“Oh, no. I could have helped,” Holly said. “Or I could have gotten Nick.”
“No, no. I just need to catch my breath.”
“Well, you didn’t have to rush.”
“Yes, I did,” Rachel insisted. You don’t know how much I need some girl time for a change. I’m so ready to try on our dresses and talk about wedding details.”
“Well, I can make that happen.” Holly pointed to the churro stand. “We’re just waiting for the rest of the gang to get their much-needed snacks.”
Rachel nodded. “Looks like they’re hitting it off.”
“It does.”
When the rest of the gang returned, Mr. Mason gave them a nod. “You gals enjoy the dress fitting. I’ll see you later.”
“Bye, Mr. Mason,” Holly called.
“Later, Grandpa.” Avery waved.
“See ya, Santa,” Kim added.
“Okay,” Holly said to them. “Let’s get you into some dresses.”
Chapter Eight
Holly had fluttery sensations in her stomach. Her wedding gown only needed a slight alteration, and the seamstress promised she’d finish it in time for the wedding. Holly’s bridal party lucked out, and they were able to leave the shop with their dresses. To top it off, Avery loved her flower girl dress so much that she had to be bribed into taking it off.
The chatter level in the car on the drive home rose parallel to the degree of excitement. Holly smiled to herself, glad that the members of her entourage were getting along so well.
She pulled into her driveway as the sun began to set. Holly’s mom opened the front door as everyone made their way to the cabin, grinning broadly.
Kim waved at Vivian. “Hi, Mrs. St. Ives.”
“Hey, Mom,” Holly called out. “How was your day?”
“Good. Got my cooking done.” Vivian waved cheerily. “Hello, girls.”
“Whoa.” Kim held her arms out at her sides as if steadying herself. “Something smells amazing.”
“What is that?” Lucy approached the door wide-eyed. “My mouth is literally watering.”
Vivian laughed. “Why don’t you come in and find out?” She stepped aside to allow room for the guests to enter the house.
Kim hugged Vivian before stepping into the house. Vivian rubbed her hands together as the rest of the group shuffled through the door.
Holly giggled and hugged her mom. “You’re so cute, Mom.”
Vivian squeezed her. “How was the fitting?”
“I wish you could have come.” Holly dug out her phone. “They have to tighten some of the beading that seems loose, so they’re holding it a bit longer. But Kim took pictures.”
Vivianoohed andaahed at the shots of Holly in her gown. The smooth, ivory material fit her perfectly. The mermaid cut complemented her figure, and the intricate beading at the bodice gave the dress a regal touch. Holly swiped to the next picture, where she posed, looking over her shoulder, displaying the plunging back of the gown. A tingling spread through Holly’s chest, radiating to the rest of her body.
“You look absolutely stunning.” Vivian gave her one more hug. “Let’s go inside. It’s freezing out here, and the others are waiting.”
When they strode into the house, they found Lucy and Kim standing by the table. Emily and Mrs. Miranelli sat on the couch with cups of steaming hot chocolate in their palms. Avery rested on the floor, flipping through an art book on the coffee table, and Rachel warmed herself by the fire.
After greeting the women who had spent the day with her mom, Holly approached the dining room table, and her eyes widened. Her mother had gone all out and made two huge serving platters of a Filipino stir-fried rice noodle-and-vegetable dish calledpancit, and three platters of Filipino eggrolls calledlumpia. The only things on the table Vivian hadn’t made were the Christmas-themed cupcakes from The Gingerbread House, which Nick had baked himself.