Page 21 of Treasured By 3

“So it just seems better that way, but there are complications, so I don’t know. Oddly, they haven’t talked to me about it. I think they’re just assuming I’ll end up with the Volkov name.”

“I mean, the odds are in the favor of that,” Elaine hints. “Two out of three, you know?”

I smirk and pass her another drink. “They should know better than to assume.”

We giggle and tease each other until we fall asleep. The next morning, Sophia picks us all up in a limo. She beams and offers us champagne while she drinks water. We talk about dresses and go back and forth about ideas. Josefine would love to see me in a ball gown looking like a princess. Vanya can’t picture me in white. Elaine says a mermaid would highlight my figure the best, and Sophia just keeps watching my face with a grin.

“Be drop dead sexy, like your normal self,” she says when everyone else is silent. “By the way, Danny is meeting us there.”

“Great,” I say with a smile before downing the rest of my glass.

Danny joins us at the dress shop. Sophia promised that this was the place with the best selection and the most varied dresses. Some are one of a kind, others are so exclusive they might as well be one of a kind.

The attendant brings us more alcohol–apparently it’s a huge part of dress shopping–and we all sit on two plush couches. Danny squeezes my hand. “I can’t believe you’re going to be in a wedding dress.”

“I know,” I breathe.

“Try on a princess gown, something fit for a queen,” Vanya says with a wink.

“And something fitting,” Elaine insists. “Something that’s you.”

The opinion’s fly. The attendant looks at me. “Something unique. And a second dress, something shorter, for the reception.”

All eyes go to me for that. Sophia didn’t have to worry about that. I doubt Danny did either, but Vanya nods. “A good plan.”

“The budget?” the attendant asks.

I open my mouth to give one, but Josefine puts a hand on my knee. “There isn’t one.”

I roll my eyes, but soon enough, I’m in a huge poofy gown. I like the top, the sweetheart style that hints at sex appeal, but doesn’t make it the focus. I like that it has a corset, but after two steps, I hate the weight of the dress and the tulle fabric rubbing against me.

After Sophia sees my face, she shakes her head. “Next!”

Did they bring snacks? I glower at her, and she winks while popping another little pastry in her mouth. Danny winks at me. “We have to stay entertained, too.”

After three dresses that I just don’t mesh with and refuse to come out in, I’m exhausted. The attendant brings me something very different. It’s all lace with some kind of fabric under it that matches my skin tone but keeps me from showing everything off. She clamps me into it and I look at the way it flows over my body.

“That’s the best face I’ve seen so far,” she comments.

“I like how fitted it is. I’m not sure about all this patterning though,” I admit before shrugging and walking out.

Elaine and Danny both cock their heads to the side as I stand in front of the mirror and look myself over again. It’s pretty, but I don’t think it’s me. I turn around and Vanya sighs. “It’s beautiful.”

Sophia gives it a thumbs down. “The fit yes, the style, no.”

“Yeah,” Danny agrees. “You just don’t look like you in it.”

Josefine taps her bottom lip, then gets up. I groan. “If you guys are getting more snacks, I’m going to murder you.”

“Okay, so less décor. How do you feel about shimmer or bling?” the attendant asks as I strip again and sip from my champagne. Now I understand the appeal of alcohol.

“Not great. I just want to feel ...” I try to find the word. “Elegantly beautiful, but not soft or anything like that. I’m sorry I’m so picky. I’m sure I’m not making your job easy.”

“I’d rather you be honest than try to please me. It’s your day and you should look forward to every bit of it,” she says. “I’m going to check for some additional fitted dresses like this with less detailing and more of that oomph to them.”

“Thank you,” I say with a little sigh.

My phone buzzes and I see it’s Chase. I answer and wait for him to speak. “Are you in a mood already, baby doll?”

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