She hadn’t anticipated how demanding her job would be, or that it wouldn’t pay nearly enough for her to spend money on things she didn’t need.
“I can’t believe Ash really did this for us,” Charlotte said for about the tenth time, shaking her head in disbelief. “You know people getweddingdresses at this place. It’s all over social media.”
“Wow,” Allie said. “I mean this is just a town event, right? We don’t want to be overdressed.”
“Alice Lee Lawrence,” Charlotte said, stopping in place and turning to her with fire in her eyes. “We live onadairy farm. And you know I love it. But how many chances do we get to dress up?”
“Not that many,” Allie said, trying not to laugh.
“Exactly,” Charlotte said, marching toward the boutique with renewed energy as she nodded to herself. “We are not going to ruin this for ourselves by wondering if it’s too nice. We’re going to be grateful.”
“Okay,” Allie said, unable to resist her best friend’s enthusiasm. “You win. Let’s spoil ourselves a little.”
“We’ll be respectful of Ash’s wallet, of course,” Charlotte said demurely.
“No, we won’t,” Allie decided. “He’s got more money than sense, so let’s show him how it’s done.”
“That’s the spirit,” Charlotte said, smiling. “I was just trying to keep in mind that it will be your wallet one day.”
Allie wanted to laugh at her friend’s remark. But the reminder that she was living a lie made her swallow over the sudden lump in her throat instead.
They continued in silence until they reached the shop with the pink and white striped French-style awning.
“Amazing,” Charlotte murmured, gazing through the big glass window at the gorgeous dresses inside.
Even Allie, who wasn’t usually that into dressing up, was properly impressed. The dresses were all so pretty, especially the ones in the front that were all done in soft pastel colors.
“They look like fluffy cupcakes,” she said admiringly. “Or cotton candy or something.”
“You spend too much time with kindergarteners,” Charlotte sniffed as she opened the door. “They lookglamorous.”
Allie tried not to laugh as a beautiful saleslady in a neat black skirt and white blouse approached.
“You must be Allie Lawrence,” the lady said. “I’m Barbara. And I see you’ve brought a friend with you, just as your fiancé said.”
“Hi, Barbara,” Allie said, trying not to wince at the reference to herfiancé. “This is my best friend and sister-in-law, Charlotte.”
“Lovely to meet you,” Barbara said. “Mr. Tailor explained that you’re looking for dresses for a big event right in Sugarville Grove. Is that right?”
“Yes,” Allie said. “We don’t have many formal events, so neither of us has a good dress.”
“Shopping for a new gown is such a pleasure,” Barbara said with a smile. “And I’ll try to make sure you find something you absolutely love. But you must promise to be honest with me about anything you don’t like. Mr. Tailor made it very clear that price is no object, so anything at all that you like we can fit for you right here in the store. There’s no need to worry.”
“Amazing,” Charlotte sighed. “I promise.”
“Me too,” Allie said, trying not to feel bad about all this.
On the one hand, Ash could afford it.
On the other, Allie didn’t really want a beautiful reminder of him hanging in her closet when all this was over.
“First, I’m going to get you ladies some refreshments,” Barbara said. “Then I can bring out some choices for you and we can get to work making your dreams come true.”
Allie nodded.
“Are you okay?” Charlotte whispered as Barbara floated away.
“Yes,” Allie said.
