Page 103 of Not How I Saw That Going

Maddie raises an eyebrow. “Wow, that went downhill fast.” She sits beside me. “It’s one hair. And who cares? Gray hair means you’ve lived a life greater than silver.”

“That was cheesy,” I mutter, closing my eyes and gently massaging my temples. “Is this a bad sign? Is it going to be a horrible night?”

Maddie nudges me with her shoulder. “Don’t you dare believe that. It’s going to be a great night. A fairytale.”

“That’s a high hope,” I say with a snort.

“Well, if you think like that, it won’t be great.” She stands and resumes curling my hair.

I forgot I was talking to my positivity guru. “So if I dream of being whisked off my feet and right down the aisle, then what? Bam, it happens?” I joke.

She stops curling my hair. “Is that what you want?”

I laugh before I realize she’s not kidding. “Isn’t it what everybody wants?”

“After Rodney left you pregnant and alone, you swore you’d never give your heart to another guy, let alone get married. This is the first time since high school I’ve even heard you mention marriage.”

“That’s not true.” I shake my head. I’ve always wanted to get married, even tried to convince Rodney that it would be the best decision for us after I found out I was expecting. But he shot that dream down mighty quick, and I’m glad he did. Marrying him would have been a nightmare. “Rodney just ruined it for a minute.”

Maddie gives me a sympathetic smile. “I think you’ve let Rodney control your life long enough. Don’t give him one more minute.”

The way she says it makes it seem so easy; like I can just cut Rodney out of my life as quickly as I would a hangnail. But the calls from him keep coming, reminding me he’s still there.

The back of my eyes burn. “I’m trying.”

“Oh, honey.” Maddie grips my shoulder. “He doesn’t own you. I know it feels like there’s a giant ball hanging over your head—”

“Try boulder,” I interrupt.

“But we will never let him back. I will do everything I can to make sure of it.”

“Thank you.” I know she will. I know she’d do anything for me. And I’d do anything for her. Like maybe be a surrogate for her someday, because my expertise in any field is seriously limited.

“Mom!” Crew yells. “There’s a funny lady at the door.”

My wide eyes meet Maddie’s in the mirror before we bolt out of the bathroom.

I round the corner to find Lisa standing there with a garment bag and a smile. I sag against the wall with relief. Someday that kid is going to open the door to a serial killer.

“Lisa,” I say, then introduce her to Maddie.

“So you’re the fairy godmother?” Maddie asks, and I throw an elbow into her side.

Lisa chuckles. “I don’t know about that. But I did happen upon a perfect dress, fit for a princess.”

I haven’t been called that since my dad died.

“I’m not a princess,” I say. “Just a mom.”

“Just?” Lisa shakes her head. “Who says you can’t be both?” She unzips the garment bag and my jaw drops.

“Where did you get this?” Maddie exclaims, rushing forward to get a look at the silky light blue material.

It’s…gorgeous. Simple but elegant. It’s so me. How on earth did she do this?

I run my fingers over the material, then freeze. A dress like this could easily be more than a thousand dollars.

I swallow. I’ll never have the money to pay this woman back. “How much did it cost?”