Page 3 of With This Ring
Dakota’s mind drew a blank.
A grin spread on Skye’s face, and she pointed a finger at her aunt. “See? I told you. The last guy you dated was the one who rear-ended your car after he dropped you off at the apartment complex where you used to live.”
“How on earth did you remember that disaster?”
Skye lifted her chin. “Because I’m the observant sister. Aubrey is the whimsical sister. You’re the fun aunt. Dad just kills the vibe. We all have our roles in the family—and don’t change the subject!” Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “I bet you hit it off with Mr. Bryant. He’s, like, the best teacher we have at Flowering Grove High. The best art teacher, at least.”
“He was... nice.” Dakota had liked him. He was polite and funny, and he had an easy sense of humor. In fact, she had no complaints about the date at all. It truly had been nice. A nice date with a nice guy at a nice coffee shop followed by a nice walk. Their conversation had flowed fairly easily, and Parker was certainly easy on the eyes with his dark eyes and strong shoulders.
Even so, the spark was missing. He was her type to a T—good with kids, attentive, laid-back, polite. So why did the date leave her feeling so lukewarm?
“And...?” Skye folded her hands and bounced on the balls of her feet. “Are you going to see him again?”
Dakota hesitated. Although she’d liked Parker, she couldn’t see herself in a relationship with him. Besides, when would she fit arelationship into her busy schedule? Not only was she trying to get her business back on its feet, but she also taught skating lessons on Friday and Saturday nights at the Flowering Grove Rollerama. Oh, and her house was a disaster too. She didn’t even have time to clean—let alone date.
“Come on, Auntie. I know he’s, like, nearly forty, but you have to admit he’s good-looking, even for an old guy.”
Dakota guffawed. “First of all, he’s only thirty-three, and second, forty is not ancient, young lady. Your dad is forty-two, and your mom is forty-one.”
“Yeah, and they’re old. But Mr. Bryant is so nice.” Her eyes seemed to search Dakota’s. “At least tell me why you don’t like him.”
Dakota began steaming a gown while she considered the question. “I do like him.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
Dakota shrugged. “I just don’t have time for a relationship.”
“Ugh!” Skye rolled her eyes. “You always say that, but if you want something, you can make time for it.”
“It’s not that simple,” Dakota said, moving the steamer up and down the gown’s lace bodice.
“But you sell wedding gowns, for goodness’ sake. Don’t you want to get married and have a wedding of your own? Have a family?”
“Of course I do.”
“Well, that won’t happen if you don’t make time for a relationship.”
Dakota wished it were that simple. She loved helping brides dress for the wedding of their dreams, which was why she opened this boutique. Witnessing the pure joy glowing on her customers’ faces when they found the perfect gown felt almost magical. In fact, she eventually wanted to have a place where she could not only sell gowns but also host weddings. An all-inclusive wedding venuewith a boutique and a large restored building—such as a barn or an old mill where couples could have their ceremony and reception—would be perfect. Perhaps one day she’d find a farm to purchase, but first she’d need the funds to open the place...
Until then, she’d continue to sell gowns and help brides plan their dream weddings and their happily ever afters. After all, she believed in fairytales for the brides-to-be who shopped with her, though she didn’t believe she’d ever experience her own. She’d just have to live vicariously through her customers instead—which meant getting the restored gowns out to the floor as soon as possible.
She turned her attention back to her niece. “Would you please go out front in case we have customers? I have that bell on the door, but it’s more appealing to be welcomed by someone in the showroom.”
“You’re just deflecting because you know I’m right.” She pointed to Dakota’s pocket. “Are you going to text Mr. Bryant back and ask him out?”
“Maybe later, when my hands aren’t occupied.” She pointed to the dress.
Skye moved to the doorway, then turned to face her aunt again. “You really should text him back. I think you two would make a super-cute couple.”
“I’ll think about it,” Dakota promised.
“Good.” Skye’s smile was back. “By the way, have you thought about playing more hip music here?” She pointed to the speaker above her. An instrumental version of “All of Me” by John Legend was barely audible above the hum of the dehumidifier and air-moving machine, which were supposed to be helping rid the store of its water damage smell.
Dakota sighed. “Studies have shown that bridal shop patrons are more apt to purchase a gown and other accessories if classic romantic music is playing in the boutique.”
Her niece seemed unconvinced. “Well, this is Flowering Grove, after all. I think the customers would appreciate hearing a Kirwan song every once in a while since the lead singer married a local.”
“Skye...” Dakota’s voice held an undercurrent of warning.