Page 69 of A Little Bit Engaged
“There’s a lot of tulle and lace, but wait until you try on the gown.” Hannah gave an encouraging smile. “Trust me, the dress looks much different when you’re wearing it.”
Cara trusted the designer. “I’m sure it does.”
Hannah held up the wedding gown. The confection of lace, beading, and tulle brought tears to Cara’s eyes. The lace neckline was high and trimmed with pearls and crystals. The skirt was also decorated with the same pearls but had slightly larger crystals that shimmered underneath the lights.
“Okay, not a cloud. Breathtaking.” Cara’s voice cracked. She could tell Hannah put her heart into each design, whether she was starting from scratch or altering an old dress. Though the designer would be compensated for her efforts, this gorgeous creation would go unworn. “A-amazing.”
Hannah helped Cara into the dress. Sticking her hands through the armholes, she hoped the dress looked okay, but not great. She wanted to remain distant, be more of an observer than a participant in the fitting, because knowing a bride wouldn’t walk down the aisle wearing the dress made her sad.
“Almost on,” Hannah said.
The sleeveless dress had a lace bodice with beading and a full skirt that gave it the cloud effect. Pretty, but her heart didn’t go pitter-patter.
Thank goodness.
Hannah buttoned the back. “This part takes the longest.”
“I’ve got all day.” Well, until their appointment at City Hall that afternoon.
The minutes passed.
“That was the last one.” Hannah stepped in front of Cara. The designer beamed. “A nice fit. We could take in the waist an inch, but not too much more. We want you comfortable on your wedding day, not struggling to breathe.”
“Whatever you think is best.”
“Let’s go into the bathroom where there’s a mirror. You need to see yourself.”
On the way, the skirt swooshed around Cara’s lower calves. She stared at the mirror, and…
Gasped.
Hannah clapped. “Beautiful.”
Mouth open, Cara stared at her reflection.
The dress was…magical.
Beautiful didn’t begin to describe each amazing detail. Talk about a dream-come-true gown.
She’d longed to feel like a princess. In this dress, she did.
“Are you a fairy godmother in addition to being a wedding dress designer?” she asked.
Hannah laughed. “I should add that to my business card.”
“Do, because you are.”
Cara turned to the right and left. The skirt flowed and sparkled with the change in position and lighting. The lace bodice fit, not too snugly, but accentuated her chest and waist.
“It’s perfect.” She examined herself from every angle. “So pretty.”
She laughed, giddy with excitement and anticipation. Thinking about wearing this on her wedding day, she hummed “The Bridal March.”
Wait until Brody sees me.
And then she remembered.
Not real.
