Chapter Eight
Holly had fluttery sensations in her stomach. Her wedding gown only needed a slight alteration, and the seamstress promised she’d finish it in time for the wedding. Holly’s bridal party lucked out, and they were able to leave the shop with their dresses. To top it off, Avery loved her flower girl dress so much that she had to be bribed into taking it off.
The chatter level in the car on the drive home rose parallel to the degree of excitement. Holly smiled to herself, glad that the members of her entourage were getting along so well.
She pulled into her driveway as the sun began to set. Holly’s mom opened the front door as everyone made their way to the cabin, grinning broadly.
Kim waved at Vivian. “Hi, Mrs. St. Ives.”
“Hey, Mom,” Holly called out. “How was your day?”
“Good. Got my cooking done.” Vivian waved cheerily. “Hello, girls.”
“Whoa.” Kim held her arms out at her sides as if steadying herself. “Something smells amazing.”
“What is that?” Lucy approached the door wide-eyed. “My mouth is literally watering.”
Vivian laughed. “Why don’t you come in and find out?” She stepped aside to allow room for the guests to enter the house.
Kim hugged Vivian before stepping into the house. Vivian rubbed her hands together as the rest of the group shuffled through the door.
Holly giggled and hugged her mom. “You’re so cute, Mom.”
Vivian squeezed her. “How was the fitting?”
“I wish you could have come.” Holly dug out her phone. “They have to tighten some of the beading that seems loose, so they’re holding it a bit longer. But Kim took pictures.”
Vivian ooh ed and aah ed at the shots of Holly in her gown. The smooth, ivory material fit her perfectly. The mermaid cut complemented her figure, and the intricate beading at the bodice gave the dress a regal touch. Holly swiped to the next picture, where she posed, looking over her shoulder, displaying the plunging back of the gown. A tingling spread through Holly’s chest, radiating to the rest of her body.
“You look absolutely stunning.” Vivian gave her one more hug. “Let’s go inside. It’s freezing out here, and the others are waiting.”
When they strode into the house, they found Lucy and Kim standing by the table. Emily and Mrs. Miranelli sat on the couch with cups of steaming hot chocolate in their palms. Avery rested on the floor, flipping through an art book on the coffee table, and Rachel warmed herself by the fire.
After greeting the women who had spent the day with her mom, Holly approached the dining room table, and her eyes widened. Her mother had gone all out and made two huge serving platters of a Filipino stir-fried rice noodle-and-vegetable dish called pancit , and three platters of Filipino eggrolls called lumpia . The only things on the table Vivian hadn’t made were the Christmas-themed cupcakes from The Gingerbread House, which Nick had baked himself.
Holly smiled but shook her head. “Mom, you weren’t supposed to make a banquet.”
“It’s nothing. Go on, have some.” Vivian tossed her head, her chin pointing the way to the feast. “Don’t let it go to waste.”
“Oh, it won’t,” Lucy said. “Believe me.”
“Preach!” Kim added.
After Lucy and Kim filled their plates, the rest of the ladies came to the table to help themselves.
“Oh em gee,” Kim said with a mouthful of food. “This is incredible.”
Lucy nodded, her eyes wide and mouth too full to remark.
The others agreed as they indulged, and for a few minutes, no one spoke. All that could be heard was chewing and sounds of delight.
Mrs. Miranelli plopped down on the arm of the sofa. “How are the wedding preparations going?”
“Despite the hiccups,” Holly began, “they are coming along. We just finalized the menu with Viola, and we got confirmation that all eight of Cupid’s siblings will be attending.”
“What?” Kim scoffed, nearly spitting pancit everywhere. “That’s quite a number of dogs for a wedding.”
Holly waved a hand. “Yes, I know. But Cupid is our ring bearer, and Nick thought it would be cute if all Cupid’s brothers and sisters were there to watch his proud moment.”
“That’s adorable,” Emily said. “Especially the part about Cupid carrying the rings to the altar.”
Rachel shook her head. “Leave it to my brother to have ideas that are both adorable and corny at the same time.”
“I have to say,” Lucy chimed in, her mouth finally free of food, “we are going to be one heck of a gorgeous bridal party. I love our dresses.”
“Heck yeah,” Kim agreed. “Very flattering and chic.”
Holly smiled to herself, glad that the attire aspect of the ordeal had worked out. The muted cornflower blue, chiffon gowns were in a Greek-goddess cut, the skirts elegantly flowing to the floor. She had been joyfully astonished when she’d seen her friends standing together in the shop, looking fabulous in the dresses she’d picked out.
When Holly looked over at her mother, she couldn’t quite read her expression.
“What, Mom?” Holly asked.
Vivian tilted her head. “Maybe later.”
“Maybe later what?” Holly laughed. “Come on. You’re making me nervous. You don’t like the dresses?”
“Oh, no, it’s not that.”
“What, then?”
“So, I know you already have a wedding gown, which is so gorgeous,” Vivian began, “but I did bring you something you might want to, um, consider.”
“Consider? What is it?”
Vivian got to her feet and raised her index finger. “Be right back.”
Holly looked around, particularly at Emily and Mrs. Miranelli, who had spent most of the day with her mom. Perhaps she had shared the details of this surprise with one of them, though their expressions said otherwise.
Moments later, Vivian reappeared with a garment bag.
“Mom, what is that?” Holly stood and took two steps toward her mother.
Instead of answering, Vivian giggled. “Kim, can you help me?”
“On it.” Kim stuffed the rest of the lumpia she was eating into her mouth before jaunting to Vivian’s side.
“Hold this, dear.” Vivian held out the garment bag to Kim so she could grasp the top. She then pulled down the zipper and took out what was inside.
Holly gaped as Vivian revealed an ivory, organza, and satin dress. The elegantly embroidered bolero-style top puffed out at the shoulders into loose satin sleeves. The high-waisted, floor-length skirt was smooth, almost shiny, and widened at the hem, with a tulle underskirt peeking out at the bottom.
“Is that a wedding dress?” Lucy asked.
“It’s akin to traditional wedding attire.” Vivian shifted so everyone could see the dress. “The traditional outfit is called a Baro’t Saya , and it’s actually not a dress at all, but a top and skirt.”
Holly tapped her fingers on her parting lips. “Mom, it’s beautiful. But I already—”
Vivian waved a dismissive hand. “I know. I know. It’s just that sometimes brides like to change into another outfit for the party. You know, after all the formal pictures have been taken. And you would look amazing in this.”
“Oh, you would,” Rachel said.
The room was filled with murmurs of agreement. The women stared at Holly.
Holly ran her hand over the silky material. She didn’t know if she’d be up for changing out of her chosen gown before the reception. It wasn’t the easiest piece of clothing to get into, let alone get out of. But there would be no harm in having this dress on standby, just in case.
“Thank you, Mom. It’s glorious. This must have been expensive.”
“I only had to pay for the fabric.” Vivian stuck out her chest. “Your Auntie Seng made it for you.”
Rachel gasped. “Without her measurements? Or did she somehow have them?”
“That’s how great she is.” Vivian beamed with pride. “She based the dimensions on a picture of Holly and me standing beside each other. Also, Holly’s got a cousin about the same size. And I said I could alter it if necessary.”
Holly’s eyes widened. “I’m speechless. I can’t believe she made this. And I can’t believe you brought it all the way over from the Philippines.”
“Honey, of course.” Her mother placed a hand on Holly’s cheek. “I’d do anything for you.”
“I think it looks like a princess’s dress,” Avery said.
“I want to see it on you.” Lucy clapped her hands.
“Yes, put it on,” Kim added.
Rachel took the fabric between her fingers. “I’ve never seen a traditional Filipino wedding dress before. It’s lovely.”
Mrs. Miranelli scooted forward. “I’d say your Auntie Seng could make quite the killing if she went into the dress-making business, assuming she hasn’t already.”
Holly looked around the room. Emily smiled at her, her hands folded in her lap. Though Avery’s eyes were on Holly, she continued to twirl as if she were still wearing the flower girl dress. Kim nodded in encouragement.
Her mother stood before her with raised brows, patiently waiting for Holly’s response. There was no way Holly could disappoint her.
“All right.” Holly faced the eager women. “I’ll try it on.”
“Great.” Vivian beamed as she gathered the skirt in her arms. “I’ll help.”