Risking the Crown (The Crown 2)

“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.”

17

Cole

I tightened the straps on my leg brace. The crutches leaned against the bed. I had agreed to go tonight, but I’d rather spend the night with Kaitlyn. We needed a night at home as a family.

“What’s wrong, pretty girl?” I pulled himself up from the bed, and arranged the crutches for support. I was fucking done with these things.

Her cheeks flushed “Nothing. I’m ready. Are you?”