Page 47 of Endless Harmonies
I actually try on two other dresses that are pretty but just not me as we sip on our drinks. Biting my lip, I glance over my shoulder at the mermaid style dress. I’m wearing a strapless bodysuit and heels as I drink champagne and wonder if I can try the damn dress yet.
“Okay, okay. Go try it on,” Layla says, rolling her eyes. Grinning, I hand her my glass as I pick it up.
“Ready for the next dress?” Kerri asks, coming in. She’s insisted on helping me since I was hopelessly lost inside of the tulle monstrosity.
“Yes, please. I’m finally allowed to try on the mermaid dress!” I squeal. I am really happy Layla insisted on taking a day to shop for a dress. We have a virtual appointment with a bakery in St. Augustine later today, and then another appointment with a florist.
I am going to feel exhausted, but accomplished, after today.
Kerri helps me step into the dress, and then I wiggle into it. My eyes widen as I start toseemyself as a bride as she fastens the buttons up the back and ties the lavender bow.
“Let’s add a little bling,” she murmurs as she picks up a tiara and a veil.
As she puts it on, I swallow back a sob as tears spill over my cheeks.
“Wow,” I whisper. Kerri opens the curtain, and urges me to walk out. “Layla, what do you think?”
The answering sob as I step out makes me smile as she nods. “Holy shit, that’s it. We found the one!”
As she hugs me, I have to silently thank my good for nothing father for giving me her. There’s no one else like Layla.
“We did.” I grin. My cheeks hurt from how much I’m smiling, but I don’t even care.
“I need an obnoxious photo for myself. I won’t post it anywhere,” Layla promises. “I want to remember today forever.”
We take a million pictures, and have a blast. The dress fits perfectly, so we buy it on the spot, making sure to make an alteration appointment. In the next couple of weeks, I’ll have the shoes I’ll want with it, and then they can raise the hem if it’s needed.
Striding out into the sunshine with my garment bag arm in arm with Layla, I let myself bask in this moment. The cool air ruffles my hair and my overheated face from crying, and it is one day closer to my wedding day.
I may still be a work in progress, but every step takes me closer to happiness. Sometimes you have to walk through Hell to come out stronger. I’ve definitely done that this past year.
“Let’s drop off your dress, and then go have lunch,” Layla suggests as we stroll.
“I saw a really cool makeup shop too,” I muse. “Okay, I may not hate shopping as much as I said I did.”
“Shopping with the right person helps.” The minx grins, making me snort.
God definitely knew what he was doing when he gave me a little sister.
CHAPTERTWELVE
Derek
I’m laying on my stomach on the floor with the kids, staring at them. They’re four weeks old now and doing something called tummy time. I have no idea why this is important, but Roark told me to do it. Daddy Ror is scary as fuck, so while he’s making brownies, I’m doing as I’m told.
Devlin pushes up on little arms and stretches his neck, making me smile.
“Such a big boy,” I praise with a grin. “I can’t believe you’ve been here for four weeks already. I swear it just feels like life is on fast forward right now.”
“It does,” Turner says, popping his head in the doorway. “You three look adorable. Hold on, I need to send this to Lenny. I hope she’s home soon.”
“You miss her,” I chuckle. “The wedding is in two weeks, and then we have Halloween the week after. I don’t know how this month has been flying by so quickly.”
“I do miss her,” he grumbles. “Alright, cute babies, let’s plant the bait for Mommy.”
I snicker, but grin for the camera. Turner takes the photo and then sends it. He bursts into laughter at the response and shows me.
Lennon: Fuck, my boobs just let down. You’re lucky I’m on the way home.