Page 51 of Finding Solace
Stepping out of the dressing room with the dress on, Bella's huge smile tells me all I need to know. After trying on dozens of gowns, I was ready to throw in thetowel.
Turning to face the mirror, I stare at my reflection. It's perfect. The dress is black satin, floor-length with an open back. The material of the dress feels cold against my warm skin. The way it clings to my body makes it feel as if I'm wearingnothing.
"Mila, you look stunning," Bella gushes. "You have to get thisone."
Running my hands down my sides over the silky material, I turn to peer over my left shoulder and study my reflection in the mirrored wall, "This is the one," Iconfess.
Back at mine and Reid's place, I'm sitting on a stool in the bathroom while Alba does my hair and Bella applies my makeup while Gabe and Ava play together on the bedroom floor. Could I have done all this myself? Yes, but the duo decided they needed to make a fuss overme.
Reid left yesterday with the club on a charity run they had planned months ago, so unfortunately he's unable to attend the event with me tonight. I told him it was no big deal, but he still feels lousy about not going. Honestly, I'm a little disappointed to be going stag, but I understand the run is equally as important. I would never come between him and his obligations to hisclub.
Gazing at our reflections in the mirror, Alba pauses from curling my hair as she places her hand on her back andstretches.
"You alright?" I ask with concern. I've noticed her do this several times in the pasthour.
"Yeah, I'm okay. My back is a little achy is all. I promise I'm fine," Albainsists.
"Here, I'll finish her hair. You go sit down for a little bit," Bella intervenes taking the curling iron from her sister's hands. Alba rolls her eyes, but does as she's told. I love their relationship. I'm sometimes envious of it. I always wanted siblings growingup.
I look forward to the day I can give Ava a brother or sister. With her turning five, I've come to realize I don't want there to be a big age gap between her and her siblings. I want them to grow up together. How do I even bring up the subject with Reid? I don't want to rush anything. It's just lately I find myself thinking more and more about having a family withReid.
"What are you thinking about?" Bella asks. "You look deep inthought."
Letting out a sigh I answer her, "I was thinking about how I'd like to have more kids," Iconfess.
"Have you and Reid been talking aboutit?"
"No. I haven't brought the subject up. We've finally gotten into a comfortable place since all the craziness that has happened. I don't want to rock the boat. That and it's too soon to be talking about kids." I wave my hand at her, "You know, it's probably my crazy hormones, and I'm around Alba all the time. Baby fever is rubbing off on me I suppose." I decide to steer the conversation in Bella's direction, "Are you and Logan still trying?" I watch as something passes over her face. A smile just as quicklyappears.
"Still trying. I would have liked to have been pregnant right now, but we are having a hell of a good time trying." Swiftly changing the subject, she announces that she isfinished.
"Holy shit!" I blurt out once I get a look at myself. My hair hangs in loose curls down my back. The smoky shadow Bella applied makes my eye color pop. To top it all off, she painted my lips with crimson red lipstick. "You two have worked some serious magic." I stand in awe, gawking at my reflection. Looking at my watch, I realize I only have an hour to get dressed and to the event. "Shit! I have to hurry." Walking over to the closet where my gown is hanging on the hook I strip out of my clothes and carefully remove the delicate material from the hanger, letting the slinky material float down over my body. Stepping into a pair of black heels, I wrap lace ties around my ankles adding five inches to myheight.
"Stand there for one second, I want to get a picture," Bellainsists.
After she has taken several snaps, I give myself one more glance in the mirror before walking over to the dresser and grabbing myclutch.
"Momma, you look like apwinces."
Leaning down, I kiss Ava on her cheek. "Thanks, baby girl. You be good, and momma will see you later." I turn my attention back to Bella and Alba, "Thank you for everything," I said huggingthem.
"You're welcome, now go before you're late," Albaushers.
I arrive at Dr. Walker's home where the event is taking place. Parking in the circular drive, I step out of my car and I'm instantly greeted by the valet. Placing my ticket in my clutch, I make my way around the side of the house where I see a large white canopy. Underneath the tent is an array of round tables with white linen tablecloths along with white chairs that have been spaced evenly throughout the area. Located in the very front is a podium. I feel my anxieties start to grow. I realize I will soon be standing at the podium giving a speech to roughly two hundredpeople.
A woman stands at the entrance of the tent and speaks as I walk up, "Name?" sheasks.
"MilaVaughn."
"You're seated at table one. Dinner will be delivered to your table at 7:00 pm. Followed by the announcement of the winners for the silent auction, which is taking place right over there," she points to the right where several sets of large tables are lined around the inside perimeter of another tent. "Then you'll be called up on stage to give your speech, Ms. Vaughn. Any questions?" shefinishes.
"No, I think I got it. Thank you." I politely tell her before walkingin.
When I get to my table, I notice I'll be sitting with the director of the hospital Dr. Walker and his wifeClaire.
"Good evening, Mila," he greets me with a warm smile. "You looklovely."
I don't miss the ugly sneer Claire gives me. I take my seat. "Thank you, Dr.Walker."
