The remaining piece was a sheer shawl that looked as if it was spun of the finest silk. Though it lacked crystals, it still shimmered. Altogether, it was quite a showstopper.
“It’s so beautiful.”
“Almost as beautiful as you,” the older woman said. “Now hurry. We don’t have much time.”
“But I... I can’t wear something this fancy.” All she could think was if she spilled something on it she’d be horrified, not to mention working for the next year—no, make it two years—to pay for it.
“Don’t be silly. This gown was made for you. Now hurry.”
For a moment, Alina wondered if she’d meant the gown was literally made for her. But that was totally impossible. They didn’t even know she’d be showing up until just moments ago. The woman must mean the dress would be flattering on her.
She stepped into the new gown. The women all said it brought out the blue of her eyes. Alina never believed they would have a dress that would fit her, but this dress accentuated her bust, drew in her waist, and the hemline...well, it touched the floor because she was in her bare feet. Surely no one would notice if she were to wear her stained heels, would they?
But before she could retrieve them from next to the makeup chair, Veronica brought over a pair of azure blue heels with rhinestones. They were gorgeous. And they looked so delicate.
“I couldn’t possibly wear those,” Alina said, still unable to take her gaze off them. “They probably won’t fit.”
“But you must. They match the gown.” Heather knelt down to help her put them on.
Seriously, the chances they’d fit were zip, zilch, zero. But what would it hurt to try them on? They were so pretty. The most beautiful shoes Alina had ever seen. And they definitely cost more than her month’s pay and then some.
And yet as Heather slipped the shoes on Alina’s feet, they fit perfectly. How could that be? Tears of happiness blurred Alina’s vision. How was all of this possible?
“Oh, no. You can’t cry now,” the older woman said. “You’ll ruin everything. And Merryweather is waiting just on the other side of that door to whisk you off to the ball.”
“But how can I ever thank you all?” Alina was so touched by the acts of generosity toward her—a perfect stranger.
The older woman smiled. “It’s our Christmas present to you.”
“Now go. Hurry.” Veronica waved her off.
“Yes, go. And have a marvelous time,” Heather said.
Alina hugged each of them before heading for the door. When she swung it open, Merryweather was waiting in the hallway. Her mouth gaped as she took in his transformation. It was as though he was ten years younger and he was now done up in a fine black suit and tie. He looked quite dapper.
“Merryweather, you look downright handsome.”
He blushed. “Well, I couldn’t escort the prettiest belle to the ball in my old suit.” He held out his arm to her. “Shall we go?”
She placed her hand in the crook of his arm. “How will I ever repay you?”
“There’s nothing to repay. It is I who owes you. You’ve always been there for me when I was lonely and when I was being contrary. You could have given up on me, but you didn’t. Instead you brought me fresh-baked cookies.”
“I... I didn’t know it meant that much.”
“It meant the world. Now there’s one thing you should know about all of this. You have to be back at the theater by midnight. That is when the guard locks up for the night and the dress must be here by then.”
Her heart swelled with love. She stopped walking and turned to him. Happy tears blurred her vision. She blinked them away. And then she leaned forward and pressed a feathery kiss to his freshly shaven cheek. When she pulled back, she said, “Thank you.”
* * *
Where was she?
That’s all that kept going through Graham’s mind as the Snow Ball commenced. This was Alina’s brainchild. Without her, none of this would have been possible.
He’d put off greeting his guests and officially kicking off the party for as long as possible. He checked the time. It was five minutes past seven and the room was crowded. He couldn’t delay any longer.
Graham made his way to the stage. He stepped up to the microphone and waited as silence swept over the room. All the while he searched for Alina’s beautiful face, but she was nowhere to be found.