She laughs. “I loved your choices.”
She checks off some more on her list. “Tux is done, flowers, food is arranged, location is booked, music, reception.” She points at the one unchecked item on the list. “It looks like the dress is the only thing left for us to do.”
“Eleanor, thank you so much for doing this with me. You’ve been such a huge help. I would have been clueless.”
She shakes her head. “Nonsense, honey. You have no idea how much it means that you are letting me help. I should be thanking you.”
Eleanor is draped in diamonds, and every lock of hair is in place. She’s the epitome of style. But somehow she’s so down to earth and easy-going. I’m really looking forward to spending time with her today.
We start at the spa, and I’ve never been so relaxed and pampered in my life. They bring us a light lunch between massages and nails, and by the time we leave the spa, it feels like every tense muscle has eased. I can’t stop staring at my nails or looking at myself in the rearview mirror. I look happy, and I haven’t seen that look on my face in a very long time.
My phone dings. “Miss you.”
I smile at Cole’s text. He’s sent me messages throughout the day, and even though he hasn’t said I love you, I’ve felt it in his messages. I mean, he has to care for me, right? Or something close to love at least.
I text Cole back. “I miss you too. I can’t wait to see you tonight.”
I send the message and then pocket my phone.
Eleanor points at me. “You’re smiling. You’re happy. I like seeing it, Luna.”
My cheeks heat. “Me too.”
We arrive at the Wedding Boutique, and instantly they put a glass of champagne in my hand and lead me to the sofa.
Eleanor seems accustomed to this kind of treatment, but it’s still a shock to me. The salesladies bring out dress after dress, lining them up for my approval before adding the ones I like to the dressing room. Once we have a few selected, they escort me back, and I slip into the first gown.
It’s breathtaking.
I love it instantly.
But surely I can’t choose the first one.
I glance at the tag. Three thousand dollars.
My stomach drops. That’s too much. Way too much. I check the others, hoping to find something more reasonable, but they’re all the same price…or more.
I’m stepping out of the dressing room to talk to Eleanor when something catches my eye through the open back door. A small cat sits in the alley beyond it, pawing at what looks like discarded food.
Without thinking, I lift the hem of the dress and step outside.
I crouch, speaking softly to the cat, hoping it won’t run, when someone shouts, “Grab her.”
I barely have time to lift my head before arms wrap around my waist. I scream as I’m dragged toward a parked car. Another man stands by the open trunk.
The world tilts.
I’m thrown inside.
Pain explodes through my ribs as I land on something and the lid slams shut, cutting off my scream. Seconds later, the engineroars to life. I’m tossed from side to side as the car speeds away, metal vibrating around me.
My hands fly to my pockets in search of my phone, but then I remember I’m in the wedding dress.
I left my phone in the bridal shop.
I force myself to breathe, but panic claws at my chest. Cole’s words from this morning echo in my head. He warned me. He told me I needed to be careful, and he was right.
Eventually the car slows and stops.
