Page 75 of Saddle and Bound

Val(4:17): Don't even try to deny it... we even tried calling him.

Lexy(4:17): Ethan confirms!!! P.S. Get ready and hurry up, you can't miss it... Aurora is already missing!

Me(4:18): What? Why? And of course I won't miss it!

Val(4:19): Rory is at university. Move your sweet ass!

I smile, shaking my head. This day is shaping up to be interesting. With one last glance at Alex, I rush out, ready to face my friends and the hunt for the perfect dress for my future mother.

Chapter 46

Rosie

I arrive at the bridal shop out of breath, just in time to avoid the wrath of Val. The girls welcome me with a mix of relief and curiosity in their eyes. I'm happy to see that Ethan is also there, knowing him, he wouldn't have missed a wedding dress shopping day and I'm glad he's integrated well with everyone.

"Finally!" exclaims Val, hugging me. "We were about to send out a search party."

"Sorry again," I murmur, trying to tidy my hair. "I had... an eventful morning."

Lexy raises an eyebrow, a mischievous smile on her lips. "Eventful, huh? This story deserves more details."

"Ah, so that's how it's said now? Piccola, you won't get away with it that easily," says Ethan, gesturing and emphasizing the nickname "piccola" that he's given me since the day I announced I would be leaving for Italy.

Before I can respond, Maria comes out of the dressing room, her face radiant.

The store is a true paradise for brides. White and ivory dresses fill every corner, a butler in livery approaches with a tray of fizzing champagne flutes.

"Oh, this is definitely the right way to start," laughs Val, grabbing a glass.

Meanwhile, my best friend, who is also the best in fashion, hands Maria a load of dresses he has chosen for the fitting.

My chest tightens when I think that he will also stay here... and that he will finally devote himself to his first collection.

As Maria begins to try on the first dresses, we settle on the velvet sofas, sipping champagne and commenting on each dress.

"So," begins Val, turning to me with an inquisitive look. "Are you going to tell us what happened with the sexy cowboy?"

I feel my cheeks flush. "Nothing much," I try to divert, but my smile betrays me.

"Oh, come on!" exclaims Lexy. "That smile says otherwise. Spit it out!"

I take another sip of champagne, already feeling more relaxed. "Okay, okay. Alex and I... well, let's just say we've cleared things up."

The girls burst into excited squeals, attracting the attention of some sales assistants.

"Details, we want details!" insists Lexy, refilling our glasses.

"Clearing things up... does that mean you just had sex like the world was going to end tomorrow, or that you're now together?" Ethan asks with his usual boldness.

I turn ten shades of purple and red... and try to hide behind my flute.

But everyone has their eyes on me and it doesn't seem they'll let me go any further without an answer.

I take a sip and whisper "both."

And that's how everyone erupts in laughter, applause, and shouts of "thank goodness."

Luckily, another round of champagne arrives.

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