I prized the lid off and pushed back the tissue paper. “Look,” I said as I lifted the rhinestone and pearl accessory.
“That will look perfect.”
“There’s another box in here,” Margaret said, lifting a slender jewelry box.
“That’s weird. The woman only told me about the headpiece.” I took the box.
“Maybe Donovan snuck it in there?” Margaret suggested.
“I hope not. I wanted it to all be a surprise.” I opened the top of the box and my stomach twisted. “It’s pearls.”
Vicki’s eyes grew wide. “Phillip sent you pearls that day in Chicago.”
I nodded as I lifted the string. “These aren’t the same ones. I left those on the vanity in my old bedroom.”
Vicki took them from me and held them up. “I mean, they’re pearls. I can’t say they’re much different.”
“Put them back,” I said. “I don’t need to wear a necklace.” I feigned a smile. “Simple. Remember.”
“My turn,” Vicki said as she slipped into the dress Margaret brought.
It fit perfectly. The cut was simple and the color was a soft shade of jade green. Calf-length with long sleeves, I couldn’t have chosen anything better.
“Did you hear the doorbell?” Margaret said, looking at her watch. “I bet Albert is ready for our transport.”
“I need a few more minutes,” I said as I touched up my lipstick.
“You’re beautiful, Julia,” she said.
“I concur,” Vicki added.
“I’ll let him know we’re almost ready,” Margaret said, slipping away.
“Don’t let those pearls freak you out,” Vicki offered. “I mean, the lady was probably just being nice.”
“Yeah. The people here are so helpful.”
A few minutes later, Margaret returned, carrying a bottle of champagne and three glasses. “I found this in the kitchen with a note from your husband-to-be.”
My smile returned as I read the note.
A dream come true.
“He didn’t sign it,” Vicki said, peering over my shoulder.
“I think he knows we’ll know it’s him.”
Margaret lifted the glasses. “Should I pour, or do you want to save it for later?”
“I think we’ll have plenty of celebrating later,” I said, “Let’s have a prewedding toast.”
“I’m in,” Vicki and Margaret both agreed.
Van
Wearing my suit with our marriage license in the breast pocket of my suit coat, I went to the front door. “Are you ready for the ladies?” I asked Albert.
He lifted a large manila envelope. “Yes. This came special delivery to the front gate. The driver wanted to be sure you had it before the wedding.”