Page 57 of Merry Little Sugar Rush
Her eyes are sad as she grins at me. “You’ve probably always loved him, Joy. Maybe not in the exact way, but you two were inseparable growing up. The kind of love built from solid friendship. Even though you guys were young doesn’t mean itwasn’t there. So it would be logical that love would grow into something bigger later in life.”
I nod. “Yeah.” Her statement feels right. “I just…” I swallow over the lump in my throat. “I’m going to hate it when he leaves.”
I’m pulled into a fierce hug. “I know, Joy.”
I give myself several seconds to soak up the comfort and love my sister is giving me, and when I pull back, I sniffle and offer a smile. “Thanks.”
“I’m always here for you, little sister.”
“And I’m always here for you,” I confirm. “Now, enough of my drama.” Turning to finally take in my reflection in the mirror, I gasp, “Wow.”
She steps into view and is grinning from ear to ear. “You look amazing.”
The deep-red, floor-length dress hugs my figure in the best way. It has a slit up the left leg, is off the shoulder, and has three-quarter length sleeves. Plus, a subtle V at my chest that gives a hint of cleavage without giving away the farm, if you know what I mean. It’s the perfect color and style for a winter Christmas wedding. “This is so pretty,” I whisper, taking in the beautiful dress.
“It’s perfect,” she assures me. “And it doesn’t even look like you need alterations.”
I continue to scrutinize my appearance in the mirror, and even though I’m sure she’s a bit biased, I do admit this gown is pretty dang close to perfection. “You think this is the one?” I ask, my heart starting to pound in my chest.
“Are you kidding me? If you tried on another dress, I’d be pissed at you. This one was made for you.”
I nod, taking in my reflection one more time.
“Burk is going to swallow his tongue when he sees you,” she declares, offering a wink. “I can’t wait.”
I bark out a laugh and shake my head. “Okay, I choose this one. Let me get out of it, and we can find you a dress,” I say, turning my back to my sister so she can unzip me.
When we arrived, Eve insisted on finding my maid of honor dress first, as well as giving the moms time to find theirs. She said part of the joy in this experience was watching us choose our dresses too, and she wanted to be completely present for that part. “I’m going to step out and see if the others have found any to try on,” she says, referring to our mom, John’s Mom, Patti, and his grandma, Glenda.
I nod and wait until the door is closed behind her. When I’m left alone, I take a deep, calming breath. I probably shouldn’t have burdened this day with the heaviness hanging on my heart, but I knew my sister would understand. And like any other time we’ve talked, she helped me work through what was troubling me.
The fact remains that I’m falling hard and fast for Burk, and even though he’s leaving, I’m still going to see this through. My heart might be completely shattered by the time New Year’s Eve rolls around, but the thought of not sharing these last couple of weeks with him feels almost more soul-crushing. I know how this will end. I’m choosing to enjoy the ride until that time comes.
When my dress is on the hanger and my clothes are back on, I step out into the small dressing room area and smile. Both my mom and John’s are standing in the middle of the row of mirrors wearing beautiful dresses. Both have chosen a shade a green and look equally beautiful.
“What do you think?” Mom asks me.
“You both look stunning,” I assure her.
Glenda is sitting in a wingback chair, smiling widely. “I agree. They look exquisite.”
Mom makes a face. “You aren’t going to show me the dress?”
I give her an apologetic look and hand the dress to the sales associate. “Sorry, I didn’t think to come out and show everyone.”
“I think it’s the perfect dress,” Eve states before turning to Glenda. “Have you found a dress?”
The older woman waves her hand. “I’m just along for the ride, dear. I have plenty of dresses in my closet I can wear.”
“John insisted,” Eve replies to the older woman.
“How many times is your only grandson going to get married?” Patti asks.
“Well, he better only get married once,” my sister replies with a hint of sarcasm.
“Oh, I have no doubt about it,” Glenda vows, slowly standing from her seat and taking the few steps to where Eve stands. She takes her hand and adds, “I’ve never seen my grandson so in love. You’ve made him happier than I could have ever wanted, and I have no doubt in my mind and my heart that this love will last forever.”
My sister sniffles and smiles. “Thanks, Grandma Glenda.”
