Page 60

“Willow?” Arlene called and leaned forward to see where her daughter was.

The door to one of the fitting rooms opened and Willow stepped out. She was wearing the dress she’d been admiring. “What do you think?” she asked, saucily placing a hand on her hip.

“Oh, sweetie, that is the perfect dress for you.” Arlene sighed. “Now we just need to find you a husband.”

Willow rolled her eyes. “Seriously, Mom.” Quickly, she turned around.

“She does look gorgeous, doesn’t she?” Ellie said. “Marriage is definitely also not in my future, but these are gorgeous dresses.”

Both she and Arlene got up and walked toward the racks filled with wedding dresses in shades of white, cream, gray, pink, and even blue.

Arlene took down one in the palest of blues. “What about this one?” she asked. “Go on, try it on. It will look gorgeous with your blue eyes and blonde hair. We have all day. It’ll be fun!” She smiled as Ellie hesitated.

Grinning, Ellie took the dress. “Okay, maybe I should see what I look like in a wedding dress, seeing that I’m never going to wear one for real.”

“Laura?” Josie asked behind her.

Laura turned in her chair.

“What about something like this?” Josie asked and held out the dress she was carrying.

Laura’s heart sighed and she slowly got up. Josie was holding a stunning white dress in satin. The top crossed in front in such a way that the sleeves would drop down her shoulders. Classy, stylish, and with a touch of vintage. “It’s perfect. We haven’t set a date yet, but when we do, I’ll come back for this one.” She took the dress. “Arlene, look—this is so pretty—what do you think?”

“It’s beautiful. Go and try it on. Josie, do you have shoes for that dress? I’d love to see the whole picture.”

Josie grinned, clearly excited. “Yes, we do. Just a moment.”

A few minutes later, Laura stared at herself in the mirror, blinking back tears. She would’ve given anything to have her mom here today.

“May I come in?” asked Arlene from outside.

Laura wiped her eyes and opened the door.

Arlene took her hands. “Oh, Laura…” she sniffed. “I’m going to cry. You’re perfect for my son. And this…wow—this is the dress.” She stroked Laura’s arm. “You miss your mom?”

“I do,” Laura said, her throat tight.

“Come on out!” called Willow from outside. “We also want to see.”

Arlene gave Laura a hug before she opened the door.

Laura turned and posed as everyone admired the dress. There probably wouldn’t be time to get married before next winter, but it was fun trying on wedding dresses, anyway.

“Well, I think this has been a successful trip,” Arlene smiled. “Thanks for humoring me, Laura. Go put your clothes on. I’m taking you all to lunch!”

They found a restaurant not far from the bridal shop. It was only when Laura saw the menu that she realized how hungry she was. There hadn’t been time this week for a proper meal.

Arlene’s phone rang and she left the table.

“Have you eaten here before?” Ellie asked Willow. “What do you suggest?”

As they decided on what to eat, Laura leaned back in her chair. This had been a good idea. She’d been so busy at school. While she was still playing catch-up with the kids in her class, there was always something else going on too. She loved working with the kids and she loved her job, but it meant seeing less and less of Hayden.

He had warned her in the beginning how busy it always was on a ranch. She tried not to complain, but she missed him something fierce.

“Where’s Arlene?” Ellie asked when their drinks arrived.

“Probably still on the phone,” Willow said, her face hidden by the menu. “So what are we eating?”