Page 103 of Awakening

“She’s going to rely on her incredibly persuasive and resourceful sister-in-law to save the day,” Vanessa says with a big smile as she returns to the table. “Camilla can see us if we go now. How are things here?”

“There was no availability until two weeks out, but Holly is on it,” I say with an actual sigh of relief.

“Do you need anything else from us right now?” Chloe asks Holly.

“No. Go, go. Find your dress.” She sighs and smiles dreamily. “An Alpha and Luna wedding. I’m so excited.”

“Thank you, Holly,” I say as we all take a final sip of our wine and head out the door.

Camilla is waiting for us when we arrive at her shop, looking chic as ever in fitted black dress pants and a low cut, fitted, black suit jacket. “Hello, my loves,” she says, hugging me, then Vanessa and Chloe. “I’m so excited to hear your news. Not so excited to hear your timeline. He’s an impatient one, that Alpha of yours,” she says as we all laugh.

“I’m so sorry for the short notice, Camilla. Is there any way you can help me?”

Vanessa gasps. “I think I see it,” she squeals, running to the other side of the store, and Chloe quickly follows her.

“I may have mentioned to Vanessa a little gem I happen to have in stock right now. It’s not one of my designs, but it’s a beautiful gown, and it would look divine on your figure.”

“I trust you completely, Camilla. I can’t wait to see it.”

“This way,” she says, leading me over to where Chloe and Vanessa are oohing and ahhing. “Girls, girls,” she says, shooing them away with her hands. “Let the bride see.”

They move aside to reveal a gorgeous, ivory, silk, sheath gown with a low cut square neckline and fully exposed back. “Please tell me that’s going to fit me because I’m already in love,” I say.

Camilla stands back and studies me from head to toe. “Hmm. I know it won’t be too small. You’re so thin, Olivia,” she says, raising an eyebrow at me. “Alterations I can do, though. Come with me. You need to try it on.” Camilla leads me to the dressing room. “Charlotte, pour our girls some champagne, please.”

“Of course,” Charlotte, her assistant, says.

In the dressing room, Charlotte brings me a glass of champagne, and I undress as I listen to Chloe and Vanessa explore the bridesmaid gown options. When I step into the gown, I get butterflies in my stomach, and I can’t hide my huge smile as Camilla zips up the back. It fits.

“It’s a little long, but I can fix that once you decide on your shoes. Shall we show the girls?”

“Yes!” Chloe and Vanessa both yell from outside the dressing room. Camilla slowly opens the door, swatting them away to give me space. They both gasp when I step out onto the riser, allowing the dress to fall to its appropriate length.

“Wow, so gorgeous, Liv,” Chloe says. “It’s simple and classy. I love it. You look beautiful.”

“Just stunning,” Vanessa agrees. “Now you need shoes and accessories.”

Camilla assists me with finding the perfect cathedral veil. It’s one sheer layer and has the tiniest of crystals adorning the entire surface so that it sparkles in the right lighting. She also helps me find shoes that will be a good height for my dress.

“Don’t buy jewelry,” Chloe says. “You know Ethan will buy you jewelry.”

Vanessa nods. “Totally. He’s probably making demands of someone to get just the right set as we speak,” she says, and we all laugh.

After I change my clothes, we crack open the second bottle of champagne and start looking for the bridesmaid dresses. I want to keep things simple and elegant, so Chloe and Vanessa choose a simple satin, asymmetrical shoulder, sheath dress in pale pink.

“Easiest bride ever,” Camilla says. “I’ll just put this on the Alpha’s account,” she says with a big smile and we all crack up laughing again. “Hmm. I’m thinking perhaps the champagne wasn’t such a good idea.”

“It’s fine. I’ll just call Ethan, and tell him we need a ride home,” I say with a giggle as I pull out my phone. He answers immediately after the first ring.

“Olivia? Where are you? What’s wrong?” he says with a clipped tone. That’s when I remember he’s probably still at the council meeting about Austin, but I’m too tipsy to let his sour mood drown my fun.

“I’m at Camilla’s with Chloe and Vanessa. We might have had just a teeny bit too much champagne and wine today,” I say with a muffled giggle.

“You’re drunk,” he says with a sigh.

“Maybe a little.” I hold my thumb and index finger together as the girls and I giggle.

Ethan

---