“Close your eyes. I’m going to dress you, and then you can open them and get the full effect.”
Again, I do as she asks, holding my arms in the air, and a really soft material slides down over my body. The feel of ribbons being tightened and tied at my back makes me believe I at least have a corset over my top half, and the material on my legs feels like it stops at my knees. She does something with my hair, then something cold touches my neck.
“Okay, all done.” She moves me forward a few steps so I’m in front of the mirror. “Open your eyes, darling.”
I could actually cry. I was all set to hate this dress, ready to say no and choose something for myself. But wow, this dress is spectacular. The material is all white silk, with clear crystals all over the skirt that flows out from my knees into a small train. The top is ruched in such a way that makes all my curves look a little extra, and it’s so simple and understated, yet magnificent in every way. There’s even a headpiece. A shoulder-length veil adorned in crystals with a pretty lace edge, and a crystal headband keeping it in place.
“That’s the one, isn’t it? It’s very rare a man can choose a woman’s dress. Your fiancé must really love you, darling. You’re a lucky lady indeed.”
I just nod and smile. No point in letting the poor lady know the truth and ruining her day.
“Let’s go and show your family, shall we?”
Following her through the curtain, she leads me to the little plinth in front of the couches and instructs me to stand on it before moving my skirt so it flares out just right.
Ev, Petal, and Lina are all wide-eyed, and the girls cover their mouths. They’re the polar opposites of each other in terms of lifestyle and belief, but their personalities are creepily similar.
“Sis, wow. Mom and Dad would be so proud.” Ev struggles to stand, and I tell him to stop as tears fill my eyes, but he doesn’t listen. Instead, Petal helps him, and he hobbles over to me on his crutches. I bend to hug my little brother, squeezing my eyes closed to stop the tears.
Lina is next in line, waiting to give me a hug.
“River, you look stunning. My brother is a very lucky man.”
Then it’s Petal’s turn, but she doesn’t embrace me like I’d expect. Instead, she takes my hand and leads me back into the changing room.
“Everything okay, Pet?”
“Of course it is, silly. Look, you know we all love you, but just a couple months ago, we were being introduced to Nathaniel, you’re still pining over Kai, and now you’re about to marry someone else. Are you sure this is what you want? Your aura isn’t as bright as usual, it’s almost like something’s unraveling. This all feels wrong somehow. You’re supposed to get married in March.” That’s when she does hug me, and holds me like only Petal can. “You have found your soulmate, I can see it. Your soul recognizes it, but you’re afraid and you feel unworthy. Babe, you’re a goddess, please allow yourself to believe it.”
“Is this your pep talk? Because I’ll be honest, it’s not my favorite.”
“Well, I think you need it. Because we love you, and if you’re just doing this because you’re in the same situation as Freya, you know we’ll never judge you.”
“I can promise you, this is not the same thing.”
“Good. But make sure you come and visit us soon. Or at least charge up your crystals and meditate once in a while.”
“Thanks for looking out, Pet. I love you.”
“Love you too. Now let’s get you out of this beautiful dress so we can go and enjoy that rooftop garden you were telling us about.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
RIVER
Yule was simple this year. Petal brought the candles and incense, along with a deck of tarot cards, and Everest was the weed master. Lina left early, presumably for her bed, but I have doubts. As for me, well, I had nothing but my good intentions and need for family. It’s when the doorbell rings, and Stefano whispers in my ear that I have two more guests, that things get interesting.
And by interesting, I mean awkward as fuck.
“Wow, River, you’re moving up in the world. And here I thought Tyler Walker was the top of the money pile.” I think I smile, but I’m pretty sure it’s closer to a snarl.
“Freya, that’s enough.” Kai’s words are a growl that instantly shut her mouth.
“Welcome to the Mancini home, come on in.” What the fuck am I doing? It’s like Marco is pulling the strings to this make-believe show and I’m just the puppet that recites the script.
A whistle echoes throughout the entry hall, bouncing off the four walls before spearing my stomach where anxiety resides.
“Oh, good! We’re all here. Come on, let’s celebrate the rebirth of a new year.” Petal takes my hand and leads me to the corner of the living room where she has set up a makeshift altar and a circle of rosemary scented candles.