Chapter 21

"Are you thinking of white mom?"

"I wasn't sure if I should wear white to wedding number ten."

"Yeah, I guess you've done white one too many times."

"So what other colors should we look at?"

"Well I've done black before and it really isn't appropriate for this wedding. My wedding to Adam, it was."

"You wore black?"

"Yes honey. But that was a long time ago. I'm looking for something special this time."

"So a dress that's not white and not black?"

"And something that will fit your little sister." She said, both hands on her now, fairly large abdomen.

"How about a pink or light blue color?" Bianca asked trying to find their way out of all the white wedding dresses.

"Umm..." Erica said, her eyes looking up in the air.

"I know that look. You have a certain color in mind but you won't say what it is." Bianca said reading her mother.

"Okay I do, but you're not going to like it."

"Red? You want a red one don't you?"

"Well it's David's favorite color on me. I figure I should wear something he likes."

"Well yes, I suppose you should. Red it is then?"

"Yes, something red."

"I'll ask if they have any actual red wedding dresses in maternity."

"Okay, I'll look around here quickly."

"Sorry I'm late, bro. Greenlee and I were spending some quality time together, if you know what I mean."

"Yes, I do. Thanks for sharing. I don't have much time so if you'd just let that this man here measure you." David said, motioning to the man.

"Whoa, there. No one's touching the goods."

"Leo, it'll only take a few minutes. Do it for Erica and I."

"Neck 15 ½. Sleeve 35. Chest 45. Overarm 52. Waist 34. Length 36." Leo told the man as smoothly as he could recite his social security number. "Oh and size 11 shoe. What? Did we forget who our mother is? I wore so many tuxes I know my measurements by heart." He told his very aghast brother.

"Sometimes you surprise the hell out of me." David said putting his hand on his brothers' shoulder.

"So can I bring a date to this shindig?"

"We'll we both know how Erica feels about Greenlee, but if you can get her to be on her best behavior, than yes."

"I'll tell her to keep the claws retracted. After all this is your day bro, and I owe Erica for lettin me stay at your place."

"Thanks Leo. This means a lot to me. I'm glad you're my best man, even though we don't get along that good."

"Count on me, bro. Do I get to keep the rings?"

"Yes, but you don't get them until we're standing up at the altar. Less chance for you to lose them that way."

"Love your confidence in me David."

"We'll you are a known con. And the rings are worth six hundred dollars."

"Dr. Hayward, you wanted the ties and vests in red right?" The owner of the store asked.

"Yes, thank you." David answered the man.

"Red? Did Erica pick that color?"

"No, why?"

"Cause you know she's gonna have a fit if she didn't pick the color."

"Don't I get to have some say about this?"

"Dude, she's Erica, no."

"Well she's just going to have to accept it."

"What if she gets something that would be a disaster with red? And even if she were to go with white, even though we all know she's not pure anymore, come on, this is wedding number ten bro. And shouldn't we match with Bianca?"

"You make good points Leo, but I'm doing this. Besides I have this feeling I made a perfect choice."

"Well if you screwed up, I'll be enjoying the lashing she gives you."

"Such brotherly love."

"Yep that's us. Best buds."

"Now if you can just pick up the suits on Saturday morning before the ceremony, I'd love you even more."

"I guess I can do that. But since you don't trust me to handle the rings…"

"Fine, I'll give them to you tomorrow when I get home."

"Alright, I got the suits on Saturday."

"Thanks again for doing this." He said giving his younger brother a hug before leaving the store.

"They said they don't have any red dresses in maternity and that they only carry one of the regular dresses in red. What do you want to do mom?"

"Maybe they have some in brides maid dresses? They have all kinds of colors in those."

"You're okay with wearing one of those?"

"There are only two days until the wedding, and I'm as big as an ox. I have to find something today."

"Okay, let's go pick out a few and try them on."

"Here are two, and you have one. Try them on and we'll see which one you look better in." The women that was assisting them said.

Erica tried the first two on, neither Bianca or the store employee finding them a fit. She put the third one on and came out of the dressing room with it on. Bianca's face gave away the fact that was probably the one. The dress a long spaghetti strap chiffon dress with a beaded bust at the empire and draping softly to her feet. "It's so beautiful mom. I love it."

Erica turned toward the mirror and took a look for herself. The dress flowed flawlessly over her extended abdomen and yet managed to keep a slim look. It was the perfect color red and came just to just above the floor. It was the perfect dress. "I think this is the one. Not even a single alteration needed."

"That was easy. Now I need a dress."

"A light color, not white."

"We have a champagne color. It's kind of a gray, but close to white. It'll go with any color." The women suggested.

"That sounds good."

"We have quite a few dresses that would look good on your body type miss." The woman noted.

"Take me to them. Mom why don't you get dressed and sit down for a little. I'll be back with the one."

"I know you will sweetheart." Erica said smiling at her daughter who was showing she was just like her mother when it came to fashion.