Page 190 of Taken By the Fae

“How nice,” she says politely. She takes my measurements and asks me what kind of dress I’m looking for.

“Something simple but elegant,” I say, a tinge of uncertainty in my voice. I haven’t given it much thought, regardless of the number of photos Allison has sent me. “I like lace,” I offer.

She nods. “Okay, good. And you’re wanting to go with the traditional white?”

“I think so,” I answer, then think about it for a few seconds. “Yes, white.”

She smiles at me. “Gotcha. Give me a few minutes, and I’ll bring you some options.”

I tap my fingers against my thigh until she comes back, knocking before bringing in a handful of dresses. She hangs them in a row on the rack attached to the wall.

“Take your time and let me know when you’re ready to zip it up.”

“Thanks,” I say, my tone absent as I stare at the dress in the middle. I blink and glance around, noticing that she left the room.

Without even touching it, trying it on, my heart is sure.It’s the one.

Oh my god. It’s my wedding dress.

There’s going to be a wedding.

I’m gettingmarried.

Holy fuck, I’m going to be Aurora Westbrook.

The room suddenly feels too warm. I sink onto the cushion and try to take a deep breath, but it catches in my throat.

“Breathe, blondie,” I mutter to myself. My heart skips.Blondie. I laugh, my voice cracking as my eyes burn. “Damn it, Max. You couldn’t let me enjoy this panic-filled moment alone, could you?” I wipe away the unshed tears and focus on slowing my breathing. Once I don’t feel like my heart is going to burst from my chest or my stomach is going to jump up my throat, I stand and walk over to the wall of dresses. I trail my fingers along the lace bodice of the middle one, and before I realize it, I’m pulling it off the hanger and putting it on. I keep my eyes closed as I approach the mirror, and the second they open, I suck in a breath.

I peek my head out and find the clerk standing there, waiting. She steps forward and does the dress up, offering me a bright smile.

“Would you like a moment?”

I wet my lips, nodding. “Please.”

Once she’s gone, I walk toward the mirror, unable to peel my eyes away.

“This is it,” I whisper to no one.

The dress is perfect. It’s a traditional floor-length gown with a V-shaped open back, layers of fabric all around my waist, and long, open sleeves. It hugs my waist and molds my chest with a high neck. I can’t stop looking at it—at how I look wearing it.

I don’t want to wait. I want to be married to Tristannow.

“Come out!” Mom shouts. “We want to see!”

I smile at my reflection before stepping out and approach where they’re sitting.

Mom gasps, shooting up from her seat. “Oh, Aurora.” She chokes on her words. “It’s beautiful.”

“I know,” I say in a daze. My eyes shift to Dad and stay there. He’s smiling at me, his eyes filled with tears.

The clerk bounces over. “You look stunning. What do you think?”

I flatten my hands down the front of the dress. “This is it,” I announce, unable to hold back a grin.

“Congratulations!” the clerk says with a kind smile.

I press my lips together, exhaling a shaky, excited breath. “Thank you.” Buying a dress doesn’t mean the ceremony has to be right around the corner. It’s just a dress. The most stunning, breathtaking dress I’ve ever seen.

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