My Ex's Baby (Crescent Cove 8)

You know, the one currently racing like it was my first time, for goddess’s sake.

I’d altered every kind of clothing since I was fourteen. When you didn’t have any money, you got creative with Salvation Army finds. But this dress was the first one I’d actually adjusted with a single person in mind. Usually, I created in just my own funky style that I hoped would resonate with someone out there in the universe.

Macy slowly walked toward Rosalie. Okay, yeah, it was weird that my dress form had a name. She had been with me since I’d opened my shop. She was actually the first thing I’d bought with money made under my business’s name.

I had half a dozen dress forms and twenty mannequins all around the store, but this one was special. I didn’t care if my appreciation of her was strange. It wasn’t as if I was kissing her like in that movie from the eighties or anything. That and she didn’t have a head.

Whatever.

“Did you add a train?” Macy shot a look at me over her shoulder. “You know I’m not into that girly shit.”

“I know.” My throat was dust dry as I swallowed. “Hear me out. This is a very special train.”

Macy folded her arms. Her striking features were accentuated by her new short haircut, and Rylee’s deft hand with makeup. At least that was my guess, since I’d never seen Macy wear more than a little mascara at the café. “Do I look like the type who goes for the princess stuff?”

“First of all, everyone wants to be a princess on their special day.”

“True story,” Ivy piped up.

I shot her a grateful smile. “Exactly.” I tucked one of my wild curls behind my ear. I should have straightened it today, but I hadn’t had time. Heck, I’d been impressed I managed a shower with my lack of sleep.

I spun Rosalie around to show off the lace and silk panel I’d added to the back. I’d ripped out the boring ruffles and went with simple silk then used the largest appliqué of the bunch to stretch between her shoulder blades. The rest floated down the skirt of the dress as if they were flying.

“Bats.” Macy’s whisper was a little watery.

I pressed my lips together, afraid to look up at her. “Yeah. A friend of mine has a really cool online shop, and I hope you don’t mind—oof.”

Macy grabbed me into a tight, crushing hug. “It’s fucking awesome. I can’t believe you did this for me.”

I patted her lightly—mostly because I couldn’t move from her grip. Holy cats.

She pushed me away to go back to the dress. “You found lacy bats. I didn’t even know that was a thing.” She dabbed at her eyes. “Dammit, if you make me cry, I’m going to punch you.”

Ivy and I laughed.

“I’m so glad you like it.”

“I love it.” She ran a trembling hand over the shoulder then stepped back. “I’m afraid to touch it.”

“You can’t hurt it.” I unzipped the side zipper I’d hidden. “You’re going to look amazing. Do you want me to help you?”

She chewed on the inside of her cheek. “Yeah. Is that cool? I mean, I know you’ve seen plenty of chicks naked, but…weird.”

I draped the dress gently over my arm and led her to the dressing room. “Tell you what. I set out the foundation stuff we bought you. See how you do with that, and then I’ll help you with the dress.”

“Yeah. I can do that. Cool.” She blew out a breath, stopping in the doorway. “Thanks, Kin. Seriously. I didn’t think this ceremony would be me

at all. And that’s okay. I just want to marry him, and in the grand scheme, it doesn’t matter.”

“You’re only getting married once. At least that’s the plan for all of us.”

“I’m definitely only doing this once. Besides, if he screws it up, there won’t be a divorce, just a murder trial.”

“And there’s the Macy we all know and love.”

She shrugged. “Vee’s got me listening to all those murder podcasts she’s into. Gives a girl ideas.”

“Pretty sure Gideon would rather cut off a leg than let you down.”