“Are Charlie and Andy excited about the wedding?”
Andrea laughed. “They are now. I took them to The Fairy Forest today and Daniella showed them photos of the chocolate fountain in action. If they go missing, I know where they’ll be.”
Paris smiled. “They won’t be alone. Jack had the same idea as your boys.”
“I guess chocolate has that effect on most people.” Andrea frowned at Jackie. “You still haven’t told me what’s scary.”
After taking a deep breath, Jackie said, “I’ve decided to open a yarn and knitting store.”
“That’s fantastic! I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist the cottage beside Shona’s. It’s adorable.”
“Even though I don’t know what I’m doing, a lot of people have offered to help me. And if all my planning doesn’t work out, at least I’ll have a better understanding of what it takes to start a business.”
“Think positive thoughts,” Andrea told her. “There are so many different ways of achieving your dreams. All you have to do is stay open to the opportunities that come your way.”
“I’ll do my best, but we’re not here to talk about what I’m doing. I want to take another look at our beautiful bride.”
Andrea glowed with excitement. “You haven’t seen the best part, yet.” Picking up the train of her dress, she hurried to a green clothes bag that was hanging from the curtain rail. Carefully, she pulled down the zipper. “I still have to de-wrinkle the veil, but at least it’s here.”
Jackie helped her lift it out of the bag. “Did you get this from The Bridesmaid’s Club, too?”
Andrea nodded. “It isn’t the same veil that came with the dress, but Tess thought it’d look lovely.”
As soon as they unwound the yards of tulle, Paris sighed. “It’s so delicate.”
“And I love the glittery crystals,” Jackie added. “They match the beads on the dress.”
Andrea held the veil out to Jackie. “Can you attach it to the back of my head?”
As she lifted the veil over Andrea’s dress and slid the pretty pearl comb into her hair, tears prickled the back of Jackie’s eyes. After a harrowing first marriage and raising her two boys on her own, Andrea deserved an amazing life.
She’d found that and so much more with David.
Jackie looked across at Paris and smiled when she saw her dabbing her eyes. “Is the veil in the right position?”
“It’s perfect,” Paris replied, her voice thick with emotion. “David will be speechless.”
Jackie took a few steps back and sighed. “Paris is right. You look absolutely beautiful.”
“Thank you,” Andrea said, her cheeks flushed with happiness. “I couldn’t have done any of this without your help.”
“That’s what friends are for,” Paris told her as she studied the clip that held the veil in place. “Would you like me to sew some rosebuds onto the top of the comb? They’d look lovely with the tiny pearls that are already there.”
Andrea nodded. “If you have the time to do it, that’d be wonderful.”
“It won’t take long,” Paris said. “I could do it on Saturday morning before you get dressed. When are your parents arriving?”
Andrea smiled. “Mom and Dad fly into Montana on Wednesday. I’m taking the afternoons off work so I can spend some time with them and the boys.”
“Thank goodness you were able to use The Fairy Forest’s caterer,” Paris said. “Otherwise, you’d be juggling the baking for the café with what you’re having at the wedding reception.”
Jackie sighed. “I wouldn’t mind if all we ate were Andrea’s chocolate chip muffins. They’re divine.”
Andrea grinned. “It’s funny you should say that. Have a look in the kitchen while I get changed.”
“Do you need help with your dress?” Paris asked.
Andrea unhooked the veil and handed it to her friend. “I’ll be okay. If you could put this away, that’d be great. I’m glad I’m not the only person making last-minute wedding decisions.”
