I shook my head.“No, I'm almost healed.There's nothing they can do for broken ribs, anyway.”
Whoops.
As soon as I said those words, I instantly wished I could shove them back in.
Giselle's eyes closed, and tears streamed down her cheeks.Her head fell forward.And then—her arms wrapped around me.
“We're so sorry this happened to you,” Giselle whispered into my ear as she continued holding me.“We know how it feels.”She sniffled and kissed my shoulder.
Eve came up behind me and hugged me.She choppily exhaled and said, “We do.We know.”
And in that moment, I felt like maybe—just maybe—they did.Even though I didn't know how that could be possible.They were both rich, beautiful, high-class women.I doubted they'd ever been in a situation like I had.
Even so—I let myself accept their care.
“Are you one hundred percent sure that you don't need a doctor?”Eve asked.
I vigorously shook my head.“No, no.Of course not.”
“Are you certain?We can have one here in an hour.”Eve rubbed my back.
Giselle piped in, “She's a nurse.She'd know if she needed help or not.”
I didn't bother correcting her about my trade.Now was not the time.And besides, it didn’t really matter.
Eve let go of me and wiped her eyes.“We're taking you at your word on this.But at any time, if you feel like you need a doctor, you'll tell us.Right?”
Giselle let go of me, too, and stood beside Eve.She put her arm around her friend's shoulders.“It's her wedding day.Or night, I guess.”She smiled through her tears.“She said she doesn't need a doctor.So she doesn't need a doctor.The dress will cover the bruises.We're good to go.I can put a soft layer of cotton around your ribs if that will help?Okay?Now, try this on.I might have to make a few adjustments.”
They both stepped into action and started helping me into the gorgeous dress.
“Where did you get this?”I asked as they slipped it over me.
“Giselle made it,” Eve answered.“She's been working on it for months.”
Giselle smiled.“I finished it last week.Just in time.Apparently.”
My head swam with that information.“I don't understand.Who did you make this for?”
She started lacing up the back.“I made it for myself.Hopefully, once this baby's out, I'll actually fit into it.”
Eve was on her knees, straightening out the layers of the skirt.“You will.If Carlo stops knocking you up, that is.”She smiled up at me and laughed.
I turned my head around and asked, “I thought you and Carlo were already married.”
She touched her belly.“Not yet.This one was a surprise.And the timing just wasn't all that great after the twins were born.It was a lot.”She smiled at me, but I felt like there was something more behind that grin than she was letting on.But even if there was—it wasn't any of my business.
And then, something suddenly dawned on me.“Oh, my gosh,” I gasped and clutched the skirt.“I can't wear this.”
Giselle stepped around and frowned at me.“Why not?Don't you like it?”Her face scrunched up as she looked me up and down.
I swallowed and gestured to the dress.“I love it.But it's—your—dress.Not mine.”
Giselle's face relaxed as she smirked.“It's fine, honey.I won't need it for a while yet.You're more than welcome to wear it tonight.”Her eyes fell to my breasts.“It fits you perfectly.We have the same figure.”Her eyes dropped down to my waist and then to the long skirt.“When I'm not pregnant, I mean.”
Eve stood and put her hands on her hips.“It's perfect.Isn't she a beautiful bride?Oh, hang on a second.”Eve ran to the vanity and grabbed something off it.“Turn slightly to the right.”She held up her phone to take a picture of me.
“Wait.Let me grab the veil.I can't believe I forgot it.”She hurried out the bedroom door, being careful to close it behind her.In the meantime, Eve took picture after picture of me.I didn't have the heart to tell her there was no point to it.Because this wasn't a real wedding.I didn't need pictures of it.And I was sure Stefan wouldn't want any, either.But I felt like I'd hurt her feelings if I asked her to stop.Besides, photos could always be deleted.
