1096 Words, this chapter

Chapter Twelve: Shopping for the Bridal Gown, Part 3

Jess put the dress on with Barb's help. "That's the biggest smile I've seen all day," said the consultant.

Jess nodded. "I love it."

The dress was strapless, with small, bright pink roses lining the slightly dipping sweetheart neckline. The bodice itself was blush. Dark pink embroidery of roses, humming birds and butterflies ran all over it.

The top was tight, showing her figure and it cinched in at her tiny waist. Then it jutted out with a white skirt, decorated with blush beads and darker pink pearls. It didn't have the volume of the last dress, showing more of Jess' shape, but it didn't cling. The material was light and shiny, hanging about her as she moved.

Jess was admiring her figure when a knock came. Abby stuck her head in. She froze at the sight in front of her. "Wow," she said with a big smile.

"Is it too plain?"

Abby chuckled. "We've got you covered, Jess. Your sis found this belt and Emily has an awesome pin. Can we add them?"

"Oh, absolutely," said Barb. "That's a great way to customize your look."

She ushered Abby in and let her tie the belt around Jess' middle. It was simple: a line roses in lavender, pink, blue, yellow and green. The pin was a large gold humming bird whose wings were inlaid with semi-precious stones of turquoise, rose coral, purple amethyst, and golden citrine. Abby attached it just above the belt so it looked like it was perched upon a rose garden.

"That adds the color you wanted," said the consultant. "I love the pin with it."

Jess nodded, feeling herself begin to tear up. She was actually trembling.

"That's the reaction we want," said Barb, chuckling.

Abby felt the tears too. "Jess, you...you look amazing," she said softly.

Jess nodded. She could picture Becker seeing her dressed like this. "I'm shaking, Abby!"

Her friend chuckled. "That's pretty telling, huh?"

"It is. Abby, it's perfect," she whispered. " Oh, I hope they like it. What if they don't?"

"We won't know until we show them," said Abby.

"Right," said Jess.

"Just let them know how much you love it," added Barb.

Jess giggled. "I don't think that's a problem," she said, practically dancing out of the room. Abby laughed.

Jess bounced out, happily climbing onto cat walk in front of the mirrors.

She heard everyone gasp.

"Wow," said Missy.

"Oh, my," whispered Emily.

Jess had a huge, shining smile. "What do you think?"

"I think mum is crying," said her sister.

"Aw, mum!"

"I love it," Amelia whispered. "I do. It has a bit of my princess pouf, but your color, and neither overdo it."

Jess smiled and fingered the belt. "I needed a bit more brightness," she said. "It's lovely, Missy."

Melissa smiled. "It screamed, 'Jess."

"As did the pin, I think," said Emily.

"It does!" cried Jess. "I love it!"

"You look incredible," said Becker's mum, also wiping a tear. "Hilary will be awestruck."

Jess blushed. "Thank you Mum Becker."

"Jess...you're beautiful," said Melissa.

Her sister giggled.

"Truly," said Emily.

"Oh, thank you, Em. Do I look like a bride?"

"Yes!" they all cried.

"Well Jess?" asked Barb.

Jess giggled. She watched everyone of the dear women she had brought with her as they wiped away tears. She nodded. "This is it."

They all cheered.

"I'm so glad, Sweetheart," said her mum.

"Really, Mum?"

She nodded.

Jess jumped off the catwalk and ran into her mother's arms. Then she hugged her sister, kissed Becker's mother on the cheek and hugged her best friends.

She turned to the consultant. "Thank you so much, Barb."

"My pleasure, let me get you measured and we'll put in the order."

"Yay!"

She left the shop giddy. She had her dress. They all went to dinner, but Jess was too happy to eat much. "I'm really a bride now," she said. "I can't believe it. I'm so happy."

"Me too," said her mum.

"Thank you for including me," said Mrs. Becker.

"Nonsense, your my mum-in-law," Jess said. "I love you."

"I love you too, dear," said Grace, squeezing Jess' hand.

"Oh, this is getting too mushy," moaned Melissa.

"Love you too," said Jess, giggling. She hugged the family goodbye, then she rode home with Abby and Emily.

"Becker's not back yet?" asked Jess.

"I guess they're still at the pub," said Abby. "Don't start getting possessive."

Jess giggled. "I'm just not sure about the two blokes he's with."

The girlfriends of the men laughed. "They indeed cannot be trusted," said Emily, winking.

Jess got out some wine and they all sat around her table and unwound. "It was a good day," said Abby.

Jess giggled. "It was." She giggled again.

"She is quite happy," said Emily.

Jess giggled again. "I...I have a secret. I made a few...adjustments to the dress."

The other two exchanged glances

"Jess, I thought it was perfect," said Abby.

"Indeed, you were so content," said Emily.

"Content? Jess you were ecstatic. You loved it!"

Jess giggled. "I am and I do. The dress will appear exactly as you saw it..at least, for the ceremony."

"What do mean, for the ceremony?" asked Abby.

Jess smirked. "It'll look a little different for the reception."

"What did you do?" asked Abby.

Jess giggled. "I'm not saying."

"Jessica..." began Emily.

"You don't want to run it by us first?"

"Nope, sorry, Abby."

Emily frowned. "You asked for our opinions."

"Yes, and I promise, you won't be disappointed with my choices. I promise."

They eyed each other.

Jess sighed. "Fine," she leaned over and whispered, despite the fact they were alone. "Happy?"

Abby giggled. "Sorry I doubted you. It sounds perfect."

"It does indeed," said Emily. "It is very Jess."

"It is."

"I just hope your mum doesn't kill you."

"She won't. She said one dress. I only have one. She said long. It will be long." She giggled.

Abby and Emily laughed.

"Anyway, by the time she sees it we'll be married."

"True," said Abby.

"And she wouldn't make Becker a widower that soon."

"Jess!" cried Abby.

Emily sipped, chuckling. "You hope that you are correct."

"Right," said Jess, drinking and giggling.

End of Chapter Twelve