Once Margaret was done, I walked into the closet, to the full-length mirror.
My feet were bare. My face was without makeup and my hair was simply hanging down. I didn’t concentrate on any of those things. Instead, I stared at the dress.
The rigidness of the bodice accentuated my waist and breasts, making one appear smaller and the others appear bigger. The calf-length skirt had layers of tulle sewn between the satin and the lining, causing the skirt to pouf and hang in waves.
From behind me, I saw Paula enter the closet in the reflection. When I turned, I noticed that her gray eyes were glossy. “I love it,” I said. “Thank you.”
“You’re beautiful, Julia. Inside and out.”
“I’m so happy it fits.”
“You don’t mind that it’s not floor length?”
I spun back toward my reflection, the skirt pitching this way and that. “No. I love it.”
Paula lifted lace in her hand.
“A veil?”
“No, this is a shrug to cover your arms, if you want to wear it. I was married in the autumn and wanted some sleeves. You don’t have to wear it.”
Paula slid the shrug over my arms one by one. The intricate lace stopped near my wrists and added perfectly to the neckline. “I can’t believe you’re letting me wear this. I love that it’s different from the other dress I found or the one my parents bought.”
Standing in the closet, I suddenly noticed the racks of Van’s suits and ran my hand over his flannel shirts. “I was okay with Van being casual when I was, but now…” I reached again for his suit coats.
“Margaret and I can take a suit down to Mr. Sherman’s office. We would like to decorate, if it’s all right with you.”
I nodded. “I didn’t want…” I nodded faster as my lips came together. “Yes, now I do.”
“I have a few more things to show you. Remember, you are free to say no.”
“Okay.”
Van
Adjusting the cuff links, I tugged the sleeve of my suit coat and stood before the mirror in the bathroom off my office. This was the first time I’d put on a suit since the last time we tried to wed. For some reason, the suit felt right. I was relieved when Margaret brought the clothes down.
It meant Julia liked the dress.
Our wedding was a day to celebrate, no matter when it occurred.
A knock on the office door pulled me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I called, stepping back into the office.
Lena appeared, her painted smile coming my way. “My God, this is really going to happen.”
“I fucking hope so.”
She came closer, preceded by the aroma of her perfume, and reached for my ivory-colored tie. Straightening the fabric, Lena grinned. “You know, now I need to start looking for a man…or a woman,” she added. “You, Van, were supposed to be my last resort.”
I scoffed. “Being on each other’s side in business isn’t the same as marriage. I don’t think either of us would survive.”
“You’re probably right.” She took a step back, smiling at the tie and then up at me.
I noticed her gray dress and silver earrings. As always, her hair and makeup were done to perfection. I’d say she awakened that way, but I knew better. “You look beautiful.”
Lena smoothed the front of her dress. “I take this best man title seriously. I also have a more casual outfit in the car. Let it not be said that I’m unprepared.”
“That you are.” I looked at my watch. It was just after noon and the judge was due to arrive at 12:30 p.m. “I went through the files you left this morning.” She waited. “I hope this plan works.”