Page 31 of Kiss the Bride

Cheri sipped water from a tumbler as the white curtain in the back of the room parted again, this time revealing a stunning ball gown. “I chose to go with a new take on a more traditional look for our final option. The square back enhances the sense of innocence and youth portrayed by this gown, while the pockets in this beautiful dress provide an unexpected functionality.” The owner snapped her fingers and grinned when the model on the dais rotated slowly, her hands disappearing into the folds of fabric.

Evelyn joined in the applause that followed. She didn’t know who was happier, Brianna or herself. She’d seen how the girl had straightened when the third model had walked into the room. Though she agreed with Cheri’s assessment that each gown was absolutely beautiful, only one had lit a spark in the bride’s eyes.

Meanwhile, Mildred Morrey tugged on one of Brianna’s arms. “I simply can’t wait to see you in that first gown. You’ll rock the mermaid look.”

“Oh, posh.” Opal slipped her hand over the girl’s. “The second one is my choice. You’ll look like a princess in that dress.”

Alicia turned to Jenny. The older woman’s stage whisper sounded over the thickly carpeted floors. “Which one do you think she should choose?”

“I’m not supposed to have a favorite.” Jenny folded her hands in her lap.

“But …” Alicia stared, insistent.

“But I’d have to say, I do love a dress with pockets.” The event planner flashed Evelyn a bright smile while titters of laughter rippled through the room.

“Brianna, dear,” Cheri said when the room quieted. “Feel like trying on a few dresses?”

Brianna went still as a statue. A statue with a deer-in-the-headlights stare that Evelyn recognized only too well. She scrambled to her feet and hustled to the bride’s side. “How about if I come with you?”

Brianna tipped tear-filled eyes to hers. “Would you?”

“Of course. What fun is trying on wedding gowns by yourself?” Grabbing two flutes of champagne from a server, she handed one to Brianna. “Come on. This’ll be fun.”

Brianna rose. “Y’all don’t drink all the champagne while I’m gone.” She laughed.

“No promises.” Mildred lifted her glass. One by one, the others followed suit in a toast to the bride-to-be.

They trailed Cheri to a dressing room painted the same soothing ecru as the walls in the viewing area. There, three gowns hung on satin-covered hangers along the wall.

“Which one do you want to try on first?” Evelyn asked when the bride-to-be hesitated.

“I guess we should take them in order,” Brianna said, while her focus remained on the final gown.

“You’re the bride. It’s your choice.”

Her voice firming, Brianna said, “In order, then.” She slipped out of a simple skirt and blouse. Rapidly, she stepped into the center of the puddle of organza and tulle Evelyn helped Cheri arrange for her. Together, they pulled the strapless gown into place. As Evelyn suspected, the gown slipped over Brianna’s thin frame like it’d been made for her.

Stepping back, Evelyn eyed the bride. Dampness stung her eyes. “Absolutely stunning,” she declared.

“Let’s go show the others.”

“I don’t know,” Brianna murmured. Staring at herself in the mirror, she raised her hands protectively across her chest. “There’s way more of me outside this dress than there is in it.”

“Wait a sec.” Cheri bustled about. “Let me see, let me see.” The shop owner tucked a piece of fabric here, pinned a bit there. In the end, the bodice rose an inch higher. “There.” The shop owner’s ruby-red lips widened. “That’s better. Hands at your sides now,” she said, demonstrating.

“If you say so.” Despite Cheri’s reassurances, Brianna’s shoulders slumped a bit.

“It’ll be fine,” Evelyn encouraged. “That gown is amazing on you.”

A hush fell over the room as Brianna emerged from the dressing area in front of Cheri and Evelyn. Her guests let out a collective “ohhh” when the bride-to-be stepped onto the dais.

“Oh, honey!” Mildred said, pressing a hand over her heart. “You look as pretty as, well, a bride.”

“Not quite,” a deeper voice responded. Stepping from behind a mannequin, the smartly dressed owner of Chantilly Veils crossed the room, his arms laden with gauzy fabric. He jogged up the stairs onto the dais. “My name’s Ames. Now, this gown is absolutely stunning, and you look just as gorgeous in it. My job is to make sure your veil doesn’t take away from the dress, but only complements it.”

He circled around to Brianna’s back. “Can you tip your head up for me, darlin’?” Doing as requested, Brianna stood stock-still while Ames fluttered and fussed. “There now. How’s that?” The man stepped to one side while Brianna swung to face the mirror.

Her lips parted in a real smile. “This is real pretty, Mr. Ames.” She fingered the sheer fabric that ended at her elbow.

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