Page 177 of The Archer Brothers

CHAPTER4

RYLEY

“You know, most brides have a dress months before their big day, not weeks,” Penny says as she looks through a rack of dresses. I sigh heavily, knowing she’s right, even though I have a valid excuse.

“I didn’t like any of the dresses in Washington. I looked.”

“Liar,” Lois adds. I glare at her, wishing I could maim her with lasers from my eyes or something. Instead, I immaturely stick my tongue out at her. She laughs because what else is there to do? I’m the bride and everyone has to treat me like I’m a princess.

“Here.” My mom hands me a glass of champagne while Alex, of Alexandra’s Bridal, hands one to Lois, Livvie, and Penny. “Drink this.”

“Are you trying to get me drunk?” I ask her before I take a sip.

“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m doing, Ryley. Trying to get you drunk so you’re too wasted to pick a dress and you’ll wear whatever we pick out for you.”

The room goes silent. I stare at my mother, wondering where in the hell that outburst came from. I open my mouth to say something, but for the life of me I can’t think of how to reply. A snicker sounds from behind me and then my mother breaks out in complete laughter.

“Not cool, Mother.”

She keels over with laughter, slapping her leg with her in hand in the process. I’m happy she thinks this ordeal is hilarious. I finish my champagne in one gulp and set the flute on the glass countertop. Once my mom has regained her composure, she pulls me in for a hug.

“I was only joking, dear. Come on, let’s find you the perfect dress.” She leads me to the back room where there’s a semi-circle sofa on one side, massively large mirrors with dressing rooms on the other side, and a pedestal in the middle. There’s a coffee table with more champagne and various fruits.

Alex leads me into the dressing room, which is really a large walk-in closet. “Everything I’ve chosen comes in your size. With your wedding so close we won’t have time to do serious alterations.”

“I understand.”

She doesn’t show me my first dress but helps me slip into it. Once she has it fastened in the back, Alex tells me to turn around. When we first talked, she told me it’ll be my first impression of the dress that will matter the most. So, as I look in the mirror and study my reflection, I know the satin, A-line gown I’m wearing is not for me. It’s poofy and big, and while it’s pretty, I don’t like it.

“Let’s go show everyone.”

“I don’t like it.”

“I know, sweetie. I can tell by the look on your face. Would you like to show your mom anyway?”

I hesitate for a second and then nod. I doubt anything she, Lois, Livvie, or Penny say will change my mind, but their opinions matter. Alex pulls the curtain aside and I step out. Instantly, all eyes are on me, and I can tell they’re not a fan, which honestly, is a huge relief. Before anyone has a chance to tell me, I step back into the room and Alex closes the curtain.

“Well, this is a no.” She laughs as she unzips the dress. The next four are the same. They’re either too short, too long, too sexy, or just not what I’m looking for. I start to think I really messed up by waiting so long to find the right dress for me.

Alex excuses herself, saying she has one more for me to try on. One more. Another jab, although I’m sure unintended, that I’m exhausting all my options. I can’t even look at myself in the mirror right now because I don’t want to see the disappointment etched across my face.

When she returns, she’s carrying an ivory-colored gown, a color I specifically told her I didn’t want to wear. Before I can protest, she holds her hand up.

“The color is wrong, I know. But try it on. I think you might be surprised.”

I nod. At this point, I have nothing left to lose.

Alex tells me to turn around so that I’m facing the wall. While I step into the gown, she says, “This came in the other day. It’s a gorgeous dress and perfect for the beach.” I slip my arms into the straps and glance down at the dress. I’m unsure, mostly because of the color. In my dreams, I’m a bride in the purest white dress walking toward her prince.

“Turn around,” Alex whispers. I do so, but slowly, and when I see my reflection, a tear falls down my cheek. I let out a sob and quickly cover my mouth.

“I thought so too.” Alex stands next to me. “You look radiant.”

I can’t help but nod because I see it, the dress of my dreams, only different. The ivory is embroidered with flowers, leaves and other intricate designs. Alex tells me it’s a double V-neck design with an A-line skirt. None of which matters right now because when I look at myself, I see the bride I want to be walking toward my groom. This dress is the definition of perfect.

“Best of all,” Alex says as she shows me the train. “Is that it has pockets.”

“What?”

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