I looked at myself in the full-length mirror. Swished this way and that.
"I love it," I said.
Like the guys, I would have preferred black, but the green dress with red sash around my waist was suitably Christmas-y and cute at the same time. The bodice hugged my breasts, while the skirt fell to just above my knees, showing off my long, lean legs.
I got in as much time in the gym as I could, practicing gymnastics and aerials on the silks. Partly because I wanted to keep up those skills and partly for fitness and flexibility.
Although the guys helped in the flexibility department as much as they could. They were generous that way.
"Thank's for fitting me in at the last minute," I said.
Usually, she was booked out months in advance, especially for a big event like ours.
On the other hand, if she hadn't, she would have been threatened. Not by me, but she knew it was better to accommodate me than it was to turn me away.
I didn't like intimidating anyone, especially someone who was more or less innocent. In this case though, I was well aware making dresses was a side hustle. She was involved in some other, more serious shit.
Believe me when I say threatening her would be was a victimless crime.
"Of course," she gushed again. "It's an honour to make anything for you. And Chelsea, of course." She nodded toward the change rooms where Chelsea was still fitting into her Christmas dress.
I had no doubt it'd look amazing. It could be a paper bag and it would still look good on her. I was comfortable in my own skin, otherwise I'd feel dowdy beside her. Chelsea was taller than me and undeniably gorgeous. Wherever she went, heads turned. She never treated me as anything less than an equal though, which was all I could ask for in a sister-in-law.
"Are you good in there?" I called out, half-teasing, mostly curious.
Chelsea's dress was definitely not a paper bag.
"I don't know, it's a little bit…" Chelsea unlocked the door and opened it slowly. "It's a little bit revealing, don't you think?"
She wasn't shy about her body, but I could immediately see what she was concerned about revealing.
"Are you—" I started.
A hint of colour crept up her cheeks. "Yes. I wasn't going to announce it like this. But I suppose it's as good a time as any."
I let out a soft squeal and hurried over to give her a gentle hug, careful not to squash her growing baby bump.
"Ice is going to be an uncle." He was going to be thrilled. This baby would have so many people to look out for them and take care of them. They'd want for nothing. Honestly, they'd need it, growing up in a place like Dusk Bay.
I couldn't imagine bringing a kid up here, but I was happy for her and her boyfriends.
"Your guys must be thrilled."
"If they can ever agree on what the nursery should look like.” She rolled her eyes, but smiled indulgently.
"I'm sure if you gave them some suggestions they'd…listen," I said.
All of them had strong opinions, and ideas, but they tended to revolve around making her happy. The same way my guys did the same for me.
"I can try," she said, "or I could put Uncle Ice in charge of the design."
"I'm not sure if that's a good idea or a terrible one," I said with a laugh.
It would either be the most beautiful nursery to have ever existed, or it would be full of handcuffs, pliers, and chains. When it came to him, it could go either way.
"Probably a little of both." She smiled. "I'm going to get changed. I won't be long.” She closed the fitting room door behind her, leaving me to admire my dress for a few moments longer before I slipped in to get changed.
"Do you feel like getting something to drink?" she called out over the top of the door. "I mean a coffee."
