Chapter 11 Taylor #3
Once in the car and after cross-referencing their lists, Kamryn said, “We’ll hit the shops here and then, if necessary, head
down to San Diego.”
“I hope I can find mine as easily as you did.”
“Me too. And you won’t have to worry about backhanded comments about getting the dress off the rack. How long have you two been planning this?”
“He asked me to marry him last night.”
“What?” Kamryn whipped her head in Taylor’s direction, then quickly back to the road. “Are you kidding me? The way Tariq made it
sound, I thought you guys were just having a short engagement and decided to get married since you were going to be here for
almost a week.”
“Nope. I admit I was shocked, but I love him and don’t want to waste any more time.” She’d shared a little about her and Austin’s
friendship with Kamryn during Christmas, and Tariq had apparently done the same.
“I don’t blame you. Life is short, and I feel we should grab happiness whenever we can. That’s exactly why my engagement was
short. And I have to tell you that I don’t regret it at all.”
“I just hope his parents won’t be upset. You know Mama Yvonne wants to be involved in everything.”
“Maybe, but I don’t think so. She’s going to be so excited to have another daughter-in-law, she’ll forget all about being
mad. You two are doing it your way, and that’s all that matters.”
“If you say so.”
“Besides, as long as you’ve been around, she already thinks of you as her daughter. Are you guys going to do a little reception
or party to celebrate later?”
“Yes. We’ll plan something once we break the news to the family.”
Kamryn grinned. “I. Cannot. Wait! I’m getting there early so I can record everybody’s reactions. I’m so happy to be getting another sister.”
“You know you ain’t right.” But Taylor loved Kamryn’s enthusiasm, and it made her even more excited. However, Taylor’s excitement waned after not finding anything in the first three stores.
“Hang in there,” Kamryn said after they got back into the car.
She slumped down in the seat. “You didn’t have this much trouble,” she grumbled. While she’d seen a few dresses that were
okay, not one made her feel like it was the one. “I guess I’ll have to settle for one of the two that were possibles if we don’t find something soon.” The only good thing
was that she’d found a diamond wedding band for Austin at the first jewelry shop.
“Absolutely not, my sister. We are going to find your perfect dress, and soon.” She parked in a lot near the next store, and they got out. “Now, smile and come on.”
Inside the store, Kamryn strode around like a woman on a mission. “Okay, we know what you don’t like and the type of dress
you want, so let’s see what we can find. And since your wedding is at night, and it’s cool, a long-sleeved one could work
too.”
Taylor couldn’t help but smile as Kamryn whipped through the dresses on one rack while she did the same on another. Having
her here made the frustrating moments better. Tariq had chosen a gem. Holding up a dress, she turned it one way, then another
before shoving it back on the rack. After twenty minutes, Taylor was ready to throw up her hands. Then she paused as she held
up the next dress. A smile spread across her face. “Kam, I think I found it.”
Kamryn came over. “Oh my goodness. Hurry up and go try it on.” She shooed Taylor toward the dressing room area.
One of the store’s attendants helped her into the shimmery, figure-hugging lace dress with a sweetheart neckline, long sleeves,
and a thigh-high slit. What she liked most was the absence of a train and the open back. This is it.
The moment she stepped out of the room, Kamryn let out a loud “Yes, girl!” Then she clapped a hand over her mouth.
“Does that mean you like it?” Taylor asked, smiling.
“You’d better believe it. I think Austin will too.”
Taylor turned so Kam could see the back. “Well?”
“Honey, all I have to say is that Austin’s eyes are going to pop out of his head when he sees you in this dress.”
The attendant burst out in laughter.
Because of her height, the dress fit well, and she could get away with not making any alterations. A pair of three-inch heels
would be perfect for the slightly longer hem. They found the shoes and accessories, then headed for the cash register. Without
focusing too much on the amount she was spending, Taylor handed the woman her credit card. The look on Austin’s face would
be worth every penny and more. Her cell buzzed as they loaded the haul into the car. She dug it out of her pocket and read
a text from Melanie saying she should be arriving in about fifteen minutes. “My friend should be here in a few minutes.”
Kamryn said, “Good. We’ll meet her at the house, grab a quick lunch, then get massages and mani-pedis. I didn’t know how long
it would take to find what you needed, but I took the liberty of booking the services for four this afternoon. I hope you
don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind at all. Thank you so much for everything, Kamryn. You’ve been a godsend.”
“I’m happy I could be here. Tariq mentioned that you’d lost your mom and that your dad isn’t doing too well.” Kamryn grasped
Taylor’s hand. “We’re family now, and I’ve got you, girl. I’ve always wanted a little sister.”
Tears misted Taylor’s eyes. She had a few distant cousins, most of whom didn’t live nearby, so it felt good to know she now
had someone other than Melanie she could call on if needed. “And I think you’re going to be the best big sister.”
“I’m going to be the best big sister eva.” After the women shared a smile, Kamryn drove them back to Austin’s place.
Melanie pulled up as they arrived. She jumped out of the car and ran toward Taylor. “I’m here!” They embraced.
“Mel, I want you to meet my sister-in-law Kamryn.”
“It’s so nice to meet you, Kamryn.”
“Same here. Ready to go get pampered?”
“Girl, yes. I need to take this food inside first, though.”
Taylor spun around. “Food? For what?”
“Your wedding dinner, of course. And don’t worry about what’s in here right now. You’ll find out later,” she added.
“I love you, girl.” She gave Mel’s shoulders a quick squeeze.
Kamryn picked up a covered pan. “I’ll help you take these in.”
After leaving everything inside and having a round of greetings and introductions, the ladies set out. By the time they returned,
Taylor was thoroughly relaxed from head to toe and beyond excited. She and Austin had agreed that he’d drive to the venue
separately to keep the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony, and he’d left shortly after she, Mel, and Kam
had arrived.
Once Kam applied light makeup and Mel styled Taylor’s hair into an elegant updo, Taylor carefully stepped into her dress.
“Sis, you look absolutely stunning. I’m definitely going to have my camara ready to capture his expression,” Melanie said.
Taylor walked over to the mirror, stared at her reflection, and had to agree. “I can’t wait to see his face.” She turned back
to her sister friends with a wide grin. “I’m ready to go get married!” Laughing, the trio went to the living room where Tariq
was waiting.
He stood at their approach. “Wow! You look good, girl. Taylor, you know I’ve always thought of you as a little sister, and I’m glad you and my baby brother are finally making it official. He couldn’t have picked a better partner.”
“Thanks, Tariq. It means a lot,” she said, her emotions rising. “And you know I’ve always thought of your family as mine.”
Though the implication had always been there that they considered her family, hearing it filled her heart with joy.
He kissed her cheek and offered his arm. “Ready?” When she nodded, he said, “Let’s go see how many times I have to revive
Austin after he sees you.”
Kamryn snorted. “Like you almost had to be revived.”