Mary Ellen pulled wide sunglasses over her eyes as she walked into the sun.

“How long do you have to work today?” she asked.

I led her to the pool gate and let her in, noticing how loudly it squeaked. “Not very long. Cole’s coming by to bring us lunch, and then we have wedding planning with Sasha.”

I tossed a few pool towels on an open chaise for my friend.

She lowered herself onto the first one as if she was worried the world might tip. “Ok, good, so I can just veg here all morning?” She was battling a hangover from those margaritas.

“Yep. Veg away. I’ll text you before lunch.” I headed to the gate.

She pulled a bottle of water from her beach bag. “I’ll take a little nap, catch some rays, and—” She stifled a yawn. “—relax.”

“Have fun. You know where to find me if you need anything.” I pointed to the office.

A few hours later we were outside Maria’s Bridal Boutique. Sasha parked in front of the windows lined with wedding dresses. I had never been in this part of Brownsville. Mary Ellen looked skeptical.

“I can’t wait for you to see the dress.” Sasha pulled the keys from the ignition. “This is my second fitting, so I’m hoping I don’t have to have any more alterations done.”

We followed her into the store.

Half of the boutique was filled with cocktail and prom dresses, while the other half was like a sea of white frosting. I had never seen so many wedding dresses in my life. Satin, tulle, lace, taffeta. It was everywhere.

“It’s our favorite bride.” A woman with a tight white bun and tailored blue suit appeared from behind a curtain. She kissed Sasha on the cheek.

“Hi, Miss Maria.” She turned to us. “This is my friend, Kaitlyn, and her friend, Mary Ellen.”

I shook the woman’s hand.

“Are you ready to try on your dress? I have it for you in the first dressing room.” She ushered Sasha toward the row of rooms. “You girls are welcome to browse or have a seat. We’ll be right back.”

Mary Ellen darted to the cocktail side of the store. “Kaitlyn, look at this one.” She picked up a bright pink dress and held it against her body.

“You should try it on. It looks like you.”

“No, I don’t have an occasion to wear it.” She shoved it on the rack. “I think it will be awhile before I have anything fancy enough for a dress like that.”

“Are you missing Jesse?” I held up a light blue strapless gown. I loved the color.

“Jesse?” She laughed. “We were headed nowhere.”

“Doesn’t mean you can’t miss him.” I wanted to try on the dress in my hand. And then I thought about how my body was changing.

Mary Ellen checked the tag on a black cocktail number. She tucked the black dress on the rack. “Where is this bride?”

Sasha appeared from behind the curtain and stepped onto a pedestal.

“Sasha, you look amazing.” I walked toward her. Miss Maria was holding a veil to the side, ready to plant on her head.

“Thank you. You like it?” She faced her reflection in the mirror.

“I love it. Cal is going to go nuts when he sees you in this.” I admired her silhouette and the lines of the dress. It was made for her.

She twirled a few times. “I think I’m ready.” She looked down from her perch. “What’s that dress? Are you going to try it on?”

I forgot I was holding the blue gown. “I was thinking about it.”

Miss Maria reached for the garment. “Right this way, dear. You can change in here.” She pulled back a curtain, revealing a full-length mirror and a chair. “Let me know if you need any help.” She hustled back to the bride.

With the wedding only a few weeks away, I needed a dress to wear. I hadn’t planned on trying any on today, but when the dress speaks to you, you have to listen. I walked out to show them the dress. Mary Ellen and Sasha were laughing about something.

“Look at you.” Mary Ellen whistled. “You have to get it.”

Sasha smiled. “Is it for the wedding?”

I nodded. “I think it would be perfect.”

She agreed. “Get it. Cole will love it.”

“All right. This is the one.”

Sasha stepped down from the stage in front of the mirrors. “Mary Ellen and I were talking, and we have come up with an idea for tonight.”

“What’s that?”

Mary Ellen squealed. “We’re going to have a bonfire. Sasha said she would invite all of Cal’s friends. I might meet a cowboy after all.”

“Sounds fun.”

“Do you think Cole will be up for it?” Sasha asked.

“I don’t know. His leg is still bothering him, but I’m sure we can go for a little while.”

“Ok. It’s settled. I have a wedding dress. You have a dress to wear to the wedding, and tonight we are having a big party.” She giggled and walked to the curtain. “The bride has spoken.”