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“Okay. Thanks.”

She walked over to the other bridesmaid. “And, Nicole, the waistline is a little baggy on you. I can take a tuck on the seam and tighten it up a bit.” She demonstrated by cinching in the fabric and eyeing where she’d have to make the alteration, pinning it carefully. “It’ll fit your frame just right. Just don’t gain five pounds in the next two weeks, okay?”

Nicole snorted a laugh, feigning a horrified expression. “Gosh, if I do, just shoot me.”

Taylor laughed too. “Okay, Julie. It’s your turn. Time for the big reveal.”

“Yes, we’re dying to see your gown, Julie,” Nicole said.

Julie rose and grabbed her hand. “I’m excited for you guys to see it too. But I need Taylor to get me into it.”

And a few minutes later, they exited the bedroom and came down the stairs. Taylor took her seat on the sofa again to let Julie make her grand entrance. She was met by oohs and aahs, Nicole and Lindsey not shy about sharing their enthusiasm.

“I love it,” Nicole said.

“Copy that, it’s amazing. Julie, you look like a…I don’t know, a princess with edge, a true statement of sweet and sass. It’s definitely different, all those angles, they work. I wouldn’t have guessed it,” Lindsey said.

“And the way those pearls are sewn over your shoulder.”

Julie beamed. It was clear she was thrilled her friends liked the gown. “It was Taylor’s idea. These are my mom’s pearls and I really wanted to wear them on my wedding day, but the strand just didn’t look right with the dress. You know what I mean? And then, Taylor performed a miracle.”

“I’ll say. It’s unique.”

“That’s Taylor.” Julie smiled her way. “Her designs are distinctive and definitely one of a kind.”

“I guess I do think out of the box sometimes,” Taylor said. “Maybe too far out of the box, ending up somewhere in unemployable land. Or else I’d have a job right now.”

“I’d hire you in a heartbeat,” Nicole said.

“Me too,” Lindsey said.

“You ladies are very sweet,” Taylor told them. She really did appreciate their support. It helped boost an ego that had been recently deflated. “But what’s important is that the bride is happy. That’s my goal when I design a gown.”

“And you succeeded,” Julie said, picking up the sides of her dress and twirling around like a fairy princess. The material spiraled around her body and flowed back into place as she finished her turn.

Everyone took a moment to stare at the glowing bride-to-be.

Then Lindsey piped up. “Taylor, have you ever…I mean, would you ever consider, oh never mind.”

“What is it?” Taylor asked. “Would I ever consider what?”

“Well, I have a piece of my grandmother’s veil that I wanted close to me when I walk down the aisle. I know some people would have it wrapped around the bouquet stem, but I’ve been hoping to do something different with it. Though, I don’t have a clue what and I wondered…”

“I’d be happy to take a look at it, Lindsey.”

“You would?” Lindsey’s pretty blue-gray eyes lit up. “Maybe you can help me come up with a better idea.”

“Maybe I can.”

“Gosh, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Taylor didn’t mind a challenge. And if, after giving it some thought, she couldn’t help Lindsey find the perfect solution, she would be honest with her. But already her mind was working overtime with ideas.

Nicole bit her lip and glanced at Julie a few times. Julie kept nodding to her friend. Apparently, Nicole wanted to say something and Taylor waited, but then Taylor’s cell phone rang. She smiled at the photo coming up on the screen. “Excuse me, I should probably get this.” She walked out the back door and sat at the table where they’d had brunch.

“Simone! It’s so good to hear from you.”

“Good to hear your voice too. Tell me, how’s it going in Last Stand?”