I stand and look and I know this is it. This is my dress.
“Would you like to try a veil before we show them?”
“Yes, please.” I never thought I was the type of woman to want all the pomp that goes with a wedding, but being here now, I want it all. I was just missing the man I wanted to do it for.
Shané fits a veil to my hair and steps back. “Well, what do you think?”
“I love it.”
Shané smiles clearly pleased with my reaction. “Let’s go show everyone.”
I nod and head back toward the sound of my friends laughing. As I enter, they all look up and the room goes silent. Lottie covers her lips with her fingers as she begins to blink furiously. Norrie gasps, and Eden and Amelia sigh. But it’s Tia I’m watching as tears gather in my eyes.
Her gaze is full of wonder as she smiles widely.
“Well, what do you think?”
“You look like a real princess.”
“Tia’s right, you look beautiful.”
I smile at Eden. “I feel like a real princess, but also like me, too.”
“That’s important. You need your dress to reflect you on the day. Your groom doesn’t want to marry a stranger, and when you look back at these pictures in years to come, you want to know that you felt special all day.”
“I love that. You have a true talent, Shané.”
