Page 40 of All Dressed Up

“What’s she doing?” Will asked Abby.

“Reciting a magic spell. It probably won’t work. I bet she pulls out a white bunny.”

Emma chuckled. “I can hear you both. I am not doing a spell. I’m envisioning the first dress. That’s all. It really was perfect.”

“I’m sure you’ll find another made-to-order dress in there.” Abby now had both hands on her middle. “Can you get on with this before I go into labor?”

“Fine.” Emma flung open the trunk, her head dropping to peek inside. “It’s empty.”

Rachel’s hands dropped to her side. How could that be? She came up next to Emma to see for herself.Dammit.Mary had lied. She turned to Emma. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s fine.” Emma put on her best smile, but Rachel knew it was forced. “I’m sure one of those dresses in the other room will work. Are they for sale?”

“Yes.” Will jumped in. “You can try on any one you want. I won’t be charging you for your replacement dress, of course. I’ll be here first thing in the morning if you’d like to come back.”

Rachel’s defiant heart tripped over his words. Will was still planning on running the shop up here. Despite the fact that she was still incredibly peeved at him, she was glad he was moving forward with that plan.

Even if they didn’t have a magical trunk or the backing of a ghost who’d promised to produce wedding dresses.

She was done with Mary and her games. She’d give the purse back to Will and apologize for taking it. She started to lead the way out of the room.

“Guys, it’s not empty,” Abby said.

Rachel whipped her head around to see Abby still lingering in front of the trunk. “It’s not?”

“No.” Abby bent down and pulled out a cream envelope. “It’s addressed to you, Aunt Sheila.”

“For me?” Sheila stepped toward Abby, taking the note. She opened the envelope, pulling out the card.

If Rachel wasn’t mistaken, the color appeared to have drained from the old woman’s face.

“What does it say, Mom?” Emma asked, and then repeated, “Mom,” when her mother didn’t answer.

Sheila folded the notecard, stating calmly, “Abby, take Emma out the back.”

“You want to go out the back door?” Abby asked.

“Why, what’s wrong, Mom? What does the card say?” Emma came up beside her, but Sheila held the card tight to her chest.

“Everything is fine. There’s someone I need to speak to downstairs.”

“Who?” Emma demanded.

“You need to leave, now! Girls, do as I say.” Sheila handed the card to Rachel. “I’ll take care of your intruder.”

“Intruder? There’s someone downstairs?” Rachel’s pulse quickened. There couldn’t be. She’d locked the door after Will arrived. “Who’s here?” she whispered, more out of fear than anything else.

“No one I can’t handle.” Sheila turned on her heels and stormed out.

“What just happened?” Abby snatched the card from Rachel, reading it out loud.

Emma will get her dress later. There’s someone down stairs who wants to meet her. XX, Mary

“Oh, God. He’s here.” Emma’s legs buckled, and Abby caught her.

Rachel ran over to offer her help, putting her arm around Emma’s waist. “Should we call the police?”

“On it.” Will whipped out his phone and called Ernie. “He’ll be here in five minutes.”

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