My sister studied the drawing.
“Well?” I wrinkled my nose and held my breath as I awaited her verdict.
Sal’s eyes widened and a smile spread across her face as she took in the tea-length dress with its flared skirt, three quarter sleeves, and deep V neckline. “This is gorgeous.”
Relieved she loved it as much as I did, I, at last, exhaled.
Sal leaned over and threw her arms around me. “You’re going to look stunning. Even Mum won’t be able to deny how perfect this is.”
I admired my sister’s optimism, again wanting to believe her.
She released her grip. “I still can’t believe my little sister’s getting married.”
“Me neither. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m awake.”
Sal turned her attention back to the sketch. “So, where do we find this dress of yours?”
Considering Sal’s views when it came to marriage, her enthusiasm continued to shock me. I shrugged. “I’ve looked online, but nowhere seems to stock anything like it.”
“Hardly surprising considering it’s come out of your head.”
“Please don’t tell Mum I’m struggling. The last thing I want is her having aninto dictate what gown I wear. Which is probably why she wants you here too. To get you on side when it comes to her vision of the perfect wedding dress.”
“Like that’s going to happen. I’ve never known me and Mum agree on anything. Besides…” Sal took another look at my design. “This is definitely the one for you.”
“Thanks, Sal. Your support means a lot.”
“What are big sisters for?” She handed me my pad back and indicated the car door. “Come on. We’ve sat here long enough. Anyway, my money’s still on Mum showing us another mood board.”
Chapter 16
As we alighted the vehicle and headed for the house, Sal and I chuckled at the prospect of yet more collages from Mum. Before we’d even reached the front door it flew open to reveal the woman eagerly waiting to greet us. She wore a smile as bright as that morning’s sunshine and an enthusiastic expression I recognised all too well. I slowed in my step, reluctant to enter.
“Good morning, you two,” Mum said. “I hope you’re in the mood for a bit of fun this fine day.” Gesturing us inside, she guided Sal and a suspicious me into the lounge.
“What’s all this?” My sister nodded to the coffee table where an ice bucket containing a bottle of champagne sat in readiness. Heading over, she checked the bottle’s label. “Very nice.”
I scanned the rest of the room, relieved to find my prior misgivings hadn’t been fully realised. Despite the presence of alcohol, there was no gown rail in sight.
“We can’t talk wedding dresses without a bit of fizz,” Mum said. Making straight for the ice bucket, she poured us each a glass. She held hers up, encouraging Sal and me to follow suit.
“Cheers!” we all said.
Being the one with the car keys and as a result, the designated driver, I put my glass down. “No Dad today?”
“No.” Mum’s smile appeared to slip. “He’s out and about.”
“Developing his swing?”
“Well, this is aladies-onlyoccasion,” she said.
Mum’s eye started twitching, making me wonder if I should be worried and concerned Mum’s excitement over the wedding was starting to affect her neurons, I looked to Sal to see if she’d clocked it too. However, busy settling herself on the sofa, my sister didn’t appear to have, and putting my fears to one side, I retrieved my sketchpad from my bag and sat down.
“So where are we with the organising?” Mum said, also taking a seat.
I flinched at her use of the wordwe, something she’d taken to saying of late. “All on track. We’ve booked to go and look at what sounds like the perfect venue next week.”
“How exciting.” Mum’s face lit up, as she grabbed her diary and a pen from behind the cushion next to her.
