xxv.

An array of outfits haphazardly sorted by colour pallets and level of formality were strewn across Cleo's bed as Rikki systematically rejected each one in frustration. She had no idea what she was supposed to wear to a dinner at her impending in-law's house, but she was very close to abandoning the entire process of decision-making and going in her stretchiest pants and most comfortable top. Cleo's nervous grimace was enough to tell Rikki what she thought of her choice before she'd even said a word.

"It's not that the top isn't pretty. It's just very... bright. And... swirly. It kind of makes me dizzy to look at."

Rikki glowered menacingly, even though she knew Cleo was right. She'd taken her up on her offer to help find a suitable outfit, thinking with Cleo's eagerness to please they'd be able to find something in no time. But even Cleo was not very generous with her compliments today, and everything suggested was met with a furrowed brow and a critical word.

"What if you try on the red blouse again? You love red."

"Yeah, but I have nothing to wear with it since you rejected the only pants I like. Can't I just go in a two piece?"

"Um..." Cleo wasn't sure how serious Rikki was—her severe sarcasm had only intensified since pregnancy—but she thought it safest to answer as if she meant every word. "I don't think it's a pool party."

"Sure, but I'll throw on a cover up and it'll be just like a fancy gown! Only comfortable."

Cleo gave her the best chiding look she could muster. "Don't you want to make a good impression?"

"Do I?" Rikki muttered, and fell back onto the bed, not caring how many items she was wrinkling by lying on top of them. "I just want to survive tonight without harming either Zane's dad or my own mental wellbeing."

To tell the truth, Rikki was afraid of embarrassing Zane with some stupid mistake regarding her clothing, speech, or behaviour, but pride wouldn't allow her to confess such a thing to Cleo. She was also growing nervous about how she was going to tell Zane about the locket. It wasn't that she felt a general need to ask permission regarding what she intended to do with her things, but obviously a locket given upon the promise of marriage was different than a trinket given on any other day. Rikki knew he was still as intent to keep his promise that she would have a real engagement ring just as soon as he found it, but she didn't want to be without the only symbol of their impending union at such an important event.

"Hey, Cleo. Do you mind if I wear the locket tonight?"

"Of course not!" Cleo scurried to her treasure box where she kept all her smallest sentimental accessories. "You definitely should wear it. Tonight and whenever else you need to." She held it out eagerly on its chain. "We can sort of have... joint custody!"

Rikki made amorous eyes at Cleo and in an exaggerated high pitched tone said, "Oh, Cleo. It's so romantic when you say it like that!"

Cleo rolled her eyes, but her comeback was stopped short by the announcement of a visitor by the doorbell. At the way her face lit up, Rikki thought it must be Lewis. That would mean no more outfit help from Cleo. She would be completely distracted the rest of the evening.

She raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "Are you expecting someone?"

"Ye... no! Why would you ask?" Cleo tried to make her expression as innocent as possible. "Let's go see who it is!" she cried, while bounding down the stairs two at a time.

Rikki followed her half heartedly, not believing for a moment that Cleo didn't know who was at the door. "Um..." She paused before answering, "Maybe you should get the door."

"You know I don't like surprises," Rikki said with an irritated huff.

"This is a good one. Just trust me."

Despite her feeling no such trust that this was going to be a wanted distraction unless it was a large pizza with extra cheese and sauce being delivered, Rikki opened the door as suggested.

Zane stood outside, dressed as formally as Rikki had dreaded the festivities to demand, including jacket and tie. He held in his hands a large rectangular box wrapped with a bow, and a single rose which he offered to Rikki.

"A rose for the lady," he said roguishly, raising his eyebrows in an exaggerated fashion.

"You're an hour early," Rikki stated, but still accepted the flower. "And I don't have anything to wear so I might go naked tonight."

"As exciting as that would be for me," he grinned, stepping inside, "I think I have something that might help."

Rikki warily positioned herself on the couch to be able to open her present. Folded into the tissue paper was something entirely in red. She took it out to reveal a long dress, virtually backless with a halter top front, and made of material that flowed enough not to cling to her and showcase the growing Guppy. She and Zane had discussed announcing her pregnancy at a later date; after his dad had spent some time with them as a couple and was given a little while to process the concept of his son's marriage.

The fact that his mum wouldn't be present didn't escape Rikki. They were in similar straits regarding mother figures. The difference being Zane got a postcard now and then with a line or two about the ex-Mrs Harrison's adventures, while Rikki hadn't heard from her mum since she'd split. With such bad experience with mothers, Rikki suppressed her own urge to escape the terrifying situation she was in.

But that wouldn't do with such a dashing fellow waiting for his accompaniment to dinner. Rikki refrained from any affluent praise for the dress until she'd put it on and swished several times in front of the mirror to ascertain its level of suitability.

It was perfect. Pretty, but not stuffy or too formal. Cool and comfortable, and best of all, red. After months of having to choose between pretty things and comfortable things, it felt wonderful to feel both at once. And from the way Zane was beaming at her re-entrance into the front room, it was evident that she looked as lovely as she felt.

"Just needs the finishing touch," Zane said mysteriously. He came very close to Rikki, almost as if to kiss her, but at the last moment he clasped something behind her neck and Rikki felt a cold weight settle under her collarbone. She peered down to see another locket—almost an exact replica of the one given to her when Zane proposed, only the stone above this new locket was red rather than blue.

"I found another one," he announced with pride. "Just stumbled across it while passing a second hand shop. I couldn't believe it! Cleo said you like red, so... I thought this would match more of your clothes than the blue."

"Is that why you refused to compliment any of my clothes?" she shot at Cleo who was trying to make herself invisible against the wall. "So I wouldn't pick anything to wear until Zane could get here?"

"Well, I meant to pretend just to keep you occupied longer, but it turned out I didn't really have to pretend." She shrugged sheepishly. "Sorry?"

"Liar," Rikki muttered in good humour. "You're not in the least bit sorry."

"Shall we?" Zane offered his arm to Rikki as Cleo held the door open for them, giggling at the success of her conspiracy.

A/N: I am about to do something spectacular and post the last two chapters of this story right now. This update being the third-to-last. So even though you're getting a sudden ALL THE THINGS update, I would not mind at all if you felt compelled to review each one. :) Just sayin.