Page 3

“Well, when you put it that way.” Briar laughs, threading her arm through mine and leading me back to see my custom wedding gown for the first time.

“Are you ready to see it?” Camilla asks, her excitement contagious.

“I can’t wait.” With such short notice, there wasn’t time for a completely new design, but I’ll be wearing a customized gown from Camilla’s Enchanted line. And this is my first time seeing it in person.

My fiancé, Henry, was adamant that I have something new rather than secondhand, which ruled out my mom’s dress. So, Camilla had an idea to add some lace details reminiscent of the one I grew up envying, combining my whimsy with Henry’s modern style.

“But the real question is, will Henry approve?” my cousin Briar, who isn’t a fan of my husband-to-be, asks as we walk through the familiar house.

“I’m sure he’ll love it.” I hope so because it’s the only part of the process so far he’s even bothered to comment on. More like put his foot down.

What was once the breakfast nook now serves as an intimate viewing parlor with a dressing area and powder room off to the side. The bay window is perfect for the three massive floor-length gilded mirrors that frame a wooden pedestal.

“Oh, you guys! It’s incredible!” I haven’t even seen the dress yet, but the space they’ve created in Blushing House—what used to be their grandmother Opal’s house—is breathtaking.

Ornate velvet fainting sofas in various shades of pink line the space, creating a perfect viewing area, soft sheer fabric covers the windows for privacy, and alternating floral patterns add depth to the cozy space.

“It can only accommodate one bridal party at a time,” Camilla explains, “but it’s more personal this way. Less commercial.”

“It’s genius and gorgeous, and I’m so jealous! Maybe I’ll come set up shop here with you.” This place is a bride’s dream.

“You’re always welcome, you know that.” Briar stands next to me, putting her arm around my shoulders with a gentle squeeze. “You know how much Gram loved you.”

“And I loved her. She would be so proud of you guys.” As if on cue, our cousins Charlotte and Magnolia come rushing in.

“Whew, I thought for sure we were going to be late because this one here had to stop and get an iced lavender tea.” Charlotte throws her thumb at her baby sister, who’s not so little anymore.

The flower girl grew up to be the most sought-after florist in the area. And her sister has been featured on Cake Network for her confection perfection. I guess they learned from the best because their grandmother Opal had a green thumb and a knack for baking. Then again, there wasn’t much that she couldn’t do. My granny always teased that she got all the good looks and my aunt Opal got all the talent.

They’re really building something incredible here: Charlotte with her bakery right next door, Magnolia with her floral shop in the greenhouse out back, and Briar’s photography studio upstairs. But the dress shop is the heart of the one-stop wedding shop.

Camilla catches my attention, removing a pale pink garment bag to reveal a long white satin strapless masterpiece, with delicate lace detailing along the train and beading tracing the corset-style top.

“Oh, wow—it’s stunning.” A wave of emotion crashes over me, catching me off guard as I step forward, reaching out, the fabric silky beneath my featherlight touch.

One minute, it’s on the hanger, and the next, it’s hugging my body. Standing on the pedestal, I feel like a princess, my arms resting on my sides as I look at myself from head to two in the beveled glass. Camilla moves around me, pinning and adjusting the hem.

“It’s a little longer since you’re not wearing heels now. I just need to mark this hem.” Camilla smiles at me in the mirror.

“Wait, you’re not?” Briar speaks up. “What about those stunning blue-bottom Betsey shoes you showed me? The vintage-looking ones with the brooch?”

“Well, when I wear heels, I’m almost taller than Henry.” I shrug. “He thinks it won’t look good in the photos.”

“What a waste of perfectly good shoes, thanks to short man syndrome,” Briar replies with a giggle.

“All that’s missing is your veil,” Charlotte comments, changing the subject, always the peacekeeper.

“Your something old,” Magnolia adds.

“I was rushing and left it behind. Granny was cleaning it for me.” I take a deep breath, trying to control the conflicting emotions swirling within me. “I wish my mom were here.” It slips out, but I’m caught between the sadness of the past and my future happiness. When I pictured my wedding, I never imagined she wouldn’t be here for this.

Briar, suddenly at a loss for words, dabs the corner of her eyes, although she would never admit it.

“She would be so happy for you.” Charlotte’s voice breaks through the silence, her eyes shining with pride.

I force a smile, my fingers tracing the intricate beaded detailing along the bodice. “It’s just… different than I imagined,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

Briar steps forward, hand resting gently on my bare shoulder. “Different how?”