Page 89 of Matteo

Once we’re in the car. I remember. “We need to stop at my bank so I can deposit a check from Rafe.”

Elizabeth’s eyes are wide. “Rafe gave you a check?”

“Yes, for one of my paintings. When he asked about buying it, he said one hundred. I thought he meant one hundred dollars. Some guy came to pick up the painting today to ensure it was properly wrapped for transportation. He brought a check for a hundred thousand dollars.” I’m still light-headed from all the compliments he gave me while he oversaw the packing of the canvas.

“Thank goodness. You had me worried about Rafe. He can get a little too involved in…things.”

I think of the money Rafe offered for me to walk away and chuckle. I’m not mad at him. He only did it because he cared about Matteo. In the end, his coming to me is how I found out Matteo loves me, so it was a good thing.

We’re at a small boutique that proclaims it specializes in dressing plus-size women. There’s a warning that it will be closed from the beginning of our appointment for three hours.

“She’s closing for me?” I gasp.

Elizabeth chuckles. “No, my dear, she’s closing for herself. Once it gets out that she made your wedding dress—she’s going to be booked solid for brides who will come from all over Texas.”

I blush as I open the door.

I’m only one step inside when a woman appears. Relief hits me that she’s also plus-size.

“Hi, I’m Rebecca. You must be Amy.” She offers her hand.

Hoping my hand isn’t as sweaty as I think it is. I take it. “Yes, and this is Elizabeth. Thank you for making my dress.”

Elizabeth shakes her hand and looks down at her with concern. “You will really be able to make a dress for her in only eight days?”

“I understand your concern, but I can do it. Your son is paying me enough to cover the expense of an employee going full time instead of only working weekends in order for me to focus on the dress.”

Over the next hour, we go over the things I don’t like in dresses because it’s easier than what I do like. I had to scan a few bridal magazines before things got clearer in my head. Since I hadn’t really thought of wedding dresses in a while.

She starts with a sketch and scans it into her computer. It looks like me, using my measurements, which she took after we got the introductions out of the way.

“Oh, I thought the skirt would be different.” I’m disappointed.

“That’s why I went with this program. I actually started as a seamstress and made a lot of clothes for women. They would come in with pictures of things they wanted, but once I made it—it didn’t look good on them like it did on the model. Sometimes, simple changes like fabric or even moving a hem make a huge difference. This has saved me so much time and clients money. Since I don’t have time to get this wrong or do more than a simple alternation, this is going to make it possible to get the dress finished and exactly what you want.”

A few more changes, and I finally love how I look in a dress on the screen.

I’m then told we’re also here to shop for a dress for an event at city hall. The Castillo Company finished an update there, and it will be the reopening ceremony.

It will be my introduction to the Dallas social scene. Elizabeth will be introducing me as Matteo’s fiancé.

“Matteo will be annoyed with me. I wanted to warn you, though, so you’ll be prepared.”

Under Elizabeth’s supervision, I tried on five dresses and three I liked and agreed to. I also found more clothes that I can’t put back. Rebecca made most of the clothes, and the ones that aren’t are well made and for rare big labels.

Once I’ve found what I like, Elizabeth informs me that I’m also here for a full wardrobe. Thankfully, Rebecca has a huge selection of clothes she selected based on what fits my petite body shape and flatters me the best. I’m overwhelmed by it all but also so excited by the idea of all the pretty clothes.

I’m not allowed to know the cost of everything as Rebecca informed me that Matteo has already given her his credit card and knew I would freak out over the cost.

As I’m in the dressing room trying on the beautiful dresses, all I can see is my long braid in the way. I decide it’s time and tell Elizabeth I’m ready to cut my hair.

Her eyes go wide, and after I assure her twice I’m positive it’s what I want, we arrive at the salon she goes to. While her normal stylist isn’t available, the owner is. I’m grateful for her patience as we discuss how different lengths will look.

I exhale and tell her to take me to an inch below my shoulders. Based on the stylist’s advice, it won’t be a huge change. It will still look long, but losing the weight of more than four inches will allow me to do more with it.

Once she’s done, I love it.

Elizabeth does, too, but warns me that Matteo might find it hard to love.

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