Page 102 of Forever Entwined

"It's actually a wedding dress," the owner informs us.

"But it's blue." I blurt out in surprise.

"It was custom-made, I designed this dress myself for a lovely lady almost fifteen years ago. I can't remember the lady's name, but she was lovely and spoke with a strong Spanish, or maybe it was Italian, accent."

"So what happened?" asks Harper as she finds a seat, ready to sit down.

"She had it made for her wedding renewal to her husband. She chose that color because she wanted it to represent his eyes.

Unfortunately, she developed cancer just a few months later and was never able to wear it. I've had it sitting in storage for years, but could never bring myself to sell it.

It was your story and the way you described your boyfriend's eyes that reminded me of it."

Surely, it can't be? Can it?"Someone run and get my phone!" I yell a little more rudely than I intended. Riley picks up my phone and hands it to me.

"This is going to sound like a weird question, and it's probably impossible," I say as I frantically scroll through my phone looking for the picture I want, "but is this the woman who ordered this dress?" I ask nervously. I try to hand her my phone, but my hands are shaking so much that I almost drop it.

"Yes! I believe it is." the woman gasps in shock.

"Who is it, Izzy?" asks Ava as she snatches the phone from my hand to look at the picture.

"It's Nate's mom," I clarify. Tears start streaming down my face, and Ava just looks at me in shock.

"Then, I think she would want you to have it," the owner states, taking a tissue and wiping her own tears before handing me one to do the same.

My mind is a whirlwind of emotions. I'm so grateful and honored I found this dress. It all seems like fate. But my heart also feels heavy to know Nate’s mom never got to wear it.Yet… I feel like it was my destiny to find it. Maybe, just maybe, she guided me here. Stranger things have happened, right?

"How much do I owe you?" I ask the woman once I'm finally dressed in my normal clothes and standing at the register.

"Absolutely nothing, my dear. That dress was bought and paid for years ago."

"What? Are you sure?" I gasp.

"Yes, I never knew why I kept it all those years, but it seems like fate wanted it that way. It's yours! Perhaps it was supposed to be like that from the beginning." she replies with a faraway smile.

"Thank you so much," I reply gratefully as a tear threatens to fall again. I lean over the counter and hug the poor woman before I even realize what I'm doing. I don't have words to express the gratitude I feel at this moment. Luckily, she doesn’t seem to mind and returns the hug.

I see Ava and Harper already standing with their shopping bags in hand, but Riley's hands are empty. "Where's your dress?" I ask.

"I didn't get it; I changed my mind," Riley mumbles, but it's clear from her face she's lying.

"You loved the dress! What changed?" I ask, but before she has a chance to respond, I add, "The truth, please."

"Fine! The dress was too expensive; even with the discount, it's still over my budget by almost one hundred and fifty dollars." Riley sighs.

"I'll give you the money. I had it saved for my dress anyway, which I've not used. Plus, that dress was made for you. I'd gladly pay the money just so no one else can ever wear it," I declare.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Riley sings, as she takes the money in my hand and adds it to her own, so she can afford the dress.

We leave the store and stop to get a drink, noticing it's already gotten dark.Wow, we've spent most of the day dress shopping. After googling hotels nearby and calling our families to let them know we are safe and staying the night, we find a hotel not far away that still has two rooms available. Ava and I decide to share a bed, as do Riley and Harper. Despite our plans for a fun, Sex in the City inspired girl’s night out, we all opt for room service and an early night since we have to get up at six to get ready. Luckily, we managed to buy pajamas, underwear, and makeup at Walmart, as obviously, we brought nothing with us.

The next morning, we all wake up bright and early and head out to meet Louisa and the rest of her staff to prepare for the wedding fair. We strut our stuff and must do well. By the end of the day, Louisa tells us that she has sold over two hundred copies of the dresses we modeled for her to various clients and even a few small stores.

By the time we finally finish and thank Louisa again for all her help, it’s already late. By the time we reach home, it's almost eight p.m. and we are all ready for bed again. This weekend was amazing and definitely a once in a lifetime experience, butmy god, was it exhausting.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

ISABELLA