Page 118 of If You Love Me

I disappear into the changing room and carefully slip into the beautiful blush dress, dotted with simple blossoms. The back is corset style and laces up. Dred expertly tightens it and ties a bow at the base of my spine. “If I could get a boner over a dress, I would have one now.” She steps back and turns me toward the mirror.

“Oh my gosh. This is…”

“It?” She arches a brow.

“Yes.” I can see myself walking down the aisle in this, envision Roman waiting at the altar for me. Warmth spreads through me and my heart swells, knowing that soon, I’ll be standing in front of the man I love, promising him forever. For all the heartache this season and the potential for more fallout, knowingI’ll finally be his brings me such peace. “This is the dress I’m getting married in.”

“Let’s show the girls,” Dred suggests.

I step out of the dressing room, and the girls suck in a collective gasp.

“That is…” Aurora presses her hand to her heart. “Wow. Just wow.”

I’m unable to contain my smile as Sariah sweeps in with a veil, shoes, and a bouquet of flowers to complete the look.

“You’re so beautiful,” Fee says.

“Like a princess,” Callie agrees.

“Stunning.” Dred arranges my train.

“This is the one.” My nerves vanish and in their wake is giddy anticipation.

“My dad is going to lose his mind when he sees you.” Aurora’s smile is huge.

She snaps a few pictures before I disappear into the dressing room and put my regular clothes on so they can steam the dress.

I just about pass out when the sales associate rings up the dress, shoes, and veil. I grip Aurora’s arm and whisper, “Maybe I should try on something else.”

She gives me a look. “That dress is perfect for you. Trying on more is pointless. Just do what I do when Hollis decides he needs to outfit me in a dress that costs three months’ salary: pretend there’s one less zero at the end of the price tag.”

“This will take some getting used to,” I murmur.

“I know.” She passes over Roman’s credit card.

Our next stop is a salon down the street. I’m prepared with pictures of what I’d like. The stylist braids my hair, weaving it through with baby’s breath, while my sisters, Dred, and Aurora get light curls and their nails done.

It’s nearly three by the time we’re finished with hair and makeup. We pick up the dress and flowers and return to the condo to get ready.

When I reach my bedroom, I find a huge gift box in themiddle of my bed. Aurora hangs my dress and squeezes my arm. “I’ll give you a minute. Just call if you need me.” She pulls the door closed behind her.

I run my damp hands over my thighs and pick up the card lying on top of the wrapped box, smiling at Roman’s neat handwriting.

Lexi,

I know this isn’t how we expected things to go, but I can’t wait to make you my wife. The moment I met you, I started falling. And in the years between then and now, the longing to find someone who made me feel the way you do kept growing. But that hole in my heart could only be filled by you. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life loving you, caring for you, standing beside you.

All my love,

Roman

I tip my head back, overcome with emotion at how thoughtful and kind this man is. And he’s about to be mine. “Get it together, Lexi.” I reach for a tissue so I don’t ruin my makeup before I even put my dress on.

I pull the satin bow, lift the lid, and peel back the tissue paper. On top is another note from Roman.

I can’t wait to take these off you when you’re my wife. With my teeth, of course.

Love, Roman

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