The Perfect Dress

by Brown, Carolyn

  “Forgiven,” Paula said. “And I like your idea. That gives Mitzi and Graham six months to get over their shyness and for one of them to ask the other one out.”

  “Forgiven, and I’m not shy,” Mitzi protested. But Paula was right. When it came to Graham, she acted like an awkward teenager.

  “I was there yesterday when he showed up to get the girls. There’s definitely vibes between y’all. You may have to be the bigger person and ask him out if he doesn’t get up some nerve,” Jody said.

  “Maybe the time is right for something to happen between y’all now,” Paula said.

  “I’ll wish in one hand and spit in the other and take bets on which one fills up the fastest,” Mitzi said.

  Ellie Mae arrived right on time at eleven thirty that morning, and Mitzi ushered her back to the fitting room. Ellie Mae quickly removed her shirt and stood in front of the mirror. Mitzi slipped on the bodice of her dress, and Ellie Mae squealed like a little girl.

  “It’s going to be exactly what I wanted, only prettier than I could have ever imagined,” she said.

  “Okay, now be very still while I mark the back seam, and then I’ll pin it so you can feel the fit and see if we need to tighten or loosen anything.” Mitzi laid the pincushion on a small table in front of the mirrors.

  “Did Paula tell you my news?” Ellie Mae asked.

  “About what?” Mitzi asked.

  “I’m pregnant, but only Darrin and I know—and, well, Paula because we ran into each other at the ultrasound place. We’ll spring the news on my family after they get over the shock of this gorgeous dress,” Ellie Mae said.

  “Congratulations.” Mitzi’s thoughts were on what her grandmother had said about Ellie Mae being the typical preacher’s daughter.

  “Thank you. We’re really excited. We’d wanted to start a family right away, but imagine my surprise when I went to see my doctor and found out I was already five months pregnant,” Ellie Mae gushed. “That’s when we moved up the wedding date by three months. Didn’t want to go into labor walking down the aisle.”

  “I guess not.” Mitzi finished pinning the bodice. “How does that feel?”

  “Make it just a little tighter. I’ll be wearing Spanx,” Ellie Mae said. “Wait. Don’t. I might gain a few more pounds. Can you just leave a big seam allowance in case we need to adjust right at the end?”

  “Of course. So do you know what you’re having?” Mitzi asked.

  “A boy and we’re so happy about it. What about Paula?”

  Mitzi unpinned the dress and stuck the pins back into the cushion. “She hasn’t told us yet. I’ve also got something I want you to look at after you get dressed.”

  “Did you finish the hat?” Ellie Mae’s voice quivered with excitement as she slipped her shirt down over her head. “I’m going to love it as much as I do the dress.”

  Mitzi carefully put the bodice on a satin hanger and hung it on a rack. Then she disappeared into the fabric room and brought back the bouquet the girls had made. Ellie Mae reached out to touch it.

  “I’m so damned emotional, but this is beyond beautiful. It’s exactly what I told you I wanted. I don’t care how much it costs. Who made it? And will they do the rest of my flowers?” She held it close to her body, as if she were walking down the aisle with it.

  “The Harrison girls,” Mitzi answered. “And yes, they’d love to make the rest of your flowers. Just make a list and email it to me. They could get started on your sister’s bouquet this afternoon. Got a rough idea of what you want?”

  “White roses—about half this big, but do some red touch-up with whatever satin or silk she picks out for her dress. She said she could come in right after lunch today if that’s okay?”

  “That would be a perfect time,” Mitzi said.

  “Can I take it with me today?” Ellie Mae ran the fingers of her right hand over it as if the bouquet were made of precious metals.

  “Yes, ma’am, you can. We might possibly have the rest of the flowers done next week when you come in for the skirt fitting, if you’ll send me a list of what all you need.”

  “Thank you.” Ellie Mae nodded.

  “I can put that in a plastic bag for you,” Mitzi offered.

  Reluctantly, Ellie Mae handed it back to her. “I can tell you right now that I want a red-rose boutonniere for Darrin and a white one for the best man. And I don’t want little bitty things, either. Do them up fancy with three rosebuds in Darrin’s and some black lace like my bouquet. And the others should have two with some red in it from Darcy’s dress. I’ll send you a list this afternoon of the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and special friends that will need corsages. Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me to have the most beautiful wedding in the whole state.” Ellie Mae waited until her bouquet was in plastic before she wrapped Mitzi up in a tight hug.

  “That’s what we’re here for,” Mitzi assured her.

  Fanny Lou arrived for the party that evening with a decorated cake from the bakery. One side had blue icing; the other, pink. A big question mark had been piped in the middle.

  “That is too cute,” Mitzi said.

  “I came early to help. How are we going to do this since we only have four places at the table?” Fanny Lou asked.

  “We’ve got a long table set up in the fitting room. Jody is setting out pink bowls and blue paper plates.” Mitzi eyed the cake.

  Fanny Lou shook a long, bony finger toward Mitzi. “You touch that and I’ll ban you from getting a single bite. I heard that Ellie Mae had a fitting and took her bouquet home. Her mama loved it.”

  “That’s why we do what we do,” Mitzi said. “Come on, Granny—I love buttercream frosting. No one would notice if I just got a taste from the back corner.”

  “Don’t even think of it!” Fanny Lou scolded as she carried the cake out of the kitchen.

  Dixie and Tabby came through the front door and stopped when they saw the cake. “What’s the question mark for?” Dixie asked.

  “You’ll find out later,” Fanny Lou answered.

  Mitzi heard the girls in the foyer and joined them as they followed behind Fanny Lou.

  “We thought this was just a cake and ice cream get-together, maybe to talk about the bridal fair,” Dixie answered.

  “There’s a surprise tonight, but we will probably talk about the bridal fair afterwards.” Mitzi had worried all day about how Graham and Alice would take the news. She’d wondered, if she had teenage girls, how she’d handle the issue they would be facing. In Amarillo or even Tulia, things would be different, but Celeste was old school with a double dose of morality. Even in modern times, folks still looked down on single mothers.

  “I brought homemade ice cream.” Harry carried an oak bucket into the room and set it on the end of the table.

  Mitzi crossed the room to give him a hug. “Is it banana nut?”

  “Is there any other kind? Is that cake what I think it is?”

  Mitzi pulled him over to a corner.

  “Do I need to get my shotgun down from above the mantel?” he whispered.

  She shook her head. “It’s Paula, not me.”

  He clamped a hand over his mouth. “Holy crap! Does Gladys know?”

  “She does now, and so does Selena,” Mitzi answered.

  “No wonder the temperature in town has risen so high. I bet she’s breathing fire,” Harry said.

  Mitzi nodded. “You are so right about that. I feel so sorry for Paula.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Gladys told her that she was dead to her.”

  Harry just shook his head. “Gladys has always had problems, but that’s harsh even for her. When’s the wedding?”

  “Not going to be one. The father was separated from his wife but went back to her before Paula even knew she was pregnant,” Mitzi said.

  “When is the baby due?” Harry asked.

  “September.”

  “Well, I got to say, I’m glad it’s not you, but if Paula needs anything, I’ll be
here for her. Gladys shouldn’t treat her like that.” Harry shook his head.

  “Thank you, Daddy.”

  “Anything for you, Paula, or Jody,” Harry said. “I’d still like to wring Lyle’s neck for what he did.”

  “You’d have to stand in line.” Mitzi looped her arm in his, and together they rejoined the group.

  Chapter Twelve

  Graham rushed into the house, taking his shirt off as he climbed the stairs to the second floor. He threw it at the dirty clothes hamper and kicked his shoes off in the hallway leading to the bathroom. He took a quick shower, shaved for the second time that day, and hurriedly dressed in casual khaki shorts and a pullover shirt.

  He’d been looking forward to seeing Mitzi all day. There was something building between them, like the embers of a slow-burning fire. It might fizzle or it could break into a full blaze, but whatever happened, he was ready for it.

  Walking down the street from his house to hers, he laid it all out like a credit report. On this side were the deficits; on the other were the assets. The asset side was winning when he rang the doorbell.

  Tabby’s eyes glittered when she answered the door. “Guess what, Daddy? Harry brought homemade banana-nut ice cream. Remember when Grandpa used to make that for us on our birthdays?”

  “I sure do, and it’s been a long time since we had it.” Graham looked over the top of his daughter’s head to catch a glimpse of Mitzi, but she wasn’t there.

  “And guess what else,” Harry said before he could answer. “I’ve got two sewing machines out in my truck that we can bring in later.”

  “That’s all pretty great news,” Graham said. “Y’all lead the way.”

  “Y’all come on in and we’ll get into this ice cream and cake.” Jody motioned from the fitting room doorway.

  “I might embarrass you girls tonight. I haven’t had supper, and y’all know how much I like homemade ice cream,” Graham said.

  Mitzi came out of the kitchen with a stack of napkins in her hands. “My dad is here and he’ll give you a run for your money when it comes to cake and ice cream. He’s got a sweet tooth.”

  “Oh, honey, I can lay claim to the sweet tooth title of the whole county.” Graham winked at her.

  Mitzi’s face was slightly flushed from getting the tables set up, and her hair had been piled up on top of her head. She wore a pair of flowing yellow pants and a multicolored shirt, but what appealed to him most was that she wasn’t wearing shoes.

  “Who goes first?” Dixie asked.

  “The one who asks that question,” Mitzi said.

  “Yay!” Dixie pumped her fist in the air and picked up a plate. “I can’t wait to taste it.”

  “I’ll do the dippin’ if we can get Paula to cut the cake,” Harry announced.

  “As you can see,” Graham whispered in Mitzi’s ear, “none of us is bashful when it comes to food.”

  “Neither are we,” Mitzi said.

  Paula brought in a pitcher of sweet tea, and Jody carried in one of lemonade. They were discussing last-minute details of the bridal fair.

  “We really need an arch. Just standing the mannequin up there without a backdrop seems kind of tacky,” Jody said.

  “Those things are expensive. We’ll only use it once or twice a year, and that’s assuming that we get invited to do more shows,” Paula said.

  “I could build you one,” Graham offered. “I’ve got the tools, and it wouldn’t be that big of a job. I’d be glad to do it Sunday. I’ll even pick up the lumber and things we need to build it on my way home tomorrow. It’s the least I can do for all you’ve done for my girls.”

  “That’s so sweet, but—” Mitzi started.

  Graham shook his head. “No buts. Is two o’clock good for you? Alice is taking the girls to the movies, and they’re leaving right after we get lunch at the café. Want to help me, Mitzi?”

  “Sounds great.” Mitzi was amazed at his offer, not only to do the job but also to let her help. Granny had always told her that the best way to get to really know someone was to work alongside them for a few hours. She visualized Graham all hot and sweaty, and got so engrossed in the pictures flashing through her mind that she forgot all about the reason they were having the party that evening.

  “Paula, are you going to cut this cake or not?” Harry asked.

  Mitzi loved cake, but she would have gladly given it up to keep the pictures in her head from disappearing.

  Paula picked up a knife and held it above the cake for a minute. “I have something to say. First of all, thank you all for being here this evening and thank you for helping us move earlier in the week. Good friends are priceless, and I’m glad for the privilege of calling y’all my friends. This is a gender-reveal party, so let’s see if we’re having a baby girl or boy.”

  Fanny Lou rubbed her hands together. “We can’t wait to see if you cut into the pink or blue side of the cake.”

  Tabby crossed her fingers. “We’ll take either one—”

  Dixie butted in before her sister could finish the sentence. “But we want a girl real bad.”

  “This is so exciting, but what I really want is a chunk of that cake to go with this ice cream,” Harry chuckled.

  Paula cut a piece of the pink cake.

  “A girl!” Dixie high-fived with her sister. “Can we babysit when she’s born?”

  “What’s her name going to be?” Tabby slapped Dixie’s hand. “Our first project on our new sewing machines needs to be a pretty quilt for her.”

  “Congratulations, Paula,” Graham said.

  Alice held up her bowl of ice cream. “A toast with ice cream, since we don’t have any Irish whiskey. ‘Wee little baby, fresh from God’s arms. You light up the world with your sweet baby charms.’ Congratulations, Paula. I can think of nothing more exciting than being a mother.”

  “Amen!” Fanny Lou said.

  Pure happiness shone in Paula’s face as she cut portions of cake and put them on paper plates. “Y’all are the best. Thank you so much. Just so you know, I’m not marrying the father. I found out about the baby after we’d been broken up for a while and he’s no longer in the picture.”

  “Good Lord!” Fanny Lou scolded. “If you were the first woman who got pregnant and didn’t marry the father of the baby, we could drown you in the river. But you’re not the first and you damn sure won’t be the last. We haven’t had a baby in the family since Mitzi was born. This is a blessing, and I, for one, am calling dibs on rocking her to sleep the first time you need a few minutes.”

  Harry raised a hand. “Couldn’t have said it better myself.”

  Everyone got a piece of cake and went to sit around the table, leaving Mitzi and Graham by themselves.

  A dark shadow passed over Graham’s face, prompting Mitzi to ask, “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, but . . .” He paused. “I don’t want to be a naysayer, but it’s a tough row, raising a child on your own. It’s even harder when they get old enough to realize that they only have one parent and think it’s their fault that the other one isn’t there. Paula’s going to need lots of support.”

  “Did you have support?” she asked.

  “Yes, I did. Alice was and is amazing. My folks were wonderful, always ready to help out with whatever we needed. Dad adored the girls and they did him, but no matter how much I reassure them, they have the feeling that Rita left because they were big girls. They think she was ashamed of them,” he said. “I don’t know what to do. Got any ideas?”

  “Can I think about it until Sunday?” she asked.

  “Of course.” He crossed the room to sit with his girls.

  She watched him out of the corner of her eye, and went to sit down at the other end of the table.

  Jody nudged her with an elbow. “So what were y’all talkin’ about over there? It looked pretty serious.”

  “He’s going to help me build an archway for the bridal fair on Sunday,” Mitzi answered.

  “That doesn’t sound much
like flirting,” Jody said as she headed over to the table for a second piece of cake.

  Depends, Mitzi thought. I felt more talking about hammers and nails with him than I have in the past when guys tried to sweet-talk me into bed with them.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Saturday morning was for catching up on paperwork, but Graham couldn’t keep his mind on work. He finally leaned back in his chair, propped his feet on his desk, and laced his hands behind his head. Closing his eyes, he watched everything that had happened the night before play through his head like a movie, repeating the scenes involving Mitzi. He was already looking forward to the next day, when they could have more time together—when no one would drag one or both of them off.

  He picked up his phone and sent a text to Mitzi saying that he was looking forward to the next day and got one back saying that she was, too, and then his cell phone rang. Hoping that it was her, he answered it on the first ring.

  “Daddy, guess what.” Dixie’s voice always shot up a few notches when she was excited. “Mitzi and Paula and Jody are coming down to Greenville to buy stuff for the bridal fair next week. Mitzi asked if we wanted to go with them. Is that okay? We really, really want to go. We’re going to have lunch with them, too. Please say yes. And some of the stuff might be heavy, so could you meet us somewhere and help? And could you bring a truck in case it all won’t fit in the van?”

  “Just text me where you are about”—he checked his schedule—“one o’clock. And it looks like I can take off the rest of the afternoon, so I’ll be glad to also help you unload at the shop when you’re done.”

  “Yay! This is going to be a great day,” Dixie said.

  He laid the phone on his desk and pumped his fist in the air. Things were looking up if he got to see Mitzi three days in a row.

  “Good mornin’.” Vivien’s voice crackled through the intercom in his office. “Your ex-wife is here. Shall I send her in?”

  Talk about bursting a bubble. He backed up and sat down in his chair, not knowing what to say. “That’s not funny, Vivien.”