CHAPTER4
Mabel sighed. “Oh, my goodness. You’re so handsome.”
Katie peeked around the edge of the rack and smiled. Her dad was standing in front of the full-length mirror, studying his reflection.
“I’m not sure about the vest. What do you think, Katie?”
She moved farther into the room. “I agree with Mom. You look great.” The sparkly red vest looked perfect under the black jacket he’d chosen.
Katie didn’t need to see her dad’s relieved smile to know he’d been slightly worried.
“I’ll send Ethan a photo,” he said. “He might want to rent the same vests for him and Zac.”
“That’s a good idea.” Mabel took a sparkly red dress off another rack. Holding the creation in front of her, she stood beside her husband. “We could be twins.”
Allan kissed his wife’s cheek. “The color suits you.”
Diana touched Katie’s arm. “Have you found anything?”
She was hoping her sister wouldn’t ask. After giving everyone a pep talk about choosing the best costume they found, she hadn’t seen anything she liked.
Penny appeared from behind another rack. “I’ve found a dress for you.” The gown she held toward her was incredible.
Katie didn’t know what to say. The powder blue chiffon skirt was covered with silver snowflakes. When Penny turned it around, Katie couldn’t resist touching the sweetheart neckline. It looked about the right size and it was definitely something she could wear to a Christmas-themed wedding. “It’s beautiful. Are you sure it’s available?”
“I checked with the costume coordinator before I took it off the rack. You should try it on.”
Katie held the dress close to her chest and looked for the fitting rooms.
“They’re over there,” Diana said as she pointed to the far wall. “Barbara’s trying on a dress, too.”
Quickly, she hurried across the room. With everyone else happy with at least one option, she really wanted this dress to look good.
When she pulled back the heavy velvet curtain, Barbara turned from in front of the ornate mirror. The purple and blue floor-length dress she was wearing floated around her legs.
Barbara touched the skirt. “I was a little worried about finding something, but this is gorgeous.”
“It’s perfect.” Katie loved the way the dress shimmered as her sister moved. “I can’t imagine you wearing anything else.”
“Neither can I. What about the dress you’re holding? Are you trying it on?”
With an enthusiastic nod, Katie hung the dress on a rack while she took off her T-shirt and jeans. “I just hope it’s okay. Mom, Dad, and Penny have already found something to wear.”
“Think positive,” Barbara said as she helped Katie lift the dress over her head. “I’ll do up the zipper.”
Katie held her breath as the dress slid down her body. So far, so good.
“You’d better breathe,” Barbara said. “Otherwise, you’ll turn as purple as my dress.”
“It’s all right for you,” Katie moaned. “No one in our family has curves except me. If I find a dress that fits my bust, it’s too big around my hips.”
“Well, this one looks as though it will fit you like a glove.”
With a firm tug, Barbara pulled the zipper up the back of the dress. “Done! I told you it would fit.”
Cautiously, Katie lifted her arms, then rolled her shoulders. “I can’t believe how good it feels.” As soon as she saw herself in the mirror, her mouth dropped open. “It’s so pretty.” The silver snowflakes looked even more dazzling under the fluorescent lights. And the bodice, with its simple neckline and diamante beads, made the costume seem even more elegant.
Barbara tilted her head to the side. “Do you want to search for another dress or are you happy with this one?”
