“So you look like you’re in a good mood,” Anna comments.
I can’t hide my smile as she watches me intently with a smirk. “I am in a good mood. Colt finally made love to me last night,” I brag, and she squeals, making Aston and me both jump.
I laugh, and she rushes over, hugging me with Aston between us. “It’s about bloody time!” she says, then looks at me with an eyebrow raised. “And, did it hurt?”
“Not at all. It was perfect. Actually, all four times were perfect,” I gush.
“I’m so glad you two are finally back on track. You must be feeling better about it now?” she inquires, and I nod before we sit on the sofa.
“Oh Anna, soooo much better. I thought we were headed for disaster at one point, but I feel like we’ve reconnected, and we’re doing better than before.”
Anna smiles. “I’m so glad, Dee. I was starting to get a little concerned about it all. I bet you’ll be back to rooting like rabbits again now.”
“Yeah, probably. Now we have to start thinking about the wedding. Feel like doing some planning today?” I ask, and she looks down at baby Aston, waggling her eyebrows with a huge smile.
“Wanna help Auntie Dee plan her big day with Uncle Colt, little man?” she asks Aston in a baby voice. Aston yawns and gurgles, then Anna dips her chin. “Yep, that’s what I thought as well,” she says, looking back up at me. “Aston wants to go dress shopping, and you can’t say no to a baby, Dee. It just wouldn’t be right,” she explains with her most serious face.
“Well, if Aston thinks we should go, then I guess we have to, right?” I shrug, and Anna claps her hands.
With a smirk, I shake my head and we stand, then head to the car. A short drive later, we arrive at the bridal boutique, and suddenly I feel nervous. It hits me that in just over a month, I will be marrying Colt at our home.
A smile stretches across my face the second we step into the boutique. The space is elegant but cozy, with one side lined with dreamy white gowns and the rear corner bursting with color—deep reds, blush pinks, and soft metallics.
“Oh my God, Anna, there’s like a million dresses in here. How the hell am I supposed to findthe one?”
“Easy. You’ve got the world’s best fashion advisors at your disposal.” She leans into the stroller and winks. “Aston and I make a great team. And don’t worry, we’re putting it on Colt’s credit card, so sky’s the limit.”
A shop assistant approaches, offering us a warm, polished smile. “Good morning, ladies. Is there anything I can help you with today?”
“We need your best,” Anna says confidently. “My girl’s getting married in just over a month, and she needs to look perfect for her man.”
The assistant’s brows rise slightly. “Well, we’ll need to find something today to allow enough time for fittings. Is there a set budget?”
Anna’s answer is immediate. “Money’s no object. She needs to look like a goddess.”
I chuckle softly as the assistant lights up. “Wonderful. Our designer collection is in the back room. This way, please.”
We follow her through an arched doorway into a secluded fitting suite, and I swear I just stepped into a bridal fairytale. The walls are mirrored floor-to-ceiling, casting shimmering reflections of satin and lace. A soft chandelier hangs from above, its sheer white fabric draping across the ceiling like a bridal veil. It’s intimate and regal all at once.
“This is…” I exhale, awestruck. “Wow.”
“We like to make the experience a memorable one,” the assistant says with a proud smile, gesturing toward a row of gowns, each one protected in its own delicate garment bag. Just looking at the bags, you can tell they cost a fortune. “Do you have a specific style in mind?” she asks.
“She’s trying everything,” Anna answers before I can even open my mouth.
I snort. “There must be a hundred gowns in here.”
“And you’ll look divine in every single one,” Anna shoots back with a grin, already pushing Aston’s stroller into a cozy corner when he starts to nod off.
The assistant pulls several gowns for me and places them in the fitting room. I run my hand reverently over the bags,feeling the textures beneath, and something inside me flutters—excitement, nerves, awe. Maybe all three.
“The room is ready for you whenever you are. Would either of you like some tea?”
“Yes, please… two cups,” Anna answers.
Once we’re alone, she claps her hands together. “All right, let’s get moving. We’ve got five hours until the boys get back.”
“Five hours?” I laugh. “We are not staying here that long.”
