“It’s settled, you can start whenever you’d like,” Aiden offers, walking over to me, putting his arm around my shoulder.
“Thank you, Mr. O’Connell.”
“We can work out a schedule another time.”
“Of course. And, Mr. O’Connell… I’m so sorry for your loss,” she says with a frown.
“Thanks, Marissa,” Aiden replies, rubbing her on the shoulder.
“Have a good day.” She turns, leaving out the front door.
A few days later, we’re eating breakfast before Sarah and Chris arrive as we have a day of wedding planning. We are outside and finish just before the doorbell rings.
“I’m so excited,” Sarah says, rushing at me for a hug.
I laugh, and Chris rolls his eyes. They walk into the kitchen where Aiden’s drinking his coffee. “Morning, guys,” he announces.
Chris nods, and Sarah completely ignores him because she’s preoccupied getting out her laptop. Chris walks over to Aiden and starts up a conversation. Sarah pulls me to the sofa to check out all things wedding on her laptop.
“We’re thinking of shopping for a dress today, if you want to?” I ask.
“Oh, my fricking God, yes. Now I’m even more excited. I loved my dress, but I can’t wait to get you into a full-on princess gown. C’mon, let’s go,” Sarah practically yells, closing her laptop and throwing it on the sofa. Sarah stands and drags me to the door with Aiden and Chris following close behind.
“What are you guys going to do while we’re dress shopping?” Sarah asks.
Aiden’s eyes narrow as he smirks—I can tell he’s being devious straightaway. “Oh, we’re coming, too. I want to make sure Jeni chooses the right dress.”
I laugh as Sarah looks at me furrowing her brows, and her mouth opens wide. “You can’t see the dress before your wedding, and you definitely can’t see her trying on the dresses either. It’s tradition, Aiden.” Sarah’s enthusiasm only makes me laugh harder.
Aiden chuckles. “I’m joking, Sarah... Chris and I will go check out suits while you’re dress shopping.”
“Oh, thank God. You ‘almost put a hex on the whole damn thing’!” She quotes a line from Independence Day.
We all head out and hop into two separate cars. Driving the short distance, Sarah and I arrive at the bridal boutique known for their designer dresses.
There are gowns everywhere—on racks, on mannequins, even on the floor. Sarah’s face lights up as a sales assistant walks over to greet us. “Good morning, ladies,” her posh tone matches her attire.
“Good morning,” Sarah replies politely.
“Is there anything I can help you with today?”
“We’re looking for a wedding dress,” Sarah says, pointing at me.
“There are plenty
of designs as you can see. Do you have any idea what you might like?” I bite my bottom lip and shake my head. “How about we start over here and anything you like, we can pull out and try on.”
I want to make sure I get this right so it’s not only one I will love but Aiden will too.
Sarah and I search through the massive number of dresses and pull out three. They’re all pretty, but none of them are right. As we go to walk out of the shop, one dress catches my eye.
I walk over and pull it off the rack. It’s strapless, has a sweetheart neckline, and the top looks like a corset. It’s fitted and covered in lace with beading, not too much bling but just enough for me. Around the waist there’s a pink sash that forms a flower on the right side made out of fabric. The bodice of lace continues into the skirt but stops at the bottom of the waist. The skirt is flowing and a little puffy. The top layer of the opaque material is gathered in sections giving it a princess look.
Sarah smiles at me. “Well, what are you waiting for? Go try it on.”
The sales assistant laughs. I head into the dressing room, and with the assistant’s help, I put on the dress and start to get my hopes up that this might just be the one. I step outside of the dressing room, and Sarah gasps, taking a step back.
“Well?” I ask before I check the mirror.