Page 94 of Checks & Bonds

When Henry said now, he really meant now.

We were in his sleek, black car, its leather seats cool against my skin. The city blurred past us, the tall buildings and bustling streets giving way to quieter, more refined avenues. It wasn’t long before we pulled up in front of Nancy’s, an upscale boutique known for its exquisite dresses.

Nancy’s had a classic charm, with its large, elegantly decorated windows showcasing gowns that looked like they belonged in fairy tales. The sign above the door was simple yet sophisticated, a tasteful script that exuded class. As we walked in, the soft chime of the bell announced our arrival. The interior was just as luxurious, with polished wooden floors, crystal chandeliers, and racks of stunning dresses that ranged from sleek and modern to intricate and vintage.

Henry glanced around the boutique before looking at me. “Get whatever dress you want. Don’t worry about the price.”

“Are you sure?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“You’re worth it,” he said firmly, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat.

Hearing him say that stirred something inside me. A mix of disbelief and warmth washed over me. No one had ever said something like that to me before, at least not with such conviction. For a moment, I felt like I was in one of those fairy tales, the ones where the prince swept in and made everything right. It was a heady feeling, being valued like that, especially after all the turbulence we had gone through.

I moved through the boutique, my fingers grazing the delicate fabrics. Each dress seemed more beautiful than the last, and for the first time in a long while, I allowed myself to feel a spark of excitement. The idea of finding something that made me feel special, that Henry believed I deserved, was intoxicating.

After some deliberation, I picked out three potential wedding dresses. The first was a classic ball gown with a sweetheart neckline. The bodice was adorned with intricate lace and tiny pearls, and the skirt flowed out in layers of soft tulle. It was the kind of dress I had dreamed about as a little girl. As I stepped into it, the weight of the skirt made me feel like I was floating. But when I looked in the mirror, something felt off. The dress was stunning, but it seemed to swallow me whole. I felt like a child playing dress-up rather than a bride about to walk down the aisle.

The second dress was a sleek, modern design. It had a fitted silhouette with a deep V-neck and delicate spaghetti straps. The fabric shimmered subtly under the boutique’s lights, giving it an ethereal quality. As I tried it on, I appreciated how it accentuated my figure, making me feel elegant and sophisticated. But as I moved, I realized it was too revealing. The plunging neckline and the high slit on the side made me uncomfortable. I couldn’t imagine wearing it in front of my family and friends, let aloneduring such a significant moment, even if it was just the two of us.

The third dress was somewhere in between the first two. It had a fitted bodice with lace appliques and a flowing chiffon skirt. The off-the-shoulder sleeves added a touch of romance, and the dress moved gracefully with me. As I twirled in front of the mirror, I liked how it felt, but there was something missing. It didn’t give me that magical feeling I had hoped for. It was beautiful, yes, but it didn’t feel likethedress.

I sighed, stepping out of the third dress and back into my regular clothes. None of them were right. Each had something special, but none of them felt like they truly belonged to me.

I walked back to the main floor of the boutique, biting my bottom lip. The plush carpet muffled my footsteps as I approached Henry. He stood at the counter, suit already wrapped in a protective sleeve, and looked up when he saw me. His eyebrows shot up in silent question.

I shook my head, feeling the weight of my indecision. None of the dresses had felt right.

He moved over to me, concern etched into his features. "What is it?"

"They're beautiful," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "But they're not..." I let my voice trail off, unable to find the right words. I sighed deeply. "I just... I want to look good for you."

Henry blinked, as if surprised by my admission. "I would marry you in a trash bag," he said, his tone sincere. "Freya, it doesn't matter what you wear. It doesn't have to be a wedding dress. It can be whatever you want. I just want you to have that choice."

I sucked in a breath, looking at his face. His eyes held nothing but honesty and a depth of emotion that left me momentarily speechless. I could see he meant every word.

But for the first time, I believed him.

Giving him a nod, I turned back to the racks of dresses, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. It didn’t have to be a traditional wedding dress. It just had to be something that felt right for me. With that thought in mind, I continued to look, my heart a little lighter than before.

I continued browsing, determined to find something that felt right. Then, tucked away between two extravagant gowns, I spotted a simple white dress. It was unassuming yet elegant, and something about it drew me in.

The dress was made of a soft, flowing fabric that draped beautifully. It had a fitted bodice that hugged my curves without being too tight, and the neckline was modest, scooping just enough to add a touch of femininity. The skirt flowed down to the floor, moving gracefully with each step. There were no flashy embellishments or intricate designs, just a simple, delicate lace trim along the hem and neckline.

I took the dress into the fitting room, my heart beating a little faster with anticipation. As I slipped into it, the fabric felt cool and comforting against my skin. I looked in the mirror and for the first time; I felt like I was seeing myself. Not a bride playing dress-up, but Freya Reynolds, standing on the brink of a new chapter.

The gown was perfect. It was understated but beautiful, elegant without being ostentatious. It felt like it was made for me. I smoothed my hands down the front, feeling a sense of calm and rightness wash over me.

As I turned this way and that, watching the way the fabric moved with me, it struck me. I was going to get married. The realization hit me with a force that made me pause. I had been so caught up in the chaos, the arguments, the decisions, that I hadn’t let myself truly feel it. But now, standing here in this simple white dress, it became real. And surprisingly, instead of fear or doubt, I felt a thrill of excitement.

I stepped out of the fitting room, my eyes meeting Henry’s.

"This is the one," I said, my voice steady and sure. "This is my dress."

Henry’s lips curved into a smile, genuine and warm. “I can't wait to see it,” he said simply.

And for the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of peace.

I was ready.

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