CHAPTER 30
MACKENNA
On the way to the dress fitting, Beverly gave me a quick rundown of everyone who would be there.
Brielle was a bridesmaid and she was engaged to Colton, who was Travis’s best man. Ava, Brielle’s daughter, was the flower girl. Travis’s mom, Karen, wasn’t in the wedding party, but she was getting fitted for a special ‘mother of the groom’ dress. Hank was also a groomsman, and Ernie would be walking Angel down the aisle, but they weren’t allowed to come today—because, girls only.
And Beverly was the very proud matron of honor; she reminded me three times during the twenty-five-minute trip.
As soon as I stepped through the door of the small bridal shop, I was bombarded with all the new faces.
Brielle was attractive, with dark hair and brown eyes. She greeted me with a handshake before introducing the equally beautiful four-year-old at her side. In matching pink sundresses, Ava was Brielle’s mini-me.
When Brielle told me how much Colton liked Jimmy, and how things had been easier for Hank and the gang since he started on at the shop, I felt happy and proud.
Because that was my boyfriend.
Ava tugged on my hand and I glanced down at big blue eyes. “Did you know I get to wear a princess dress two times?” She held up two fingers. “One time with Angel, and one time with my mom.”
Brielle mouthed behind her hand, “Flower girl.”
I laughed.
Then I was ambushed by a hug. Wavy blonde hair covered half my face, and I had no other choice but to return the embrace of the affectionate stranger.
When she pulled back, I could only conclude that this was Angel. Her name was fitting. With a cherub-like face, she had large blue eyes and slightly rounded pink cheeks.
“It’s so great to meet you,” she said, bouncing a little from excitement, and her enthusiasm made me grin.
“You too,” I told her. “Beverly has nothing but great things to say about you. In fact, I think she’s trying to set us up right now.”
“Damn straight, I am,” Beverly confirmed. “You two should be friends.”
Angel nodded. “I agree.”
Karen simply introduced herself as ‘the mom’ before putting an arm around Angel, like she was claiming her as her own.
Then Angel clapped her hands. “Everyone is here. Now, who wants to see my dress?”
*
A chorus of squeals erupted in the area outside the dressing room as Angel emerged from behind the curtain. Stepping up on a pedestal, she smiled as everyone fawned over her dress.
It was gorgeous and she looked perfect. The cream-colored fabric had an overlay of lace, giving it an antique feel. The shop assistant came up behind her and loosely pinned her hair up, then finished off the outfit with a wide, light-blue ribbon around her waist.
Angel pivoted in front of the three-way mirror. Her hands skimmed over the lace and some of the pearl beading around the sweetheart neckline.
When she turned back around, her eyes were red-rimmed and brimming with tears.
“Angel, dear,” Beverly said as she pulled a pack of tissues from her purse. “What’s wrong? You don’t like it?”
“I love it,” Angel responded, her voice squeaky from trying not to cry. She took a tissue from Beverly and blew her nose. “A year ago, I never would’ve thought I’d be surrounded by loved ones at such an important occasion. It means a lot to me. Karen, Beverly, Brielle, Ava.” Then her eyes made it to me. “Mackenna. Thank you all for being here today.”
I swallowed hard, her sentimental state contagious. From what Beverly had told me about Angel, it wasn’t difficult to conclude that she didn’t have a family. I’d almost declined the invitation to come because I thought I wasn’t welcome. Now I was so glad I said yes.
When I moved to Tolson, the last thing I wanted was a social life. I didn’t want wedding invites, friends, hugs from strangers, or a boyfriend.
Now I had all those things.
For a long time, I had shut off my emotions, saving them only for song lyrics. When I was writing, those were the times I let myself feel.
But something was happening to me. I couldn’t seem to turn it off like I used to.
My phone buzzed in my lap, and I looked down to find a text from Jimmy.
Jimmy: We’re going on a date tonight. Be ready at 6
Jimmy and I hung out all the time but we’d never gone out on an official date, and the thought made me nervous. I wasn’t sure how to dress or act because I hadn’t been on a real date in years. Would we go out to a nice restaurant?
I probably needed to put on something better than leggings.
Another text came through.
Jimmy: Whatever you’re thinking, lower those expectations. Really. Lower them a lot. I hate to disappoint you but we won’t be going anywhere fancy because I’m broke as a joke
I huffed out a laugh at his honesty and returned with an honest response.
Me: That sounds perfect