Page 50 of Cut The Cake

“But there are bunches of gowns you haven’t even seen yet.” Nick’s gaze wandered the sea of white. “You aren’t going to try on any of them?”

“You don’t think this one looks good on me?” Sometimes, she simply didn’t understand men at all. A minute earlier, he’d given this dress two thumbs up. Now he wasn’t satisfied?

Nick shrugged. “I’m just saying, we’re here. You might as well see if there’s something else you like.”

Something more to my taste?

She had to admit, it was a tempting offer. Gowns crowded the recessed alcoves. They hung in long racks along the walls. Surely, with so many to choose from, she’d find the one that was right for her. She fought an urge to leap from the dais and start pulling dresses off their hangers. She hadn’t come to Dress For A Day to find something for herself.

She motioned to the shop owner. “Cheri has already done us a tremendous favor by fitting me into her schedule today. I shouldn’t take up more time when I’ve made up my mind.”

Cheri’s discreet cough argued the point. “Nothing is more important than helping you find the gown that’s exactly right for you. Most of my brides try on several before deciding which one they want.”

Jenny’s resolve wavered. “If you’re sure you don’t mind…”

“I’m positive. Once you’re married, you may never have the opportunity to try on bridal gowns again. Why not take advantage of this chance?” Cheri tapped a pensive finger to her chin. “I have a couple of dresses that would fit you just as fabulously as this one. Maybe even more so.”

“If you insist.” The beginnings of a smile crept across Jenny’s face. Now that she was committed, she might as well enjoy the moment. Excitement curled in her belly and spread outward. She leaned in conspiratorially. “So what shall we try on first?”

“I have a beautiful ballgown in your size. You’ll look like a princess in it.”

Her anticipation building, Jenny accepted the shop owner’s hand while she stepped down from the dais. In the dressing room, the skin-tight layers of satin and lace came off much faster than they’d gone on. Thankful to be able to draw a full breath again, she sank onto a waiting chair while Cheri immediately whisked Kay’s gown out of sight and into another part of the salon. She’d barely had time to relax before the shop owner was back, this time carrying a different confection in white satin and gauzy fabric.

“This is another Sophia Olsen.” Cheri grunted softly as she stretched over the billowing skirt to hang the dress on the display stand. “But as you can see, it’s quite different from the first one. It features Battenberg lace on the bodice, off-the-shoulder sleeves, a fitted waist, and a stunning chiffon skirt.”

“I don’t know.” Jenny treated the gown to a pensive study. There had to be a dozen yards of fabric in the skirt alone. “It looks like something you’d wear if you were getting married in a castle. A big one.” She could imagine the future Queen of England gliding down the aisle of Winchester Cathedral in a gown like this one.

Cheri had an answer ready. “The only question should be whether you like it or not. If you do, try it on and see how it fits. At worst, letting me see you in this dress will help me narrow down the choices for the next gown I show you.”

That made sense, and soon she stood still as Cheri fastened the last of a long line of buttons that ran down the back. “You’re right. I do feel like a princess. All I need is a tiara.”

“We have those if you want,” Cheri said, though doubt colored her words.

“No. I was just joking. Let’s see what it looks like out there.” The gown’s more conservative lines made it easier to think about parading in front of the three-way mirror.

Though she told herself Nick had forfeited the right to voice an opinion by rejecting her the night before, she cast a surreptitious glance in his direction as she stepped from the curtained area. She smothered a smile when he sat at attention. She negotiated the step onto the dais while she pretended not to notice how his eyes tracked her every move.

“It is a sweet dress. I like this part.” She ran her fingers lightly over the lace-covered bodice. Moving down, she fluffed out the full skirt. Delicate appliqués climbed halfway up the gauzy material. Speaking more to herself than anyone else, she pointed to the hem. “But, honestly, I think it’s a little bit much.”

“Really? You could dance all night in that one.” Nick remained perched on the edge of the cushions.

“She’s right,” put in Cheri. “This gown fits you perfectly, but the skirt overpowers your frame. I’d suggest something that shows off your figure just a bit more, and I have just the thing. It’s another Olsen. Brand new. It came in yesterday, and it’s one of my favorites. I think you’ll love it.”

Jenny shifted her weight from one foot to the other. It couldn’t hurt to try on just one more gown, could it? She lifted the billowing skirts to mid-calf and stepped off the dais. “Okay, but this will have to be the last one. I really have a full schedule today.”

Once again, Cheri wasted no time in helping her trade one gown for another. In minutes, Jenny stood before the mirror in the dressing room while the shop owner fastened the final clasp.

“Oh,” she cried, seeing her reflection. Off-the-shoulder sleeves led to a modest scooped neck decorated by scalloped edging that reminded her of the day she and Nick had spent at the beach. The close-fitting bodice softly cupped her curves. Below it, a wide satin belt circled her waist. Decorative lace dripped down to form points in a flaring skirt. From top to bottom, the dress was sheer perfection.

“I thought you’d like it.” Tiny crow’s feet at the corners of Cheri’s eyes crinkled as she smiled smugly. “Shall we?” She held the dressing room door open.

“That’s it. That’s the one.” In case she hadn’t noticed how he slowly rose to his feet while she glided across the carpet, Nick’s hoarse whisper left no doubt of what he thought about the dress.

“You think so?” Jenny spun in a circle. “I love it,” she cried as the skirt flared out. “I feel like I’m walking in a cloud.”

“It’s as perfect as icing on a cake.” Nick nodded thoughtfully.

Jenny chortled. Only a baker would draw the comparison, but he was right. The dress was everything she’d ever wanted in her wedding gown and more.

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