Chapter 2
The bell above the door rang the following Tuesday afternoon just as Dakota was walking out of her workroom and toward the
front of the store.
“Kayleigh!” Dakota called out in greeting. “What brings you out this way?”
Her best friend since kindergarten placed a stack of flyers on the counter. “I’m passing these out along Main Street, and
I thought I’d stop in. We’re trying to drum up publicity for the ’80s-themed night at the rink on Saturday.”
“Ugh, you know I love a leg warmer moment. Hand me one to put up in the window!” Dakota reached behind her desk for the tape.
“My best friend buying the rink is maybe the fifth best thing ever to happen to me.”
“Only fifth? I’d have thought we’d rank higher since you seem to be on the rink every night.” Kayleigh laughed. “But for me too. The car dealership’s business is great and all, but since it has been in Brice’s family for so long, he wanted something fun that was just ours. I’m glad I let him convince me we should buy the rink when it went up for sale.”
“And you two have been doing a great job ever since!” Dakota beamed. “My best friend breathing new life into the Flowering
Grove Rollerama—saving our community from a life without disco balls, teaching a whole new generation to love skating. A true
hero.”
Kayleigh laughed again. “Thanks, friend. Brice thinks we’ll bring in more business if we try more theme nights.”
Dakota pulled a piece of tape off its dispenser. “We all know the success is due to your two amazing roller-skating instructors.”
Dakota loved teaching others how to skate. It took her back to when her mother had taught her in the cul-de-sac in front of
their house when she was only six years old.
“We are the best, aren’t we?” Kayleigh agreed.
Dakota hung one flyer in the window and then taped another on the door before returning to the counter. “How’s little Gigi
doing?”
“She’s a mess.” Kayleigh yanked her phone from the back pocket of her jeans. “You gotta see what she wore today.” She angled
the screen toward her friend.
Dakota chuckled as she took in Kayleigh’s six-year-old, clad in a violet dress and purple rain boots with periwinkle bows
on her curly blond pigtails. “Oh, Kay. She’s such a cutie pie.”
“She’s decided it’s time to choose her own outfits for school, so she insisted on wearing the dress Brice’s mom got her last
year. I’m surprised it still fits. Of course we all have to wear rain boots with our best dresses, right?”
With her bright-blue eyes and angelic face, Gigi was the spitting image of her mother—but she was just like her dad in personality. Little Gigi was determined, and when she set her sights on something, she went for it. It reminded Dakota of how sure Brice had been about Kayleigh when they started dating eight years ago. They’d locked eyes from across the skating rink one evening, and that was it. He said it took just one lap for him to know she was the one .
That was the type of love Dakota wanted. Someone whose devotion was unwavering, who picked her every day. And she’d thought,
once upon a time, that maybe she’d found it...
But that heartache was behind her. She had her friends, her family, and her own slice of happily ever after with her store.
“She looks just like you,” Dakota said.
“My mom says she acts like me too. Stubborn as an ox.”
“As we all should be.” Dakota gave her a high five, and they laughed again.
Kayleigh picked up the remaining flyers. “I’d better get running. I have to pick Gigi up from school in about an hour.” She
pulled Dakota in for a side hug. “I’ll see you Friday night at the rink, right?”
“Don’t you always? Tell Gigi and Brice hello for me.”
“Will do.” Tossing a wave behind her, Kayleigh hurried out onto Main Street.
Dakota returned to her workroom full of dresses in need of care. She’d had a half dozen customers stop by so far this week,
and five of them were disappointed with her selection of gowns. The sixth didn’t purchase a dress, but she did try one on
and promised to come back with her mother. Dakota tried her best to keep her worry and disappointment at bay. Sales were going
to get better. They had to. She just needed to keep steaming the gowns and getting them out onto the floor.
Dakota finished the gown she was working on and was adding it to a rack when she heard the front doorbell ring. She looked up and saw Layla Garrity hurrying into the store, her aunt Trudy close behind.
“I’m engaged!” Layla flashed a small solitaire diamond in a gold setting at Dakota. In her right hand she held a small tote
bag.
Dakota examined the ring, then hugged Layla as a warm burst of affection overwhelmed her. “Congratulations! It’s just lovely.
I’m so happy for you, Layla.”
The young woman beamed and pushed her long, thick dark hair off her slight shoulders. “Thank you. Shane asked last Monday.
It was our three-month anniversary, and he took me to our favorite restaurant, which was where we had our first date. Then
we went for a walk, and he got down on one knee.”
Dakota smiled. She had observed Layla and Shane together at the roller rink, and he seemed like a sweet young man. He hung
on Layla’s every word and studied her like she was the most interesting and attractive woman in the world.
A dreamy sigh escaped Layla’s lips. “When you know, you know, right?”
Dakota nodded, though she wondered what it would feel like to know for sure she’d found the love of her life. She’d thought
she’d known once, but...
Memories of Hudson and their happier times flashed through her mind all too often. She tried to ignore them and focus on Layla,
but it was the second time in the past week he had snuck back into her thoughts. She might not be sure about her love life,
but she was positive she’d left Hudson in the past, where he belonged. What was wrong with her?
“Have you set a date?” she asked, hoping to kick Layla’s older brother out of her brain for good.
Layla’s sky-blue eyes twinkled, and she shared a smile with her aunt. “The second Saturday in June.”
“That only gives us three months to pull everything together,” Trudy Garrity chimed in, rubbing her niece’s shoulder. “I’m sorry we didn’t make an appointment, Dakota, but Layla happened to get the afternoon off.”
“This is the perfect time. Do you have a gown in mind?”
Layla bit her lower lip and pulled a framed photo out of her tote bag.
Dakota sucked in a breath as she took in the portrait she immediately recognized—Layla’s parents, Daphne and Chandler Garrity,
on their wedding day, posing in front of the altar at their church. The portrait hung in Trudy’s den, a room where Dakota
had spent countless hours with Hudson—watching movies, snuggling on the sofa, kissing, talking late into the night, playing
games with his aunt and sister, and making plans for a future they’d never share.
Stop, stop, stop!
“What do you think, Dakota?”
Her gaze moved to Layla’s, and heat crawled up her neck. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
Layla’s expression was hopeful. “My mom’s gown. Can you make it for me?”
Dakota shook off her embarrassment and focused on the dress. Confidence hurtled through her. She’d much rather sew than steam
gowns.
She quickly assessed the dress’s details. The white, early ’90s gown had a sweetheart neckline, short sleeves, a full skirt,
a chapel-length train, and copious amounts of beading and ruffles. Oh boy.
“I can make it for you, but I’m not sure I can get it done by your wedding. And creating one from scratch is expensive.” She
tapped her chin with a light-pink manicured nail. “By any chance, do you still have your mom’s gown? If you do, then I can
alter it for you.”
Layla and her aunt exchanged a sad expression. “No.”
“Chandler and Daphne moved around a lot before Hudson was born,” Trudy said. “I remember Daphne once mentioning the gown had
been lost in one of their moves.”
Dakota recalled the stories about Hudson’s parents. They’d always struggled financially, with his father jumping from job
to job.
“I wish I had it. I would have cherished it.” Layla’s voice was small, and her stricken expression squeezed Dakota’s heart.
Dakota snapped her fingers. “I have an idea.” She beckoned Layla and her aunt to follow her over to the racks of gowns. She
quickly found a similar white one from two seasons ago with short sleeves and a chapel-length train, sans the beading and
ruffles. “What do you think about altering this to look more like your mom’s?”
Layla’s pretty face lit with excitement. “You can do that?”
Dakota nodded.
“Thank you, thank you! I mean, I know it’s a rush job. Not that I doubt your sewing skills!” Layla was almost bouncing with
excitement. “Oh my gosh, remember those matching shirts you made for you and Hud...” She paused a little awkwardly. “Of
course, I mean, a wedding dress is, like, a way bigger project, and I’m sure you don’t remember some silly shirts from fifteen
years ago...” She trailed off.
Dakota didn’t know what to say. The silence was almost painfully loud, but she tried to keep smiling through it.
“Anyway, you’re a lifesaver, Dakota!”
Dakota gripped the hanger but kept her expression blank. “Well, let’s see if the dress fits first. I think this is your size.
Would you like to try it on?”
“Oh yes, please.” Layla and her aunt slipped into the nearby dressing room.
A few moments later when they returned, tears pricked Dakota’s eyes at the sight of Layla stepping up onto the small platform in front of the wall of mirrors. This was her favorite part of the job—when the future brides gazed at their reflections, and their faces shone with joy and anticipation. She loved helping them create their fantasy wedding. Many of them declared they felt like princesses, and that was her goal. It was the main reason she’d named her store Fairytale Bridal.
Trudy covered her mouth with her hands, and her bright-hazel eyes gleamed with tears. “Oh, Layla. You’re positively glowing.”
“I agree,” Dakota said.
Layla moved back and forth in front of the mirror, the satin softly swishing. A wide smile took over her face, and she met
Dakota’s gaze in the mirror. “How’d you know this was my size?”
Dakota shrugged. “I’ve measured a lot of dresses.” Then she pointed to the gown. “If you’d like, I can add the ruffles and
beading. I’ll do my best to match your mother’s dress.”
Layla examined herself at different angles. “Do you think Shane will like it?”
Dakota and Trudy shared a knowing look before Trudy said, “He’ll love it, honey.”
“He sure will,” Dakota agreed.
Layla spun to face them. “ This is the dress.” She grinned. “I’m so excited I could pop.”
“Perfect.” Dakota couldn’t wait to dive into the alterations. Happiness swelled inside her as she imagined adding the details
to match Layla’s mother’s gown. She already couldn’t wait for the final fitting, when Layla would stand in front of the mirrors
again and see her reflection in the finished dress.
“How much will it be?” Trudy asked.
“Why don’t we talk at the counter, and I’ll look it up for you?”
After Layla changed back into her jeans and hoodie, she and her aunt met Dakota at the counter. Trudy handed Dakota the wardrobe bag, and she hung it on a nearby hook before pulling the ticket out of a pocket on the bag.
Dakota scanned the barcode, and the price filled the computer screen. She opened her mouth to share the figure just as Skye
flounced through the front door of the shop.
Dakota greeted her niece, who dropped her purse and backpack behind the counter.
“This is my niece,” Dakota said. “And this is Layla and her aunt, Ms. Garrity.”
Trudy smiled. “I remember when you were knee-high to a grasshopper, sweetheart. Call me Trudy.”
“Nice to see you, Ms. Trudy.” Skye nodded toward the gown. “When’s the big day?”
“The second Saturday in June,” Layla told her. Then she turned to Dakota. “How much did you say it was again?”
Dakota calculated the cost of the alteration, adding in beading and ruffles, then told her the price.
Layla blanched. “Oh. I had no idea.” She turned to her aunt. “I don’t have that much saved up. I want a small wedding, but
I’ve always dreamt of looking like my mom on my wedding day to remember and honor her.”
Her aunt patted her hand. “Sweetie, I’m sure your brother would help cover the cost if you asked him. He’d do anything for
you.”
Layla’s face fell again, and her aunt turned back to Dakota. “Before we commit, I’ll have to talk to Hud about it.”
“I understand.” Dakota hesitated, and the strange urge to help her ex-fiancé’s sister took hold of her. “I’m happy to give
you the friends and family discount. That will save you 10 percent on the gown and the alterations.” Dakota felt Skye staring
at her, but she didn’t budge.
“You’d do that for me?”
“Of course I would.”
“I appreciate it so much. Would you possibly hold the gown for me so I can come back to pay for it later this week?”
“I’m happy to.” Dakota gestured toward the photo of Layla’s parents. “I’ll need to make a copy of that so I can match the
dress to it.”
“I can make a copy in the back,” Skye said.
Layla handed her the photo, and Skye hurried to the back office.
Trudy turned to Dakota. “Have you found yourself a special fella yet?”
Dakota shifted her weight on her feet. Why were people so interested in her love life all of a sudden? “Not yet, I’m afraid.”
Trudy shook her head. “I’m surprised to hear that.”
For a moment, Dakota considered asking Trudy about Hudson. Had he settled down? Was he married? Did he have a family? Had
he bought a large house close to the city and adopted a couple of dogs?
But then again, why should she care? He didn’t care enough to ask about her, let alone start his company in Flowering Grove
so they could’ve built a life together.
Dakota was grateful for the distraction when Skye headed back their way.
Her niece gave the photo back to Layla. “Your gown is going to be amazing. My auntie is the best seamstress around.”
“I remember that about her.” Layla gently returned the portrait to her tote bag. “She made Barbie clothes for me one year
for Christmas. I had the best-dressed Barbies out of all my friends.”
“Really?” Skye asked, glancing at Dakota. “I didn’t know that.”
Dakota nodded. That was the year she and Hud had started dating.
Stop with the memories already!
“It’s so great to see you again, Dakota.” Trudy waved at Skye. “Thank you both for making Layla’s wedding dream come true.”
Dakota told them goodbye and then started a ticket for the dress, filling in Layla’s name and Trudy’s address, which she still
knew by heart.
“How come you didn’t ask for their address or phone numbers?” Skye asked, perching on the stool beside her aunt.
“Because I already know them.” Dakota sighed. “I was engaged to Layla’s older brother.”
“That’s Hud’s sister?”
She lifted an eyebrow. “You remember him?”
“Of course I do. He gave me books from my favorite author for my birthday one year.”
Dakota chuckled. “I actually picked them out but let him give them to you.”
Skye rolled her eyes. “Cool, so... when was the last time you saw him?”
The day I broke up with him . “It’s been a long time. Last I heard, he’d moved away.”
“And he never comes back home to see his family?”
Dakota hit the button to print the ticket. “If he has, I haven’t run into him.” And thank goodness for that .
They were silent as Dakota attached the ticket to the gown’s wardrobe bag.
“You know, Auntie, if you give everyone the family and friends discount, you won’t have a bridal shop anymore.”
She spun to face her niece. “What does that mean?”
“You’re selling older gowns at a discount already, and then you gave her a discount on top of it.” Skye’s lips formed a thin line.
Dakota sighed. “You’re right. But I’ve known Layla almost as long as you’ve been alive.” She shook her head. “You heard what
her aunt said. It’s my job to give people the wedding of their dreams.”
“But dreams won’t pay the lease on this place.”
Dakota tilted her head. “Where’d you get your business sense?”
“I’m a Jamison. From my dad, of course.” Skye smirked and headed toward the back of the store.
Dakota pressed her lips together, silently acknowledging again that Skye was right. She shouldn’t have given Layla a discount,
but she had to make Layla’s wedding dress more affordable. Layla and Trudy were almost her family. No matter her feelings
about Hud, she would make sure Layla had the wedding she always wanted.