She turned to look at herself in the mirror. Her eyes grew wide. “I look pretty.”
“You are pretty.”
The floorlength gown had a high neckline, fitted tight to her waist and flowed delicately down.
Grace went to stand by Natalie, tweaking the gown and veil. “This gown is made from crepe satin, it’s elegant, it’s mature. The back has an oval cutout, detailed with French Chantilly lace. It shows enough to make your husband pay attention but the high neckline, long sleeves and lace cuffs give you the modesty you wanted. The veil is hemmed with matching lace, perfect for a church wedding.”
Natalie stared at herself, entranced with her own reflection. “I-I-You’re really good at your job.”
Grace laughed out loud. “Thank you. Speaking of someone being good at their job. I’ve been trying to persuade Lola that she should consider making floral sculptures for weddings. What do you th?—”
“Oh, would you make one for me?” Natalie cut her off, spinning to face me. With a venue, dress and wedding planner in place, my sister seemed to be throwing herself into her dream wedding now it finally seemed to be a reality and not just a fantasy.
“Of course. Give me some time to come up with ideas and?—”
“I want swans!”
Grace and I glanced at each other. “Swans?”
“Two! With a little one as well because…Ryan.”
“Have you been thinking about this?” I narrowed my eyes at her and Natalie looked sheepish.
“I had thought about asking you but I didn’t want to be presumptuous.”
I shook my head at her. My sister would feel guilty accepting medicine from a doctor.
“If you want swans, swans you shall have.”
“Excellent!” Grace clapped her hands together and turned those grey eyes on me. “Now, let's dress the bridesmaid.”
Twenty-Seven
It was dark by the time I arrived back at the house. I carried my garment bag up the front steps, waving off Maia as she tried to help. She’d accompanied me on my outing today but flatly refused to come inside stating that it was too intimate of an event for her to be there. It was easy to forget that her and Natalie didn’t really know each other.
I’d hugged an ecstatic Natalie goodbye before leaving her at the train station. Her cheeks were flushed and she hadn’t been able to stop smiling. Neither could I.
Today had been the palate cleanser I needed after the Carolyn/John/Julia drama of the last few weeks. My sister was happy but more than that, I had hopes that Alfie might finally get to have a healthy relationship with a family member. Grace was none of what I’d expected and I couldn’t understand how such a grounded person had come out of such an unhinged environment.
My bridesmaid dress was a soft blue. Alfie was going to love it but I decided to save it for the big day so I could surprise him. I trotted upstairs to put my bags away but stopped off at his office first. I found him in there with Elliot.
“Look! I went shopping! Or rather, your sister gave me free stuff.” Grace had tried to ply me with shoes and jewellery too but I knew that I already had more than enough in the closet Alfie had provided.
“Can we eat soon?” I asked. “I'm starving.” I was met with silence. My good mood started to evaporate as the two men shared a look, the brows knitted, mouths set in grim lines.
“I’ll step out.” Elliot stood to leave.
“No. Stay,” Alfie said and Elliot returned to his seat as commanded.
“What’s going on?” I asked with a sinking feeling.
“I’ve done as you asked, Miss. I’ve looked into your fathers background more extensively.” He glanced at Alfie. It scared the shit out of me that badass Elliot looked nervous.
“Come,” Alfie said and as always, I obeyed. I left my bags and my good mood behind and sank into the chair next to him.
Alfie’s hand never left mine as Elliot showed me all the evidence he’d gathered. My father had been involved in gang activity since he was a teenager. It started with illegal gambling, bare knuckle boxing, upgrading to drug trafficking when he hit his twenties. This wasn’t a matter of public record, he’d never done time for it. I didn’t want to know how Elliot had found all this out.
“He was doing all this when he had Natalie?” I asked Elliot.
