Page 18 of Treasured By Them
A tall, dark-haired woman introduces herself as Himari and flashes us a warm smile. “I have several gowns in your size back this way, Danica. Shall we get started?”
“Yes, thanks.” I try to manufacture excitement or eagerness, but it’s difficult. I’m getting to the point where I don’t truly hate Edmund, much as I like to say I do. But I’m hesitant about the wedding, just the same.
It’s because I don’t like to be forced into things. If I’m going to marry him, I want a real proposal, and a real wedding. Not this arrangement.
And…what about Troy?
The first gown I try on fits me just fine.
“This won’t even need alterations,” Himari says, “beyond the hem, of course. I don’t think we have heels tall enough that it wouldn’t drag.”
I step onto a little stage to pose in the dress for my mom and Zora.
“Oh, it’s beautiful.” Mom clasps her hands under her chin.
Zora’s eyes fill with tears. “Truly lovely, Danica.”
I pluck at the long, lacy sleeves. They’re already itching my wrists and elbows. “I don’t think this one will work.” At the sight of my mom’s crestfallen face, I add, “We can put it on the ‘maybe’ rack.”
I try on all kinds of gowns—generic, and designer—in all styles. My mom tells Himari that price is of no consequence, so Himari brings out even more gowns.
After what feels like fifty dresses but is probably only fifteen, I slump against the dressing room wall in my underwear and take a much-needed breather. Outside the door, Mom and Zora are gossiping about Dad and Malcolm.
“I’m pretty sure they were smoking at the party last night,” Zora says with a giggle.
“Ha.” Mom sounds annoyed, but affectionate. “I’ll blame Malcolm’s party influence. Craig wouldn’t do that on his own. But he seems happy Malcolm is back after so long away.”
“The two have been close for a long time, I take it.”
“Oh, yes,” Mom says.
“You know, I think Malcolm might propose soon. I think it’s bothered him for years that Craig got married and had kids, the whole thing.” Zora’s whisper is conspiratorial, but not quiet enough.
No wonder Zora’s so interested in my wedding. An upcoming proposal? I’m excited for her—and for Malcolm.
“Danica, darling, are you all right in there?” Mom calls. “Do you need help with a gown?”
“No, no, I’m fine.” I peel myself from the wall and grab the next dress. It has a corset-style top, with flowing, ethereal fabric layered to create a full skirt. I like it. I know not to get my hopes up, though—sometimes the gowns I like most are the ones that look worst on me.
Once I get it on, I open the door for Himari to help me with lacing the corset. I don’t look in the mirror, afraid of judging it before it’s fully ready.
I step out of the dressing room and onto the tiny stage. I face my mom and Zora instead of the mirrors.
Their faces are slack with…horror? Admiration?
“Danica, turn around,” Mom says. “Tell us what you think.”
I spin to face the three-way mirrors. I hardly recognize myself, and at the same time, I can’t picture myself in any other dress. It’s both sexy and romantic, like I’ve stepped out of a fairy tale. It takes me a long time to find my voice. “I love it.”
“This is the one.” Mom turns to Himari. “What sort of alterations does it need, and can they be done in one week?”
The three of them hash out details while I stare, transfixed, at my reflection. I’m a bride. For the first time, it feels real.
For the first time, I might want it.
7
Danica
