One Wild Ride (Lords of Mayhem 2)

“I spoke to her like an artist, painting a pretty picture we sure as hell better deliver and the rest, as they say, is history,” Juliette said.

“You have your entourage with you now, my love. Let’s find you the perfect dress,” Hil said, obviously excited.

They all linked arms and headed to the area in the far corner that screamed exotic. Bryleigh’s was an upscale shop with something for everyone who had the money.

Juliette came to a stop in the middle of the aisle with the dresses dyed various shades of pink. “These are breathtaking.” Juliette placed a hand over her heart and shook her head. “I can’t imagine what they cost.”

“And you don’t need to,” Joey said, stepping forward. “I’ve been instructed not to let you know how much your dress is.”

“That’s insane,” Juliette argued.

“I’m liking your fiancé more and more,” Hil said.

“Did I just hear we have no budget?” Irene asked.

“Yes, ma’am,” Joey said. Now tell me Shooter isn’t good enough for your girl?

“Oh, honey.” Irene walked over and placed a hand on Juliette’s shoulder. “You did good, a man who knows you well enough to anticipate. One who cares deeply and pays attention to details.”

“No shit,” Evonne mouthed.

Joey swallowed her laughter and turned away to compose herself.

Juliette’s mom always had huge plans laid out. It had been a real blow to find her daughter wanted nothing to do with her visions. Every mother wanted better than they had for their children. Too many of them took it too far, in Joey’s opinion. You had to let people be who they were intended to be, even if it wasn’t who you wanted them to be.

Joey learned that lesson from observing her mother. She never got too deep into the details of her life, but from the little she did say, it had been clear she left home in favor of some sort of freedom.

“I’m happy to see you talking about him in a positive light.” Juliette beamed.

“I know you love him, but it’s a mother’s job to worry and always want the best,” Irene defended.

“Trust me when I say there’s not a man out there who could take better care of me,” Juliette said.

The mother and daughter duo locked gazes, exchanging a silent conversation.

Joey breathed a sigh of relief.

Hurricane Irene had passed over without any casualties. Irene stepped back and turned to the dresses. “So what are we looking for, honey?”

“I want something flowy, light, airy—maybe even ethereal, but not so over the top it doesn’t fit the wedding setting,” Juliette said.

“So sort of the mythical forest concept with a touch of vintage flair Joey here described?” Irene asked.

“That’s actually a pretty accurate description,” Juliette confirmed.

A rail-thin platinum blonde with striking blue eyes and artfully done makeup strolled over on three-inch white stilettos. A flattering charcoal-colored suit hugged her curves, accentuating a tiny waist and slender frame. “I see your entire group is here now. Hi, guys, my name is Lisa, and I’ll be helping our beautiful bride today. She’s given me a bit of a rundown of what she’s looking for. Is there anything you’d like to add before we start?” Lisa gazed at Juliette.

Joey looked around, half listening to the conversation as she took in the gowns that cost as much as, if not more than her car. It gave her the willies. She had nothing against marriage. But she couldn’t see going into debt over the ceremony. I love you, honey, let’s start our life together in debt. NO thanks. “Now that I have a good mental image, I’ll take you ladies to the seating area and lead my bride to the dressing room.” Joey linked arms with Evonne and Hil, following the three women in front of her on a mission.

This would be interesting. Seated on a large couch beside the girls and Irene, Joey leaned forward, excited to see the third pick. The first dress had been too over the top, and the second had been too pink, making Juliette feel like she was going to the prom, instead of getting married. The third pick was the best of both worlds. A light blush pink at the top that faded to a lighter pink toward the bottom, it had a corset top with a sweetheart neckline. A light speckle of beading with a silky blush bow that adorned the top of the dress like a layer, then the skirt belled out to a wispy overlay of organza. It looked whimsical, ethereal, and vintage.

“Are you ladies ready?” Lisa walked down the hallway, and they all sat up and turned toward her. “Come on out, Juliette.”

Juliette appeared, and they all gasped. The gown made her skin glow. She was a slender vision with a giant smile plastered across her face.

“Oh my God, you look amazing!” Evonne cheered.

“Seriously stunning, Jul,” Hil concurred.