When you picture Christine's first dress, think Princess Diana's wedding gown. When you imagine the second dress, think Kate Middleton's. Best way I know to describe it since the second is a pretty classic dress.
Together
Chapter 4
Christine hated the dress her mom had picked out. It was garish, with ribbons and lace. Christine had never given much thought to her wedding dress, since she always planned on being a nun, but she liked simple. Even the nightgowns she had bought for Christine were too much. Christine wasn't allowed to pick out her flowers or anything and she hated it all. On Friday, she slipped away to get her hair cut and eyebrows waxed. She was surprised to find Mike sitting in the chairs when she got done. She immediately felt funny because her eyebrow area was bright red.
"Mike! What are you doing here?" Christine asked.
"My mother scheduled an appointment here for me to get my hair cut. She hates the curls. Want a sandwich?" Mike asked.
"A salad. My mom has me on a diet." Christine agreed.
"Why? Mike asked. He waved at the hairdresser, and put a 20 bill on the counter since he was not getting his hair cut.
"Once you see me in the dress, you'll understand. It's horrible. I feel like a French Poodle." Christine said and Mike laughed. He led her into a diner and they found a seat.
"Order a sandwich. I don't care if you gain a bit of weight. Didn't they let you pick a dress out?" Mike asked.
"No. Not my dress, flowers, or even my nightgown." Christine answered.
"And you hate it all?" Mike asked.
"With a passion." Christine admitted. Mike ordered a burger and she ordered a prime rib sandwich.
"What'd you have in mind?" Mike asked.
"Simple." Christine said.
"When we finish eating, I want to take you somewhere. Not like the attic. I have a plan." Mike said.
"What?" Christine asked.
"A dress shop. I may not be able to help with what's happening, but I can give you what you want." Mike said.
"Oh, Mike. A dress…there's fittings and it's expensive." Christine warned.
"I bet your mom found something off the rack that fit you semi well. We'll do the same. We can do something similar with your nightgown. As for flowers, what do you want?" Mike asked.
"Mom has roses and lilies. I prefer tulips, daisies. Maybe some lavender." Christine said.
"Okay, that shouldn't be too hard. We will find you a dress and nightgown. I'll get the dress into the church. Your mom will make a production out of dressing you in the dress that she picked out, but when she goes to be seated, Kathleen will help you go pee and will get you into your dress that I buy. The nightgown will be at my place. Your bouquet may not match the flowers in the church but they will be what you want." Mike explained.
"And Kathleen will agree?" Christine asked.
"Yeah." Mike answered as their food arrived.
"My mother will be furious." Christine said.
"Oh well. It'll be too late to change it since you'll be halfway down the aisle before she knows." Mike said.
"She isn't used to me rebelling," Christine said.
"She's never forced you into a marriage you don't want with a near stranger." Mike said.
"True. I must look funny, post eyebrow wax." Christine remarked.
"Not bad. Little red. That looked painful." Mike said.
"It's not pleasant. So, this with the dress, nightgown, and flowers will be expensive." Christine said.
"It'll be worth it, and don't worry about the money. I have money to do this. Mom won't be happy I didn't get my haircut." Mike remarked.
"I like it that long. The curls. I like them." Christine said with a smile. The prime rib sandwich was the most protein she had been allowed to eat all week and she savored every bite.
"Perfect excuse not to cut them, then. You want some of these fries?" Mike asked. Christine had ordered a small side salad to go along with the sandwich.
"I'd better not. Grease and acne. Now, am I supposed to model for you?" Christine asked.
"Yes." Mike said with an ornery smile. It made her weak in the knees and he knew it. Christine had a feeling it would be her undoing. They finished eating and Mike drove her to a neighborhood dress shop. It was not the Christine had been to for fittings. "So, my fiancé doesn't like the dress her mom picked out. Wants something simple. Is that a problem, Tiffany?" Mike asked the shop owner.
"What's your dress size?" Tiffany asked.
"My mom got me a size four and it had to be taken in. I am miserable in it." Christine admitted. Mike was already looking around.
"When's the wedding?" Tiffany asked.
"Tomorrow at four." Christine answered.
"Oh, that is a challenge." Tiffany said, while making eye contact with Mike.
"I'm sure you'll find something. What about this, Christine?" Mike asked. He gestured at a dress on a manńequin. It was a plus sized dress.
"Size sixteen. We'll pull size sixes, not sixteens. You are a bit bustier, so Rosalie might have to do some stitches. Mike, have a seat before you wipe your grubby hands on that lace." Tiffany said. She gestured at Christine to follow her. Quickly, Christine was changed into a bustier and crinoline and dresses were brought out. Over the next hour, Christine tried on a dozen dresses, and finally walked out wearing one that fit her perfectly. It had a sweetheart neckline, but also had lace down in a boat neckline. Three quarter lace sleeves, and an A-line skirt.
"Judging by the smile, that's your favorite?" Mike asked as he stood up.
"I love it but it's modest and more expensive." Christine said.
"It fits her like a glove. And Rosalie says no alterations are needed." Tiffany said.
"If it's what she wants, sold. Underthings and shoes too? Christine, I found a few nightgowns you might like. Pick a few out. Be easier to do it all here." Mike said.
"Yes." Tiffany answered.
"I'll wear my grandma's veil. It matches." Christine told Mike as she selected three nightgowns. Mike nodded and put one that was almost see through on the pile. While Rosalie helped Christine out of the dresš, Mike paid for everything. Christine wasn't sure she even wanted to know the amount. When she got back out, she gave Mike a kiss. "Thank you. You don't know what this means." Christine said.
"Your welcome. I'd better get you home. I called your mom. She thinks I've kidnapped you. Trust me with the flowers?" Mike asked.
"Yes." Christine said. She followed Mike back out his truck. He carried the dress bag. She had the other items. Everything was carefully placed in the backseat and they began the drive to Christine's house. "I hope we can keep this a secret until tomorrow." Christine remarked.
"Tiffany was paid enough that she and Rosalie won't talk until after. I'll have Grammy help me with your bouquet. No worries." Mike answered.
"Okay." Christine answered. She was surprised when Mike pulled over to a park.
"I did a bit of shopping this morning. I thought you deserved an engagement ring." Mike said. He pulled an engagement ring out of a pocket and put it on her ring finger.
"Oh, Mike. It's beautiful." Christine said.
"I thought you might like it." Mike answered. He gave her a kiss and began driving again. Christine was on cloud nine. Being married to Mike wasn't such a bad idea after all.