26. Paige
Pretty Girl Era - Lu Kala
W hile I was confined to our bed with whatever sickness had racked my body, I did some research into U.S. visa and green card requirements and by the time the symptoms had subsided, I felt like I knew everything I could ever need to know about the immigration process. We talked over our options, ultimately deciding to wait until after we were officially married to file the paperwork. We hadn’t quite gotten around to talking about a wedding date — there were still far too many complications for that decision, but that doesn’t mean I’m not looking forward to dress shopping with Cara today.
Cade is dropping me off at a little boutique called Wisteria Bridal, where I find Cara on the sidewalk checking her phone. Cara’s deep auburn hair and bright green eyes fit with her flirty feminine style. She’s short and thick, and unafraid to show off her curves. A long braid cascades over her shoulder as she lifts her head, a smile taking o ver her heart-shaped face when she notices me crossing the street.
“Yay! You’re here!” Cara is bubbly and carefree, and I can definitely see why Dean is smitten. I blow one last kiss to Cade before we stroll inside. The boutique is a mix of southern charm and bohemian whimsy, with soft pastel walls and delicate wood accents. Sunlight streams through the large windows, bathing the showroom in natural light, casting a glow over the rows of wedding gowns lining the shop.
My heart soars as I shuffle through the racks, noticing that many of them are available in plus sizes, proudly displayed alongside the others where they belong. Shopping as a plus size woman can be a nightmare. We're often relegated to the back of the store, and our selection is always dismal compared to straight sizes. It’s such a breath of fresh air to see this kind of progress.
“Wow, I didn't expect them to have so many options for plus size brides. This is incredible.”
Cara grins, giving my hand a squeeze. “I knew you’d love it. They’re known for their inclusive sizing. Let’s pick some to try! What style are you thinking?”
“I’ve always wanted something kind of…” I pause, trying to put my vision into words, “ethereal. Soft and delicate.”
We wander through the boutique, fingers trailing over the beautiful fabrics and intricate beadwork. A pang of sadness stirs in the pit of my stomach — this is something I should be able to do with my mom — but I quickly tamp it back down and let the excitement overwhelm any doubts.
Rounding the corner, I nearly bumped into a woman admiring herself in a full-length mirror. She turns and I instantly recognize her from pictures I’ve seen on Cade’s social media.
“Jemma?” I call, hoping she might recognize me, too.
“O h my god, Paige! What a surprise!” She wraps me in a warm hug. “It’s so good to finally meet you!”
Something about this woman’s immediate openness with me sets my mind at ease. She’s the first of Cade’s immediate family that I’m meeting, and I won’t deny that I’ve been nervous about that.
“I didn’t get a chance to thank you for the soup. I really appreciate it!”
“Anytime, I'm so glad you’re feeling better,” she says, giving my hand a squeeze. “So what are you doing here? Did you set a wedding date?”
“Not yet. It’s still early. We’re having a girls’ day, but if I happen to find a wedding dress, I won’t be too upset about it.” I laugh.
“Jemma! I didn’t know you’d be in for a fitting,” Cara says.
“You two know each other?”
“Yep! We work together at the hospital.”
They’re both labor and delivery nurses so I should’ve put two and two together. We chat a bit about Jemma’s upcoming wedding and mine and Cade’s engagement. Before I know it, Jemma is offering to help me pick out some dresses, and our duo becomes a trio.
Queue the ‘27 Dresses’ style movie montage circa 2008. I’ve already tried on 6 or 7 imperfect dresses when the consultant brings over an A-line chiffon chapel train gown in a gorgeous off white color. It has a sweetheart neckline, and delicate lace flowers dotting the bodice and down the train, and long bishop sleeves that fall off the shoulders. It looks like a gown fit for an elven princess. I follow her back into the dressing room where she helps me into the gown and cinches the corset laces in the back. The dress fits like a dream. That has to be a sign, right?
I walk out of the dressing room, all eyes turning to me as I step onto the small platform in fron t of the floor to ceiling mirrors. I hear a gasp from behind me as the consultant fans out the train, and I can’t be sure if it came from Cara or Jemma.
I glance at myself in the mirror, and for the first time, I can truly picture myself walking down the aisle to meet Cade. Cara and Jemma’s tear-filled eyes almost solidify my decision. Almost. There’s one more thing I need to do.
“Cara, do you mind running into the dressing room to grab my phone? I need one more opinion.”
“Girl, you better not be calling Cade. It’s bad luck,” Jemma warns.
I giggle. “Definitely not.”
Cara returns a moment later and I pull up Maggie’s contact, hit the FaceTime button, then hand the phone back to her so she can make sure my whole body is visible on the screen.
“Paige! Where — OH MY GOD.”
“What do you think?”
“Paige –” Her voice gentles. I rarely see this much emotion from Mags, so I can’t quite decipher if it’s a good thing or not.
“That bad?” I ask, anxiety and a bit of disappointment lacing my tone.
“No, babe. It’s perfect.” Cara flips the screen and I can see a tear tracking over Mags’ cheek.
I didn’t come here expecting to find the perfect dress, but I can't imagine leaving here without it. Decision made. With best friend veto powers on standby, Jemma and Cara help me pick out an intricate floral trimmed veil and a pair of simple silk flats with a sling back strap and delicate bows on the toe to compliment the dress. I leave the boutique feeling like a queen.
Not quite ready for this day to end, I suggest we head to the strip mall for some shopping. Since Oak Ridge was a spur-of-the moment decision, I didn’t come prepared for an extended stay and I’ve been rewash ing the few outfits I had with me. When Cade dropped me off at the bridal shop, he left me with his credit card and told me to treat myself. Who am I to turn down a day of pampering from my future husband?
As I hesitate in front of a mirror, holding a dress against my body, Cara comes up behind me and gently places her hands on my shoulders, meeting my eyes in the reflection.
“I mean this in the nicest way, girl. Clothes are meant to express who you are, not hide you away. I think it’s time to ditch the black and navy blue.”
I laugh at her observation, “Hey. I also wear emerald, eggplant and maroon.”
“I don’t doubt that you’ve become well acquainted with eggplant.” She snorts at her own ridiculous joke. “Trust me, I’m about to drag you out of your comfort zone.”
She disappears back into the store and returns with a fitted knee-length skirt in a muted rose color with tiny white flowers and a slit up the thigh. Next she snags an off white square neck bodysuit, and all but shoves me into a fitting room. I must linger for too long because her voice comes over the door a few minutes later. “What’s taking so long?”
“I’m just… not sure if I can pull it off.”
“We won’t know if you don’t show us, Paige.” Jemma shouts from the fitting room next door. Resigned to my fate, I step out and let the girls give me a once over. Cara’s eyes sparkle with excitement before she pulls out her phone and snaps a photo.
“What the hell, Cara!” It comes out as almost a shout as my phone chimes from the fitting room. I rush back and snatch it off the bench, watching the notifications from the group chat appear.
Cara: Look at this hottie
Cade: Damn, Sunshine. ??
Cara: Tell her she has to buy the fit, Cade. She’s being a Debbie downer.
Paige: You know I’m still in the same room with you…
Cade: Baby… if you don’t buy that outfit, I’ll spank your ass raw.
Paige: Not much of a threat, Cowboy.
Dean: Gross. Stop flirting in the group chat.
Miles: Nice. ??
The next two hours are spent curating an entire wardrobe to last me several weeks. Cara talks me into four more figure hugging outfits, a pair of high waisted jeans, two sweaters, and several fitted tees. Honestly, I have never felt more beautiful. We make one last stop at the lingerie store, and with our shopping bags in tow, we head back to Oak Ridge.
Cade
That photo of Paige outside the dressing rooms is going straight into my spank bank. I can see her confidence growing little by little, in the way she defended herself at the bar, and in the growing friendship with Cara. She’s always been stunning in my eyes, and I’m thrilled that she’s seeing it now, too.
I’m working the bar later that evening when Paige and Cara walk in, followed closely by Jemma. I have no idea how these three found each other, but Jemma has always been quick to make new friends so I’m positive she roped them into some shenanigans today.
Paige approaches the bar then keeps walking until she rounds the corner, steps in front of me and places a hungry kiss on my lips. The bar isn’t full, but there are enough customers hanging around that a burst of laughter and applause snaps us out of our not so private moment.
“Missed you,” I groan, willing my dick to calm down.
“Ok, loverboy,” Jemma interrupts, “give me back my girl and grab us some drinks. Soda for me, I have to work tonight.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I’m tempted to argue that Paige was my girl first, but I know better than to mess with Jemma. It fills me with so much appreciation to know that everyone is welcoming her with open arms. She fits in like she was always meant to be here.
“So, what trouble did you three cause today?”
Paige’s eyes go wide with excitement as she recounts the day's events.
“AND,” she says, overemphasizing the word, “I picked out my wedding dress!”
“Just wait ‘til you see it. You’re going to lose your mind,” Cara adds. I’m 100% positive my jaw will be on the floor when I finally get to see Paige walk down the aisle, and it has absolutely nothing to do with her dress.
“Are ya’ll planning to stick around until my shift ends? I have about an hour left and then we can head back to the cabin.”
Cara is the first to chime in, “I have to head out, but I’ll text you, Paige!”
“Me too. I have a late shift at the hospital to get to. Cade, you take care of our girl!” Jemma gives Paige a hug and whispers something into her ear before turning to follow Cara outside.
“What was that all about?” I ask. She narrows her eyes at me and shrugs. The corners of my lips lift at th e knowledge that my girl is already sharing secrets with them.
The last hour of my shift drags on, anticipating having Paige all to myself again. I gather my coat and take her hand, leading her out the back door to my truck.
“So, you had a good day?”
“The best. Cara’s so sweet and I adore Jemma.”
“Seeing you so at home here makes me so happy. You have no idea.”
“I think I have some idea. I’m really happy, Cade. You can stop worrying that I’m going to try to make an escape.” She says the last part with so much sincerity my heart swells.
“If you’re happy, I’m happy. Let’s go home.”
Home. God, I hope that’s how she sees it. I’ve never pictured having another person in my space, but now I can’t imagine not having Paige there. She brought life to my otherwise mundane existence.