Rows of displays showing wedding gowns in every style imaginable arrested my vision as soon as I stepped into the bridal boutique Roz had helped me find. Her years of being bridesmaid had come in handy.

There were even colors now, in soft pastel shades. How could I ever decide on a dress for celebrating the biggest (and happiest) change in my life since moving to America? I was marrying my lover, my friend, the man who held an undying love for me. The dress had to be perfect. Just like he was for me.

Roz, who had come with me for advice and 'moral support', spoke up encouragingly.

"Relax, Daph'. That's why they have consultants. And I'm here, too. I'm a veteran at giving wedding dress advice. 'Always the bridesmaid, never the bride'," she quipped.

"I know! When you get down to it, it's just dress shopping. But when I remember that this is my wedding to Niles, I feel flustered!" I almost wailed.

Roz grinned. "Ah. Therein lies the problem. But you know Niles will think you look beautiful in anything. Besides, it's not like the dress will stay on long on the wedding night."

She grinned mischievously. Since she was Roz, there was no doubt as to her meaning.

"Roz!" I exclaimed.

I was chagrined to realize heat was rising to my cheeks, as if I was an innocent teenager. I wasn't ashamed of sex and had even shared a few salacious details with Roz back in the days when I was still 'dating around' and had no idea how Niles felt about me. Yet…with Niles it was different. It wasn't just sex. It was pure, intimate lovemaking, as emotional as it was physical. Something just between us.

"Oh my God, are you blushing?" Roz said in disbelief. "It's not like you and Niles haven't slept together before!"

To my relief, a professionally dressed woman came up to us.

"Hi. I'm Celia. I'm sorry I took so long," she apologized. "Now, which one of you is the lucky bride?"

I hoped I didn't sound as nervous as I felt when I introduced myself.

"Come with me and your bridal dreams will come true in no time," Celia said.

'No time' turned out to be almost three hours long. There were so many choices that I agonized over every detail. Poor Roz kept stifling a yawn. I was sure none of her other bride-to-be friends had taken such pains. Then again, not every 'love story' was as complicated as Niles' and mine. Fortunately, I made up my mind before Roz fell asleep on the plushy chair near the fitting rooms. She wholeheartedly approved, jumping up and down like a child on Christmas morning, her weariness forgotten.

"You look amazing! Your big doily will practically pass out when he sees you!"

I laughed at my best friend's favorite playful barb at Niles.

"Watch what you call me fiancé, or I'll make you wear the most hideous bridesmaid dress I can find," I joked.

Roz winced visibly, obviously remembering the long line of bridesmaid dresses she'd been subjected to. This time around, I let her pick out her own dress, remembering how oddly unreceptive she had been to the elegant green number I'd chosen for her at my almost-wedding to Donny.

"I'll be good," she joked.

I returned to The Montana in high spirits, ecstatic over my choice and the monumental event that it would commemorate. Niles opened the door just as I turned the knob, greeting me with a smile of expectation.

"Did you find a dress?" he asked.

"Yes, and it's the most beautiful wedding dress I've ever seen," I gushed.

"It took you hours," he stated the obvious. "You must have very particular tastes."

I gave him my fondest smile.

"I'm usually not so picky, but it's for the most incredible day of my life," I explained. "You're amazing and no words have been invented yet to describe how much you mean to me."

Niles didn't or couldn't speak, but he drew me close for a sweet, lingering kiss that spoke volumes. It warmed both of us and we stayed together until a strident voice broke us apart.

Mum!

She had just come down the stairs. She looked at us with her usual disapproval.

"When I was young, it was considered very poor taste to be so demonstrative of one's affection when there were guests in the house," she proclaimed.

"Mum, Niles and I are in love, and we're not afraid to show it," I said with every ounce of my self-control.

"Never mind. I just came to ask if I might have another comforter for my bed tonight because it's been so cold…but it's obvious you and Niles care more about snogging each other than being concerned about your guests."

I took a deep breath and went to fetch another comforter. Ever since I'd accepted Niles' proposal, Mum had become more contrary. The friction was terrible. My announcement had only widened the rift between us. I could still hear her shocked voice telling me that I'd be sorry, that someday I'd wish I hadn't left Donny.

Despite Mum's disapproval, I wouldn't let anything tarnish what lay ahead. I'd risked my reputation, pride, and what little I had of her affection to follow my heart. The only regret Niles and I had was that Donny and Mel—yes, even Mel—had been hurt in the process.

Fortunately, Donny had moved on. We saw him sometimes around town with Bridget and they seemed very happy together. There was no knowing what had become of Mel now that Niles was no longer in her social circle.

I went to the calendar and ticked off another day gone, another task finished, as the wedding loomed closer. Over the weeks, loose ends were tied up, from paying the caterer to joining Roz and Claire (my other bridesmaid) as they shopped for their dresses. I found myself the advice-giver this time and they walked out in high spirits.

The two days before the wedding weekend were busy for me. Niles had a very large client load and I was the main chauffer for the out-of-state (or out-of-country) guests. The last guest to arrive was Simon, on the day before the wedding.

Only this time, the Crane men, Mum, Roz, and Eddie came with me…in the Winnebago.