I unzipped the garment bag to reveal a sparkly gold dress. The sequins reflected the light, making the dress sparkle. Willa was smiling so big I was afraid it would be permanent.
“Really? This is what you chose for your bridesmaid’s dresses?” I asked, holding it up, amazed one garment could so closely resemble a disco ball.
“You knew this was going to happen.”
I did know. And I guess it taught me a valuable lesson to not make declarations after I had a few drinks.
“I was drunk when I said that I would only let you get married if I could wear a sparkly gold dress and be your bridesmaid.”
“You’re my maid of honor. And I know you want to wear that dress, so shut up and put it on.”
“I’m your maid of honor?” I stared at her, the tears welling up again.
“No, no, no, no, think of the chocolate cake.”
“You’re right. Of course. I’ll stop.” I waved my hand in front of my face and when that didn’t work I pinched my side. I yelped but thankfully stopped the tears from falling. I took off my clothes and slipped into the form-fitting dress. A look in the mirror confirmed it. The dress was exactly what I thought it would be. Way over the top for a wedding, especially as a bridesmaid’s dress, but I loved the way it hugged my body in all the right places and the gold sequins reflected the light just right.
Willa looked me up and down and nodded. “Just like I thought. You are a shit friend, after all. Can’t even look bad when I make you squeeze into a disco ball. You could have at least tried for my wedding. I’m the bride after all.”
I shook my head and blew her a kiss. “We both know I look more Vegas showgirl than elegant bridesmaid. And nobody could upstage you on your own wedding day.” I pointed to her wedding dress. “Ready to put this on?”
“Absolutely. I can’t believe this day is really happening. I’m so happy, Stella, I could burst. I’m marrying the man of my dreams, and I didn’t even have to drug him to get here.”
“Is your dad coming?” I asked, hoping that wouldn’t destroy the happy bubble she was floating in.
She looked at the floor. “He’s back in rehab. But I didn’t want to wait to do this and neither did Jameson. Everyone that means something to Jameson and me is here today. And Maisie promised she would show up as well,” Willa said and stripped down to her underwear and strapless bra.
“Don’t make me cry again,” I warned and pulled her wedding dress out of the garment bag. I helped her pull it over her head and tuck it in place. Lacing it up took forever, and I cursed the whole time. But once I was done, I admitted it was worth the sweat because it looked amazing.
The dress was fitted around the bodice and had cap sleeves. Tiny butterflies sown out of beads were all over the skirt. You could only tell what they were if you looked closely. She looked beautiful and so incredibly happy, she was glowing.
“Willa,” I gasped. “This dress was made for you.”
She blew me a kiss and grinned. “It was my grandma’s who passed it on to my mom. Rayna kept it and gave it to me when she found out I got engaged. I got it altered to fit me, but otherwise it’s pretty much the same dress.”
“This is going to be the perfect wedding. I’m so happy I get to be here with you.”
We hugged and now it was Willa’s turn for a few tears. There was a knock on the door and Rayna popped her head in. Her eyes went wide when she saw Willa.
“Oh my God, you look gorgeous.”
Willa twirled, then she twirled again for good measure. “It only needed a few alterations.”
“They’re almost ready for you,” Rayna said. She went over to Willa and took her hands. “I’m so proud of you, baby girl.”
There was another knock on the door and Maisie’s head appeared. “I’m so fucking sorry I’m late.”
Willa waved her in. “You just made it.”
“What is going on?” Maisie asked and did a double take when she saw Willa. “Are you getting married?”
I handed a gaping Maisie the remaining garment bag and she took it without looking, her eyes stuck on Willa.
“Surprise,” Willa said and did another little twirl. “Now get dressed so we can get this show on the road.”
Maisie stripped out of her clothes and squeezed herself into the gold dress. I had to give her credit for not saying a word or pulling a face when she saw it.
Maisie was a fashion designer and obsessed with matching her outfits down to the last detail. A gold dress would not make it on her top one hundred.
