She didn’t say much to me about it. Just asked if I was happy. I didn’t want to lie to her, but it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I was happy. Happy to finally get an investor for Sew Fit. She couldn’t make it, of course she couldn’t, she worked in London and couldn’t drop everything for a surprise wedding. I still received a package from her in the mail. It was a veil, yellowed slightly with age. The short note from my aunt said it was both hers and my mother’s.
I pulled the veil over my hair and looked at my finished outfit in the mirror. I felt slight tears well up in my eyes. I quickly rubbed them away. It was silly to cry; this wasn’t my real wedding. It was just something about being in a wedding dress for the first time that made me emotional. I wanted to get married someday, but with how busy I was with Sew Fit, I didn’t think it was going to be any time soon.
I carefully took everything back off and hung the dress in my closet. Curious, I went back to the box looking for some kind of price tag. When I saw the number of zeros, I crumpled it up. I really didn’t want to know anymore.
The wedding was two days away. Virgo and Michael had picked out their outfits with the enthusiasm of kids getting to play dress up. At least they were having fun. As each day passed, I got more and more nervous. Once I signed that paper there was no easy way of going back.
***
The morning of the wedding I was woken up by Virgo who handed me an ice coffee as I sat up in bed. It was like she knew I barely slept the night before.
“Thanks,” I mumbled, the sleep still heavy in my voice.
“We have to be at the courthouse by ten.” She moved a few stray curls away from my eyes, then got up and left me to get ready.
I drank the whole coffee as quickly as possible. I then brushed my teeth and rinsed my mouth out with mouthwash. I put on my dress, slipped on the high heels Virgo gave me, fixed my hair and carefully positioned the clip, did a bit of makeup, and slipped on the veil. Then I grabbed the folder that held my birth certificate and social security card. We applied for the license earlier that week. I didn’t bother with a bouquet; I’d be holding the necessary info to get the license approved instead.
When I stepped out of the room Virgo was there waiting in the hallway clapping. “Spin for me.”
I obliged her. I did enjoy the way the skirt spun with me. It felt very princess-y.
“You’re gorgeous,” she said. Her dress was a simple silk lime green piece she got from some designer she worked with.
“Are you ready?” Michael asked. He was wearing a suit we had worked on together last year, matching Virgo with his neon green tie and hair.
“As I’ll ever be.” I shrugged. I was trying to project a calm air, no matter how far it was from the truth. “Wait.” I rushed to my room and then back. “Here.” I handed Michael the ring. “Keep that safe for me.”
“Course Lyds.”
We headed down the stairs and out to our apartment’s parking garage. A few people turned their heads as I walked in full, followed by Virgo holding up the bottom of my dress to keep it from getting dirty. Taylor had offered to be the one to pick us up and take us to the courthouse, but Virgo insisted that break of tradition would ruin the plan. Honestly, Virgo was having more fun with this than I was. I was repeating to myself over and over again that this was all just a business deal. If I got swept up in all the emotions, I’d end up getting hurt. I was sure of it.
We arrived at the courthouse fifteen minutes early. Exiting Michael’s Camry in my dress was harder than getting in. Luckily, both my co-bridesmaids held onto my hands and got me out safely. When we entered the courthouse, I saw several other couples milling around for their appointments or leaving, just married. I spotted the judge talking with Taylor, his back to us.
“Taylor!” I yelled as we got closer. He turned around, and I could see the way his eyes went wide for a moment. I knew I was looking good. I then went to examine his suit. It was actually tailored appropriately, not too small like most everything he wore. It also looked familiar.
I stopped moving towards him. “That’s my design.”
“What sweetie?” Virgo asked.
Michael nodded. “Yeah. I think you’re right.”
I turned towards Virgo, “He’s wearing a suit I made. Well, it’s my design.” I would recognize my scalloped lapels anywhere. It was one of my more toned-down suits. It was classic black, and the buttons were a muted pink. He wore a tie that matched that pink, as well as my dress.
He waved me over, like he was getting impatient. I unfroze, no matter how difficult it was, and made my way over to him.
“Hello Lydia.” He smiled. Honest to god smiled. I was put off guard for a moment before I realized the ruse had already started. The smile was part of his act.
“Taylor, I’m so excited.” I reached for his hands, subtly tapping his wrist before taking them in mine. I looked at him and also smiled wide. It was my wedding, the happiest day of my life.
“If the happy couple and the witnesses would follow me?” The judge motioned for us to follow him into one of the rooms in the courthouse. I leaned over to Taylor and whispered. “Is your grandfather coming?”
“No.” He replied. “He’s busy.” Just like my aunt. “He wants
