MICHAEL BLANCET … ONE of the most famous designers of my time … was standing behind me gazing at me in the mirror.
“This has to be one of the most stunning gowns I’ve ever seen. I cannot believe it was made in Montana! I must hire the seamstress and make her mine!”
Giggling, I let my eyes roam over the gown I had designed. The beaded Queen Anne neckline added the perfect amount of elegance. The sheer V-back bodice gave the gown that sexy look I was going for. The scalloped hem lace was breathtaking and came just short of my ass I swear.
Michael lifted the lace-trimmed chapel-length train and let it free fall. “Gorgeous. Simply gorgeous. The use of the misty tulle, diamond tulle, and this delicate allover lace just screams elegance. We will have to lift poor Ryder’s tongue off the ground when he sees you in this.”
With a wide smile, I took another look at myself in the mirror. The gown fit my body like a glove. I wasn’t sure how she was able to get this dress made in time, but I was going to have to give her a bonus for the exquisite job she did.
Lifting my eyes, I softly blew out a breath. My blonde hair was pulled up into a French twist. My grandmother’s pearl-drop earrings dangled from my ears adding the perfect touch. I opted for a simple pearl necklace that had been my mother’s. It added a simple touch and didn’t take away from the neckline of the gown.
“Your blue eyes are dancing with excitement, Ava.”
Peeking over to Michael, I laughed. “Do you have any idea what you being here fussing over my dress is doing to me?”
He winked. “I hope it is making you piss your lace thong you better have on under this beauty. And it better be one of my designs.”
Feeling my face heat, I shook my head. “Ah, the French.”
The light knock on the door had my stomach dropping. “Oh God. This is it.”
“Let’s get this thing going. I can’t wait to get you photographed in this gown.”
Rolling my eyes, I took the pink peony bouquet Karen handed me. They were Kate’s favorite flower and I thought appropriate for the occasion. “Merci, Karen. Will Ryder get to be in any of the photos?”
Michael stopped. Turning to Karen, he fired off in French and I’m pretty sure he asked her if Ryder was wearing the Armani suit.
“Oui,” she quickly replied.
Holding out his arm, I took it and let him lead the way. “Yes, he can. Thank God you’re marrying a handsome man or your wedding pictures would only be of you and the gown.”
“So, why no big wedding? You designed such a beautiful dress?” Michael asked. “I would think you would want to show it off.”
With a shrug, I replied, “Ryder and I talked about it. I was engaged before and was planning a huge wedding. It was a pain and I hated the whole process. When Ryder asked me to marry him, I knew I wanted something intimate. Something just the two of us shared together. We’ll have a reception in both Montana and Texas, but this part … this part is just for us.”
He smiled. “Fair enough. Love doesn’t need to be celebrated in front of huge crowds for two people to know they love one another. The focus is clearly on the two of you. I like it.”
I chucked and concentrated on each step I took.
By the time I made it down the staircase, I was sweating from being a nervous wreck walking in the damn heels I had on. I was still worried about my ankle being weak.
We stopped outside the giant double doors of the banquet room. My chest was rising and falling so quickly, I was sure Michael thought I was going to pass out.
“Telle une belle mariée.”
With a smile, I leaned over and kissed Michael on the cheek. “Merci beaucoup, Michael. For everything. I’m pretty sure you’re the best boss a girl could ever ask for. I am for sure very lucky.”
He tossed his head back and laughed. “I’m the lucky one,” he whispered as he stepped back and they opened the double doors. My eyes scanned the room and I couldn’t help but smile when I saw the white and pink roses.
The music started and I had to be prompted by Karen to start walking. I felt his eyes on me before I even saw him. My heart was racing as I looked straight ahead. Sucking in a breath of air, I was overcome with the sight before me. I’d never seen Ryder look so handsome. His face curved into the most delicious grin I’d ever seen. I could see his bright eyes as he swept them over my body.
The closer I got, the more my heart raced. I imagined Ryder must have been pushing his hand through his hair in a nervous manner because it was the perfect amount of messy. Nothing else in this world mattered to me except for the man standing in front of me.
Dear Lord … he looked sexy as hell.
Stopping in front of him, he looked me in the eyes and said, “You take my breath away, Ava. I can’t even begin to tell you how beautiful you look.”
Swallowing hard, I pressed my lips together in an attempt to hold my tears at bay. When I finally felt like I could speak, I barely got the words out.