Page 64 of Offside Bride

“Have fun shopping, love,” he murmurs. “I can’t wait to see you tonight.”

And just like that, he’s gone, leaving me flustered and tingling all over.

A few hours later, we’re in the bustling heart of Toronto’s Eaton Centre, surrounded by a whirlwind of shopping bags and chatter.

Emily, Siobhan, and I are taking turns pushing Jessica’s stroller, cooing over little Brylee.

“Thanks again for inviting me, Maggie,” Jessica gushes. “It’s so nice to get out of the house and make new friends.”

I smile, genuinely happy to see her beaming. “Of course! We’re glad you could come.”

As we pass by a children’s clothing store, Emily lets out a dramatic sigh. “Oh my gosh, look at those tiny shoes! I think I’m getting baby fever.”

“Me too,” Siobhan agrees, her eyes sparkling. “Those little onesies are just too cute.”

I find myself nodding along, a strange longing tugging at my heart. What is happening to me?

Before I can dwell on it, Emily grabs my arm and drags me into a high-end boutique. “Come on, girlie. We’re going in here.”

“Wait, what?” I protest as she starts piling designer dresses and outfits into my arms.

“No, no. We’re here for Siobhan—” I start, but she shushes me.

Siobhan laughs. “Oh, this was all Sawyer’s idea. He knew you wouldn’t come otherwise.”

I look to Emily who seems to be in on it. “You too?”

Emily snickers. “Just go with it. Oooh, look at this halter jumpsuit. Add to cart.”

“He says to get anything you want,” says Siobhan. “And even more stuff you don’t want.”

All I can think of is how I’ll fit it all in my suitcase when I move out. I hate that my mind goes there immediately.

A sleek saleswoman materializes out of thin air, whisking the clothes from my arms. “Let me start a dressing room for you,” she chirps.

Suddenly, I’m whisked away to a plush fitting room. What follows is a craze of fabric, zippers, and Emily’s excited squeals. I feel like Julia Roberts inPretty Woman, emerging from the dressing room in outfit after outfit, each more glamorous than the last.

“Oh wow, Maggie!” Siobhan gasps as I step out in a slinky black dress. “You look simply stunning!”

Jessica nods enthusiastically. “Like a supermodel!”

I blush, unused to all the attention. “I don’t know…”

“We’ll take it,” Siobhan declares, whipping out Sawyer’s sleek black credit card.

“Siobhan, no!” I protest. “That’s way too expensive!”

She waves me off. “Sawyer made me promise to spoil you like he would if he were here. His words, not mine.”

“But—”

“No buts,” she insists, handing the card to the beaming sales lady. “Big brother’s orders.”

I watch, helpless, as Siobhan makes purchase decisions left and right. Meanwhile, Jessica and Emily are chatting away like old friends, cooing over the baby and swapping stories, all while pulling clothes off the rack with abandon. I’m shuffled back intothe dressing room, Emily passing me a pleated silk midi dress. “Try this one on!”

Then I spot her sneaking in some lacy lingerie to the pile of purchases, winking at me suggestively.

Siobhan, armed with Sawyer’s credit card, is on a mission. “We’ll take that one, and that one, and definitely that cashmere sweater,” she instructs the saleswoman.

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