Nancy blinked back tears. “I’ve missed you, too. I should have called, especially after you sent that beautiful bouquet and came to Lawrence’s funeral.”
“It looks like you’ve been getting on okay,” Brenda said, eyeing Nancy’s pretty outfit.
Maggie couldn’t remember a time when Nancy wasn’t in a dark dress. The navy slacks and lilac blouse were chic. The bright color brought out the pink in her cheeks and gold flecks in her eyes.
Nancy nervously brushed her hand over the V neckline of her blouse. “I’m doing lots of new things these days.”
Rose put her hand on her mom’s shoulder. “And it looks good on you.”
“How is Poppy?” Brenda asked.
“I tried to get her to come, too, but she prefers to be home. She’s not the same since her father died.”
“It was a difficult time for both of you after Rose went awayto college. I know I missed Maggie a lot. I’m sure you missed Rose just as much. And your husband . . . Well, he didn’t hide how he felt about her leaving. I’m so glad that I was there to help.”
Maggie exchanged a look with Rose, who appeared to be as surprised and shocked by the statement as she was.
Rose glanced at Brenda. “You helped my mother out when my father was...” Rose didn’t seem to know how to finish the sentence.
Brenda put her hand on Rose’s shoulder. “I always knew what was going on in that house with you. I promised your mom you would always be safe with us and you could come and stay whenever you wanted. I let her know that offer applied to her and Poppy, too, should the need ever arise.”
Nancy took Brenda’s hand. “Thank you for always giving her a place where she could be just a girl having fun with her friend. And for not judging me for staying with him.”
Brenda squeezed Nancy’s hand. “We all do the best we can. Let today be the first of many that we get together to share the good times in our daughters’ lives and build on our own friendship as well.”
The two women held each other’s gazes for a moment, then released each other, both seeming to have let the past go, so they could look to the future.
Maggie hugged her mom. “You’re awesome.” She couldn’t contain the pride and love she felt for her right now.
Her mom gave her a squeeze. “I followed your lead, sweetheart. I saw how you tried to protect Rose. I was so proud of you for caring so much about your friend.”
Maggie released her mom and stared at Rose, who looked terribly uncomfortable, stunned, and so appreciative at the same time. “I couldn’t have asked for a better friend than Rose. She always had my back, so I had to have hers, too.”
Rose launched herself into Maggie’s chest and wrapped her up in a big hug. “I love you, Mags.”
“I love you, too.”
They were both teary-eyed when they broke apart and Paula, the shop owner, walked in carrying two garment bags, one much bulkier than the other.
“Ladies, no crying yet. Though we are ready for it.” Paula waved a hand toward a box of tissues on the table. “But we haven’t even gotten you into the dresses yet.”
Rose took the smaller bag and headed to the back dressing room.
Maggie followed Paula to the larger room.
Brenda and Nancy took a seat in the waiting area and started chatting like no time had passed.
“Do you need me to assist you?” Paula asked Maggie, unzipping the bag and revealing the gorgeous lace dress with a sweetheart neckline.
“Let me just slip it on, then you can help me fasten the pearl buttons up the back.”
Paula backed out of the room. “Take your time.” She closed the drape.
Maggie wanted a moment alone to see herself in the dress. She quickly slipped out of the simple green sundress she’d worn, took the gown off the hanger, and stepped into it, pulling it up as she slipped her arms into the long lace sleeves.
She stood looking in the mirror, amazed how well the white-on-white gown fit her despite not being fastened in the back. Lace overlaid the tight bodice to the cinched waist, then draped down to the floor in a full skirt that made her look like a princess.
“Oh, my, Rose, you look beautiful. That color with your dark hair is gorgeous,” Maggie heard her mother gushing just outside her dressing room.