Page 83 of Eternally Yours
Two hours later, I’ve tried on five dresses, four of which were a no-go from the start, and one that I liked but wasn’t completely in love with. Linda put it right back on the rack, saying she wouldn’t sell me something that didn’t make my heart feel the same way my future husband does.I agree with her.
For the bridesmaid and maid of honor, it took us less than twenty minutes to settle on a dress. The minute we all saw it, we knew it was perfect. A beautiful long satin champagne-colored dress with a slit on the right side, a V-neckline, and inch-thick straps running down the back, giving a backless look.
There’s a wide band around the rib cage to give a bit more shape and support to the breasts, which also helps make them look bigger. The girls were quite happy about that. The dresses will be paired with gold strappy stilettos, although we’ll have to figure out something for the backyard. Walking on grass in heels is no fun.
I’m in the changing room when Linda comes back with a huge gown behind her back and a big goofy smile on her face. “I don’t want you to see it. Marcus, my colleague, and I will help put it on, but you can’t peek. I think this may be the one, and I want you to fully experience the surprise when you see it. Just like when you met your Silas.” Her comment makes tears rise in my eyes, and I quickly blink them away.
My hands tremble slightly as I help her secure a blindfold over my eyes. Taking deep, calming breaths, I let them manipulate me like a puppet as they get me into the dress.
It’s hard to tell what everything is without seeing, but from what I can feel, the dress appears to be a lace ball gown. There are also long sleeves that start at the edge of my shoulders, but I can still feel air passing through it, so it must also be lace.
“Okay, we’re ready. We’ll guide you by the hands back to the sitting room,” Linda informs me as she fluffs out my hair.
I take both their hands and follow them out blindly. I know the moment we’re back with my friends because the gasps that leave their mouths can be heard from miles away, and it makes the tears in my eyes quickly resurface.
“Oh my God, Cece…” Emma says, emotions filling her voice.
“You look absolutely gorgeous, sweetie. It was made for you,” Morg adds in genuinely.
“They’re right, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a beautiful dress.” Aubrey’s quiet voice filters through, filled with wonder.
“You can take the blindfold off now, Cecilia,” Linda says with excitement.
I take in a lung full of air and slowly let it out. Then I raise my shaky hands and begin to untie the blindfold behind my head. When it slips off and I finally open my eyes, my breath catches in my throat. Those tears I’ve been trying to hold back finally let themselves fall freely.
Thank goodness for waterproof makeup.
“Oh...” it’s all I can manage to say as I take everything in.
An elegant, fit-for-royalty dress stares back at me. A white ball gown flows to the floor with a little train. The top half of the dress looks like a corset, but when I turn to see the back, it’s completed with see-through fabric, giving a nude effect except for the line of white pearl buttons that goes up my spine.
As predicted, the sleeves are lace with flower designs like the rest of the dress. And a pretty tiny pink belt separates the corset from the bottom half. It’s something you’d see a princess wearing at a royal ball...and it’s perfect.
My fingertips come to my lips as I stare at my reflection, the waterworks never stopping their journey down my cheeks. Marcus passes me a handkerchief to wipe them away, which I take hastily and dab at my face.
“This is it... this is the one,” I whisper.
“Silas is going to lose his mind when he sees you!” Morgan says.
I turn around to look at my friends and find them all crying along with me. Morgan wipes her eyes with a tissue, and Emma sobs and blows her nose into one while covering her face with another so that we can’t see her in such a state. Even Aubrey has watery eyes and sniffles every few seconds.
“Ugh! This isn’t fair. I want to get married too!” Em practically shouts through her cries, which makes us all laugh.
“Don’t worry, Em. Your time will come.” Morg pats her thigh and rubs her back.
“My brother’s single,” Aubrey announces, quieting the room completely with shock. Her eyes widen when she notices our reactions to her comment. “I just meant that he’s a good guy, and I could totally see you two together.”
“Aw, babe, that’s so nice of you, but I don’t think your brother is into me. We’vebeen around each other for the last couple of months, and he’s never even hinted to having an interest. Actually, I’m pretty sure he finds me annoying.” She laughs. “And anyway, I’m seeing someone. But if ever it doesn’t work out, I’ll keep that in mind.” Em winks at Aubrey.
“So, Cecilia. Are you saying yes to the dress?” Linda asks with a hopeful smile.
I look at her, then turn back to the mirror, admiring the dress once more. Seeing myself like this, in the perfect dress, makes it all so much more real. It makes me realize how much I can’t wait to marry my man.My Silas.
“Yes.” I grin. “I’m saying yes to the dress.”
~ Six Weeks Later / April ~
It’s been four long days without Silas, and I’m excited to have him home. Although I know it won’t be the greatest few days. The team didn’t make the playoffs, and Silas has been in a mood since they lost the game last night. And I don’t blame him. I know how much he was hoping they would make it.
