Page 40 of No Limits

“Oooh, but Shay, it’s beautiful. You’ll look amazing in that. Try it!” Her eyes are alight, which makes me roll mine.

Once I have it on, I feel lost. Having to hold the whole thing is too much, and my arms are full of tulle. Mom comes back in just as I step on the pedestal and let the bottom go.

A frown takes over her face. “Hm. Not the effect I was going for. Oh well. Wouldn’t know until we tried it, I suppose.”

“I look like a cupcake.” The bottom is so poofy and I’m so short that the dress all but swallows me up. It’s far too much dress for me, and definitely not the look I’m going for on my wedding day.

“Mmm, too much dress for you, darling.” The professional’s opinion echoes my own.

“That’s what I was thinking.”

“Well, the good news is, your mom also grabbed you an A-line. It has a similar style, but the bodice comes down a touch lower and the poof is far more contained. I think you might like it.” Prue clears the room of all but one dress. One single dress hangs on the railing. It’s like my fate lies in this one garment.

I know it doesn’t. Even if it’s not the right one, it doesn’t mean that the style is wrong, or that I won’t find something I do like even in a style I vetoed or one of the other millions of dresses out there.

Huffing some curls from my face, I slide on the last dress.

Immediately, it feels different. The fit in the bust is perfect, and the way the dress is tight to just above my hips feels right. And the rest is loose and my legs are free.

Stepping up to the pedestal, I turn around in the dress. My hands fly to my stomach and chest, my eyes filling at the sight of my reflection.

There it is. Thatfeeling.

Glancing to the side in the mirror, I find Chelsea and Mom both crying.

“This is it. This is the dress.”

“Did you get the feeling?”

I nod vehemently, as there’s now a knot in my throat.

The dress is stunning. It’s an organza material underneath with a layer of chiffon over the top. There’s a fine detailing of a beaded design along the top of the sweetheart neckline, along the waist, and down what appears to be almost pleats.

It’s absolutely beautiful. I feel beautiful in it. Enough that I hold the layer of chiffon and twist from side to side.

“Well, somebody looks like she found the dress.”

“How can you tell?”

“I’ve been doing this for twenty-five years. You have that look. And the way you’re swaying in it. You look incredible. Mom was right.”

I turn to look at her. “You knew?”

“I may have told her that I had a feeling this would be the one. You keep forgetting, Shay. You’re my daughter and I know you.” Mom’s voice is filled with what seems like remorse. I know it’s not the dress, it’s not the wedding. It’s that Dad won’t be there. That she won’t be able to go home and tell him all about the weekend and how amazing it was and how we found the perfect dress. She’ll be able to tell Don, but it’s not the same.

“It’s one thing to know me, it’s another to know the perfect dress for me. It’s really perfect, though, Mom. Thank you.”

“Of course, sweetheart.”

“Chels? You’re quiet over there.” That’s not usually a good thing. She’s so outspoken I’d expect her to be fawning and yelling and screaming.

“It’s…I just…it’s the most amazing dress, Shay. It’s like it was made for you. I’m basically speechless, but yes, I think it’s the one. If it’s not, I don’t know if I can handle something better.”

“Think Lochlyn will like it?”

“He’d love you if you showed up in a garbage bag, Shay. You know that. But yes, his jaw will absolutely hit the floor when he sees you.”

“Okay. This is it.” A wide smile spans my face, and excitement builds through my entire body like a tidal wave.

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