"Oh my." She catches herself, professional training warring with genuine awe. "This is extraordinary."
"Stunning," Serena agrees. The pearl and diamond infinity necklace catches the light as she lifts it from its bed of velvet. Her fingers are cool at my nape as she works the delicate clasp. The pearls settle against my collarbone, familiar now, weighted with everything they mean.
"The symbol for eternity." Yuki has paused her work at the pressing station to come closer too. "An elegant choice for a wedding. Not to mention, wildly romantic."
"Yes, it is." My fingers find the infinity symbol, brushing the diamonds briefly. A private moment inside a public one. Thedeck of theIcarusat sunset. Nick in his linen pants and white shirt, his dark hair riffling in the salty breeze.Marry me right now."Nick had it custom-made for me."
Serena nods. "He has remarkable taste."
Even Nadiyah has looked up from her work now, drawn by the commotion. Her dark eyes move from the pearls at my throat to my face, and she offers her typical reserved smile, present but contained, like someone watching through glass.
"Yes, very nice," she says, then she returns to the veil, her needle resuming its steady rhythm.
Some people aren't effusive. I've learned that about her over these months of fittings. The careful distance, the economy of expression. I've convinced myself it doesn't mean anything except that she's different from the others. Some artists live in their heads.
"It's perfect with the gown," Serena says as she guides me toward the platform where the three-way mirrors wait. "Let's see the full effect."
The reflection that greets me steals my breath.
The woman in the mirror is luminous. The fabric flows over her every curve, lustrous and creamy. The pearls and diamonds gleam at her throat. Her eyes shine with misting tears of pure joy.
How has this become my life?
The adjustments continue in a comfortable rhythm. Yuki pins a minute alteration at the hem, her movements quick and certain. Sofia examines the beadwork along the bodice, murmuring something about a loose bit of lace appliqué she'll secure. Serena orchestrates with quiet authority, keeping everything moving while the room fills with easy conversation.
"Have you decided on honeymoon plans yet?" Clara asks, smoothing fabric at my shoulder. "Or is that still a surprise?"
"We're going sailing in the Mediterranean. That's all I know. Nick's planning everything."
Sofia sighs dreamily. "That's so romantic."
Clara nods. "I know, right?"
I smile into the mirror at the two younger women. "He does like to be in control." The understatement nearly makes me laugh.
"Speaking of Nick's plans," Serena says, pinning something at my waist, "I was glad we could reschedule after last week. Did you have a nice trip, wherever you went?"
"We went to Key Largo." The memory unfolds, days of salt air and bare feet and the sun warm on our skin. Tender vows and simple gold bands. "And it was a perfect trip. Turns out, it was exactly what I needed."
Serena glances up at me, her expression soft. "A man who knows what a woman needs and delivers before she has to ask? That's a man you hold on to."
I smile at the wink she gives me. "I don't intend to ever let go of Nick. He's mine forever."
Across the room, Nadiyah's hands have stopped moving. The needle hovers mid-stitch on the veil, suspended above the delicate lace, and I catch the moment she brings her finger to her mouth—a bead of blood welling where she's pricked herself.
Without acknowledging the little injury, she reaches for a tissue, dabbing at her fingertip. Then she resumes her work as if nothing happened.
I turn the moment over in my mind before letting it go. A distracted pause. A pricked finger. Nothing more than that. Maybe she's lonely. She doesn't wear a ring. Never speaks of her personal life.
Maybe the talk of honeymoons and enduring love stirred something inside her. Old memories, perhaps? Past loves? Ican't be sure, and she doesn't seem the type to share anything about her private life.
But the conversation has moved on, and so do I.
"One final look," Serena says, stepping back to survey me in the mirror. "And then we'll get you out of this so you can breathe again."
I nod, taking another moment to admire the artistry of her and her team. Then my phone rings from somewhere across the room. "That's mine," I say, unable to move for fear of risking the gown. "I left my phone with my bag over there."
"I'll get it." Sofia crosses to retrieve it, bringing it to me with a small smile.
