Page 12 of I'd Never Date my Best Friend's Brother

I walk over to my best friend and put my arm around her shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

“The wedding is getting really close, Evie. What if I can’t find a dress that Sean will love?” The worry in her voice is evident, and I feel my chest warm from her concern for my brother’s happiness.

“Jessica.” I pull her closer, giving her a big squeeze. “My brother adores you. He’s going to love how you look in whatever dress you choose. Don’t worry about Sean.”

“Really?” Her uncertain eyes find mine.

“Really! In fact, Sean would do anything for you. If that meant having a gown made from scratch, he would find someone to get it done in the time needed.” Her lips lift at the corner. “Now, let’s go find your gown!”

The tension about what’s happening with Jamie falls from my body as I focus on Jessica and her wedding day. I beam a real smile at my best friend for the first time in days, and the tightness in my chest loosens.

The bell from the shop door chimes as we walk in the entrance. “Oh, Penny,” my mother sighs. “You look beautiful. That color is perfect and the dress is breathtaking on you.”

I look up to see Penny standing on the pedestal with her head turned over her shoulder and a smile on her face. She turns back to the mirror just as we step behind her.

I can see Jessica clapping her hands excitedly out of the corner of my eye, and I shake my head. I love this version of my best friend, but it’s still something I’m not used to.

“Evie, go put yours on!” Jessica demands.

“It’s hanging in the dressing room for you.” Madelyn, the shop owner, points to the open dressing room door.

“Thank you.” I take my coat off and place it in Madelyn’s outstretched arms. I smile as I walk to the dressing room and pull the door closed, running my hand over the satin material as I do.

Jessica picked out a vibrant evergreen color for our dresses. Being that the theme is Christmas, she almost chose red, but when she saw the green, she fell in love. The color is perfect for Penny, with her light coloring and strawberry blond hair.

The dress itself is simple, with an A-line cut and a halter-style top. At first, I was concerned about the lack of sleeves for winter, but Madelyn convinced us that the perfect addition would be a fur stole in the same color as the dress. Faux, of course. I wasn’t convinced until I saw it on, and once I did, I immediately fell in love.

I turn to look at myself in the mirror and take a deep look into my blue eyes. Somehow, this color makes my eyes pop. Yeah, I know it shouldn’t, but it does.

“Evie, I want to see,” Jessica orders, her voice impatient like a child who’s been kept waiting too long to open her birthday presents.

I open the door and walk out with a smile on my face.

“Oh, Evie.” My mom covers her mouth, and her eyes get glassy.

I look at Lenny, Jessica, and Penny through the mirror, and my heart warms at the looks on their faces.

I look at myself in the mirror as I step on the pedestal. Madelyn comes over and inspects me to make sure the fit is right.

“Perfect.” She claps her hands and smiles.

“So perfect,” Jessica giggles, bouncing on her toes. I can’t with how cute she is right now and press my lips together to keep from laughing at her.

“Yay!” I clap my hands and then meet Jessica’s gaze in the mirror. “Now it’s your turn. Just let me and Penny change.”

Once back in my clothes, I take a seat on the couch next to my mother. She puts her arm around my shoulder and smiles at me. She leans in to give me a kiss on the cheek before whispering in my ear, “Whatever is going on, Evie, it will all work out.”

I meet her gaze with a weak smile on my face. “I know, Mom. Thank you.”

Just then, Jessica comes out in a beautiful cream-colored gown. The ballgown style makes her look like a princess with a full tulle skirt that seems to float just above the ground. The lace that covers her arms and neck over the bateau neckline is an intricate styling of what looks like berries. Perfect for a winter-themed wedding. Madelyn walks over and puts on the final touch: a faux fur stole.

We all gasp. Lenny covers her mouth with one hand while putting the other over her heart as a tear slips from her eye.

My mother is in almost the exact same position.

“Jessica,” her mom finally speaks. “You look stunning.”

Jess smiles, steps on the pedestal, and looks in the mirror. Her mouth drops open, and her eyes get glassy.

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