Page 129 of The Fiancé Hoax

FELICITY

One Month Later

“Wow!” Lily exclaimed. “You look so pretty, Felicity!”

I smiled at her. “Thanks, Lily. And you look absolutely beautiful. Just like a fairy princess.” I put a hand on her back.

We stood before the full-length mirror and looked at our reflections. Eva ran up to stand on my other side.

“And I clean up pretty nice, too, don’t I?” Eva asked, pointing a thumb to her chest.

I laughed. “Yes, you do. You look beautiful, too, Eva.”

Eva spun around to show off her midnight blue dress with a fitted bodice and full tulle skirt. The tulle had been embroidered with suns, moons, and stars in a shimmery gold thread to reflect Eva’s newfound interest in outer space.

Lily’s eyes sparkled as she moved her hands over her pale pink gown. It was a full A-line design in a similar cut to Eva’s, but with tiered ruffles and rosettes on the poofy skirt. A flower garland crowned her head.

I’d designed and sewed both girls’ dresses with their ideas and help, and they looked stunning.

My wedding dress was my own creation as well, and I was thrilled at how it had turned out.

It was a lace gown in ivory, featuring long, sheer sleeves and a short train. The high neckline in the front was balanced by the low back that came to a deep V at my waist. It was just my style—romantic and bohemian, elegant and relaxed.

I had spent many evenings and weekends working on this dress in the home studio Cooper had built for me. Eva and Lily had helped me with simple tasks, like cutting and measuring. Plus, they’d taken it upon themselves to stand guard at the door to make sure Cooper never caught a glimpse of the gown.

I smiled as I recalled Eva shaking a finger at him in the hallway. Daddy, if you think we’re going to let you see that dress before your wedding day, you’re crazy!

Even though our wedding would be a small, intimate affair, it had always been a dream of mine to wear a beautiful gown. So I indulged myself.

A hairstylist had done all our hair. Lily’s was fixed in elaborate braids with the flower garland on top, and Eva’s was loose with the sides pulled back. Mine was in a fancy chignon.

“I think we all look pretty gorgeous today,” Lauren said. She moved to the mirror to stand behind Lily.

“Definitely,” I agreed, looking at the lavender dress that Lauren had selected. The pale purple color brought out the deep green of her eyes and made her red hair even more vibrant. “You look amazing, Lauren.”

She applied a peachy lipstick to her lips and smiled at me. “Thanks. And, babe, your wedding dress is to die for. You've really outdone yourself.”

“Thanks, Lauren.” I smoothed my lace skirt over my belly and smiled. “It's a good thing Cooper and I are getting married now. This kid is growing so fast. I would need a bigger size if we waited a few more days.”

Lily spun to face me and lifted her hand. “Can I see if the baby’s kicking?”

“Sure, go ahead.” Lily gently placed her hand on my abdomen and concentrated.

I chuckled at how serious she was. She was fascinated to know a baby was growing inside my tummy.

At four months pregnant, I had a small baby bump. We still didn’t know the sex, but my obstetrician told me we’d be able to find out soon.

“But remember, it's still too early to feel the baby kicking,” I said. “He or she is about the size of an avocado now.”

“An avocado!” Eva giggled. “You’re growing an avocado baby!” She clutched her sides and doubled over laughing. The mental image had clearly tickled her.

“You silly goose,” I laughed.

Lily removed her hand. “I don’t feel anything yet.”

“I’ll let you know as soon as I feel the baby start kicking,” I promised her.

Eva perked up as if she remembered something. She tugged on Lily’s hand. “Come on, Lily, let's go.”

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