Page 70 of Heartstrings & Horizons
They’re both labor and delivery nurses so I should’ve put two and two together. We chat a bit about Jemma’s upcoming wedding and mine and Cade’s engagement. Before I know it, Jemma is offering to help me pick out some dresses, and our duo becomes a trio.
Queue the ‘27 Dresses’ style movie montage circa 2008. I’ve already tried on 6 or 7 imperfect dresses when the consultant brings over an A-line chiffon chapel train gown in a gorgeous off white color. It has a sweetheart neckline, and delicate lace flowers dotting the bodice and down the train, and long bishop sleeves that fall off the shoulders. It looks like a gown fit for an elven princess. I follow her back into the dressing room where she helps me into the gown and cinches the corset laces in the back. The dress fits like a dream. That has to be a sign, right?
I walk out of the dressing room, all eyes turning to me as I step onto the small platform in front of the floor to ceiling mirrors. I hear a gasp from behind me as the consultant fans out the train, and I can’t be sure if it came from Cara or Jemma.
I glance at myself in the mirror, and for the first time, I can truly picture myself walking down the aisle to meet Cade. Cara and Jemma’s tear-filled eyes almost solidify my decision. Almost. There’s one more thing I need to do.
“Cara, do you mind running into the dressing room to grab my phone? I need one more opinion.”
“Girl, you better not be calling Cade. It’s bad luck,” Jemma warns.
I giggle. “Definitely not.”
Cara returns a moment later and I pull up Maggie’s contact, hit the FaceTime button, then hand the phone back to her so she can make sure my whole body is visible on the screen.
“Paige! Where — OH MY GOD.”
“What do you think?”
“Paige –” Her voice gentles. I rarely see this much emotion from Mags, so I can’t quite decipher if it’s a good thing or not.
“That bad?” I ask, anxiety and a bit of disappointment lacing my tone.
“No, babe. It’s perfect.” Cara flips the screen and I can see a tear tracking over Mags’ cheek.
I didn’t come here expecting to find the perfect dress, but I can't imagine leaving here without it. Decision made. With best friend veto powers on standby, Jemma and Cara help me pick out an intricate floral trimmed veil and a pair of simple silk flats with a sling back strap and delicate bows on the toe to compliment the dress. I leave the boutique feeling like a queen.
Not quite ready for this day to end, I suggest we head to the strip mall for some shopping. Since Oak Ridge was a spur-of-the moment decision, I didn’t come prepared for an extended stay and I’ve been rewashing the few outfits I had with me. When Cade dropped me off at the bridal shop, he left me with his credit card and told me to treat myself. Who am I to turn down a day of pampering from my future husband?
As I hesitate in front of a mirror, holding a dress against my body, Cara comes up behind me and gently places her hands on my shoulders, meeting my eyes in the reflection.
“I mean this in the nicest way, girl. Clothes are meant to express who you are, not hide you away. I think it’s time to ditch the black and navy blue.”
I laugh at her observation, “Hey. I also wear emerald, eggplantandmaroon.”
“I don’t doubt that you’ve become well acquainted with eggplant.” She snorts at her own ridiculous joke. “Trust me, I’m about to drag you out of your comfort zone.”
She disappears back into the store and returns with a fitted knee-length skirt in a muted rose color with tiny white flowers and a slit up the thigh. Next she snags an off white square neck bodysuit, and all but shoves me into a fitting room. I must linger for too long because her voice comes over the door a few minutes later. “What’s taking so long?”
“I’m just… not sure if I can pull it off.”
“We won’t know if you don’t show us, Paige.” Jemma shouts from the fitting room next door. Resigned to my fate, I step out and let the girls give me a once over. Cara’s eyes sparkle with excitement before she pulls out her phone and snaps a photo.
“What the hell, Cara!” It comes out as almost a shout as my phone chimes from the fitting room. I rush back and snatch it off the bench, watching the notifications from the group chat appear.
Cara: Look at this hottie
Cade: Damn, Sunshine. ??
Cara: Tell her she has to buy the fit, Cade. She’s being a Debbie downer.
Paige: You know I’m still in the same room with you…
Cade: Baby… if you don’t buy that outfit, I’ll spank your ass raw.
Paige: Not much of a threat, Cowboy.
Dean: Gross. Stop flirting in the group chat.
