Chapter 45
Sky
The sliding doors open.
Finally!
With great anticipation, I walk toward Aurora, who is just leaving the airport's security area. "You made it!"
Aurora spreads her arms. "No,youmade it."
I did. My design is actually in the final selection. I've known it since yesterday, but I still haven't fully grasped it.
I sink into our embrace. I didn't realize how much I missed her over the past few months. Even though we've been talking on the phone, having her here with me is something entirely different.
"Thank you for coming," I murmur into her long hair.
She holds me tightly. "After what you've told me? How could I have stayed in Paris?"
I pull away from her and look at her intently. "The plan is crazy, isn't it?"
"Totally insane," she replies with a grin.
"And pretty big." And exciting. And frightening. And absolutely beautiful. And just everything.
"I can't wait to see the dress." Aurora's eyes light up. She grabs her suitcase, and we walk together to the rental car.
On the way to Öland, we chat about everything that has happened in the past few months. I hear about her wedding preparations and how she and Maxime are considering leaving Paris to live in Tuscany.
"A new life begins," I say wistfully as we reach Öland.
Aurora looks around curiously, and I see her smiling appreciatively out of the corner of my eye. "For both of us."
"That would be a dream." My heart grows heavy, overwhelmed by my longing for Kjell.
With thoughts of him and what I hope for us, I park in front of the holiday home a little while later.
"It's quite comfy here," Aurora comments enthusiastically as we enter, her gaze roaming around before immediately settling on my design hanging next to the fireplace. "Is that it?"
Filled with pride, I nod.Idesigned and sewed this dress. It's a part of me. "What do you think?"
She taps her chin thoughtfully, then her mouth quirks up mischievously. "I can only evaluate that properly when it's worn."
"Try it on," I reply, well aware she didn't mean it that way. Ever since she found out I used to model, she insists on seeing me in action. "I'll put the kettle on in the meantime."
Shaking her head, she takes the dress hanger from me and hands it back. "I'll make the tea," she says with a wink, heading for the kitchen.
A few minutes later, I tiptoe through the spacious living room. The doupion silk clings to my body, and the one-sided chiffon drape gently flutters behind me.
Aurora stares at me with her mouth half open. I perform a spin and end up in a cool pose, positioning one leg so that the side slit reveals a glimpse of my thigh.
"Bam!" she exclaims enthusiastically.
Inevitably, my cheeks start to glow. The fact that she's speechless is the best compliment ever.
The opportunity is alive.
That's fantastic, even though that's not really what it's about. Whether my design wins or not doesn't matter. Kjell matters.
