"So?" Lucy asked, finally cornering Sue in the large dressing area.
"You look amazing," Sue complimented her sincerely. "You're the most beautiful bride I've ever seen."
Lucy gave an unlady-like snort, rolling her eyes for good measure. "That's not what I was talking about and you know it. Your cheeks are a very becoming pink that has nothing to do with the sun and your eyes are dancing. And," she continued when she thought Sue was about to speak, "Jack's been wandering over here from next door where the guys are being fitted, hoping for a glimpse of you. So I repeat, so?"
Sue dipped her head, biting her lip to keep her smile in check. "Jack and I talked."
"Talked? Just talked? Surely you did more than that! You two talk all the time!"
Sue shook her head, smiling at her friend's obvious disappointment. Taking pity on her, she leaned forward and whispered conspiratorially, "Ask me again tomorrow. My answer might be different."
"What?" she screeched, brightening immediately. "Why? How? When? What do you mean? Details! I need details," she bemoaned good-naturedly, waving off the attendant who was trying to get her attention.
"Lucy, I think Kim is trying to do her job," Sue intervened, casting the harried employee a sympathetic look. "You don't want to get her in trouble do you?"
Stamping her foot in a show of aggravation, she signed "YOU. ME. LATER. TALK." before giving herself over to the hovering assistant, allowing the young woman to lead her to the center of the staging area.
After Lucy was positioned, the bridesmaids were placed one by one and the lights dimmed to simulate twilight before the curtains were lifted to reveal floor to ceiling mirrors, giving the bride a panoramic view of herself and her wedding attendants. Tears misted her eyes as she turned to make sure Sue could read her as she addressed everyone. "This is really happening, isn't it? You all look so beautiful," she whispered, turning back to the mirrors to take them all in.
"You have excellent taste, Miss Dodson," Natasha, the boutique owner complimented. "The color you have chosen is exquisite and looks exceptional on each member of your wedding party."
"Thank you," Lucy responded. "It matches my favorite flower, the hibiscus. I've always loved the deep red ones. When Daryl and I decided to marry here on the island I knew it would be the perfect color for the attendants to wear. Their leis will contrast nicely in a golden yellow color with reddish highlights."
"It's going to be lovely," the woman assured her. "And you have such a stunning wedding party," she added. "Might I be presumptuous and ask a favor?"
"Sure," Lucy nodded. "Ask away."
"I'm planning a new brochure and web page for my boutique as well as the clothing line I am launching. I would love to have my photographer take some pictures of you and your wedding party. I might use one or two if they turn out as good as I think they will. Of course I'd get their consent before publishing anything. I can have my photographer here this evening."
"Really?" Lucy squealed. "I've always wanted to be a model," she giggled. "But I don't want Daryl to see me in my dress before the wedding."
"Oh, that won't be a problem. We'll have several different outfits from which to choose.
"Sounds like fun. We're in," she declared excitedly.