Ready, Set, Don't Go - Part Four: The Perfect Dress
A month after Emma and Killian had found out that Anna Elizabeth and Calin were getting married, all of the young couple's plans were falling into place. They had told the rest of their family and friends and were met with genuine happiness and excitement. Evie, Jane, Alexandra, and Gia were all ecstatic to be bridesmaids – although the latter loathed the idea of wearing a dress.
Though Calin still hadn't picked a best man, Ethan had told his brother that he wanted to stand next to him, but being "best man" wasn't exactly his forte. It also wasn't exactly practical because Ethan lived two states away. The same could be said of Alex, who had been Calin's best friend since childhood. Though the two had struggled to keep in touch after going separate ways following high school, they were still great friends. Alex was pumped to be in Calin's wedding, and he was looking forward to meeting the woman who had stolen his best friend's heart.
The chairs had been rented for the beach, as well as tables and a tent, for the reception at Emma and Killian's. The catering would be done by Ruby and Granny, the invitations had been sent out, and a photographer had been hired. The flowers, cake, decorations, and suits for the wedding party still had to be arranged, as well as Anna Elizabeth's dress.
Anna Elizabeth and Evie were currently on their way to Mary Margaret and David's to drop off Leo, so that they could head to the mall. They were meeting Gia, Jane, and Alexandra there to pick up the altered bridesmaid dresses, and Anna Elizabeth would try on wedding dresses.
When Anna Elizabeth and Evie arrived at the house, Leo exclaimed, "MM and Pa!"
Both Anna Elizabeth and Evie chuckled at the little boy before Evie told him, "You're going to stay with Grandma and Grandpa while I go shopping with Aunt Anna Elizabeth."
"Shop?" Leo asked.
"Well, Leo, Uncle Calin and I are going to have a big party because we're getting married," Anna Elizabeth explained.
"Party!" Leo shouted.
"That's right. Now, let's go see Grandma and Grandpa so that I can go," Evie told her son.
Leo nodded before Evie got out of the car. When she had unbuckled her little boy, he waved goodbye to Anna Elizabeth. Evie then carried him inside.
When the brunette walked inside, she was greeted by her father. "Hey, sweetie," David told her as he kissed her head.
"Hey, Dad," Evie greeted with a smile before Leo began squirming to get into his grandfather's arms.
David smiled at the little boy as he took him from Evie. David then asked him, "Hey, little guy. You ready to learn to play baseball?"
"Ball?" Leo asked.
"Dad, he's only two. He can barely feed himself without spilling it. How do you expect him to hold up a bat?" Evie pointed out.
"He'll be fine. I started teaching your brother before you born, and he loved it. It also gives me an excuse to spend time with my grandson," David told her.
Evie only shook her head and grinned as her father and her son headed toward the backyard. She then turned her attention to her mother, who was making coffee.
Mary Margaret had a worried expression on her face as she asked, "Are you sure that you're up for this, honey? Won't it be hard to see Anna Elizabeth trying on all those wedding dresses?"
Evie offered her mother a smile as she reassured her, "Mom, I think I've lost track of how many times we've had this conversation. I want nothing more than to be Anna Elizabeth's maid of honor – you know that we're practically sisters. I live with her, Mom. Bridal magazines are scattered all over the place, and I'm perfectly fine with it. Just because my marriage didn't work out doesn't mean that I can't wish happiness for Anna Elizabeth and Calin. You have nothing to worry about."
Mary Margaret smiled as well before she pulled Evie in for a hug. As they pulled away, Mary Margaret replied, "I'm your mother – I can't help but worry. You understand that, Evie. I just want you to be happy."
"I know, Mom. And I am happy. Happier than I ever thought I would be again," Evie began. At Mary Margaret's nod, the brunette continued, "Thanks again for watching Leo. I should get going – Anna Elizabeth is waiting on me."
Mary Margaret nodded before she responded, "Of course, sweetheart. You know your father and I love having Leo around." She then exchanged goodbyes with her daughter before Evie headed out the door.
When Evie had settled in the car, Anna Elizabeth put it in drive and headed toward the town line.
Evie then asked her cousin, "So, were you able to find any dress styles that you liked in all of those magazines?"
Anna Elizabeth sighed as she answered, "I mean, there are so many beautiful dresses, but I haven't found my dress, you know?"
Evie nodded in understanding before she replied, "Yeah, I do. But I'm sure once you see yourself in some dresses, you'll find the perfect one," with a bright smile.
Anna Elizabeth glanced over at her and returned her smile before bringing her eyes back to the road.
Just then, her cell phone rang. She asked Evie, "Will you answer that?"
"Sure," Evie responded as she picked it up. As she looked at the caller ID, she continued, "It's Jamie. Wanna it put on speaker?"
"Yeah," the blonde answered. Evie then pressed the speaker button and answered, "Hey, big bro."
"Evie? Why do you have Anna Elizabeth's phone?" Jamie asked confusedly.
"Because we're on our way to the mall, and she's driving," Evie answered.
"Ah, this must have something to do with the wedding," Jamie surmised. He then asked, "So, how's the planning going, Cuz?"
"It's going great," Anna Elizabeth answered enthusiastically. She then asked, "Did you get your invitation?"
"Yeah, I did," Jamie began. He then took a deep breath and asked, "That's actually why I called – is it cool if I bring someone?"
Both Anna Elizabeth and Evie's faces broke out in wide smiles. Both were trying to play it cool, but Evie failed miserably as she excitedly exclaimed, "Who is she!?"
"Chill, sis," Jamie told his sister. He then explained, "Her name is Megan. She's a surgeon here in D.C."
"How did you two meet?" Anna Elizabeth asked.
"Well, when your job involves getting shot at, you're likely to have a bullet removed at some point," Jamie answered.
"You know, I really appreciate being reminded how dangerous your job is, Jamie. I have enough on my plate without worrying about my brother 24/7," Evie told him.
Both Anna Elizabeth and Evie heard him sigh as he explained, "We've been through this, Evie. I'm an FBI agent – you know what my job entails. But I assure you that I'm safe. You do have enough on your plate between your job and Leo – I don't want you worrying about me."
"I can't help but worry," Evie replied.
Jamie then pointed out, "Dad and Aunt Emma are both cops. I don't hear you freaking out over them."
Though he couldn't see her, Evie rolled her eyes before she responded, "We live in Storybrooke, Jamie. Nothing ever happens here. You live in a big city, and not just any city – the nation's capital."
Jamie sighed once again, and Anna Elizabeth intervened, "Well, if it makes you feel any better, Evie, his girlfriend is a doctor – I'm sure she makes sure that he takes care of himself."
"Oh, believe me, she does. More than I would like," Jamie confirmed. He then added, "She's actually really great and amazing. She has this tough as nails, apathetic exterior, but she has a heart of gold on the inside. She would do anything for anyone. I'm really lucky to have her."
"This sounds really serious, Jamie," Evie commented.
"Well, maybe not Anna Elizabeth and Calin serious, but I'm definitely falling for her," Jamie admitted.
"And you're just now telling us about her?!" Anna Elizabeth exclaimed.
"I didn't want to say anything until I knew for sure how I felt about her, and that she felt the same about me. I also didn't want Mom to well, you know, be Mom," Jamie explained.
Evie chuckled at the last part because she knew how true that statement was. She then surmised, "So, I'm guessing that you haven't told her?"
"No, I haven't. I'm meeting her parents next week; we've decided to all have dinner. I'm hoping that Mom and Dad can come down next weekend – I'd rather do this in person, and it doesn't feel right making her wait until the wedding," Jamie replied.
"I'm sure they'd be thrilled to meet her. You might want to give her a head's up about Mom's enthusiasm though. It can be overwhelming," Evie told him before she chuckled.
Jamie chuckled as well before he responded, "Dually noted."
He then said, "I have to get back to work. But good luck with the rest of the planning, Anna Elizabeth. I'm really happy for you."
"Thanks, Jamie," Anna Elizabeth replied.
"Talk to you both later," Jamie told them. The girls bid him goodbye as well before Evie hung up the phone.
As Evie put the phone back in the cup holder, she observed, "I'm really happy for Jamie. Megan sounds wonderful."
"She really does. I can't wait to meet her," Anna Elizabeth agreed. She then took a breath and continued, "You know, I bet Jamie would be just as happy for you. Maybe even more so."
Evie sighed as she exasperatedly explained, "We've been over this, Anna Elizabeth. Even if I have moved on from Chase, dating is more complicated now than it was before. It's not just me and my happiness we're talking about – it's my son. It's hard enough trying to find someone that I'm happy with – much less someone who will also make Leo happy. You know I can't be with anyone who isn't ready to be a father to him, and that is asking a lot. Most guys aren't ready for that, and I really can't blame them."
Anna Elizabeth considered Evie's words. The blonde then spoke, "I'm sorry, Evie. I really didn't mean to push. I just want you to be as happy as I am with Calin."
Evie smiled as she responded, "I know that you do, and I love you for it. And maybe one day, I will find someone, but for now, I am happy. I have amazing friends and family, and I'm a mom to the best little boy. I promise you that's all I need."
Anna Elizabeth returned her smile in response.
Evie then spoke once more, "Today is about you, Anna Elizabeth. We are going to find you the perfect dress. You will be absolutely beautiful on your wedding day."
"I know. I can't wait to start looking at dresses," Anna Elizabeth replied as her smile grew wider.
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"Sorry I'm late, kid. Baseball registration took a lot longer than I thought," Emma apologized as she plopped down on the couch beside Anna Elizabeth.
"It's cool, Mom," Anna Elizabeth assured her mother. She then asked, "Did you get a chance to drop off Liam?"
"There wasn't even a question on whether I would drop him off. He's 14 – this is the last place he'd want to be. He's hanging out with your father and Calin," Emma answered.
Anna Elizabeth nodded before she told her mother, "Well, no worries. I haven't tried on any dresses yet. The girls are trying on their bridesmaid dresses to make sure the alterations work."
Emma nodded just as the fitting room doors began opening. Evie, Jane, Alexandra, and Gia stepped out on the long platform.
Anna Elizabeth had long grown out of pink being her favorite color, and the color she had chosen for the wedding was blue – much to the pleasure of Gia. The dresses that the girls had picked were simple yet elegant.
The blue dress, which was closer to aquamarine in color, was knee length. The sleeves just covered the shoulders, and the neckline was V-neck.
"You all look beautiful," Anna Elizabeth commented with a bright smile.
"I second that," Emma added as she smiled as well.
"Well, they're all a perfect fit," Jane said, as she moved a piece of ginger hair behind her shoulder.
"Great," Anna Elizabeth replied. She then stated, "All that's left is for you guys to find a necklace and some shoes."
"Please tell me you aren't making us wear heels," Gia pleaded.
Everyone chuckled before Anna Elizabeth assured her friend, "I'm not even wearing heels, so I'm not going to subject you guys to that."
"Yeah, the last thing we need is for you to face-plant while you're walking down the aisle," Alexandra teased.
Anna Elizabeth rolled her eyes while everyone else chuckled.
Jane then spoke, "Well, now that we've found our lovely dresses, it's time for the bride to find hers."
Anna Elizabeth nodded as she smiled. She then gave Emma a knowing look, and the two of them went off to look at the wedding dresses while the girls went back inside their fitting room.
Half-an-hour later, Anna Elizabeth was stepping on the platform in the first dress.
The princess style gown was strapless. The bodice was covered in an intricate lace pattern, and the skirt was layers of ruffles.
"Oh, you look absolutely stunning, Anna Elizabeth," Gia told her.
"Just beautiful," Alexandra added.
"You guys really think so?" Anna Elizabeth asked unsurely as she looked down smoothed the skirt.
When the blonde looked back up, Evie observed, "I know that look, Anna Elizabeth."
"So do I," Emma added. She then asked, "The dress is beautiful on you, but you don't like it, do you?"
"I mean, well, it's too poofy," Anna Elizabeth replied.
"Isn't the idea of a princess style dress," Jane pointed out.
Anna Elizabeth sighed as she said, "Yeah, it is. I guess I just don't like it as much as I thought I would."
"It's perfectly alright, Anna Elizabeth. Just try another one," Evie assured her.
"Maybe one that's less poofy," Emma added with a smile.
Anna Elizabeth smiled back before she went back in the dressing room.
A few minutes later, the bride-to-be stepped out in another dress. The mermaid style dress had a halter top. The skirt fanned out at the knees and was made out of chiffon, while the rest of the dress was silk.
"This one is way too fitted," Anna Elizabeth announced as she planted her hands on her hips.
"It is fitted, but I think you're exaggerating, Anna Elizabeth," Evie told her.
"She's right. You look amazing!" Jane added.
Anna Elizabeth ran her fingers through her hair as she said, "I just don't know about this one, guys."
"Don't stress, Anna Elizabeth. This is only the second dress you've tried. There are plenty of dresses in here, and I know there's one that will be perfect for you," Alexandra reassured her.
"She's right, Anna Elizabeth. Your wedding will be one of the happiest days of your life – you should feel every bit as beautiful as you are," Emma told her.
Anna Elizabeth smiled brightly as she told Emma, "Thanks, Mom." She then addressed everyone else, "And thank you guys. I'm so glad that I get to share this with you."
"And we're glad that we get share it with you," Gia told her with a bright smile, one that everyone else offered the bride-to-be as well.
Anna Elizabeth returned their smiles before stepping back in the fitting room.
Twelve dresses later, Anna Elizabeth wasn't any closer to finding a dress. Something was wrong with every one that she tried. This one was too sparkly, that one wasn't sparkly enough. One was too long, and the other one was too short. And so on and so on.
She had just went back inside the dressing room, and Alexandra observed, "Maybe dress number 15 will be the one."
"I think she's just nervous about marrying Calin, and she's stressing herself out," Jane suggested.
"I'm sure that she'll find one that she absolutely adores," Evie added excitedly.
"I appreciate you girls' support, but I think there's a lot more to this," Emma told them.
The girls furrowed their brows in confusion for a moment. Gia then bemused, "Her mom."
Emma simply nodded in response. She then took breath and spoke, "I need to talk to Anna Elizabeth. Why don't you girls go on ahead."
"Maybe we could find what we're going to wear with the dresses?" Alexandra suggested.
Evie, Gia, and Jane nodded, but none of them, including Alexandra, made a move to go.
When Emma stood up, she assured all of them, "I know you all are worried about her, but I promise she'll be fine.
All of them then nodded before they began walking to another part of the store.
Emma then walked over to Anna Elizabeth's dressing room. She knocked on the door as she told her daughter, "Hey, kid, I think we need to talk. Can I come in?"
Anna Elizabeth opened up the door in a robe provided by the bridal shop. "I tried on all of the dresses I have in here," she said exasperatedly.
Emma took a deep breath before she carefully spoke, "You and I both know that this has nothing to do with dresses, Anna Elizabeth."
Anna Elizabeth ran her fingers through her blonde locks as she looked down. When she looked up, she sighed and admitted, "I know."
"You wanna talk about it?" Emma asked.
Anna Elizabeth slowly nodded as she moved to sit on one of the chairs in the large dressing room. As Emma sat down in the chair next to her, Anna Elizabeth spoke, "It's my mom."
"I kind of figured," Emma replied as she ran her fingers through her daughter's blonde curls.
Anna Elizabeth nodded before she elaborated, "I've been thinking a lot about her today, and this one thing keeps coming to mind."
"What is that, kid?" Emma asked curiously.
Anna Elizabeth took a deep breath before she answered, "It was this one time when it was just me and Mom at home. I think that Dad was working or something. So, me and mom were having a tea party in my room. We had to stop though because she had to fold clothes. And I, of course, had to help," pausing to chuckle lightly.
"Of course," Emma added as she chuckled as well.
Anna Elizabeth smiled at Emma before she began again, "We had finished folding the clothes and had brought them to her and Dad's room. Mom asked me to put some of the clothes in the closet, and that's when I saw it. She had her wedding dress in a plastic bag as it hung in the closet. I then excitedly exclaimed that mommy had a princess dress. Mom laughed before she explained that it was a wedding dress.
We then both moved to sit on the bed, and she told me all about when she married Dad. She also showed me the wedding album, and I still said she was a princess and that daddy was her prince. She just smiled and agreed with me. I then asked her if I would ever get to be a princess, and she told me that one day I'd find my prince, too. When I asked if I could wear her dress, she said that she would love nothing more than to see me in it, and see me marry someone who loves me as much as Dad loves her."
At this point, tears had begun to flow from Anna Elizabeth's blue eyes, and Emma wrapped her in a hug. They stayed embraced for a few minutes before pulling back.
Emma then told Anna Elizabeth, "I do understand, kid. I would have given anything for Ruth to be able to see me marry Killian," as she was trying to hold back tears herself.
"I just didn't think it would be this hard. But none of those dresses felt right because she isn't here to see me in them or see me marry the man I love," Anna Elizabeth replied.
"I know," Emma simply said before wrapping her daughter in another hug. As they pulled back, she had an idea.
"Hey, kid. I know we can't bring Elsa back, and that it hurts. But I think I have a way that you can feel like she's there with you."
"How?" Anna Elizabeth asked as she wiped her eyes.
"You can wear her wedding dress, just like she told you that you could," Emma answered.
Anna Elizabeth's eyes widened as she asked, "What? How do you have it? I thought that Aunt Anna had it?"
"She did. But as soon as she heard that you were getting married, she sent me the dress. But with everything going on in the last month, I didn't even consider that you would want to wear it," Emma explained.
"I'd love to wear it!" Anna Elizabeth exclaimed.
Emma smiled at her as she told her, "I thought you might." She then suggested, "How about you get dressed, and we'll head home."
Anna Elizabeth nodded excitedly before she responded, "Looks like I'll find my dress today after all."
Emma nodded at her daughter before pulling her in for another hug. She then got up and left the dressing room.
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"Are you ready, Anna Elizabeth?" Emma called from the bed in she and Killian's room.
"Yeah, I'm coming out," Anna Elizabeth called back. A moment later, she stepped out of the bathroom.
The strapless dress had a sweetheart neckline. The skirt of the dress flowed out slightly from the waist, where a beautiful diamond pattern set.
As Anna Elizabeth walked in front of the mirror, she covered her mouth with both of her hands. She couldn't help the single tear that flowed down her cheek as Emma walked up behind her.
"That's the reaction a bride should have when she tries on her wedding dress."
Anna Elizabeth smiled at her mom in the mirror before she turned around to give her a hug. As they pulled away, she told her, "This dress is beautiful, Mom. I absolutely love it."
Emma moved a curl behind Anna Elizabeth's ear as she replied, "I knew that you would. I am so happy that you found your dress, and I'm even happier that it's Elsa's dress."
Anna Elizabeth nodded before she spoke, "You think that she'd be happy for me?"
"She'd be ecstatic. Next to Liam and Anna, you were her whole world, and she would have loved sharing this with you. And she would have adored Calin," Emma answered.
Anna Elizabeth hugged Emma once more before turning back to her reflection in the mirror. She then observed, "I think the only thing missing is the veil."
"Oh, of course!" Emma said. She then began moving to the bag that Elsa's dress had been in when Anna Elizabeth's voice stopped her.
"Wait, Mom."
Emma turned back to her daughter with a confused expression. "What is it, kid?"
"Well, on the way home, I did a lot of thinking," Anna Elizabeth began.
"About what?"
Anna Elizabeth took a deep breath before she continued, "That it's just as important for me to wear something of yours as well."
"Oh, kid, you don't have to do that. You're not going to hurt my feelings by wearing your mom's dress and veil," Emma responded.
"That wasn't what I meant, Mom," Anna Elizabeth stated. She then sat down on the bed, and Emma, who was wearing a flummoxed expression, sat down beside her daughter.
Anna Elizabeth took Emma's hands in hers before she said, "Elsa will always be my mother, and she will always be in my heart. She's the one who brought me into this world, and she was the best mom I could have asked for during those four years, even if I can't remember a lot of it.
But you are the one who has been there for me all of these years. You took care of me when I sick, and I know I wasn't always the best patient. You helped me with all of my school projects, you were there at every football game, you got me through my first break-up, and you always manage to talk Dad down when he's being entirely too overprotective. You have always been there for me, no matter what. You are the one who has raised me.
It doesn't matter that I didn't start calling you "Mom" until, like, four years after you and Dad got married, or that you're actually my aunt. You are every bit my mother as Elsa is, and I wouldn't want to marry the man of my dreams without wearing something that belonged to you."
It was Emma this time who wasn't able to hold back the tears. She wrapped Anna Elizabeth in a hug and ran her fingers through her blonde curls.
As they pulled away, Emma said, "You have no idea how much this means to me, Anna Elizabeth. I knew I would never really be able to replace Elsa, but one of the happiest days of my life is when you asked if you could call me just 'Mommy.' I have loved being your mother, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world."
"And I have loved having you as my mother," Anna Elizabeth began. She then took a breath and continued, "I know it couldn't have been easy for you, becoming an instant mom when you married Dad. I see how hard it is for Evie – even if she was ready to open her heart again, she would be asking them to love Leo, too. And that is asking so, so much of someone – I can only imagine how you felt, Mom. The guy you loved was a father, and that meant you had to be a mother."
"You are right, it is asking a lot of someone. When most people think of falling in love and starting their life with someone, that doesn't include being a parent right away. It's difficult, and it was difficult at times for me, too, at times. But there's one thing that you're wrong about," Emma replied.
"What is that?" Anna Elizabeth asked, a bit confusedly.
"I never felt like I had to be a mother. I would be lying if I told you I wasn't terrified at the thought of raising you. But as much as I was terrified, I was also overjoyed. You were an amazing little girl, and I adored spending time with you. I already knew what I was getting into because I helped Killian with you as it was. Believe me, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. There's nothing I wanted more than to be your mother," Emma honestly answered.
Anna Elizabeth smiled brightly before pulling Emma in for another hug. "I love you, Mom." "I love you too, Anna Elizabeth."
When they pulled away, and both of them wiped their eyes, Emma spoke, "I need to get out my wedding dress."
Anna Elizabeth nodded before Emma went over to the closet. She stood on her tiptoes and grabbed the large white box that was toward the back on the top shelf. When she walked back over the bed and had sat the box down, she opened the lid. She carefully took out the veil and showed it to the bride-to-be.
"So, what do you think, kid?"
"I think it's perfect," Anna Elizabeth replied with a bright smile.
Emma returned her daughter's smile before she moved to put the veil on her. It was trimmed with beautiful lace. Emma clipped it in Anna Elizabeth's curls while Anna Elizabeth adjusted her hair.
When Emma was finished, she stepped back as Anna Elizabeth stood up from the bed. Emma wore a bright smile as she looked at her daughter.
"You are an absolutely beautiful bride, Anna Elizabeth."
Anna Elizabeth smiled brightly as well before she moved in front of the mirror.
This time, the tears flowed freely from her blue eyes. She quickly wiped them as she said, "I can't believe that I'll be married in two months, and that I found someone as amazing as Calin to spend my life with."
"Well, kid, I always knew that you would. And I think that I knew that Calin was the one before either of you did," Emma replied.
"How could you possibly know that, Mom?" Anna Elizabeth asked.
"Because Calin looks at you the same way that Killian still looks at me. Just like you hung the moon and the stars," Emma told her.
Anna Elizabeth smiled as her face turned slightly red. She then spoke, "I can't wait to be his wife."
Emma returned her daughter's smile before she spoke, "It will be one of the best days of your life, and I'm so glad that I get to share it with you. My beautiful, strong, independent daughter."
"And I'm glad that I get to share it with my amazing mother," Anna Elizabeth told her. She then looked down at her dress and continued, "Both of them."