"Everything looks good on you, but this," she paused, "this looks heavenly on you dear," Lily said as I twirl on the platform wearing the third dress in a small boutique in town. There are not many dress shops in town to choose from so we are taking our time here.
Oh, and Lily, yes, Lily is with me. Gage and I announced our engagement to the boys on New Year's morning and a few days later we decided to call Eric and Lily and give them a big surprise. The happiness that resounded over the phone was very evident that they chose to finish their Asian cruise, pack their bags and come home after a few weeks from that call.
We agreed to have our wedding around spring, giving us a few months to prepare. It would be a very simple celebration held in the cabin, with just us, the boys, Eric, and Lily, and some friends.
It's been three months since I said yes to Gage, three months since he knelt in front of me and poured his heart out. At first, fear consumed me thinking of how my first wedding has gone. But as I look back over the past months of our relationship, how we complete and balance each other, how we continue to fill each other's blank spaces, and how we manage to rebuild each other's life only proves that there is nothing more certain than the choice I made to be with him forever.
Life is too short to waste any more second. It has been just a few months but I know the small choices we are making are leading us on the right path towards our future.
And for now, one big choice I'm about to make is among these three astonishing dresses. The two dresses are splayed on both sides of Lily and the third one clung to my body.
The first dress is a white toned-down mermaid lace silhouette that fits the upper part of my body like a second skin just until a few inches above my knee and gradually flares as the soft tulle and lace touch the floor. Its sweetheart neckline cuts a little low showing off more cleavage than I wanted.
Although the thought of making Gage drool over me in this gown tempts me, the tight upper area around my legs makes it hard for me to move around. I did not prefer stumbling down the aisle for him, and for sure, there'll be no drooling over that scene.
The second dress is a white classic ball gown with its dreamy length adding a fairy tale-Cinderella effect to it. The corset-like bodice emphasized my slim torso and pushed my tits way up, almost having them spill out of the fabric. The full skirt flows from just below my waist down to the floor in layers of soft tulle and regally designed diamond beads ran around my waist connecting the corset to the skirt.
I love how my legs aren't confined tightly in the fabric of the skirt, it helps me move around. That gown is too dreamy, and I'd looked like royalty in it but I'd rather go for something simple and with less volume.
"I might agree with you Lil," I said as I brushed the upper skirt of the third dress that I'm wearing.
This dress is a simple sheath silhouette of beads and lace on satin that starts off with a thick strap that falls a little to my shoulders. The neckline is a subtle V that ends mid-chest, just enough to reveal my cleavage. The upper part clings to my body pleasingly stressing the curves of my body. And the skirt falls freely from my hips down to the floor.
This dress is just perfect. What it lacks in volume makes up for its versatility. I think I found the one.
"This is it, Lil. I love this one." I said as I do a once over in front of the full-length mirrors in three angles.
She sniffled her response and I quickly turned to her. "Oh dear I'm sorry, I'm just so happy."
In quick strides, I reached her and engulf her in a hug, which she returned sweetly. "Lily I am too. I am very happy."
She pulled away and we sat on the plush couch, "I prayed for this to happen. As soon as Eric told me that a young lady would be owning the cabin, I made a very important prayer that you'd end up with one of the boys. And knowing everything that happened to you dear, oh you and Gage deserve so much happiness." she said all the while holding, and gently squeezing my hands.
Eric and Lily already knew about my past and everything we found out about it after. "Thank you so much, Lily. Despite everything, I am still blessed to have all of you."
The door to the fitting room opened and our heads spun to its direction, "My oh my, you look incredible darling." Eric said, his hand flat on his chest in awe as he walked in. "Gage is one lucky man."
I stood up as Eric approached us on the couch, "Since your both here, I'd like to ask you something."
Lily nods erratically, "Go on dear, anything you need, we're here for you."
I smiled as I took each of their hands in mine. I took a deep breath, "Being with you and the boys have been the closest thing I had to a family in months. And on the day of the wedding, going down the aisle, I know, deep down in my heart, my parents would be there with me." Lily started to shed a tear and squeeze my hand while Eric covered my hand with his other hand in comfort.
"Together with their loving presence, I would love to have both of you physically beside me. Will you please do me the honor of walking me down the aisle?" I continued, my voice cracking towards the end.
They both squished me in a big hug all the while chanting "Yes, oh yes dear we would love to."
"I thought you'd never ask dear," Eric said caressing my back.
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"So you found the one huh?" Rob teased, while Gage was in the kitchen making dinner.
"Of course she did," Kayne whispered taking my hand with the rock on it and lifted it high for Rob to see.
"I am not talking about Gage, you dimwit!" Rob snarled at his brother.
"Stop it you two," Tag said cutting them off. "Nana and Pa will be back soon and they don't want to see you guys bickering again."
Rob ignored Tag and glared at me as if coaxing me to spill the answer. "Well yes, I did," I leaned closer whispering over the table, "That is why Eric and Lily went out to get it." A few weeks ago I have finally chosen the dress I would wear, we had some basic alterations to it and they called this afternoon that it is ready for pick-up.
Eric and Lily being all too excited offered that they go fetch it.
"Can I see it?" Rob said clapping his hands discreetly.
"Of course not, it'll be a surprise. It's just two weeks before the wedding anyway. You will see it soon."
"What will he see soon?" Gage came in with more food.
"Nothing." Rob and I said in unison.
Gage's brows scrunched up in confusion as he sat and settled bowls of food on the table. "I hope it's not in the category of things I've seen before." He chuckled waving his hands slowly along my body.
I nudged him earning a wide cheeky grin from him. He wrapped his arm on the backrest of the chair and leaned closer to me brushing his lips on the soft skin below my ear. "I know it's the dress, Babe. I can't wait to see you in it," he said kissing my soft spot and his other hand running up my bare thigh. "And of course tear it off of you after you're finally my Mrs. Williams," he whispered hungrily while he nipped at my earlobe.
I can't help but bite on my lower lip at the thought of the wedding afterparty. He and I alone upstairs. I wonder what he had in store for that moment. I feel the heat radiate to my core but our sexual trance was cut off when we heard the truck's engine coming in the driveway. Eric and Lily are here.
I head to the entrance to meet them, but on the doorstep lay a bouquet of black roses and a small black box with my name written on it. I looked around and saw a shadow far up the driveway running out.
Chills run down my spine and a heavy feeling dropped in the pit of my gut. Eric and Lily came up to the patio and noticed my uneasy state. "Honey, what is that?" Eric asked carrying a big white flat box in his hand.
I tried to shove the eerie feeling far down my thoughts. "I found it here just now." I tried to feel happy seeing the box in Eric's hand, "Is this it?" I asked excitedly.
"It is, it's so beautiful, unlike these flowers," Lily said pertaining to the bouquet and box I am holding.
We entered the cabin and Eric lay the boxed dress on one of the cafe tables.
I let them settle for dinner while I examine the flowers in the lobby. Who would send this to me? Behind the big black bow, a black card is loosely attached. My hand started to shake as I open the card.
The words were fancily written and seems pleasant, but as I read on, I realized what it means. My vision started to spin in a haze of dark memories and fear crept up my skin leaving scorching pricks of needles. My breath was sucked out of me in seconds and my whole body trembled in panic.
I managed to bring my foot in front of the other and ran. I ran as fast as I can out the cabin, sweat and tears trickling down my face as I reach the treeline in the driveway. I did not bother opening the box, I knew exactly what it could be. And the only thing in my mind is to keep this brutal gift away from them.
I no longer want anyone to get hurt. I don't want to lose anyone anymore, the only family I have left, the people I love. I need to keep this away.
With what little strength I have left in me, I drew my hand back and forcefully threw the flowers and box in the woods.
Shock, terror, and anger surged within me filling all the corners of my soul, as a deafening explosion came from the box in mid-air blowing me to the ground. Flashes of light came from it and in an instant the trees started to burn.
Just when I thought I have succeeded, I have protected them, I have saved them, another heart-crashing blast came from the cabin whipping my head in their direction.
"No, no, no, NOOOOOO!!!!"