Page 35 of The Texan's Secrets

Leaving her champagne behind, Emilia took her dress into a changing room. Natalie had taken extensive measurements and, as expected, it fit her perfectly.

Like Maggie’s dress, it was strapless satin, with a sweetheart neckline and a similar ruched bodice gathering at one side of her waist. The skirt was shorter than Maggie’s, knee-length, and the dress came with a matching sheer shawl.

Emilia pulled back the curtain and left the changing room just as Misha emerged from hers.

“What should we do with these?” Misha asked, holding out the shawl.

Natalie stepped forward. “You have lots of options. But I’d suggest—” She looked critically at Misha and then at Emilia. “How about this.”

She took Misha’s shawl and looped it loosely around one of her shoulders, tying a square knot on the other shoulder, letting the ends flow down the front.

Misha turned to the mirror. “I like it.”

“And for Emilia.” Natalie came her way. “Turn around.”

Emilia turned.

Natalie draped the center of the scarf loosely across her chest, then fastened it in an open loop knot in the middle of her back.

“Unless you want them the same,” she said to Maggie.

“No. I love these.” Maggie circled them both. “It gives just enough contrast between the dresses.”

“How do they feel?” Natalie asked, taking a closer look at each of them. “I don’t see any obvious need for alterations.”

“Mine fits perfectly,” Emilia said.

“I’m good,” Misha said.

“Stand altogether, and let’s see.” Natalie went for her camera and took several shots of them posing, then more casually talking and laughing as they admired each other’s dresses.

“Champagne and snacks after you’re changed out of them,” Natalie announced.

“The last thing we need is an accident,” Maggie said, taking a last long look at herself in the three-way mirror.

Emilia shuddered at the thought of spilling something on the gorgeous dress.

“We’re shipping them to your family’s house?” Natalie asked Maggie.

“Please,” Maggie answered. “I thought we’d all dress there together,” she said to Emilia and Misha.

“Of course,” Misha said.

“That seems like half the fun,” Emilia said. “And let us know what else we can do.”

Maggie shook her head. “The wedding planner has it well in hand. Wait until you see everything. The flowers will be beautiful, and the cake is going to be delicious. Also, Ashley is bringing a few people to my parents’ place from the Saint Tropez Salon the morning of the rehearsal dinner for manicures, trying out different hairstyles and makeup, even massages if we want them.”

“Can we come for the whole weekend?” Misha joked.

“I’m down for that,” Emilia agreed. She quite liked the sound of a pampered girls’ day with friends. It was another thing she’d never done.

“Come as early as you like. My parents have plenty of room,” Maggie answered. “Stay over after the rehearsal dinner if you want.”

“We’re joking,” Misha said.

“Think about it,” Maggie offered.

She headed for the dressing room while Emilia tried to imagine how being a pampered bridesmaid with two wonderful girlfriends had become part of her unassuming life.

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