As Marianne, yet again, flipped over the page, I took a sharp intake of breath.
“As you can see, I’ve followed your lead and gone with a vintage vibe. It’s tea length like the one in your sketch and has the clean-cut V-neck you were hoping for. But if you look at the chest on mine, this one isn’t quite as deep.”
“This looks great.”
“It’s got sheer half-sleeves, with lace appliqué on the bodice and the skirt is A-line, which gradually widens from a pleated waist. And whereas the other two dresses are mainly chiffon, this one’s made from tulle.” Description over with, Marianne awaited my response.
“I think I’m going to cry,” I said.
“Never mindthink,” Sal said, forced to wipe her eyes. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a gorgeous wedding dress.”
“We’re all happy then?” Marianne asked.
Sal, India and I nodded.
“Wonderful.” Marianne whipped her tape measure from around her neck. “Now I need to take all your measurements.”
“Are you sure you’ll have enough time to make all these?” I asked. Conscious the wedding was fast approaching, I didn’t want Marianne feeling under pressure.
“For an old pro like me? You’re joking, aren’t you?”
Again, my eyes filled with tears. “I can’t thank you enough, Marianne. When I think of the mess I was in… I honestly don’t know what I’d have done without you.”
Chapter 44
“It’s good to see you happy again,” Leo said.
“It’s good tofeelhappy again,” I replied.
As we stood at the sink washing and drying the dishes from our evening meal, we both knew the reason behind my good mood. I hadn’t stopped smiling since Marianne had revealed her wedding dress design. She wasn’t simply turning the dress of my dreams into a reality; she’d transformed my vision into something even more beautiful. “I’d like to give Marianne a gift,” I said. “You know, to say thank you.”
“Maybe you could throw her something? From one creative to another?”
I paused mid plate dry, wondering if I was brave enough to do that. Marianne had worked with one of the biggest names in her field. In mine, I didn’t have anywhere near that kind of reputation. I didn’t want to risk insulting the woman by acting like I was her equal. “You think?” I thought back to my prior overconfidence. Having embarrassed myself already, I was in no rush to repeat the experience.
“I do, Tess. I’ve never known you make anything that hasn’t come straight from the heart. And if I can see the love that goes into your work, Marianne will too.”
“When you put it like that.” I stretched up to kiss Leo’s cheek, appreciating the faith he had in me. “How can I not?” I picked up yet another plate. “You know, I might even be coming around to the idea of saying my vows in front of a room full of strangers.”
Leo looked at me, surprised, although after the fuss I’d made, I couldn’t blame him.
“Let’s just say a gown like mine should be shown off.” I came over all serious. “Which reminds me, did you cancel Saint Oswald’s?”
“I did. And you’ll be pleased to know, Reverend Joseph was very understanding. He appreciated that weddings bring out the best andworstin people. I got the impression our issues are nothing compared to what he’s seen.”
I found that hard to believe. “What is it about families? You’d think two people getting married would pull everyone together.”
“Does this mean you’re ready to sort things out with Patricia?” Leo asked, eyebrows raised.
My smile froze. “I walked straight into that, didn’t I?”
Leo chuckled, while I sighed.
“I suppose I’m going to have to at some point,” I said, as I continued drying the dishes.
“Preferably before Mum and Dad get here?” Leo said.
“No pressure then?” I said, mocking. I paused in my actions. “When do they land?”
