Page 36 of Vengeful Union

My father has already given me a limitless credit card to put wedding supplies on, and even if he hadn’t, I have quite a chunk of savings sitting in my account.

She brightens up. “Then it’s lovely to meet you, Mr....”

“Murphy.”

Her eyes widen slightly, but she doesn’t push. Bless her. “You can call me Soo. I’m the owner here. What size should we start at?”

“Probably a six?” I estimate, thinking of Lara’s slim frame. But she’s tall for a woman, probably around five-foot-eight, so she’s probably got more weight on her than meets the eye.

Soo nods curtly and leads me to a row of dresses. “These are all a size six.”

“Great.”

I look at all the options with absolute confusion. I’ve never thought about buying a wedding dress for someone. I’ve never even imagined getting married.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and when I look at it, my mouth runs dry–it's work. Specifically, the office manager, Sheila.

I’ve taken a leave of absence, but my time is almost up, and she’s probably calling to check on me.

I wince as I ignore the call, putting my phone back into my pocket.

Soo looks up at me, clearly noticing that I’m overwhelmed.

“Tell me about your wife-to-be.”

I look down at her, blinking in surprise. “Ah, she’s... she’s thin. Lanky, long legs, long arms. Trim waist.”

Soo hums. “That helps, but what’s she really like? Her personality?”

Oh, great.

I have no real idea who Lara Burke is.

“She’s strong.” I know that much is true. “And sassy. She doesn’t let anyone give her attitude without giving it back.”

Soo smiles. “A feisty one, then?”

She flips through the dresses on the rack and pulls one out–a classic silhouette with chiffon flowing at the bottom.

I wrinkle my nose. “Maybe a bit too frilly for Lara.”

“Lara,” she muses. “A beautiful name. Something more classic, then.”

“Yes, thank you.”

She pulls out another dress, another silhouette but this time, one that’s cinched at the waist, with spaghetti straps and just a bit of lace on the sweetheart neckline.

I imagine Lara in it, her dark hair spilling down the cream-colored fabric.

“It’s perfect."

Soo smiles. “I’ll take it to the counter while you look at the veils and shoes.”

I blanch.

Shoes?

I hadn’t thought of that. I have no idea what size she is.

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