Ginny laughed. ‘You’ll still be taller than me, Al. Everyone’s taller than me.’
‘Have you forgotten I’m in a wheelchair,’ said Lottie, tapping her push rim.
Ginny took the glass of bubbly Lottie offered. ‘Yeah, but you said you’re going to use the chair that stands you upright.’
Lottie smiled. ‘Only for going down the aisle. It shows off my dress better.’
Alice stepped away from the mirror. ‘Good luck to you, Gin, wearing high heels all day. Honestly, I’m taking my slippers to change into once the lights go down and the party starts.’
Ginny raised her glass. ‘That’s a good idea, chick.’
Lottie beamed. ‘How exciting is it that our Soph is getting married?’
‘I’m so glad she met Matt,’ said Alice. ‘She deserves happiness.’
‘Thank you,’ came Sophie’s voice from behind thick cream drapes.
‘You ready yet?’ asked Ginny, stepping closer to the changing area.
‘One sec,’ called back Sophie.
Ginny turned to Lottie. ‘Are you sure you want to do everyone’s hair and makeup on the day? We can always hire someone so you can just focus on yourself.’
‘I love doing hair and makeup.’ Lottie quirked an eyebrow beneath her full fringe. ‘I was winner of Miss South-West Beauty Pageant, three years in a row, remember. If anyone knows how to apply foundation correctly, it’s me.’
Alice glanced once more in the mirror. ‘I’d love to be Miss Port Berry.’ She looked at Lottie, sipping champagne. ‘What was it like, Lott, representing your hometown in the competition?’
‘Nerve-wracking at first, but then I got used to it. You tend to see a lot of the same faces in those contests, so I made a few friends during that time.’
‘You should enter again,’ said Ginny, trying on cherry-red shoes.
Lottie scrunched her nose. ‘Nah, I prefer entering charity races now. Plus, I have my art. And my gorgeous nephew keeps me busy.’
Alice cooed. ‘Aw, how is Archie? I can’t believe he’s one already. This year has flown by.’
Lottie smiled. ‘He’s doing great. Keeps Spencer on his toes. Oh, I can’t wait to see Archie in his little pageboy suit.’
Ginny nodded. ‘Robert has one too. It’s beyond adorable.’
Alice ran a finger along the smooth texture of a shoe while thinking how wonderful it would be to have a baby. It wasn’t something she mulled over too often, as Benny was her child, so she never felt she was missing out on motherhood, but withJamie back in her life full time, lots of locked away feelings were starting to creep through.
‘Your Benny will look a beaut as an usher, eh, chick?’ Ginny nudged Alice out of her trance.
‘Yes, he’s so excited. But he won’t tell me a thing about his outfit. Said I have to wait until the big day.’
‘Speaking of which.’ Ginny turned to the curtain. ‘How’s it going, Soph?’
The assistant pulled back the drape and Sophie stepped out, looking every bit the blushing bride.
The ladies all cooed as Sophie headed for the mirror, with the assistant splaying out the bottom of the floaty white dress.
‘Oh, chick, you look amazing.’ Ginny swiped away a tear, and Alice hugged her.
‘I feel like a princess,’ said Sophie, holding up her dark hair for the assistant to clip in place. Her green eyes sparkled at her friends. ‘And you all look so pretty.’
Alice picked up a champagne flute and handed it to Sophie. ‘Let’s have a toast.’
Everyone raised their glasses.
