Chapter 1
Kate
“I’m thinking a mermaid style gown. It has to be sleek and fitted. That’s exactly what I want, Kate.”
That’s not what she wants. Corly Brunton has come to my bridal shop every week for the past month to try on dresses. Three weeks ago it was mermaid style and those were all thumbs down from the group of four bridesmaids she brought with her.
Two weeks ago she was convinced that she wanted a princess ball gown. Last week, she went through an off-white, off-the-shoulder phase.
“I think Natalie has the perfect dress in mind for you,” I say, laughing inwardly because I know my assistant manager is going to be pissed that I’m dragging her into this.
“I love Natalie,” Corly claps her hands together. “I’m ready whenever she is.”
I slip out of the change room and set out to find Natalie Diehl.
Katie Rose Bridal is busier than usual today. I attribute that to the fact that a member of the royal family tied the knot just a few days ago.
Whenever a high profile wedding takes over the headlines, business picks up.
“Natalie,” I call out to her when I see her red hair peek out from behind a rack of vintage dresses in the stock room.
“What do you need, Kate?” she asks, glancing over to where I’m standing.
“I need you to grab the A-line gown that came in yesterday that you thought would be perfect for Corly Brunton.”
“The lace one with beading on the bodice?” Natalie rests her hand on her hip. “Is she back?”
“She’s in change room four and you’re about to sell her that gown.” I skim my hand over the front of my red sheath dress. “I thought you’d appreciate the commission on the sale.”
She narrows her eyes. “I see right through you, Kate Wesley. As much as I would love to help Corly not find the perfect dress again, I’m busy with a bride of my own.”
“I can take over that.”
She scratches her chin. “This bride’s budget is more than Corly’s. I’m talking way more, Kate.”
“The commission on both is yours, even if I make the sale.”
“I’m game.” She starts walking across the room. “I’ll grab the dress for Corly and you’ll go help Annalise Brookings find her perfect gown.”
“She’s in the main showroom?”
Natalie nods. “With her entourage of seven. Her fiancé and his best man are on the way too.”
When I first started working in bridal, I was surprised whenever a future groom showed up to witness his soon-to-be wife trying on dresses. It’s not that uncommon. We have at least a few men in the showroom every week.
“What’s Annalise looking for in a gown?”
“I don’t have a clue.” Natalie laughs as she zips open the garment bag on the A-line gown. “We haven’t gotten that far yet. I came back here to get a new notepad and a pen so I could jot down what she likes.”
“I’m about to find out.” I smile as I turn toward the doorway. “Wish me luck.”
I take quick steps down the carpeted corridor that leads to the main showroom of Katie Rose Bridal.
I had it redecorated two years ago in elegant and sophisticated tones. The benches are covered in cream-colored fabrics. The walls are painted pale gray. It’s the perfect space to choose a dress to wear on the most important day of your life.
A client walking back toward the change rooms catches my eye. I glance at the gown she’s trying on. It has a sweetheart neckline and a lace train. It’s a beautiful dress that has brought a tear to her eye.
This is exactly why I bought this boutique.
“You look stunning,” I whisper to her as we pass each other.
I round the corner to the showroom and spot a group of women huddled together.
One of the women is staring in a mirror while the others gather around her. The tiara on her head is a clear sign that she’s the bride-to-be.
I smile as I near her. “You must be Annalise.”
“That’s me.” She shakes with excitement. “I’m here to find my wedding dress.”
“I’m Kate.” I reach out to take her hand in mine. “I’m excited to help you do just that.”
“You have perfect timing, Kate.” Her hand flies in the air next to my shoulder. “My man is here with his best man.”
I turn to face the double glass doors that open onto the sidewalk in front of the boutique.
Time stops.
My breath catches.
I stare at the two men in suits walking toward us.
One is blond with a beard and a blank look on his face as he takes in the dresses, veils, and vases of fresh flowers that decorate the boutique.
The other man is t
he one I can’t take my eyes off of.
His hair is brown, his eyes a shade of green I’ll never forget and the smile on his face could still light the night sky.
He slows as he nears me, his hand reaching up to touch his chest.
“Katie?” His voice rumbles through me as deeply as it did the first time I heard it.
I nod, my head moving as slow as time had when he left me days before our wedding with little explanation and a broken heart.
“Gage,” I say his name softly. “Gage Burke.”
Chapter 2
Kate