Page 28 of Innocent Union
I smile. “He is pretty handsome.”
“I think you’re going to be just fine. You just have to stop comparing yourself to everyone else. It’s eating away at you.”
“But how do I do that?”
“Don’t have an answer for you there. But just trust in the process. If someone like me, wholoathedthe idea of marriage, could eventually find love, then you can, too.”
“Thanks, Gemma. You know, you were never this nice to me when I was a kid.”
“That’s because I found you annoying.”
“That’s how I feel about Lucia.”
Gemma snorts. “Well, that’s because Lucia is a real brat. Both her and Luca. Those two are gonna cause so much trouble when they’re older.”
I pull away from her. “I appreciate you talking to me.”
“What are sisters for? Now, I spotted a dress when I came in here that I think is perfect for you.” She walks over to one and holds it up. “Try it on.”
I do.
And it’s perfect.
Off the shoulder. Lacy bodice. The lace travels down to a skirt that flares out just enough to be more princess-like without being too big or too small. It’s elegant and understated and absolutely stunning.
“Let’s go show Mom,” Gemma says, squeezing my shoulders.
I walk out to my mom, who sits up straighter when she sees me.
“Well?” I ask, giving the dress a twirl. “What do you think?”
“I think …” Mom wipes a tear away. “I think you look so beautiful, honey.”
“Really?” I could almost cry from happiness.
“Really.” She pauses. “I just hate that it’s being used on Killian.”
Gemma laughs, patting Mom’s arm. “It could be worse. She could be marrying someone like Viktor.”
“Oh, don’t remind me,” Mom says, dropping her face into her hands.
I take in a deep breath and turn to my other sister. “Cecilia?” She jerks up. “What do you think of the dress?”
She looks shocked for a second before her lips smooth into a smile. “I think it’s exactly right. Just you.”
Looking out over my family, I feel a flicker in my heart that things just might turn out ok for the first time in months.
CHAPTER 7
Killian
My mom is getting sicker by the day.
When I visit her, I can tell how much more the cancer is taking from her. “Mom, how are you feeling?”
She’s barely strong enough to hold my hand. “I think my time is coming soon, Killian,”
The panic that goes through me rips my heart in two. “You can’t give up. You told me you didn’t want me to be alone. I’m getting married.”
