Bonus Epilogue
ANNA
Cindy wrapped a lock of Anna’s golden hair around a curling wand. “I have never seen hair this gorgeous.”
Anna closed her eyes and smiled, avoiding her reflection in the mirror. “Thank you.”
“Isn’t it lovely?” Anna’s mother said, proudly lifting her chin.
Anna wasn’t a stranger to compliments on her looks. Her silky golden hair, flawless skin, thin frame, and perfect posture never failed to earn her praise.
She should be used to hearing comments about her physical beauty. She should know how to at least take a compliment by now.
Instead, each time someone pointed out her outer perfections, she was keenly aware that the compliments were only skin deep.
She drew looks from strangers on a regular basis, but only her closest friends ever called her kind or thoughtful. No matter what she did, her works and deeds paled in comparison to her beauty.
“I could play with your hair all day every day,” Cindy said as she carefully pinned Anna’s hair back from her face and covered it with hair spray.
Anna’s mother picked up her phone and checked the time. “I can’t believe they’re late.”
“Mom, Bella wasn’t feeling well this morning. It’s okay if they’re a few minutes late.”
“I’m not finished with your hair anyway,” Cindy said as she cinched and pinned pieces of Anna’s hair in different positions.
Anna’s mom didn’t speak a word, but the slight purse of her lips said plenty.
Pressing a flat hand to the soft fabric of her robe, Anna closed her eyes and prayed the waves in her stomach would stop jostling around like a paddle boat on rocky seas.
Hadley slapped on a wide smile and rested a hand on Anna’s mom’s arm. “Mrs. Harris, why don’t we show the photographer where to set up for the pre-wedding photos?”
Catherine Harris glared down at Hadley’s hand as if a peasant had dared to touch the queen. Hadley’s Southern drawl and the fact that she worked at a dude ranch meant she was considered lower class by Anna’s mother.
Hadley dropped her hand but kept her joyful expression in place. “She’ll want your opinions,” she added.
Smooth, Hadley. Playing to Catherine’s importance would always get someone what they wanted from her.
Catherine lifted her chin and jutted it out toward Anna. “Someone call those two and make sure they’ll be here on time or I’ll tell the photographer to start without them.” She turned on her heel and left with a huff.
Olivia crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m not calling Bella again. She sounded so tired on the phone.”
“I know. She’s having a lot of back pain,” Anna said. “And it’s not like we’re in a hurry. The photos don’t even start for another hour.”
“Just enough time for you to get in your dress,” Olivia said, clasping her hands to her chest with a smile.
Anna’s gut clenched. Glancing at the dress, it was everything she’d imagined for her wedding day and more. A sweetheart neckline with a cinched waist and the finest beading she’d ever seen in her life.
Hand-beaded, in fact.
It was an original from a new bridal boutique in Chicago. They’d contacted her the same day Dean proposed and offered to custom design her gown.
For free, of course. In exchange for the publicity of her fashion platform.
Helping new fashion lines make a name for themselves was her passion. Who got to wear beautiful outfits and talk about them every day?
Anna. Anna got to play dress-up for a living. Her five-year-old self wouldn’t believe it.
She had the best clothes.
She was a successful attorney.
She was about to slip into the dress of her dreams and marry her Prince Charming.
Except Prince Charming was a little vain and kinda selfish.
Ugh. There it was–the thing she promised herself she wouldn’t admit.
Her stomach rolled again.
“Done! You’re gorgeous.” Cindy squealed, bouncing on her toes.
Anna looked up at her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was styled perfectly, but in all honesty, she could have done it herself. She’d only hired Cindy because her mother had insisted.
“Insisted” was a light word for the fit Catherine had thrown when Anna suggested she’d do her own hair and makeup for the wedding. At least she’d relented on the makeup part. Anna could have that done for herself in ten minutes.
“Do you need anything else?” Cindy asked as she started stowing hair products back into her case.
Anna jerked her attention from her own reflection. She didn’t like the judgment on her own face anyway. “No, and thank you so much. You did a wonderful job.”
“Thanks. You’ll have to send me pictures,” Cindy said as she hefted her bag over her shoulder.
Anna walked Cindy to the door and hugged her goodbye. She really had done a nice job, and her salon would get a nice shoutout on Anna’s vlog.
After closing the door, Anna turned around to find Olivia inspecting the wedding gown. “It really is the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen.”
Oh no. The rolling in Anna’s stomach was reaching a crescendo. She leaned forward slightly, pressing a hand to her middle.
Olivia was by her side in a second. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. Just nervous. Do we have any soda?”
Olivia rubbed a hand up and down Anna’s back. This wasn’t the first time her friend had stood by her when anxiety got the best of her.
“We only have water. I’ll go find something. I’ll be right back.”
Olivia slipped through the door, closing Anna in the room alone.
She shouldn’t be nervous. She’s been dreaming about this since she was five years old. It was supposed to be the best day of her life. It was all she’d ever wanted.
Straightening and pushing out a deep breath through her rounded lips, she clasped her sweaty hands, then rubbed them down the sides of her robe.
Lifting her left hand, she studied the engagement ring Dean had given her. It was a stunning princess cut diamond with three marquise diamonds fanning out on both sides. It was gorgeous. She’d been admiring it since the moment she saw it.
Her hand shook, and she grasped it with the other one. This was love. This was what she wanted. It was what she was supposed to want.
Now, it was time to seal the deal.