A Broken Forever(80)

"That is one of our new arrivals, it is a Maggie Sottero gown. It is absolutely stunning, but that part you seem to already know." Polly said with a smirk.

I nodded. "Could I try it on?"

"Of course, let me grab it for you."

My mother jumped from her chair, placing a hand on my arm to regain my attention.

"That one is lovely, Greyson, but what about the one you're wearing."

I looked down at the dress I was still wearing. It was beautiful, there was no doubt about that. I could have loved it just fine, and worn it for my big day without a second thought. However, now that I had seen this other one, I couldn't. If the lacy dress didn't end up looking right when I slipped it on, then I would feel right about the ball gown. But I needed to try on the new dress to sincerely know which was meant for me.

"This one is great, but I have to try that one."

An objection was on the tip of her tongue, but Polly's excitement made her bite it back.

"It's even in your size!"

With a smile I replied, "It was meant to be."

Polly and I made our way back to the changing room. From the first moment the exquisite fabric slid into place, I knew this was it. This was my dress.

The bodice was a bit of a corset in the back that brought the lacy fabric against my figure. The sweetheart neckline created a little more cleavage than the last one, and for me that was a good thing. Right below the top of my hips the fitted lace bodice stopped, and the tulle skirt fell gracefully around my legs. A train extended at the back that Polly assured had a simple way of transforming it from ceremony to reception.

Polly and I stood in silence for a moment, taking in all the glory that this gown was.

"I have to say, of all you have tried on, this is my absolute favorite."

My smile grew and unexpected tears rolled down my cheeks. "It's perfect."

We made our way out to show the others, and a collective gasp echoed from them all. Everyone was in agreement that this dress was astonishing. My mother even apologized for ever doubting me, and my hard ass of a brother quickly swiped his tears away. 

"So, are we getting a dress today?" Polly asked with a beaming smile.

Through the tears I nodded my head. "Yes, this is the only one for me."





Even though the dress was my size, Polly still suggested taking my measurements for alterations. The dress seemed fine, but my mother said we would absolutely make sure everything was okay for the big day. I trusted it would be alright without the alterations, but I knew my mom was probably right, so I didn't bother arguing. While Polly took my measurements Kacie, Kari, and Cara were sent to find some possible bridesmaids' gowns. They would all be wearing the same dress, but seeing different choices was always a good thing, since I hadn't even thought of what to put them in yet.

Alterations were done, and the girls were in their changing rooms. Mom sent me to go check out the accessories in hopes of finding the perfect jewelry. Any excuse to back away a little to gather my composure again was good enough for me. Selecting the perfect dress made our October wedding date seem much more real than before. That bubble of bliss, the smile on my face, it all faded as I realized I couldn't have a happy future; if my fiancé didn't know of the past I still held very close to my heart.

I scanned the different cases of earrings, but none of the pieces registered in my mind.

"See anything you like?" Jayden asked, waking me from my trance.

I smiled, looking to see if anyone else had followed him over. "Not really concentrating, I guess. The girls still getting their dresses on?"

Jay nodded, picking up a single shiny earring, holding it to his ear. "Yep, what do you think? Does it look good on me?"

Despite the current mood funk I was in, I couldn't help but laugh. "It's beautiful. Don't let mom catch you looking at jewelry though, or she'll start looking for a dress to put you in."

He rolled his eyes. "Don't I know it? So, how are you doing with all of this today?"

My shoulders shrugged, focusing my attention anywhere, but at his sympathetic face. "I'm fine, I just refuse to try on anything else for at least the next month." I forced out an awkward laugh to lighten the mood. Jayden was no fool, he knew better than to trust that my sour mood was because I was tired of changing outfits.

"Grey, it is okay to feel this way."

"What way?"

He moved a strand of hair from my shoulder. "Upset, nervous, scared, whatever's going through your mind." I nodded but didn't clarify what was going on. "I was wrong the other day when I yelled at you."

"What do you mean?" My eyes darted his way.

"When I left, I drove home and went on a rant to Cara. I told her I couldn't believe you were still talking to him. That you were such a sucker, and I honestly couldn't justify what you were doing. I was furious at him for not just staying away, and I was pissed at you for letting him back in."