I glance down and find Lita's name on the screen. "I should take this, sorry."
Serena nods, and I answer before the call goes to voicemail. "Hey, Lita. What's up?"
"Quick question." Her voice sounds harried. "Remember those art supplies you picked up last week?"
"Yes."
"Did they ever make it to the rec center? Because tomorrow's class is going to be interesting if we're working with invisible sketchbooks."
My stomach drops. "Oh, God."
The supplies. Dozens of quality sketchbooks and drawing pencils I picked up from Blick in SoHo—materials intended to make kids feel like real artists with real artist tools. I put them in my trunk after the shop, planning to drop them off on the way home. And then Nick surprised me with Key Largo, and my pregnancy brain switched to thinking about sunsets and white sand.
"They're still in my car." I wince. "I'm so sorry, Lita. I completely forgot."
"No worries. You're getting married in a few days. Honestly, I'm amazed you remember to put on your pants." She pauses, deadpan. "You didn't forget your pants today, did you?"
I laugh. "I'll bring the supplies to the center first thing tomorrow morning."
"You sure? I can meet you somewhere and grab them for you. I'm only a subway ride away."
"No, it's fine. There's too much for you to carry. I'll run them over to Chelsea first thing. I promise."
"You're a goddess. See you tomorrow."
The call ends, and a knot tightens behind my ribs. The art program matters to me. Those kids matter to me. But this is fixable. I'll take care of it tomorrow morning, before anything else on my list.
Serena and Clara help me out of the gown, carefully extricating me from the silk and lace. Sofia gingerly unfastens my necklace and places it back into the box Yuki holds. Then I duck into the fitting room and slip back into my cashmere sweater and tailored wool slacks.
When I emerge, Serena is waiting near her tablet. "I want to walk you through Saturday so there are no surprises."
I listen as she outlines the wedding day plan. The atelier team will arrive at the penthouse at seven. She'll be there personally, along with Yuki and Clara. I'll be dressed and ready by nine-thirty, with time for photographs before the ceremony.
"I'd like to be there as well."
Nadiyah's quiet voice cuts across the room. She's risen from her worktable, the veil draped carefully over one arm like something precious.
"I should be there to ensure the veil is perfect." Her dark eyes meet mine. "In case there are any last-minute adjustments."
The offer surprises me. She's been so reserved, so contained, I'd wondered if she even liked me at all, or if I was just anothercommission to complete. But this feels different. Personal somehow.
"I'd really appreciate that, Nadiyah. Thank you."
Serena nods at her employee, approving. "I'll add you to the day-of schedule."
Moments later, the receptionist appears at the entrance to the fitting area. "Avery? Mr. Baine is here for you."
"Thank you." Then I turn to Serena. "Well, this is it. Next time I see you is the big day."
"I'm honored to be part of it," she says, then draws me into a warm hug. "If you need anything before Saturday, anything at all, just call me."
"I will."
I offer brief goodbyes to the other women, then I head out to the lobby where Nick is waiting. When I reach him, his hand curves around my hip. "Everything go all right?"
The question is quiet, meant only for me. But I hear what's beneath it. The last time he came here, it was to drive me to the emergency room. I can see that memory in the tension at the corners of his eyes, the way he looks at me with solemn intent.
"Everything's perfect." I lean into him, savoring the solid heat of his body, his scent. His hand spreads wider against my hip, and I feel each finger like a separate point of contact, each one a quiet claim.
