Page 86 of The Hard Choice


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“I can’t help myself sometimes. Not when your beauty stuns me.” Corey gave Amelie a goofy expression and kissed her forehead. “You, too, sweet pea. An angel in my arms.”

She grabbed her purse from the counter and nodded. “I’m ready.”

“And I’m going to be hard all day long looking at you. Mia outdid herself with this dress.” Corey grabbed her hand and twirled her.

Her dress swirled in an elegant arc like a top spinning with beautiful precision. It was a shimmery pink that went right to her knees. The top was formfitting, scooping low but not too low that said it was crass. The sleeves went to her wrists in a loose, billowing way. She figured Mia did that on purpose to cover her cast well enough. Classic and elegant and she admired Mia’s talent. It fit her perfectly the first time she tried it on.

She didn’t trust herself in heels, so she paired the dress with white flats that sparkled and would keep her steady on her feet.

“I will be buying way too much from that woman. She knows exactly what she did.” She chuckled, although was deadly serious. Mia knew what she was doing. She’d been reeling in the customers since she opened her studio. Genevieve would be buying most of her clothes there from now on.

They left and took their seat in the second pew in the church on the bride’s side, right next to Jezebelle and Brick. Although she knew Corey called his brother Ricky, she couldn’t picture him with that name. She called him Brick like everyone else.

As soon as the music began and Mia started down the aisle with Gabby’s dad happily by her side, there was a collective gasp in the church. Not from the fact Gabby’s dad had the privilege to walk her down the aisle. Because that had been a given. Gabby’s parents had always been there for Mia and never let her down, not like her own father had.

Oh, no. The surprise came from how wonderful she looked. Her dress was white with thin white straps connecting to a white, glimmery top that looked smooth as silk. Unlike Gabby’s gown that had the lovely mermaid style, this dress was boisterous and full. A picture-perfect mold to the one Cinderella had. Mia looked like a princess herself. Royalty to the utmost degree.

She looked so beautiful, Genevieve couldn’t take her eyes off her. Of course, neither could Jaxson as he took her hand and they stopped in front of the priest.

The mass proceeded and soon they were husband and wife. Genevieve didn’t realize a few tears slipped out until Corey wiped one away.

“You okay?”

“Weddings always make me cry.”

A brow lifted. “I don’t recall any at Gabby and Dane’s ceremony.”

“Stop.” She bumped shoulders with him. “It’s beautiful, okay.”

He smiled, wrapping an arm around her. “I know.”

Once they arrived at the reception hall, an old theater turned into a venue, Genevieve took a seat. Her back wasn’t bothering her too much, but she didn’t want to stand for too long. Throughout the evening, she took turns standing and chatting with people and taking a break at the table.

Every time she sat down, she marveled at the beauty of the place. The history everywhere. The balconies were decorated with flowers and white cloths draping in an elegant fashion. The low lighting gave them an ethereal feel. The stage sat there as if waiting for a performance to start. And it got many performances throughout the evening. Mia had set up a photo booth where everyone could take pictures. Different props were set up as well, making it fun and adventurous while maintaining a certain elegance to it.

Speeches were delivered by Gabby, the maid of honor, and Mase, Jaxson’s brother, the best man. Dinner was served. Music played. People danced. The night was wonderful from beginning to end.

“Hi. I know you don’t know me, but wow. This dress. Where did you get it?”

Genevieve smiled at the woman who sat down at the table. She didn’t know her name, but she had seen her by Mase and could only assume they were together.

“Mia made it. She surprised me with it.”

“Shut up. That woman has such talent.” The woman shook her head as if she couldn’t believe it. “I’m Hope, by the way. I’m with Mase. Jaxson’s brother.”

“Genevieve. I’m with…” She looked around the room until she spotted Corey talking with Brick and Jezebelle. “That guy right there. Corey. Basically friends with Mia and Jaxson.”

“Oh, yeah. Corey and Brick own The Corner Bar. We were there a few days ago. Cool place. The remodel was great. Sometimes, the craziest things can bring out the best thing. Mase told me how it looked before and…” Hope’s eyes rounded. “That was rude of me. Genevieve. You were hurt in the…when the bar…Yeah, hi mouth, here’s my foot.”

Genevieve giggled, which prompted Hope to giggle, and then they were both laughing hysterically.

“I am so sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Genevieve waved her hand in the air that it wasn’t a big deal. “It happened. A freak accident. The poor guy who had the heart attack didn’t make it. That’s the sad part. But the bar, you’re right. It got a major upgrade from such a tragedy. The added stage was a great idea by Corey.”

“I hear the ‘panty ripping time’ glasses were his, too. I bought one for my sister. Christmas present.” Hope chuckled. “I never shop this early for Christmas, but I couldn’t resist.”

“I have one, too. Corey gave it to me.”

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