Page 95 of Mercy (The Sins Trilogy 3)
“The bride is absolutely radiant,” Avery says. “Some refreshments? We have Dom or whatever else you might want.”
“Three flutes of Dom,” Mrs. Min says. “And two fresh smoothies, no alcohol.”
Avery gestures, and one of her assistants vanishes into the back. Soon she reappears with a tray of bubbly and the smoothies.
I take the champagne automatically. Yuna and her mom take the other two. Ms. Kim takes the smoothie, and Bobbi shakes her head.
“You should go ahead.” I shoot her a reassuring smile. It isn’t like some sociopath is going to run me over in the store or mug me. I don’t see why Bobbi shouldn’t enjoy the refreshment.
After a moment of hesitation, she takes it and downs it in three beats, then places the empty glass back on the tray.
She should’ve taken her time, but I don’t push. Instead, I sip the champagne, enjoying the lovely flavor. Wow. Maybe I should get this for our wedding toast.
Avery turns to me. “Any theme? Style? A specific fabric you’re set on?”
“I’m open to anything,” I say, hoping this will disguise my embarrassing ignorance on bridal wear.
“Masako Hayashi is doing her bridal pieces,” Yuna says. “Makes sense, since she did your engagement ring.”
I squirm, embarrassed—again—at how much it’s going to cost. Even though Tony said we could auction the pieces after the ceremony for charity, it still seems like an awful waste for something I’ll only wear once. Wouldn’t it be easier to get small, simple pieces, then donate the money we would’ve spent on Masako Hayashi’s designs to a cause Tony and I both care about? An auction seems a little egotistical, because it isn’t like I’m someone famous or special enough to draw media attention.
“How wonderful. She’s the perfect person to create the kind of pieces you can pass down to your children,” Mrs. Min says.
I look at her. Pass down to our children?
“You and Tony are starting your own dynasty,” she says. “Family. It matters.”
I never thought of it that way. My biggest objection—that it’s a waste—vanishes. It’s different if I can pass them down. Wouldn’t it be lovely to give my set to our daughter? If we don’t have a girl, maybe to the woman our son falls in love with? Tony and I can always donate money separately to worthy charities.
Although he and I haven’t talked about it in detail, I’d love to have a baby or two with him. Children with his bright intellect, heart-stutteringly angelic looks and sweet nature.
Avery puts a fluttering hand over her heart. “Do you mind?” She points at my hand, her breathing a little shallow.
I show her the ring, slightly embarrassed over her reaction, although that doesn’t dim my love for the ring.
“Oh, it’s gorgeous. Masako does the most beautiful work. The lady is an artist and a craftswoman—exact, demanding and flawless. Never uses the same design twice. She and I’ll have to coordinate to make sure you look perfect for the wedding.” Avery turns to me. “Does your fiancé have any special nickname for you? Other than the usual sweetheart or darling?”
I hesitate for a second. Revealing it feels as intimate as going buck naked in front of this stranger. But it isn’t a secret.
“It’s just so I can work it into the theme or motif,” Avery explains.
“North Star,” I say, flushing with pleasure and a bit of shyness.
“North Star?”
I start to tell her Tony also calls me his compass, but stop, suddenly afraid of what that will get me. A needle-shaped dress, maybe?
“Polaris,” Bobbi says. “It’s the star navigators used to find their way in old times.”
Perfect. I don’t have to tell Avery about the compass. Or the sun and the moon part.
“Oh, I apologize. I’m not familiar with navigation or stars, but that sounds very romantic.”
“It is,” I say, feeling like my insides are melting from the memory.
“So let’s see. How about a starry fairytale as the main motif?” Avery taps her long, perfectly lacquered red nails against her chin. “I have just the thing in mind. Give me a couple of days, and I’ll have some preliminary designs sent to you for approval. But if you want to imagine what it would look like, we’re going to use something like this, but in white, over the satin and silk.” She gestures at a black tutu-like outfit on a mannequin.
The material is so thin it’s translucent. Diamanté sewn on the fabric sparkle under the lighting. I can just imagine how it’ll look under the sun in an outdoor ceremony.
