When we arrive at the bridal boutique, Mrs. Jackson is waiting for us. The employees sweep Avery and Holly away to get them in their dresses. The two moms also head back to try on their mother’s dresses for the wedding, so I wander around the rows and rows of beautiful wedding dresses. White chiffon, ivory lace, beads, and sequins; you name it, it’s here in this huge room just waiting for the bride to come pick that dress and declare it ‘perfect’.
I’m drawn to a beautiful ivory gown hanging on the mannequin. It has a deep scoop neck, thin spaghetti straps, and satin bodest with a small train that is breathtaking. It’s so simple and elegant. It truly takes my breath away.
When I was a little girl, I never understood those girls who fantasized about their wedding day to Prince Charming, planning out every detail like it’s happening tomorrow. No, I’d always much rather get lost in a book than a fantasy. Which, I guess if you look at it, that’s what I did too through books, but somehow this just seems different.
As I touch the soft satiny material of this beautiful gown, I realize it’s the first time I actually stop and consider what it would be like to get married. To have someone to come home to every night; to wake up next to every morning. Someone to fight with and love. I do want that. Desperately. I want the fairytale like in the novels.
My phone chiming brings me out of my daydream. I pull it out of my purse and look at the screen. Jake.
What are you doing?
Instead of typing a reply, I snap a quick picture of the row of dozens of wedding dresses and hit send.
A few minutes later, he replies. That’s right. I forgot. Which one are you getting? ;)
His question makes me stop dead in my tracks. Does Jake think I’m here getting a dress? Or scouting out dresses for my future wedding?
I fire back my reply as quickly as my shaky fingers will type. None.
I like naked better, too. Let’s go with that.
I stare at my screen, not really knowing how to reply to him. A few moments later, he replies again.
Gotta traffic stop. See ya tonight.
I reply a quick Bye and drop my phone back in my purse like a hot potato. I can’t stop looking at the beautiful ivory gown hanging on the mannequin. And now I’m thinking about Jake. Could I actually be considering a future with Jake? When we’re not fighting with each other, we seem to enjoy our time together. But Jake will never settle down. His sister has told me that. Heck, he has told me that.
My thoughts are interrupted as Mrs. Stevens comes up behind me. “That’s a beautiful dress, dear. With your complexion and hair coloring, you would look stunning in it.”
“Oh,” I say, startled when I realize I’m still holding the silky material of the gown in my hand. I drop it and turn to face Jake’s mother. “I was just browsing the dresses while I wait for the bride to come out, Mrs. Stevens.”
The friendly, warm woman smiles at me. “Elizabeth, please. You know, dear, Jake is a very stubborn boy. He was my most stubborn child which I’m sure comes as no surprise to you. One of these days, he’s going to realize that the best things in life are right in front of you the whole time.”
Is she talking about me? I furrow my brows in confusion. “Jake and I are just friends, Mrs. – Elizabeth.”
“Yes, you are. For now. But I saw the way he was looking at you, watching you when you came to Avery’s for dinner the night they moved. Plus, I heard all about that kiss on the patio.”
My face burns bright red. “Jake and I can barely stand to be in the same place together. We fight about everything.”
“Sometimes, my dear, fighting with the one you love is better than not fighting at all. Fighting means you have passion and you’re alive. Fighting symbolizes your desire and your lust. Fighting represents love.” She gives me a warm, motherly smile; a smile that I haven’t received from my own mother in so long. “Plus, the making up afterwards makes the fights that much better,” she adds with a wink as she turns and walks towards Avery who is walking out in her beautiful wedding gown.
For the first time in my life, I wonder if Jake and I actually have a chance at making something work between us. Could I fall in love with Jake Stevens? I’m afraid that the answer is already a yes.
*****
Jake pulls in after nine-thirty. His golden blond hair is still damp from the shower he must have taken before he came over. I notice it is spitting snow as I open the door for him.
“Come on. Grab your coat,” he says when I open the door for him.
“Excuse me?”
“Let’s go.”
“Ummm, how about you ask me instead of demand it?”
He sighs dramatically as he rephrases his statement. “Erin, I have a little surprise for you. Will you please grab your coat and come with me for a little bit?”