Jen sets her phone down. "Here’s the thing—both dresses would make you look incredible. The first one is the traditional choice, the one you'd expect at a wedding, and it would definitely make an impact. But that second one? It’s all about you. It’s more relaxed, which means you'll feel more like yourself. Plus, it’ll transition well from ceremony to reception without a hitch."
Elle looks at me, biting her lip. "I keep going back and forth. I can imagine myself walking down the aisle in both."
I lean in, giving her hand a squeeze. "You could wear a paper bag and still take my breath away. Whatever you choose, it’ll be perfect."
Jen smiles. "That’s true. But if you want my honest opinion, go with the one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. This day is for you and Cal, not for anyone else. If you feel comfortable and happy, it’ll show."
Elle looks at both of us, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Alright, I think I’ve made up my mind."
Jen chuckles. "It always helps to talk it through. I won't check it off until you confirm your decision."
***
"That was so much fun!" Elle exclaims, flopping onto the couch beside me. I throw an arm over the backrest, feeling her warm body relax next to mine.
"What was your favorite part?" she asks, glancing at me, her eyes bright.
"Tasting the chocolate cake on your lips," I whisper, lifting my hand to the crook of her neck, my thumb brushing lightly against her skin.
"I like that answer," she teases, her voice soft and amused, though there's a flicker of something deeper in her gaze.
I lean in, brushing my lips against her ear. "I can't wait to marry you," I say quietly, my voice full of meaning.
I kiss her, the hint of fresh strawberries still lingering on her lips. I pull away briefly and smile.
"What is it?" she asks, brushing her lips against mine.
I grin. "I just realized... this is the first memory we're making together on the new sofa."
"I like it," she replies, patting the throw pillow next to her. "The fact that I’ve only sat on it a few times since you got it tells me you spend a lot more time at my place than I do at yours. We've made plenty of memories there."
I chuckle, "Well, then," I murmur, my voice low. "I’m going to make sure this is a moment you’ll never forget."
I pull her closer, my breath brushing lightly against her skin before I claim her mouth, tasting the sweetness of her lips as I deepen the kiss until I feel her melt into me. This time, we don’t rush, we don’t hold back. We just let go and fall completely into each other, the world outside fading as we savor the closeness, the intensity, and the love that’s been growing between us since the day we met.
Chapter 33
Danielle
I open the door slowly and slip inside, hoping I don't wake Tina. I remove my shoes at the door, making my way across the living room with as little sound as possible. When the kitchen light flicks on, I freeze, nearly jumping out of my skin.
Tina's sitting on a stool, sipping a cup of tea, her eyebrow raised in that unmistakable 'What have you been up to?' way. She doesn't even have to speak; her look says it all.
"You're late," she says, her eyes sweeping over me like she’s an investigator searching for clues.
"Since when do I have a curfew, Mom?" I say, feeling oddly exposed. "Stop looking at me like that."
"I'm checking to see if you’re wearing any of your clothes backwards or inside out."
I roll my eyes and give her a little twirl. "I'm a grown woman, in case you can't tell."
Tina squints at me. "The only thing I can tell is that you look like the cat that ate the canary."
"Do I?" I ask, shooting her a coy smile.
"Elle, you didn’t!" she exclaims, her eyes wide with mock surprise.
"I don’t kiss and tell," I say, fighting the urge to tell her everything.
