Chapter Forty-Four
Sophie gasped. “Fernando, what are we doing here?”
Fernando smiled. “I know it’s a little early, and the groom isn’t supposed to know about this stuff, but hear me out. I arranged a wedding dress consultation for you. I thought it might be fun to design your own dress, and if the idea sounds okay, perhaps incorporate some Burano lace into the design as a sort of memento from our important Venice date. If you hate the idea of lace, that is totally fine. If you don’t want to design your gown, that is fine, too. It was just an idea, you know we’re here and it is the fashion capital of the world, and I knew you didn’t want to shop but this is a little different…”
Sophie’s eyes filled with tears of joy. “That’s incredibly thoughtful. I’d love to see what they can create. And, I haven’t really thought about it, but lace sounds like a really nice romantic touch.”
Sophie wrapped her arms around Fernando’s neck, and they shared a sweet kiss before entering the store. Fernando could have stayed outside kissing his sweet almost-fiancée all day, but this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both of them.
Inside, they were greeted by a designer who welcomed them warmly. “Welcome to Atelier Versace. I’m Karrisa, one of the head designers, and I will be assisting you personally. We’re honored to help you design your wedding dress, Sophie. Come right this way, and we will get started. Fernando mentioned incorporating Burano lace, which is a beautiful idea.”
Sophie and Fernando were led to a private room where sketches and fabric samples were laid out. The designer explained, “Burano lace is exquisite and adds a touch of Venetian heritage to your dress. We can create a gown that combines modern elegance with traditional craftsmanship. Do you know what style of gown you would like?”
Sophie blushed and looked at Fernando, so he stepped in. “We are just getting started in our planning process, so we will be working out some of those details as we work through ideas today. I won’t stay for all the details; I’ll just be there for the initial brainstorming. To be honest, I haven’t even proposed yet, but the wedding will be here before you know it, and I want my lady to have the wedding gown of her dreams and, I guess, a little of mine.”
“Oh, that’s so sweet. It looks like you are one lucky lady,” Karrisa said, envy apparent in her voice. “Tell you what, let me go grab some lace samples while you two start with one question: How big will the wedding be? You can have whatever design you want, but usually, the bigger the event, the splashier the dress. Be right back.”
“I don’t know where your head is at, Fernando, but I know in my heart I want it small—just family and any close personal friends you have. I won’t feel comfortable or safe if it is a large, publicized affair,” Sophie admitted, her heart on her sleeve and in her eyes.
“That is perfectly fine with me, but I understand that is still around thirty people. Would you like a church wedding and reception or a backyard-type event?” he asked, wanting her day to feel special but not really caring about location.
“I always thought I would want a church wedding, but the backyard sounds wonderful with a small family dinner and a relaxed atmosphere. Neither of us are party animals or dancers, so I don’t see entertainment as a necessary item either,” Sophie reasoned.
“Very well. I’m just throwing this out there. Nothing is set in stone, but what about a New Year’s Eve wedding? My brothers and their wives will be in town. We can surprise everyone. We will have our family situation figured out by then, and if we don’t, well… now we have a deadline. Our anniversary will need to be on the evening of January 1 st because my BBC family gathering will always be on December 31 st . What do you think?”
Fernando was very careful to keep a neutral face so Sophie didn’t feel any pressure.
“That sounds wonderful. Yes! Let’s do that. So, if that is the venue and date, do you mind if I do a simple gown design sans the cathedral-length train and all that?” she asked, eyeing the gown styles lying on the table before her.
“Whatever makes you happy. If you want a twenty-foot train, a ten-foot veil, and an aisle long enough to walk down and show them off, I will make that happen. If you want to wear your gown all night and be comfortable while the family celebrates, that will be amazing, too. I have one question for you. Well, two, I guess. Tails or no tails. Black, gray, or navy?”
“Um, man. So many decisions. No tails unless you want to wear a top hat as well. Black, I think. You look so handsome in your black tux. I know I get to see you in it all the time, but I am a traditionalist, and I think black tuxes are the best.”
“Done!” Kissing her on the forehead, he stood to leave the room.
“Wait, where are you going?” she asked, a little nervous to be left here all alone, not sure what questions she was going to be asked.
“I’m off to design my wedding tux. You’re not the only one who gets to prepare for our big day today. Don’t worry about anything. Just design the dress of your dreams and leave the rest up to me. Okay?” he asked, bending down to look directly into her worried gray eyes. “Just have fun, Soph.
She sighed, trying to relieve the tension that had collected in her shoulders. “Okay.”
“That’s my girl.” He leaned in and kissed her soft and slow this time, in no hurry to leave. He ended the kiss when he heard Karrisa’s high heels clicking on the marble outside the door. “I love you, Sophie.”
“I love you, Andy,” she said before leaning over and claiming his lips in one more quick peck.
This time, he stood and left the room, holding the door for Karrisa as he exited.
“Okay, did you get anything figured out?” Karrisa asked, setting down a pile of lace samples.
“We did. I think I have an idea of what I want,” Sophie admitted with a measure of confidence she hadn’t felt moments before.
“Great! Let’s get started.” Karrisa clapped her hands together as if she were a noblewoman summoning her servants. Sure enough, the other ladies scurried in and pulled back a curtain hiding a carpeted platform. Each had a measuring tape hanging around her neck and a pin cushion wrapped around her wrist.
Sophie’s excitement grew as she discussed her vision with the designer. The idea of having a dress made with such personal significance touched her deeply. They spent the next couple of hours working on the details, from the silhouette to the intricate lace patterns.
As they left the fashion house, Sophie turned to Fernando with a radiant smile. “This has been the best surprise. Thank you.”
Fernando kissed her forehead. “Anything for you. I can’t wait to see you in that dress.”
They spent the remaining time wandering the charming streets of Milan, savoring gelato and taking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The blend of historical architecture and modern fashion made Milan a captivating destination.
When it was time to return to the bus, Sophie and Fernando were filled with contentment. The group reunited outside La Scala, sharing stories of their adventures. Alicia gathered everyone and led them back to the bus for their journey to Stresa and the lake region.
As the bus rumbled towards their final stop of the day, the group reflected on the day’s experiences, the history and charm of Verona, and the elegance and sophistication of Milan. Sophie and Fernando held each other tucked up in the back of the bus, their hearts brimming with love and anticipation for the future. Milan had given them a day to remember, filled with beauty, surprises, and the promise of a bright tomorrow. The clock had started… six months and counting.