“That’s pretty!” Addison exclaims.
“What do you think, Mom?” I look to her through the mirror.
She sits up. “I think it’s pretty, but it’s not you, like that last one was.”
“That last one was my favorite so far too,” Maureen adds.
I look back at myself in the trifold mirror, turning to see all the angles. The dress is beautiful, though a little revealing for my taste with the V-neckline. It’s tightly fitted against the rest of my body but flares at the end. I don’t love it on me. I thought I’d like this mermaid style, but it’s actually not my favorite.
“Yeah,” I admit. “It doesn’t feel quite like me.”
Maureen claps her hands together. “That just means we get to try more! This is so fun!”
We all laugh at her excitement and joy. She’s the best. I’msolucky she’s going to be my mother-in-law.
I try on a few more, but none stand out to me. Whether it’s the style, the neckline, or the fit, I just don’t love any yet. I’m starting to get a little discouraged. Being as laid back and carefree as I am, I didn’t think it would be this complicated.
The next one I put on, though—I know it’s the one before I even get out to show anyone. It’s comfortable, not too showy, and the lace detail is gorgeous as it travels over the loose, sheer sleeves. I’m in love with it.
My nerves tangle, hoping no one disagrees, as I step out with the consultant behind me.
Maureen gasps. “Oh. My. Yes.”
“Ella, that is stunning on you,” Addison adds.
I hold my breath as I look to my mom, anxious to hear her opinion.
She smiles. “Now this one is you. That has your name written all over it,” she says.
“Yeah. I want it.” I laugh and look at the mirror, checking out all the angles. Maureen wipes the corner of her eye and even Addison looks emotional.
“Ifyouguys are crying, Jesse better cry like a baby,” I tease.
“He was going to cry regardless.” Maureen laughs.
Addison nods. “A hundred percent.”
I take one final look, and it feels so much more real now. This is what I’ll be wearing when we promise each other forever. It’s been ten years since we first dreamed of this moment, and yet it feels like no time has passed. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude, knowing we found our way back to each other. I can hardly believe it’s finally all falling into place.
* * *
We’re in Jesse’s truck, driving to meet with the caterer for our reception. As excited as I am to check another thing off the list, I’m a little distracted. My landlord just texted, reminding that my lease is up in June, which is next month, and he’d like to know if I’ll be renewing or not. Signing on for another year is stupid. I’d waste a lot of money.
Jesse and I are getting married in August. We decided the summer time is more practical. It was selfish of me to want a fall wedding with his work and the business. Besides, the sooner the better. I just want to get on with it all and start our lives together. We’ve waited long enough. Had everything worked out years ago, we’d probably have a kid or two by now.Granted, I’m not even thirty yet, so I have a few years before I have to worry about my fertility becoming an issue.
I think about the idea of moving in early … not sure how that would go or if Jesse would even go for it. If he didn’t have a spare bedroom, it definitely wouldn’t be able to work. But with the boundaries we have set for ourselves, I have confidence we’d be able to achieve it. We’ve made it this far already and, trust me, there’ve been plenty of opportunities to break our rules.
“So, my lease is up next month,” I say without much warning.
His eyes study mine. “Oh, really?”
I nod. “ What should I do?”
He adjusts himself in his seat, heavy in thought. “Damn it.” He huffs.
“I was thinking …” I pause, second guessing myself for a moment. “ Why don’t I just move in awhile, stay in the—”
He cuts me off. “Absolutely not.” His voice is firmer than I hope he was intending. He shakes his head. “Ella. No.”
