Page 44 of Marry Me, Right Now

“Many brides get so nervous and freak themselves right out by using the word ‘perfect’ willy nilly. You’re zipping through this process at light speed, but we’re going to make this stupendous.”

He spread a huge array of photographs across the table. “I have the three best bridal stores ready to see you today. We’ll start with the one whose style you like best. Did you find out what you’re looking for? Do you have a photo, a vision board? I know we spoke quickly yesterday, but it’s time to really think.”

“Simple. Elegant. Very quietly fancy. Not blinding bright white. Bits of detail on the straps or neckline.”

Zachary clapped his hands together with a little snap. “So precise. Wonderful. Movie starlet.”

“Exactly,” I said, pointing to a photo. “Down this road.”

He pointed to another. “Maybe this color. Just barely off-white. The tiniest drop of rose so you’re not washed out.”

“Brilliant.”

He grabbed his phone, sending a couple of texts. “Just canceling two of the appointments. I know precisely where we’re going first. And they have an amazing selection of bridesmaid dresses too. Can the girls meet us there? How many are there?”

My mouth fell open. “Oh.”

Zachary’s perfect eyebrow raised in a refined arch. “Darling, that’s a question that I can’t answer for you, unfortunately.”

I grabbed my phone, calling Rayanne.

“What… the… time?” she asked groggily.

“Rayanne, it’s Mia. I’m really sorry to bother you, but I need a quick answer. Can you be my bridesmaid on Sunday, and can you meet me at a bridal store in a couple of hours so we can get dresses for you and Lauren? I promise they’ll be tasteful, nothing weird. And I’m paying for everything, of course.”

I could hear her sitting up in bed. “Oh, damn. Mia, I’d love to be your bridesmaid. But I have an afternoon shift today. I’m going to be short if I miss it. And I know that Lauren is in the same boat.”

“I understand.” My brain was already churning in problem-solving mode, and as I shifted in my chair, I was reminded of the huge pile of paper in my pocket.

Would it be terrible to use the wedding planning money for this little emergency? Jacob did say that I was to use the cash to make everything go more smoothly.

“Hold on,” I said, still processing. “I know that having you call in sick is a huge imposition, and this is so last minute that it’s ridiculous. But I have a pile of cash that is specifically earmarked to make problems go away. What if I gave you and Lauren each three hundred dollars for the trouble I’m causing? This would cover your missed shift, and any random little expenses like hair clips or taxis or whatever you need around the wedding?”

“Wow. Yeah. That seems a little much, though.”

“You can pay me back by playing bartender or DJ at one of our cocktail parties someday.”

“Done. Where am I going and when?”

I held the phone out to Zachary to recite the address where we were meeting at one pm.

“Thanks so much, Rayanne. I’ll see you soon!”

I immediately called Lauren, basically repeating the same conversation.

“Mia, I’m so excited for you! You won’t put us in shiny hot pink or something, right?”

“Quiet and tasteful, I promise.”

“Great – see you soon!”

As soon as I hung up, Zachary gave me a wink. “It’s not my place to say, darling, but this suddenly being rich is extra weird for you, isn’t it?”

I laughed a little too loudly. “It’s that obvious?”

“Don’t worry. Total confidentiality. And for the record, not a peep shall be reported to the mother in law beyond what a dream you are to work with.”

“Thanks. I think it’s really important that she likes me.”

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