“It’s for me too, Mother,” I said. “Brad finally proposed.”
“Brad?”
“Yes.” I set my things on a table. “Brad.”
“And you actually told him yes?” She glanced at my left hand. “Better yet, where’s the ring?”
“He’s having it resized,” I said. “It’s the exact style that I’ve had in my scrapbook for years.”
“Oh. Well, yay.” She frowned. “Given how long he stretches things out, I assume your wedding will be in ten years.”
“Okay, enough.” I gave up the ruse. “I’m just here to assist Michelle.”
Her face lit up. “Perfect! I’ll go double-check the parlor to make sure everything is perfect.”
She rushed up the grand staircase, and I walked down the hall—running my hand along a collection of feathered dresses.
By the time I’d wandered through the satin and tulle collections, I realized that Michelle still wasn’t here.
None of the bridesmaids are here either…
Confused, I took out my phone and saw that I’d missed three calls and several of her texts.
Michelle
OMG pick up.
So sorry.
Terrible service and traffic :-(
Please don’t let your family hate me…
I immediately called her.
“Oh, thank God!” she answered. “I think I might have to reschedule my appointment at your mom’s shop.”
“You’re still in traffic?”
“Something like that…”
“What about the bridesmaids?” I asked. “Are they with you?”
“Yeah, we all grabbed brunch across the bridge thinking it wouldn’t be a big deal but, there’s no way we can make it there before rush hour. Please tell your mom I’m sorry, but—” She paused and sucked in a breath. “You and I wear the same size. You should try the dresses on for me and video-call me with each one!”
“No.” I shook my head. “We can just reschedule your appointment.”
“Oh, come on! It would save me some serious time,” she said. “I can narrow down my options, suggest adjustments, and then when I come in, I’m just picking a wedding, reception, and post-reception dress.”
“You wantthreecustom dresses?”
“I really want five—two as backups, but I’m willing to settle for three.”
“Goodbye, Michelle.”
“Are you staying to try on the dresses for me or not?”
“Let me think about it.” I hung up and swallowed a pent-up scream.
