Andrea looked up at her daughter standing at the top of the stairs with Julia. A broad smile graced her lips as warmth spread through her. She was going wedding dress shopping with her daughter just like she’d imagined since the first day she held her in her arms and vowed that she would never miss any of the special moments in her life.
“Yeah, sweetie. We were just going over a few things with Jo,” she replied as the two descended the stairs to join them.
Andrea turned for the front door, and the others did the same. Five minutes later, they were bundled into Cora’s olive-green land rover. For another twenty-five minutes, they were driving past the Whidbey welcome sign and making their way onto the Deception Pass bridge before transitioning onto the state highway as they made their way to Seattle.
“Okay. So, I’ve booked fitting appointments with two bridal shops. I did my research, and their reviews were great. I’m hoping you’ll find the wedding gown of your dreams,” Andrea turned in her seat to inform Rory, who sat in the back with Julia.
“Me too,” Rory smiled, hopeful.
“Where to?” Cora asked from the driver’s seat.
“Issaquah, we’re going to Gilman Village,” Andrea instructed.
Cora inputted the information into the GPS. A half-hour later, they arrived at their destination. After parking in the designated parking spot, they all got out of the car, taking in their surroundings.
“This looks so cool,” Rory breathed out, awestruck.
Andrea smiled. True to its name, Gilman Village was the picture of a small town. The stores were at one-time homes, barns, and farmsteads and had been converted and renovated into shops. It felt like a scene out of an old western where the town’s buildings were stacked up against each other on either side of a dirt road. Only the pathways in the village were paved roads and canopied, wooden walkways.
“We’re going to shop number twenty-seven.”
The group followed Andrea. A few minutes later, they were standing on the outside of the bridal boutique. The large four paneled French windows gave them a clear view of the beautiful white gowns on display. She pushed open the door leading the others inside.
“Hello, welcome to Imperial fit,” a short woman with a bubbly smile greeted. “My name is Gloria.”
“Hi, Gloria, I’m Andrea,” Andrea greeted back. “I made an appointment for Aurora Hamilton,” Andrea informed the woman.
“Oh yes. We were expecting you,” the woman replied before looking behind her to the others. “And which of you lovely ladies are the bride to be?”
“Um, I am,” Rory responded, raising her hand halfway.
“Congratulations are in order for you then,” the woman responded, the smile never slipping from her face. “If you will all follow me, I’ve already set up a room for your fitting. Lydia will personally be helping you to find the dress of your dreams.”
Just then, a tall brunette appeared, a bright smile on her lips. “Hi, I’m Lydia,” she introduced herself.
After the introductions had ended, Lydia directed them to one of two doors at the back of the main store. It opened into a large, private dressing room.
The room was large and decorated with a plush white sofa and matching armchairs. A dressing room at the back, a raised platform, and three floor-length mirrors completed the room’s décor. Andrea scanned the room in appreciation, as did the others.
“Would you ladies like some refreshment?” Lydia asked as she wheeled a service tray into the room.
The women each accepted the glass of orange juice offered before taking seats on the comfortable pieces of furniture.
Another attendant brought in a long rack of wedding dresses and left.
“So, what are you looking for your dress to be or not?” Lydia asked, hands clasped above her chest as she looked at Rory.
“I’m. not. Sure?” Rory looked over at her mother for help.
Andrea sprang into action. “What are your suggestions?” she directed at the attendant.
Lydia looked over at Rory. “Could you stand for a bit please and…” Her index finger rounded to indicate that she wanted Rory to spin.
Rory rose to her feet and did as instructed, twirling in slow motion.
“Thank you,” Lydia expressed. Rory sank back into the plush couch.
“A ball gown would probably be the most fitting for you. Firstly, it’s the most traditional look and would be very flattering to your shape with its full flare skirt making your hips look wide. Or a mermaid gown. It fits close at the bodice down to the thighs then flares at the knees, but it gives the illusion of being taller than you actually are.”
