One
Holding crystal champagne flutes, Becky and Linda turned from gazing out the window of Rose’s Bridal Boutique when they heard Sam ask, “Well, what do you think of this one?”
“Oh, oh, oh, I think this is it,” squealed Becky.
“I agree, it’s stunning,” said Linda.
Sam twirled around and faced the mirror. This was the seventh dress she had tried on and as she took in every angle, she too thought it may be the one. The dress was a soft blush, with delicate embroidery and tiny shimmering crystals. It had cap sleeves and a flattering sweetheart neckline. The tea length silk skirt was unadorned, drawing all the attention to the captivating bodice, featuring a sheer back, covered only with the dazzling beaded needlework.
“You look gorgeous, Sam. It’s my number one pick,” surmised Linda, placing her glass of bubbly on the table and stepping over to Sam. With her fingertip, she touched the crystal beads. “The view from the back is striking.”
“You’re gonna knock Jeff’s socks off,” Becky said, rushing to Sam and grabbing both her hands. A tear trickled down her cheek, “You’re beautiful.”
Sam smiled. “I like it. It’s my favorite, too. Don’t cry, Becky, not yet anyway.”
“What do you think about white flowers, Sam?” asked Linda. “White is always so elegant and with this whisper of pink in the dress, we could use pink as accents.”
“Sounds fabulous, Linda. I’ll leave it to you, since you’re the expert in all things floral.” Sam turned again and looked at the dress. She saw her old classmate and Rose’s daughter, Maureen, examining her in the dress. “What do you think, Maureen?”
“I agree with your friends, you look lovely. The color and the style suit you, Sam.”
Sam took one more look and a deep breath. “I’ll take it. Could I be fitted today? And we need to pick out a dress for Becky, too. I was hoping we could find something in a darker mauve or pink for my maid of honor. We only have four weeks until the wedding, so I know I’m pushing the envelope.”
“Sure, let me get Viv in here to get you fitted and she’ll get the adjustments done this week. Becky, come with me and let’s look at a couple of dresses I have in mind for you,” said Maureen, as she guided Becky across the shop.
Linda had her sketchbook out and was busy drawing ideas for a bridal bouquet and arrangements for the ceremony. Viv arrived and began fussing with Sam’s dress and pinning it. After what seemed like an eternity, Becky appeared in a deep mauve chiffon dress. The flirty skirt hit just above the knee. Becky cut a striking figure and the dress enhanced her trim waist and long legs. The bodice was ruched along the diagonal and crossed over in a V shape, with the same becoming shape duplicated on the back.
“Wow, Becky, you look terrific,” said Sam.
“Gorgeous color, what do you call it, Maureen?” asked Linda.
“Well, it’s technically called mulberry, but it’s the perfect pinkish purple color that’s so complimentary. It looks great on her,” beamed Maureen.
Sam motioned Maureen over and whispered something in her ear. She nodded and trotted to the racks of dresses.
“Y’all, I love it too. If you like it Sam, I think this is it,” smiled Becky.
“I do. It’s perfect.”
Maureen returned with a handful of purple and pink dresses. She approached Linda and asked her to take a look. “Oh, these are all pretty, but I think Becky looks fabulous in the one she has on.”
“Well, I think you need a new dress for the wedding and I insist you pick one out. My treat,” said Sam.
“Oh, I couldn’t—” began Linda.
“Yes, you can,” interrupted Becky. “Go try some on and model for us.”
Maureen cajoled Linda into a dressing room. She modeled for the group and on the fourth dress, a collective gasp resonated.
“That’s magnificent,” said Sam.
“Va va va voom,” shouted Becky.
“It’s very becoming. The perfect color for you,” said Maureen.
Linda glanced at the mirror. The dress was a deep eggplant and looked terrific with her dark hair. It was tiered chiffon, with lace and beads inset across the torso. The dress had a V-neck in front and back and came with a beautiful lace and beaded shrug. Linda didn’t wear dressy clothes much and protested that it was too lavish.
“Nonsense, it’s perfect and you look gorgeous. I want you to have it. Please accept it with my heartfelt thanks,” said Sam, as she approached Linda and hugged her.
Tears threatened Linda’s eyes and she returned Sam’s hug and whispered, “Okay, Sam. I love it.”
Viv rushed over to check the dress and pinned only a few places.
“I think our work here is done, Maureen.” Sam grinned as she glanced at her watch, “Well, I guess it isn’t as bad as I thought, it’s only one o’clock.”
“Sam, go ahead and change, Viv has everything she needs and we’ll have her take a quick look at Becky, but I don’t think she’ll need to do much.”
Viv shuffled over to Becky and began tugging and pinning the dress. Sam changed and Maureen took the chosen gown and gently hung it on a padded hanger, encased it in a protective cover— and slipped Sam’s information into the outer pocket. “We can have all of these ready for you to pick up by the end of next week.”
“That would be wonderful.” Sam gave her a credit card and she moved over to an antique desk and completed the transaction.
Maureen returned with a folder she handed Sam. “I’m so happy for you and wish you only the best. I was so sorry to hear you and Marty had divorced, but you radiate joy. Your Jeff is a lucky man,” she hugged Sam.
“I appreciate all your help and the rush. Becky will stop by and get the dresses at the end of the week. Be sure and tell your mom hello for me.”
“I will. She doesn’t get out much, but she always enjoys hearing about our new brides. She’ll be pleased to know about your wedding. Do send me a photo, if you can. I’d like to share it with Mom.”
“I’ll make sure you get one. Thanks again for the help and keeping us stocked in champagne this morning,” laughed Sam, as they made their way out of the store.
Becky took her list out as soon as Sam unlocked the car. “Well, girls, it looks like the last thing on the list is the photographer. Linda is handling the flowers, and being the kind woman she is, agreed to let us have the ceremony and reception at the nursery. Ellie is doing the cake and the caterer who did such a fab job on your birthday said he could do the wedding. Jeff has the same band booked and now we have the dresses. I think we deserve lunch,” laughed Becky.
Since they were already in the Queen Anne neighborhood, Sam drove them to her favorite French restaurant. They had dodged the lunch crowd and found the restaurant almost empty. They lingered over delicious salads and pasta and decided to share a piece of the decadent red velvet cake for dessert.
As Sam pushed her fork into the tender cake smothered in cream cheese frosting, she looked at her two friends. “I can’t believe I’m getting married in a few weeks. Thank you both so much for all your help.” She glanced at Becky, “I’m lucky to have had you in my life since college. I could not have endured the last few years without you. You are a wonderful assistant, but an even better friend.” She slipped the bite into her mouth moaned with delight. “Oh, my gosh, this is good.”
Becky and Linda both nodded as they took their first bite. “You may want to have Ellie make one layer red velvet,” smiled Linda, licking a bit of frosting off her fork.
“Excellent idea. I have to finalize the flavors with Jeff. I think it’s going to be fun to have a variety. I never considered it until Ellie suggested different flavors for each layer.”
“It’s going to be a beautiful wedding, Sam. And Jeff is beyond excited. I’m thrilled for both of you,” smiled Linda.
“And I’m grateful for your friendship, Linda. I see why Jeff and his sister think so much of you. I’m glad you’re part of my new life on the island and that I can call you a friend,” said Sam.
The plate was clean, nearly pristine, when the three finished. Sam paid the check and thanked them again for spending the day with her.
“You don’t have to twist my arm to take a day off and sip champagne and play dress up. Plus a wonderful lunch and cake—I think we should do this more often,” joked Linda.
“I haven’t had this much fun in years. But, I guess we better take Becky home and then get the ferry,” said Sam, as she maneuvered through traffic. Becky lived only about a mile from the restaurant. She and Brad had a beautiful early 1900’s house they had remodeled into a modern luxury home with gorgeous views of Puget Sound. After a quick stop at Becky’s house, Linda and Sam set out for the two hour ride north to catch the ferry to Friday Harbor.
Sam glanced over at Linda continuing to draw in her sketch book. As she drove, she thought of her newfound happiness and how lucky she was to have met Jeff and finally feel at peace. I can’t believe this is all real. I feel like I’m dreaming and I never want to wake up.
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