“We don’t have time to get dresses made,” Diana reminded their mom.“Most of the people we spoke to are fully booked through to next year.”
“This is better than asking someone to create the dresses.When you’ve finished in here, come and talk to Emily.We’re upstairs, enjoying a cup of coffee in her studio.”
After their mom left, Barbara turned to her sisters.“Whatever happens, we have to remain positive.Penny’s stressed enough without worrying about what we’re wearing.”
Diana took a handful of dresses they’d already tried off a rack.“And even if the dresses aren’t something we’d usually choose, keep an open mind.We don’t have the luxury of being picky.”
Katie lifted her chin.“We can do this.”
Barbara hoped she was right.Whatever idea Emily had come up with might be their last chance to find dresses for everyone.
HALF AN HOUR LATER,Barbara stood outside a two-story home with her mom and sisters.“Are you sure this is the correct address?”
Diana looked at the piece of paper she was holding.“We’re definitely at the right house.”
With its wide front porch, steep gabled roof, and colorful garden, the house reminded Barbara of their home in Sapphire Bay.
Katie walked farther along the sidewalk.“It’s this way,” she yelled from the right-hand side of the property.“There’s a sign attached to the fence.”
Everyone hurried toward her.
“Thank goodness,” Mabel said with a relieved sigh.“I thought we’d have to call Emily and tell her we’re lost.”
The large, deep green sign with gold letters announcing The Bridesmaids Club headquarters looked elegant against the colorful flowers surrounding it.“I don’t know how we missed the sign, but I’m glad we’re here.”Barbara glanced at Penny.Emily had suggested they visit a friend of hers who donated pre-loved bridesmaids’ dresses to anyone who needed one.
At first, Penny wasn’t too sure about everyone wearing secondhand dresses, but Emily had assured her they were beautiful.After visiting the only other bridal store in Bozeman and finding nothing they liked, they decided to try Emily’s idea.
“The woman who runs The Bridesmaids Club is called Tess,” Mabel reminded them.
Out of everyone, Mabel was the most intrigued by what Tess and her friends were doing.After asking Emily lots of questions, Barbara wouldn’t be surprised if her mom started something similar in Sapphire Bay.
The path leading to The Bridesmaids Club took them under a leafy canopy of trees, then up one side of the property.Emily had told them that Tess used the loft above her garage as a storage space for the dresses and a place where bridal parties could choose their gowns.
What she didn’t tell them was that the garage was as big as most people’s houses.
“I wonder what the inside of Tess’ house looks like,” Katie murmured as they reached the front door.
Mabel looked across the front yard.“If it’s as pretty as the outside, it will be lovely.”
When everyone was ready, Barbara rang the doorbell.She smiled at the tall woman who answered the door.“Hi.Are you Tess?”
“I am.Did Emily send you here?”
“She did.I’m Barbara, and this is my mom, Mabel, and my sisters; Penny, Katie, and Diana.Penny’s getting married in five weeks.”
Penny held out her hand.“It’s nice to meet you, Tess.I hope it’s okay to arrive on such short notice.”
“Another bridal party left a few minutes ago, so it’s perfect timing.Come inside and tell me about the types of dresses you’re looking for.”
Barbara waited until everyone walked inside before following them.The loft was every bit as impressive as she’d imagined.A cathedral ceiling and oversized windows captured the sunlight, brightening a room that was full of colorful fabrics and glittering jewels.
Katie’s eyes widened.“I feel like I’ve stepped into Aladdin’s cave.”
Penny stared at the racks of dresses.“How many gowns do you have?”
Tess looked across the room.“At last count, we had about two hundred.That includes twenty bridal gowns and some gorgeous mother-of-the-bride outfits.”
Looking at Tess’ smile, Barbara was sure she’d said the last part of her sentence to make their mom happy.After trying at least a dozen dresses in Emily’s boutique, their mom hadn’t liked any of them.
