"So Hamilton picked a date," Alexandra said as Della set a cup of coffee in front of her. The striking brunette poured herself a cup and sat down next to her friend.

Perry was due back from court in about half an hour and then Della would be able to leave shortly after that.

"You don't sound excited," Della remarked with a pinch of curiosity and concern.

Alexandra sighed. Her hands encircled her cup and she rotated it back and forth as she pondered her response. After along moment of indecision, the young blonde woman shrugged, at a loss.

"It doesn't feel like my wedding anymore, I guess? Or… it doesn't feel like a big deal anymore. Not as special. No thought put into it. No sentiment. Just penciling in a short ceremony at 5:15 on the 29th," she lamented.

She finally took a sip of her coffee, satisfied it had cooled enough. Staring into the dark liquid abyss, she willed it to produce some magic solution or at least offer some solace at the proverbial death of her inner little girl's dream wedding.

Next to her, Della listened with a sympathetic ear.

"I know it's the most practical solution given his job, but I suppose my heart is struggling to let go. It didn't stop me from canceling those dress shopping appointments though…," Alexandra mumbled glumly. "I find myself wondering what will I tell a daughter of my own one day when she asks what our wedding was like? There will be no pictures to show her. No dress for her to try on."

She sighed and took another, longer sip just as Gertie poked her head in and informed Della that she was leaving for the day. Gertie waved at Alexandra and said she'd see them that weekend before closing the door.

"I suppose in the long run it really isn't that important," Alexandra continued with a shrug. "I would like to find a new dress for that day though. Something a little dressed up. I'd at least like to wear something new that Hamilton hasn't seen me in."

Della reached over and covered Alexandra's hand with hers comfortingly. She gave it a gentle squeeze and Alex a warm, reassuring smile.

"Well, we are going shopping tomorrow so I'm sure we'll be able to find something more memorable than one of your work suits. And I know that we can brainstorm some ways to make the day feel more than just an appointment," she reminded her friend, hoping to cheer her up.

A small smile tugged at the corners of Alexandra's full lips.

"I suppose you're right, Della. We'll see what's out there. Hopefully I find something I like because I have five days."

It was a start.

Wmwmwm

"So I thought about making a Maraschino carry cake for the big day," Alex began as she and Della entered the department store. I've always wanted to try my hand at cake decorating. I figure if it looks like a mess that will be our funny story for the kids later."

The women had been in that store many times before looking for clothes for various occasions so they had the lay of the land and made a beeline for the women's section.

Della grinned at that as she pointed to some dresses towards the back.

I'm glad you're in better spirits today," she told Alexandra sincerely.

"I'm trying anyway," Alexandra admitted as they began sifting through the racks of dresses. "I only have five days to try to add a few personal touches to the big day. None of which will happen if I waste time wishing for what won't be."

She plucked a light green suit dress off the rack and held it up for Della to look at. When Della shook her head emphatically no, Alexandra returned it to the rack.

"A little too practical. I'm sure we can find something suitable for the courthouse but still have a little romance to it," Della smirked.

"Probably," Alexandra agreed, continuing the search and resuming her cherry cake conundrum.

"I'm just not sure how I'm going to surprise Hamilton with the cake aside from saying I forgot something at my apartment so we have an excuse to go pick it up after the ceremony. It's his favorite cake though. I could definitely get the marriage off to a great start with that."

Their conversation was politely interrupted by a young woman, obviously someone who worked there, if she could help them find anything. Della explained what they were hoping to find and the duo excitedly followed the woman when she said she knew of a few dresses that might work.

Alexandra's face lit up when the saleswoman took down a light pink swing dress. The color and fabric gave it the soft, romantic details that she was looking for in her dress.

"Oh, that is lovely!" She crowed. "Now if only you have it in my size…"

Della nodded in agreement as she touched the fabric and took in the dress's details. Simple and understated, yet elegant.

"It's very much you, Alex. And the color will look amazing on you. You should go try it on," she encouraged with a smile.

Alexandra grinned and hurried off to the dressing room.

Things may not have gone exactly how she'd dreamed, but it appeared they could still work out anyway.