“Gabs, that dress…”
“It’s perfect,” her mother finished, climbing to her feet.
Tears filled Gabby’s eyes. “Really?”
Eleanor crossed the room, taking Gabby’s face in her hands. “Drew won’t be able to take his eyes off of you. I swear to you.”
Gabby threw her arms around her mother, who returned the embrace. Noel watched them, mesmerized, bile crawling up her throat as memories overtook her.
It was a Saturday morning in the spring. They’d been cleaning out the spare bedroom and under the bed, Noel found a white bridal box. She’d been nine at the time and pushed it towards her mother across the carpet.
“What’s this?”
Her mother’s smile lit up her whole face, like sunshine breaking through storm clouds. “You’ve found my wedding dress.” She lifted the lid and pulled out a pair of shoes with pearls covering the heel. Her mother waved them in front of her. “I danced the whole night in these, even though my feet felt like they were going to fall off. Here, try them on.”
Noel remembered the excitement of kicking off her rainbow tennis shoes and slipping her sock-covered feet into the pumps. They were too big, of course, and she’d giggled.
Then her mom took her lacy wedding dress from the box and slipped it over Noel’s T-shirt and jeans.
“Stuart! Bring the camera!”
Her dad walked through the doorway with the camera in hand just as her mom secured the veil on her head.
“You look beautiful, princess.”
“Doesn’t she?” Her mother beamed. “She’ll make such a beautiful bride one day.”
“Miss? Miss?”
Noel realized the attendant stood next to her, holding her card and receipt.
“Sorry. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She handed her a silver garment bag.
Gabby stomped down to confront her, hands on her hips. “I told you I was buying your dress.”
Noel gave her a bear hug, fighting back a rush of emotions, still shaken by the memory of her parents.
“You have enough expenses without buying my dress.” Noel pulled away, avoiding Gabby’s gaze so she wouldn’t see her tears. “So, do we have a winner?”
“Honestly, yeah. I don’t need to try on anymore. They say when you know, you know, right?”
“And my veil will go perfect with it.” Eleanor set her purse on the counter, rummaging through the black leather bag. “I want to pay for this dress.”
“Mom! I can buy my own dress!”
“Shush. I already discussed it with your father, so I win.”
Noel laughed. “You can’t argue with that logic.”
Gabby smiled, shaking her head. “I guess not.” She hugged her mom from behind. “Thanks, Mom.”
“You’re welcome, baby. Now, go change out of that dress before you get something on it. I’ll go down the street and get us some lattes to celebrate.”
“I can come with you,” Noel offered.
“Nonsense, you keep Gabby company. I won’t be long.”
“Thank you,” Gabby and Noel said in unison.
The second attendant came up the two steps to take Gabby’s hand, helping her down. The bell above the door dinged as Eleanor opened it.
“Hi Mrs. Montoya!” Amber said, coming through the doorway. She wore a black smock over black dress pants and simple black shoes. Her name was monogrammed on the top and her blond hair twisted on top of her head in a messy bun. The false lashes she wore gave her a doe-eyed look.
“Hello, Amber. The girls are inside. Wait until you see Gabby’s dress! She looks beautiful.”
“Nice! Where are you off to?”
“I’m going to grab lattes. Would you like one?”
“Please, nonfat?”
“Of course, dear. Be right back.”
The door shut behind Eleanor, and Amber squealed when she saw Gabby. “You look gorgeous!”
“Thank you,” Gabby beamed.
“Spin, spin.”
Gabby did a little twirl, holding up the skirt of the dress. Noel grinned at the pure joy in Gabby’s eyes.
Suddenly, Gabby stopped, frowning. “What’s wrong?”
Noel’s attention shifted to Amber, who covered her mouth in dismay. Noel’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.
“Well, the way it clings to your butt…it makes it look a little…big.”
“It does not!” Noel growled.
Amber rolled her eyes. “Noel, you don’t have any cake, so stay out of it.”