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Chapter 21: The One

December 20, Monday

Forks, Washington

Alice

"Okay, what about this one?"

My mom, Esme—and on my phone that Esme is holding up—Bella, all frown as I emerge from the dressing room.

"It's, uh," Mom starts, struggling for words.

"You look like a snowman!" Bella calls from the phone. Esme snorts, and Mom glances at Bella in alarm.

She's right. The dress was fine on the hanger, but whoever designed the cut did not account for any actual human body shape inside of it.

"Yup, this is a hard pass," I say, slipping back into the dressing room. We only have so many options being that we are shopping in Port Angeles, but even if I can find a good base dress that I have to alter myself, I'll take it. We've tried to make a day of shopping for engagement dresses, but I know my mom is itching to get back to work, and Esme has had to take work calls every thirty minutes or so. Bella only just joined us when she got off her shift. Knowing her, she's sitting at home naked on her sofa with a shirt on just so she doesn't offend my mom.

I slip out of the snowman dress and rehang it before reaching for my next option. I know as soon as I slip it on, it's a no.

I head out just in case, but their reactions are immediate. Bella lets out a wolf whistle, and Mom looks like she's about to have a heart attack.

Esme gathers her composure first. "Well, I think Jasper will like it," she says with a small smile. "Though dear, you might be having children sooner rather than later with that one."

Bella howls on the phone, and I laugh, glancing at my reflection. It's a white body-con dress that gives me a lot more shape than I usually have. It's flattering, but nothing I'd wear anywhere but to a club.

Bella is laughing so hard she drops her phone, and I'm flashed her bare legs as it falls. "Bella!" I call, trying to stop laughing myself. She picks up her phone, and thankfully it's too quick and blurry to make out anything else.

"Better hold onto this," she giggles. Mom looks at my phone curiously and I shake my head. I go back into the dressing room, pulling off the dress. We've gone through just about every option, and I'm starting to lose hope that I'll find it today. I think about how much I have to do over the next few days, and I wonder if I can fit in a trip to Seattle.

I'm about to pull my pants back on when there is a gentle knock on the door. I crack it open, and I'm surprised to see my mom. She's holding a hanger with a white dress on it.

"I saw this hiding behind a few things," she says softly. "I don't know if it's what you're looking for, but I figured it is worth a shot."

I smile at her. "Thanks, Mom."

I take the dress, and she shuts the dressing room door. I hold the hanger out, looking it over. It has a beaded lace bust with a beautiful delicate keyhole sweetheart neckline. The waist tapers in with a delicate beaded belt, and the skirt is made of two tiers of airy chiffon. It's cute and elegant, and I feel it right away.

This is the dress.

I change carefully, not wanting to pull at the fragile bodice. The dress fits me like a glove, even without zipping it up, and the moment I catch sight of myself, tears spring to my eyes.

I take a deep breath and head out of the dressing room. Everyone is silent as I step out, awe on their faces.

"Oh, sweetheart," Esme breathes.

"That's the one," Mom agrees. On the phone, I catch Bella sniffing.

"Are you crying?" I ask her. She huffs.

"Yes. We used to talk about this, and I know it's not even your wedding dress yet, but Alice, you're so perfect. I'm not going to be able to take it when we go dress shopping."

I laugh. "Well, lucky for you, that should be a lot easier. I have a dress style already picked out at a bridal shop in Seattle."

Bella grins.

"Okay, this is the one," I say, glancing at my reflection once more. It's absolutely perfect for a Christmassy engagement party.

Mom nods, standing. "Get changed. We'll take this up to the counter for you."

I head back into the dressing room, carefully stepping out of the dress before handing it off to my mom. As I get dressed, I think about all the most important women in my life. One more should be here for this, though I honestly don't know if I'm as important to her as she is to me.

I glance at my phone, hesitating. Should I reach out to her? It doesn't feel like my place to do so, even if I do want her here with us.

I don't see Rosalie very often, but it doesn't mean I don't miss her. I've known her long enough that she feels like part of my family.

A part that is very much missing.

I decide not to text her, not wanting to irritate or push her further away. Instead, I get dressed and pray for a Christmas Miracle.

Tomorrow, show off (or tell us) your favorite holiday outfit!