You May Kiss the Groomsman

by Samantha Chase

  Josie, Lea, and Skye stood frozen in place while they watched chaos unfold in front of them.

  “What in the world…?”

  “Um…this doesn’t seem right.”

  Josie was about to speak up, but fortunately Hailey James-Pierce–one of the owners of Enchanted Bridal–spotted them and carefully maneuvered her way through the crowd of shoppers toward them. She smoothed a hand over her hair and smiled when she approached. “Oh my goodness,” she said softly, almost conspiratorially. “I hope you guys weren’t waiting too long.”

  “We just got here a few minutes ago,” Lea said. “What’s…um…I mean, you’re very busy tonight.”

  Nodding, Hailey glanced over her shoulder for a moment. “They didn’t call to make an appointment, but it’s a double wedding so…two brides and a dozen attendants. It’s been just a tad bit crazy.” With a small sigh, she reached out and squeezed Lea’s hand. “But don’t worry, I have your gown pulled, along with several others so that’s a plus, right?”

  Josie glanced at her friend who was looking just mildly uncomfortable. “It looks like all the fitting rooms are full…”

  Before Hailey could respond, Josie jumped in. “Angie mentioned maybe letting Lea take the gowns home to try on. I know it’s asking a lot and we’ll leave a deposit or sign waivers…whatever you need…”

  Before she knew it, she was getting a very enthusiastic hug from Hailey. “I swear we never do that, but right now, that is almost a dream come true.” She pulled back and smiled at the three of them. “We’ll do an informal waiver and I’ll write up all the dresses and…” She looked at Lea. “I’m so sorry it worked out this way! I was really hoping it would be quiet in here for you tonight.”

  Lea nodded. “Yeah, me too, but this is our only night where we’re all free, so…”

  “No worries,” Hailey assured her. “Let me go write up the dresses. Josie, Skye, why don’t you see if there are any bridesmaid dresses on display that you’re interested in and I’ll send some of those with you. Along with the bottle of champagne I set aside for you.”

  “Oh my goodness! You really don’t need to do that,” Lea said. “You’re already doing so much!”

  But Hailey waved her off. “It’s my pleasure. So go look around–if you can–and I’ll get the dresses written up. Give me ten minutes.” Then the bridal party crowd seemed to swallow her as she walked away.

  Turning, Josie studied Lea’s wistful expression. “We can totally try this another night if you’re not comfortable. I know you were hoping for the full bridal shop experience.”

  Lea waved her off. “It’s okay. I just don’t know where we’re supposed to go. Brody’s home so that’s out.”

  “Elliott’s home with Bella,” Skye said. “We could go there.”

  “Absolutely not,” Josie argued. “You’ll be too distracted, and this was supposed to be our girl’s night so…we’re going to my place. Hailey’s supplying the champagne and we’ll pick up something for dinner on the way home. How does that sound?”

  “If you’re sure you’re okay with it,” Lea said. “I don’t want to impose…”

  “On what? I live alone so there’s no one there to distract us.”

  “Where’s Daniel?” Skye asked.

  “Out with his friends, who–by the way–have apparently been giving him crap for all the time we’ve been spending together. That’s a little rude, don’t you think?”

  “Don’t ask me,” Skye said. “Your brother and I didn’t really deal with that because we were sneaking around for so much of our dating time. What about you, Lea?”

  “Are you kidding me? All Brody’s friends and family are still so shocked that he’s working normal hours now that no one says anything to him and if they do, it’s to encourage him to spend more time with me.”

  “Well you guys are of no help,” Josie mumbled. “C’mon, let’s see if we can find any bridesmaid dresses we like.”

  Thirty minutes later they were loading the gowns into the back of Josie’s car–all ten of them. Four of them were wedding gowns and the rest were for Josie and Skye to try on.

  “Okay, I called in our dinner order and I’ll pick it up on the way,” Skye said. “I’ll be about fifteen minutes behind you.”

  “That will give us enough time to get the gowns inside,” Lea said. “And thank you for picking up the food. We’ll see you at Josie’s.”

  They each had their own car so it was like a little caravan to her house, but once they were all there and the gowns had been hung up around the living room, Skye had helped Josie carry the massive full-length mirror she had up in her bedroom. Once that was in place, they opted to eat first.

  “Kind of sucks that we had to have salads because of this,” Skye murmured. “Remember when our girls’ nights used to consist of chicken wings and spinach dip or enough chips and salsa to feed a small country? What’s happened to us?”

  “Oh, stop. I didn’t want to feel too full to try the gown on,” Lea explained. “Although, if I had been smart, I would have eaten a later lunch so I could have tried the gowns on first. What was I thinking?”

  “How about we eat our bland, tasteless grilled chicken salads, try on gowns while sipping champagne, and then order ice cream to be delivered? There’s a fabulous little ice cream shop not too far from here that does some amazing gourmet flavors. Daniel and I have ordered from them a couple of times.”

  Lea grinned at her. “I think you’re putting some delivery kid through college with the amount of takeout the two of you get.”

  “That’s not true. We don’t order out that much…”

  Lea’s first response was a snort. “Last week you told me you got Chinese food twice, pizza once, ice cream once, burgers once, and then you cheated on me with a cupcake delivery.” She paused and glared for dramatic effect. “And I believe there was even a night of Greek food that was delivered.”

  Josie was fairly sure her jaw was on the floor. “Oh my God…do you take notes on this crap or something?”

  “Nope. Just observant because it makes me feel good that Brody and I aren’t the only ones living on takeout.”

  “You guys both suck,” Skye said, throwing a crouton at each of them. “I cook just about every night and we only get takeout once a week.” Shaking her head, she added, “And those first two weeks after Bella was born, we had a freezer full of casseroles that people made for us and I was grateful for them. You’re both spoiled.”

  “Sounds like somebody’s jealous,” Josie teased and was rewarded with another crouton to the face. “Keep doing that and I swear I will teach your daughter how to do it, too.”

  “I have a feeling she’ll figure that one out on her own,” Skye retorted but opted to eat her salad rather than throwing more of it.

  “And where did we land on the ice cream?” Josie asked for clarification.

  “Oh, we’re definitely ordering some of that,” Lea replied. “And I’m hoping it will be celebratory ice cream.”

  “Just…don’t get your hopes up, sweetie,” Skye said softly. “It would be great if one of these gowns was the one, but sometimes it takes a little longer.”

  “I know, I know…but I have a really good feeling about it so…don’t jinx me.”

  The rest of the meal was spent talking about the bridesmaid dresses they picked, hairstyles, shoes, and what kind of ice cream they were going to order.

  Josie was the one to clean up the kitchen while Skye closed all the blinds in the living room so Leanna could strip down and try on the gown right there. It took all three of them to get her into the one that was her top choice and once she was zipped and buttoned into it, Josie stepped back and almost cried.

  It was perfect.

  “Oh, Lea,” she sighed. “It’s beautiful.”

  Beside her, Skye was already crying. “Damn, hormones,” she murmured. “But it’s truly the perfect gown for you. You look like a princess.”

  Slowly, Lea turned to face the mirror and her ha
nds immediately flew to her face. “Oh my goodness,” she whispered. “It’s even better than I thought.”

  “I wish we had more mirrors for you to see yourself,” Josie said apologetically. “But I think when we take these back to Enchanted, you should tell them you want to try it on so you can see it in all its splendor.”

  Skye and Josie stood back so Lea could try to see all the details on the magnificent gown. She was definitely the most traditional of the three of them and this gown was the epitome of a traditional ballgown. The bodice had a mixed floral detail that created a stunning lacework that opened to form a wide V-neckline. The gown also featured a V-back framed by floating lace elements before moving down to layers upon layers of tulle and organza with floral lace appliques. It was the perfect gown for her.

  “Is it wrong that I don’t want to take this off?” she said as she continued to stare at herself in the mirror.

  “Not at all,” Skye said. “Remember when I found my dress? The girls at Enchanted practically had to throw me out of the store!”

  They all laughed at the memory.

  “Okay, you guys need to start trying on the bridesmaid ones. Let’s see if we have any winners!”

  Josie nodded but went for her phone first. “Skye, you pick first. I’m going to order our ice cream.” It took less than five minutes for her to do it and when she walked back into the living room, she found Skye sitting on the couch crying in her underwear. “What is happening right now?”

  Before Lea could say anything, Skye blurted out, “I’m too fat for any of these dresses!” and then started crying again.

  “How long was I gone?” Josie murmured as she walked in and sat beside her friend, hugging her. “Okay, okay…there’s no reason to cry. There’s no way you tried on all six dresses while I ordered ice cream and you know they’re sometimes cut small.” Standing, she pulled Skye to her feet. “Which one did you try?”

  Skye threw the balled-up V-neck halter gown at her.

  “Stop throwing things at me!” she yelled. “And don’t wrinkle the dresses. We promised Hailey we’d take care of them.”

  Stripping, Josie tried on the first dress and then looked through the others for one that Skye could put on. Fortunately, there was one she felt would be okay and thankfully it fit.

  “I’m not a fan of either,” Lea said with a frown.

  “I really didn’t think we’d find our dresses tonight,” Josie said as she took off the one dress and went for a strapless chiffon one. “This was really just to start getting ideas.”

  Skye looked at her reflection wearing an off-the-shoulder dress with a ruched crisscross bodice and full skirt. “This hides my flabby stomach.”

  “Ugh…stop. Please,” Josie said as she stripped out of her gown and went for another, but honestly, none of them thrilled her. “I think we’re all in agreement that the bridesmaid dresses are a bust, but Lea’s gown is the winner.”

  “Yes!” Lea said happily. “But I don’t have to take it off yet, do I?”

  “Just until the ice cream gets here. Then I’d say you kind of have to.”

  “Drat.” She walked back over to the mirror. “What about the other wedding gowns? Should I try them on?”

  “No,” Skye said firmly as she changed out of her gown. “Keep that one on as long as possible. Josie can try on the other ones and if you really like one then you should try it.”

  “Hey, why do I have to be Bridal Barbie?” Josie snapped.

  “Oh, come on,” Skye said with a grin. “Are you telling me that you’re not even a little bit curious about those gowns? That you haven’t thought even once about what kind of gown you’d wear to marry…say…Daniel?”

  She groaned. “Just stop.”

  “Hey, all I’m saying is that we have the perfect opportunity here tonight for you to indulge yourself a little. Try one on! If you really hate it then we won’t make you try on the rest.”

  “But I really hope you will,” Lea chimed in, “because some of them look really pretty.”

  With another groan, she unzipped the bridesmaid dress. “Which one do you want me to try first?”

  “The beaded lace strapless one,” Lea said. “I don’t know why they chose two strapless ones when I specifically said that wasn’t my style.”

  They’re totally my style…

  Skye helped her step into the gown and then zipped up the back for her. It was heavier than she thought it would be, but when she stepped in front of the mirror, she had to admit it looked really good.

  Then she turned toward Lea. “Well?”

  She wrinkled her nose. “Totally not me, but it looks good on you!”

  With a shrug, she let Skye unzip her. “Now which one?”

  They went through the next two and they all agreed that while they were nice, they weren’t Lea’s style. The last one, however, gave Josie all the feels. And as she stepped into it, all she could think was “This is my gown.” It was crazy and made no sense, but she was in love.

  It was so delightfully detailed that she couldn’t seem to take her eyes off her reflection. The strapless ball gown had a beaded satin corset bodice, cuff neckline, and sequined tulle skirt, and she took one look at Lea and knew exactly how she felt.

  “Oh, Josie,” Skye said as she fluffed the skirt. “You look stunning!”

  Tears stung her eyes because this just solidified her feelings. She wanted this–the gown, the wedding, the happily ever after. She didn’t want to settle for anything less. No marriage of convenience. No courthouse. No loveless match for the sake of the business.

  “Jos, you okay?” Lea asked quietly.

  “I…how can a dress make me feel so much?

  Off in the distance, the doorbell rang, and Josie immediately turned to go answer it.

  “I got it,” Skye said, blocking her.

  Josie knew she needed to pull herself together otherwise she’d be crying the way Skye was earlier and this was the perfect distraction.

  “No, no, no! I have to do it! The delivery kid has a crush on me and has asked me to marry him like three times!” she explained with a laugh. “He’s seventeen with way too much acne and attitude, but he’s basically a good kid. Having me answer the door in a wedding gown will be hysterical!” And before anyone could stop her, she made her way to the door. For a minute, she stopped and smoothed a hand down her skirt and then fluffed her hair. Opening the door, she smiled and said, “You wore me down! I do!”

  And realized she was staring directly at Daniel.

  He didn’t think he’d had that much to drink, but there was no way he was seeing Josie in a wedding gown, saying “I do” to him, was there?

  “Um…”

  “Oh my God! Daniel!” she cried before quickly stepping behind the door. “What are you doing here? I thought you were out with the guys!”

  There was still a little confusion on his part but he forced himself to focus. “I was out with them, but I got a little drunk a little fast and Xander said I was whipped and he drove me home.”

  At least…he thought that’s what happened.

  “O-kay…”

  “Why are you in a wedding gown?”

  She blushed. “Um…there was a slight change of plans and there was no room for us at the bridal shop, so they let us take some dresses home for Lea to try on. She found the one that she wants but there were a few more and she asked me to try them on so…yeah. I’m in a gown.” She glanced away and he realized she was embarrassed.

  “But…why’d you say I do when you answered the door?” And because his head was spinning slightly, he leaned against the doorframe. “Did I wear you down? I don’t remember that.”

  “How much have you had to drink?”

  “We did shots,” he told her proudly. “And I beat them both! I told them I wasn’t fluff and that I could still drink them both under the table.” Then he lost his balance slightly and Josie stepped around the door to help him.

  “Skye?” she called out. “Can you pleas
e come here for a minute?”

  “What’s…oh my goodness!” he heard someone say and when he looked up, he figured it must be Skye.

  “Hi, Skye!” he said happily. “Congratulations on the baby and on Elliott. Is it true he got left at the altar before you?”

  “Oh my God,” Josie moaned. “Um…keep an eye on him while I go change and then I’m going to walk him home.”

  “No!” he called out as she went to walk away. “Walk me home like that. You look so pretty.” Pushing away from the door, he stumbled over to her. At her side, he clumsily caressed her cheek. “You’re so beautiful, Josie Sullivan. And I’m glad you’re wearing that gown for me and not my brother. He doesn’t deserve you, but I do.” He leaned down to kiss her, but she ducked away. “C’mon, kiss me. It’ll be just like someone said we were married!” Then he looked at Skye. “Hey! Can you pronounce us husband and wife so I can kiss the bride?”

  “Please don’t!” Josie said giving him a slight shove, but he held fast.

  “Just one kiss, baby. Please?” She was still trying to get out of his embrace and he knew what would help. “If we get married tonight, we can have a baby just like Skye and Elliott! Won’t that be great?” And the thought of making that baby had him grinning from ear to ear.

  “Okay, that is enough,” she said firmly, moving away from him. “Give me two minutes to go change. Just…behave!” And then she ran off and he was left standing in the entryway with her friend.

  He looked over at Skye and smiled. “Don’t you hate the idea of Josie marrying Tyler?”

  Skye snorted a laugh but nodded. “Do you?”

  “I do,” he said and then laughed. “Josie! I just said I do too! Come back so you can hear it!”

  “Um…can I give you a little advice?” Skye said as she moved closer. Daniel nodded. “Don’t talk about weddings and babies anymore tonight. Trust me. It’s only going to upset her.”

  Reaching out, he awkwardly hugged her. “You’re a good friend. Thank you.”

  Skye immediately pushed out of his arms and was laughing for some reason. “Okay, big guy, I think I’m going to have to help Josie get you home.”