Page 22 of Two Hearts' Subterfuge

“Oh, Camille,”Emilie exclaimed once Camille was all laced up. The layer of additional transparent pearly fabric used for the chapel train gave the gown an undeniable unmatched elegance.

Even Aylin was in tears when Camille spun around in her gown. The few little adjustments that Aylin needed to make were taken care of right away while Camille stood in the shoes she intended to wear tomorrow evening for the candlelight service.

“This train that you wanted to add is pretty much perfect, Aylin,” Camille said, admiring herself in the full-length mirror as Aylin carefully spread the fabric around her on the floor.

“I agree,” Rene admitted, sipping her coffee.

It was even supposed to snow tomorrow afternoon, but thankfully not too much. Supposedly, Camille had always wanted a winter Christmas wedding, which was why Dad was going to so much trouble to give Camille the wedding of her dreams. Camille and Rafe were deserving of a brand-new beginning. The two of them had been through enough trouble, having to hide the fact that they were married for several years because of their fear of Ash, who’d spent some time stalking her. And then Rafe, an Army Ranger, had finally returned home with severe PTSD after being stationed overseas.

“Okay. Go do some shopping for a few hours and then come back, and you can all try on the gowns one more time,” Aylin instructed. “Everyone except for Camille, that is.”

“After that, we’ll all have lunch. You too, Rene, since you’ll probably be closing up anyway.”

“Sure,” Rene said. “I’d love to join all of you. Aylin? Let’s finish the gowns.”

Another hour later, Aylin was inserting a few final stitches in her own bridesmaid gown when an unexpected visitor appeared, entering the front door of the shop.

“Danny,”Rene called out. “What are you doing here on Christmas Eve morning?”

“I got wind that someone who’s been working here was there for Lara yesterday when she was in need of a real friend,” she said, smiling as she approached the workroom.

Bending over, Aylin had just pulled the gown back over the dress form and was frowning, checking out the line of the skirt after adjusting the new zipper.

Glancing upward at the woman who’d just walked into the workroom, Aylin staggered in shock, nearly falling off her feet.

“I gather you recognize Danielle Reardon, aka Danielle Loughlin?” Rene asked dryly before giving Aylin a toothy smile.

“I need an autograph,” Aylin said, quickly regaining her composure as she reached for her sketchbook.

Danielle blinked. And started laughing. “Ooo…kay.”

“Danny? Meet Aylin,” Rene said.

“It’s really nice to meet you, Aylin,” Danielle answered, reaching for her sketchpad. “Wait a minute. Before I sign this, have you got a moment to talk?”

“Sure. We’re just finishing up,” Aylin said.

“I think I’ll get out of your hair.” Rene winked at Danielle. “Why don’t you lock up for me, Aylin? I’ll go find your family and we’ll meet you for lunch whenever you’re finished.”

“Alright, Rene. See you soon,” Aylin replied.

“Let’s have a seat, shall we?” Danielle suggested, motioning at the two club chairs on either side of the coffee table stacked with fashion magazines.

“Sure,” Aylin answered, dropping into the chair that was opposite from Danielle, who was seated exactly where her daughter had been the day before.

“Do you mind if I take a look?” Danielle asked, motioning at the sketchbook resting in her lap.

“No, not at all.”

As she thumbed through the sketches, her eyes went wide. “You know. My daughter Eve would look lovely in several of these designs. You’re incredibly talented.” Smiling, she studied Aylin’s face. “How old are you, Aylin?”

“Sixteen—nearly seventeen.”

Obviously startled, Danielle snorted. “Here I thought you were eighteen or nineteen. You’re very mature for your age. Plus, you dress like a young professional.”

Aylin smiled widely. “As a matter of fact, that’s the look that I’m going for. I’m hoping that my parents will allow me to go to design school rather than college.”

Ending up on a blank page, Danielle quickly autographed it, handing the sketchbook back over to Aylin.

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