“That one.”
“An interesting choice,” Gloria says neutrally.
The romantic blush dress makes my heart beat faster. The bustier top, fashioned from intricate embroidered lace, is truly a marvel. The heart-shaped neckline is accentuated by a glistening organza lining that imparts a celestial quality.
To show off an hourglass figure, the waist is pulled tight before flowing into a stunning skirt. A a long slit up one side displays the mannequin’s leg from her foot to her upper thigh. It’s subtle in that my leg would only show when I’m walking down the aisle. When standing still, the fabric would fold over to conceal my skin.
To perfect the fairytale appearance, the gown is elegantly complemented by a matching cathedral veil adorned with lace accents. I’m instantly in love.
“Can I try this one?” I whisper.
“This is very popular with young brides,” Gloria says, going to a nearby rack to get the dress.
“How young?” Lacy asks before adding,“My sister’s almost twenty-one. In fact, she’s getting married on her birthday.”
“How exciting,” Gloria says. I doubt she cares, but she’s a good saleswoman who knows how to play along.
As soon as we’re in the changing room, I get rid of the dress I’m wearing and slide into the most beautiful gown I’ve ever seen. It looks even better on.
When I glide out to show Lacy, she frowns and shakes her head.“Daddy would have a conniption.”
“It’s not his wedding.” I run my hands over the delicate fabric, loving the way it slides under my fingers.
“And it’s pink.”
“It’s everything I’ve ever wanted.”
“Trust me, you will thank me when you get the photos back and your dress is white. Pink won’t show up as well.”
“I don’t care.”
Instead of arguing, I realize something. I don’t want to wear this dress to my wedding with Broussard. Instead, I want to save it until I’m ready to marry a man I truly love. Wasting this gown on the wrong man would be tragic.
“You know, you’re right,” I tell Lacy.“Let’s go with the last one.”
“See, I knew you’d come to your senses.” Lacy smiles triumphantly.
“We need to put it back on for alterations,” Gloria says.“What’s the wedding date?”
“August thirty-first.”
“Oh, dear. That’s coming up so soon.”
“But you can do it, right?” Lacy demands.
“We’d have to charge a rush fee, and you can’t miss any fittings,” Gloria warns.
“She won’t. I’ll make sure of it.”
I’m starting to wonder if Lacy thinks she’s my warden. My life is one big prison, so why wouldn’t I have an overseer? It actually makes sense in a dark and twisted way.
As Gloria pins and marks the dress, I glare at my reflection. The dress is a mermaid lace V-neck gown with long sleeves and far too much beading. Pearls are sewn into the plunging neckline to draw attention to it. It’s ostentatious and revolting, which is probably why Lacy adores it.
When everything has been pinned and tucked to Lacy’s satisfaction, I’m finally able to take the dress off. Hopefully it’s the last time I’ll ever have to wear it.
“Our father’s paying for it,” Lacy tells Gloria.
“He already made the arrangements,” Gloria assures us.“Now, shall we find bridesmaid dresses?”
