Page 57 of Free to Believe
But I do.
So, it makes my voice cool when I say, “Maybe I shouldn’t join you all for dinner Friday.” He’s already shaking his head even as he backs away.
“Do you believe in promises?”
Damn him. “Yes.”
“Then I’ll see you Friday.” He turns and walks away.
31
Emily
Later that afternoon, Jenna’s final fitting in the long-sleeve, empire-waist, chestnut-brown silk dress is complete. Even if she gets a little taller, or grows a little more, this dress should last her for years. Lined in the same material, its rich decadence is pure luxury. I grin as she twirls barefoot on the deck in front of Dani and me.
“You know, Jen, if you take care of that dress it will last you for years.” Dani’s being particularly serious with her niece. “Em’s brilliant. That style, in that color, will last if you want to wear it with any color heels, jewelry, or hairstyle. Well done, my friend.”
I shrug, slightly embarrassed by the praise.
“Come closer for a second,” Dani encourages her niece. She begins inspecting the dress. Running her hand over the back, she stills. Leaning around her niece, she gapes at me. “No way.”
“Stop, Dani.”
“I can’t believe…stay still, Jenna!” Knowing me too well to know I wouldn’t put my signature trademarks on just any dress, she locates them all within seconds. I bite my lip. I wasn’t going to say anything but just let Jenna enjoy having a beautiful dress. “Sweet Jesus, Em. I’ll add her to my policy to protect it.”
I shake my head. “Ali started one for her and one for Lynne. They’ll be held by Amaryllis Events until the girls are twenty-one or graduate college.”
Jenna freezes and demands, “What are you both talking about?”
I shrug helplessly. Dani is quick to explain. “Any new design Em does is copyrighted, Jen. The owner of that first dress has certain markings on it. Your dress has them. You’re wearing a one-of-a-kind original.”
Even as Jenna’s mouth falls open, I whisper, “Happy Birthday, sweetheart.”
“Really?” Tears fill her eyes.
“Well,” I joke, “I’ll hold the design until the fall and likely sell it as a casual bridesmaid dress, but yes. The dress will be known as ‘The Jenna.’ Lynne’s will be the same way.”
“I don’t know what to say.” A single tear starts to fall down her cheek.
“I do. Don’t tell your father you’re wearing a dress I’d estimate costs five thousand dollars,” Dani drawls. I could smack her. Hard.
“Five…five thousand dollars?” Jenna screeches. “Holy crap! What kind of policy was Dani referring to?”
Hesitantly, I reach up and run my hand over her hair. “Insurance, baby. All of my original designs have it on them. Since the dress is a gift, my company will pay for the insurance until you decide to sell the dress…”
“I’ll never sell this, Em,” Jenna vows. Dani grins behind her.
“Or if something were to happen to it. Who knows?” I shrug. “After October it might be worth more than it is now.”
There’s a pregnant pause. “Is there something you haven’t told me?” Dani asks silkily.
Oh crap. “Umm, I’m showing in Bridal Fashion Week?” I barely manage to get the words out before I’m engulfed by two screaming Madison women. “Jesus, Jenna, don’t rip your dress!” I yell.
“Right. Jenna, go change. After I smack Em for not saying anything before now, let’s take her out to celebrate. I doubt she’s done much of that. Knowing her, she’s probably been freaking out about the designs she has to get ready.”
“I hate you know me this well,” I grumble. Jenna flies off the deck and inside to change.
Dani uses the opportunity to corner me. “It wasn’t just ending the engagement, was it? You needed to get away from everything.”
