Page 30 of Kiss the Bride

“Thanks. I …” Brianna checked her watch. “We’ve been gone too long, haven’t we? People are going to wonder what happened to us.”

“The dress shop isn’t going anywhere.” The tension eased from Evelyn’s shoulders. She’d been prepared to cancel the day’s activities if need be, but it looked like Brianna had pulled herself together. She eyed the bride-to-be’s tear-streaked face. Uh-oh. “We, um, might need to do some damage repair.”

“Oh, gosh, I must look a fright.” Panic flickered in Brianna’s eyes.

“Here.” Reaching into her purse, she pulled out the small makeup bag she carried just for such emergencies. “You’re not the first bride to ever have a meltdown. I doubt you’ll be the last.”

“And here I thought I was so special.” Brianna paired the quip with a watery grin. “Thanks,” she said, pulling open the little bag and looking inside. “You’ve thought of everything. You’re a lifesaver.”

“Nothing to it.” She shrugged. With Brianna’s fine complexion, the young woman needed little more than a bit of powder and a mascara touch-up.

Sure enough, when the driver braked to a smooth stop in front of Dress For A Day fifteen minutes later, no one looking at the bride-to-be would ever suspect she’d been on a crying jag.

“Whoa!” Brianna’s eyes widened as she stepped from the car. She rubbed her hands together. “This is beautiful. Truly.”

The brick building sat all by itself on the corner of Boston Neck and Boutonniere Drive. Tall display windows on either side of the door featured full-size mannequins in stunning dresses. Brianna wandered closer for a better look at a princess-style gown accented by a blue sash. “That’s gorgeous, isn’t it? I’m not sure about the belt, but I love that sweetheart neckline.”

“It is pretty,” Evelyn agreed. She stepped under a dark pink awning and grasped the brass door handle. “I’ll bet there are even more beautiful dresses inside.

Are you ready?”

“Ready!” When the bride-to-be’s lip trembled, Evelyn inhaled a deep breath and prayed the girl would appreciate that she’d called for reinforcements. Holding the door, she stepped aside to let the bride pass. To her credit, Brianna walked straight into the salon.

A diminutive woman in black greeted her with a cheery, “Hello, Brianna! I’m Cheri Clark, the owner, and this is Dress For A Day.” With an expansive sweep of her hand, Cheri indicated the roomy salon. Couches and chairs clustered around separate viewing areas. Each featured its own floor-to-ceiling mirror and raised platform.

Evelyn smiled at Brianna’s awed reaction to the beautiful gowns that hung in deep alcoves. Leaving her charge and the owner to get acquainted, she drank in the ambience created by cream-colored walls and burgundy accents. Not a trace of roses drifted in the air, and she nodded her approval at the honey and vanilla that scented the room.

Her attention returned to Cheri, who was saying, “It’s such an honor to have you visit my salon. In a few minutes, I’ll show you the three stunning gowns I personally selected for you to wear on your wedding day. But first, a few of Heart’s Landing’s most upstanding citizens have asked if they could join you.” At a whispered “Ladies,” more women than Evelyn had expected flocked toward the bride-to-be.

“I’m Mildred.” The florist leaned in for a quick hug. “We met yesterday at the train station, but there were so many people there, you couldn’t possibly remember all of us. This is my friend Opal Burnett,” she said as a petite woman with a towering hairdo stepped forward. “She owns The Glass Slipper.”

As soon as those two moved aside, others took their place. For the next few minutes, the women of Heart’s Landing came forward armed with their warmest wishes, broad smiles and gentle squeezes. The line moved quickly until, finally, Alicia and Jenny reached the bride.

Alicia inclined her head. “Honey, we know how much it means to be surrounded by loved ones on an important day like this. Since your family couldn’t be here, we hope you’ll let us fill in. We promise to tell you that you look divine in any one of these gowns. And if there’s anything you want—anything at all—one of us will get it for you.”

Tears once again welled in Brianna’s eyes, but this time her mouth curved into a brilliant smile. “Thank you. Thank you all. I have to admit, I’ve been missing my mama a little more than I thought I would today. Having you all here, well, it’s a little like having her here with me.”

“All right then, ladies,” Cheri said. “I have one request before we begin—let’s all put away our cell phones. We don’t want any pictures to ruin Daniel’s surprise when he sees his beautiful bride walk down the aisle in her wedding gown.”

A few good-natured grumbles followed as cameras and cell phones slid out of sight.

Next, Cheri nodded to the largest of the viewing areas. “If you’ll all take your seats with Brianna on the sofas, we’ll get this party started.”

There was a slight juggling for position before, with Alicia on one side and Mildred on the other, Brianna sat on the center sofa. The rest arrayed themselves around her. They’d barely gotten settled when, wearing a black skirt and white blouse, a young woman emerged from the back, carrying a tray of champagne flutes. The next server carried a tray of dainty cookies and petit fours. After everyone helped themselves from the offerings, Cheri clapped her hands.

“Brianna, dear. Today, I have three gowns for you to choose from, each lovelier than the next. Thanks to the wonderful people at Weddings Today, who supplied us with all the pertinent information, each dress is perfectly suited for a woman of your height and build. No matter which one you choose, you have my personal guarantee your dress will fit you perfectly on your wedding day. So, are you ready?”

The moment Brianna bobbed her head, Cheri stepped behind a narrow podium. An approving chorus rose from the women as the first model stepped from behind a curtain onto a burgundy runner that led to the dais.

“Your first choice is a Sophie Olsen original. This stunning gown features a romantic V neckline delicately trimmed in pearls and crystals.” Cheri spun her finger in a circle, and the model turned. “Frosted embroidery graces the layers of tulle and organza that form a mermaid silhouette.”

Evelyn gulped. The gown had to cost a king’s ransom. She had to admit, though, on the right bride, it would be worth the cost.

As the first model stepped from the dais, a second emerged from the back of the building. This one wore a slightly less fitted dress with cap sleeves.

“Donna Marsha designed this fairytale-inspired gown, which hugs the upper body before flaring out at the waist,” Cheri said to a chorus of happy murmurs. “Crafted from the finest of materials, the dress is adorned with delicate lace at the bodice and along the skirt.”

From her seat at the end of the banquette, Evelyn studied Brianna’s face. Judging from the slight tension along her jaw, the bride hadn’t been thrilled by either of the first two options. She crossed her fingers and sent up a silent prayer. Please let this final choice be the one.

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