Nicole was still in the dressing room with the stylist, building anticipation for a group that included Elise and Brianna, Nicole’s closest friend. Next to MJ, Gracie sipped a mimosa and seemed quieter than usual.
“You okay?” MJ whispered, leaning closer to her daughter.
“Oh, yes. You’re the one who seems a little…I don’t know. Different. Distant.”
“Do I?” Dang. She thought she’d been doing such a good job of hiding it. “I’m just not sleeping well.”
Gracie eyed her. “Too many late nights with Matt?”
MJ smiled. “Not that late, really. After dinner, we sometimes take a night walk, but…he’s not keeping me up.”
Butsomethingwoke her at three in the morning.
Before she could consider whether or not to elaborate, the curtain to the dressing suite swished, and the bridal stylist poked her head out.
“She’s ready, ladies.”
Cindy inhaled sharply. “Am I going to cry again?”
“Yes,” they all answered in perfect unison, punctuating the single word with an outburst of laughter.
MJ shook off her thoughts and forced herself to concentrate on the memory they were making. Rising, she went behind the sofa and put her hands on Cindy’s shoulders.
“You earned the momma tears, Cin. Enjoy every minute of it.”
Cindy dropped her head back and looked up at MJ with an upside-down grin. “I will. I promise.”
After a minute of chatter and laughter, Nicole stepped out slowly, a vision in white as she floated to the platform to a chorus of gasps, oohs, and ahhs.
They’d all loved this gown when she picked it, but now, without the clips and all the buttons up, the effect was truly breathtaking.
The A-line dress fit her like a dream, from the strapless, straight bodice down to the scalloped hem that kissed the floor. It flowed like poured cream, without a snippet of lace or asingle pearl, which added to the mix of drama and elegance of a timeless, stunning wedding gown.
“Oh, sweetheart,” Cindy breathed, slowly rising to get closer. “You…are…beautiful.”
Nicole blinked back her own tears. “Thanks, Mom. It’s perfect.”
They hugged and the stylist came closer, holding a cathedral veil trimmed with the tiniest gems, inviting Cindy to place it on Nicole’s head for the full effect.
As she did, every woman in the room sniffled, wiped tears, and held hands, drinking in the sweet moment.
Stepping back to look at her daughter, Cindy pressed one hand to her heart, her whole face shining with a mother’s full, unfiltered joy.
They cooed and fussed some more, taking pictures, giving toasts, laughing as they learned how to bustle the train. It was all so lovely that it took MJ’s mind off her problems, making her laugh and enjoy the event.
The stylist helped Nicole down, and the women all gathered around her, admiring the dress from every angle, all voting on a perfect white faux fur wrap to cover her during the obligatory sleigh ride.
When it was over and everyone had gathered their own formal dresses, the group lingered near the front counter, chattering about the wedding weekend, travel times, and whether Copper should wear something “festive” during sleigh photos.
Nicole hugged every single person twice and couldn’t stop smiling.
As they said goodbye, Gracie slipped an arm around MJ and pulled her closer. “You’d tell me if something was wrong, wouldn’t you?”
MJ laughed softly, knowing that she had never been very good at hiding her feelings, especially from her dear daughter. “I’m fine,” she insisted.
“It’s not Red, is it? Are you feeling okay? Is it the fact that Nicole is getting married and I’m not?”
MJ gasped at the question. “Gracie! No.” But she’d have to give a real answer or her daughter would keep pressing. “Look, it’s nothing that needs to pull focus from today.”
