Page 46 of Small Town Sash

"Thanks, Jenesa. You've been a real help," Braden told the B&B owner.

"Any time," she told him with a warm smile. "Hadley's great, and she's lucky to have someone like you fighting for her."

"Now all that's left is to set the plan in motion," Braden thought aloud as he walked to his room, a grin spread across his face. He could already imagine Hadley's reaction to his elaborate gesture, and he hoped it would be enough to finally prove to her that he was all in.

Chapter Thirteen

The dress shop was a carousel of colors and textures, all spinning around Hadley in a whirl of potential. She stood by the mannequin, draping a velvet ribbon across its waist with an artist's precision. Her fingers danced along the fabric, a symphony of silk and chiffon.

"Like this?" Candace asked, her hazel eyes twinkling with creative fire.

"Maybe a bow?" Hadley suggested, her voice light, playful.

Candace tilted her head, considering. "A bow...yes. I can see it now." She laughed, looping the ribbon into an elegant knot. "Hadley, you've got a knack for this."

"Thanks," she blushed, a warm sensation bubbling within her.

Hadley thought she had found happiness in pageants, but as she stood in the dress shop surrounded by all the beautifully handmade garments, she realized that this was different than anything she had ever experienced before. This was joy—a pure, unfiltered jubilation that pageants never gave her. No crowns or sashes here, just the thrill of creation. An exuberance created on her own, without needing validation from others. Yet, therewas still a small part of her that felt guilty for abandoning her mother's dream for her for something so simple yet fulfilling.

"Ever thought about doing this full-time?" Candace said, pinning the bow in place with a flourish.

"Designing? Me?" Hadley's heart skipped. The idea was a seed, suddenly sprouting in the fertile soil of her imagination.

"Sure, why not?" Candace stepped back, admiring their joint effort. "You have an eye for beauty, but not just the surface kind. You see the bones of a piece, how to make it sing."

"Sing," Hadley echoed, the word tasting like possibility on her lips. Up until now, she'd used her voice to express what others thought, but now, with this, she could share her own thoughts and ideas. It was tempting.

"Come work for me," Candace offered; the words hanging between them like a challenge.

"Work for you?" Hadley stammered. Her mind raced—could she? Should she?

"Yep," Candace said, popping the 'p' with a smile. "I could use someone with your vision. And let's face it, we make a pretty good team."

"Team," Hadley repeated, the idea settling in her chest, warming her from the inside out. She imagined days filled with fabrics instead of fake smiles and patterns instead of pageants.

"Okay," Hadley breathed out, the decision felt right for the first time in...well, ever. "Yes, I'd love that."

"Fantastic." Candace beamed, and the shop seemed to glow a little brighter. "Welcome to the chaos and charm of fashion, my friend."

"Chaos and charm," Hadley mused, a smile spreading across her face. Somehow, those words felt like the perfect description for her new beginning.

Candace laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, you have no idea what you're in for," she warned playfully,sweeping her arm around the workshop laden with fabrics and unfinished garments.

Hadley's gaze followed her gesture, taking in the whirl of colors and textures. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, but there was also a sense of exhilaration. "I can't wait," she admitted, her own excitement mirrored in Candace's bright gaze.

"Good, because we start tomorrow bright and early," Candace declared, clapping her hands together with a hint of mischief in her voice.

"Tomorrow?" Hadley squeaked.

"Yes," Candace said, the word tumbling out like a joyful secret. "And when I say bright and early, I mean dawn."

"Dawn?" Hadley echoed weakly. Her mind grappled with the thought of waking up at such an absurd hour. "Well...I guess beauty sleep is overrated anyway."

Candace threw back her head and laughed, a hearty sound that bounced off the walls of the workshop. "Now you're getting the spirit. But I was just kidding. I'm not a morning person. The shop opens at nine," she explained in between chuckles.

"Yes, that seems way more reasonable." Hadley nodded, a nervous smile curling up on her lips. What had she gotten herself into? Then again...she looked around the room—their room now—and felt a rush of warmth spreading through her veins. This was going to be hard, maybe even crazy at times, but it was going to be hers.

"And Hadley?" Candace added softly, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Thank you."

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