Page 18 of Game Day

I look between the dresses and see one I haven't tried yet.

This gown is fitted across the top, with sheer panels and beaded ones in white and pale silver. The skirt flares out in cascading waves of taffeta.

It’s definitely not subtle, but it is breathtaking.

The attendant helps me into it, the fabric hugging my curves in a way that makes me want to sigh.

Minutes later, I'm stepping onto the pedestal and meeting my eyes in the mirror.

My heart starts to hammer as I take in the woman before me. She’s shimmery, elegant, and beaming.

I feel like a fairy princess.

I’m marrying the man of my dreams, so maybe it’s right that my gown would be straight out of a fairytale.

"Whatever you're going to say," I caution, "I really like this one so…"

When I turn, Brooke's palm is pressed to her mouth and Mari's eyes are damp.

"Good," Mari responds, her lips curving.

Brooke nods with a little laugh. "It's beautiful."

My chest fills with anticipation and delight. I love the gown—since laying eyes on it, I can’t stop imagining walking down the aisle in such a dreamy dress—but I’m thrilled they adore it too.

"We'd need to make a few alterations to the length," the attendant says. "When do you need it?"

"This weekend."

Mari intervenes, holding out a credit card. "Whatever it takes."

Brooke nods. "This wedding will be the best publicity you get all year."

Clay: Find a dress?

Nova: Maybe

Clay: Don’t even think of paying for it yourself. Whatever my wife wants, she gets.

My stomach does the little dance it always does when Clay says something sweet that also makes me want to climb him like a tree.

When I look up, Mari and Brooke are arguing over veils.

It feels good to be this loved.

I think.

* * *

I pay for the dress with Clay’s black card, and the three of us head outside into the fall sunlight.

"We need to celebrate," Mari decides.

"With bubbly," Brooke jumps in.

"I want to be home for a delivery,” I say. Clay’s shoes are supposed to be arriving from Italy. “We have champagne there?"

The girls agree.

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