Mum pulled me in for a hug. “Shower and dress. Pronto.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
We made a quick dash home, and I rushed through my shower and makeup, stepping back in my room to find my cousin waiting for me.
“Hair duty,” she said.
“You cannot mess your dress,” I ordered, grabbing one of my robes from my closets and handing it to her. “Put this on.”
She wore a deep green lace over satin gown with long sleeves and a deep V-neck, only not quite as revealing as mine. It worked beautifully with her red hair and I was a little jealous of her tresses.
“Thanks,” she said, wrapping the robe around her body, covering her dress.
I grinned, sitting at the stool in front of my vanity.
Cat was a wonder with hair and I always loved when she did mine, so I didn’t make a sound even when she jabbed bobby pin after bobby pin into my head.
My sister and mother checked in occasionally as I endured the torture, mostly to make sure I ate and to give me updates on time. I was late. No surprise there, considering Arric was messing with my internal clock. I was usually early, but now, not so much.
“Done,” Catriona declared, and I let out a quiet whistle.
“It’s perfect.”
She’d managed to pin my copious locks into a braided bun. It looked a bit like a rose pinned to the nape of my neck, and it was stunning.
“Thank you.” I hugged her and kissed her cheek.
“You’re welcome.” She grinned.
Mom walked in just as Cat finished and burst into tears.
“Mummy, don’t cry,” I ordered, pulling her in for a hug.
“You look beautiful.” She cupped my face and then kissed my cheek. “I can’t believe you’re my last one.”
“Youcouldhave more,” I said, and her face distorted in disgust.
“Haud yer wheest!”she growled, and Catriona and I dissolved into laughter. “Both of you can suck it.”
I pulled her in for another hug. “I love you more than life, Mummy.”
“Love you too, baby girl.” She pulled away. “Ready for the dress?”
“Yes. I think I’ll need to step into it.”
“We’ll hold it for you.”
I nodded and Mum and Catriona helped me shimmy into the gown. In the end, we’d gone with a brand-new dress, rather than risking ruination of the ancient fabric of the old one. Mum was going to have it hermetically sealed or something so it would stay pristine for the rest of time.
My new gown was a sleeveless, A-line, V-neck gown, with a draped waist and the floor-length, chiffon skirt. It was white and made me feel like a Grecian goddess.
“Are yer chebs’ contained?” Catriona asked.
I chuckled. “They’re basically glued to the dress, so, yes.”
“Shoes?”
I nodded to the strappy, silver stilettos on the floor next to my bed.
