“I noticed it in the back room when I used the restroom,” Lynn replied.
“Oui, oui. Zee price is accurate.”
“But why is it marked so low?” Beth asked.
“Ah, dis dress—it is a Madam Genivi original. One of my first. But zee fool seamstress made it wrong, all wrong.” She gestured dramatically. “Dis skirt should be white silk, not ivory. Zee lace? Irish, not French. Never would Madam Genivi request Irish lace!”
She shuddered.
“Zee bodice—it should be gathered, not pleated. And zee beads—HA! Silver pearls. Just because something is round does not mean it is a pearl. It was to be my launch gown for zee beach line. But dis… failure... ended zee line before it began.” She pressed a hand to her heart. “Yet—on you? Oh-la-la! Dis dress is my greatest accomplishment. You will buy, no?”
“YES!” all four women chorused.
“Tant mieux, tant mieux! Good, good! You must try a veil.”
“I wasn’t planning to wear one,” Beth said softly.
“Wait here. Madam Genivi will change your mind!”
Seconds later she returned with a short veil attached to a comb adorned in rhinestones and silver pearls. She clipped it behind Beth’s temple, smoothing the veil into place so it capped her shoulders.
“Magnifique! Magnifique!”
Beth stared at her reflection. She looked like she belonged on the cover of a 1950s bridal magazine.
She turned to her mom for approval—and saw tears. That wasn’t surprising. But what caught her off guard were the tears in Lynn’s eyes.
“What do you think about the veil?” she asked quietly.
“It looks like your Aunt Helen’s veil. I have hers if you want to wear that instead.”
“I’d love that.”
“You look amazing,” Sue said, her voice catching.
“You really do, Beth,” Kim added. “Like you stepped right off the cover of a magazine.”
“Wow, sis,” Lynn whispered. “You’ve always been a beauty— but in this? You’ll take everyone’s breath away… and won’t even look like you’re trying.”
After leaving the boutique with the dress and shoes carefully packed, Lynn suggested they make one more stop before dinner.
“Since we’re already out and riding the high of your bridal glow, we might as well check something else off your list.”
Beth groaned. “You promised me food.”
“This won’t take long. There’s a cute little invitation place on the next block. Same-day printing. Trust me, have I ever steered you wrong?”
Kim raised an eyebrow. But no one objected.
Inside the cozy shop, the scent of ink and new paper filled the air. Warm lighting reflected off display cases full of shimmering cardstock and delicate vellum.
A cheerful woman behind the counter welcomed them and, after hearing what they were looking for, pulled out a portfolio of elopement and post-wedding announcement templates.
It didn’t take long.
Beth and Sue picked out a simple navy blue cardstock with gold-embossed lettering. The paper had a slight texture—classic but elegant. To go with it, they added a piece of translucent vellum overlay and a sheer gold ribbon to tie everything together.
Kim had the idea to use a photo, and when Beth showed them the picture Bryce carried in his wallet—of the two of themdancing in front of the fountain in Vegas on their wedding night—everyone agreed. It was perfect.
