The Alpha’s Arrangement
Chapter 4
Mia
Days were slipping by at an alarming rate. My mother was in full wedding-planning mode, and I hadn’t even attempted to dip my toes into the whirlpool of preparations. Menus, decorations—none of it was my cup of tea. Today, however, was the day we were set to buy my wedding dress.
I’d made a promise to them all that I’d try to stay positive and enjoy the process, despite the absurdity of the situation.
Lea had roped Ashlee into the madness, and together with my mom, we were all en route to the wedding dress boutique. I’d only agreed to visit one shop, so they’d picked the largest one in town.
The boutique was charming on the inside. A sales assistant immediately approached us, guiding us to a plush couch. She gave me a once-over before asking, “So, what are we looking for?”
“A wedding dress, I guess.” I offered a sheepish smile. She rolled her eyes, and everyone burst into laughter.
“I mean, what type of dress are you looking for? What’s your dream?” She began showing me a variety of dresses, rattling off designer names.
“Do you want a princess-style dress or a mermaid one? This would look good on you.” She picked up a dress and draped it over her arm.
“I don’t really know. I don’t have a type, to be honest.” I admitted, feeling overwhelmed.
“Maybe if this were my dream wedding with a guy I’d chosen myself, I would have done some research.”
“Hun, do you want a big puffy dress?” Ashlee stood up to show me an example. I didn’t like it at all—too much fabric.
“Definitely not, something much simpler.”
“That’s a good start.” The saleswoman winked at me and led me toward a different rack. “I’m Camille, and I’ll be helping you.
“You can either buy a dress or rent one, but please note our rental selection is limited.”
“We’ll buy a dress, and we don’t have a budget set,” my mom chimed in, causing me to blink nervously.
“That gives us more choices. Our bride’s name is…” She turned to me, waiting for my response.
“Mia,” I answered quickly. I must have looked like a deer caught in headlights. This was all too much. I just needed one dress, and I didn’t want to try on a dozen. I wanted to escape this boutique and retreat to the safety of my room.
“Lovely to meet you, Mia. So, we know the shape. What about the fabric?”
“That’s too many questions. I have no idea,” I confessed.
Camille paused to survey the room, her gaze flitting between me and the racks of dresses.
“Maybe lace? You’re tall and slim, so it would look spectacular on you.” She quickly showed me an example.
“I like lace.” I nodded, running my fingers over the delicate fabric.
“You’ll look like a curtain.” Lea grimaced.
“Shush, you!” My mom playfully smacked her arm.
“Okay, curtains are fine with me,” Lea quickly added.
I just wanted to get this over with. Pick a dress and leave. If I liked it and felt comfortable in it, that would be a bonus, but this wasn’t something I was excited about.
It took Camille about fifteen minutes to gather all the lace dresses. I told her straight away that there was no way I was trying them all on. She didn’t look thrilled, but she didn’t protest.
“I like that one.” I pointed at a fitted, lace dress with long sleeves and a deep V-neck.
“Honey, it’s lovely, but I’ve checked the forecast, and it’s going to be scorching. If that guy doesn’t have AC, we’re all going to melt, especially you in a long-sleeved dress,” Ashlee pointed out.
She was right. If the weather was going to be sweltering, I didn’t want anything too heavy. But that left me with nothing, and I didn’t know what I wanted. Most of these dresses seemed to require a generous bust.
I’d have to borrow some from Lea. Two sisters from the same mother. So unfair. When she was in line for boobs, I was getting a brain. I started laughing at my own joke.
“What are you giggling at?” My mom asked, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Nothing, I just don’t have the breasts for these dresses. Your fault, bad genes.”
“Ugh, you could have blamed Mom if I had the same.” Lea thrust her chest out with pride.
I rolled my eyes and quickly turned back to the remaining dresses. I’d thought this would be simpler.
“Do you like the bohemian style?” Camille asked hopefully. She’d realized this wasn’t going to be easy, especially since I didn’t want to try on everything.
“Bohemian? I guess…” I gave her a questioning look. Camille quickly disappeared behind a “Staff Only” door and returned within ten minutes with a securely packed dress.
She was panting slightly and wiping tiny beads of sweat from her forehead. I hoped she hadn’t had to wrestle a grizzly bear in the back.
“This is a fresh delivery from Rue de Seine. I haven’t unpacked them yet. We have two styles today. The rest are still coming.
“This one is long-sleeved, but you don’t want it, I guess?”
All the girls stood up in anticipation.
“I feel like I’m unwrapping Christmas gifts,” Lea clapped her hands excitedly.
“Here she is!” Camille unveiled the dress. It was beautiful. Simple yet breathtaking. Shoulder sleeves, a hippie style, and a gorgeous floral patchwork.
Okay, I might not be looking forward to the wedding itself that much, but I definitely couldn’t wait to wear this dress.
I grabbed the dress and, with Camille’s help, slipped into it in the dressing room.
Slowly, I turned to check every angle in the mirror. I was in love. It was stunning. Simply perfect.
“Come out!” The girls were yelling and laughing, waiting for me. I slowly pulled back the curtain and stepped out.
“Wow.” Lea gasped quietly.
“Ashlee, it’s so me!” I exclaim, twirling in the mirror.
“I know, right? Even if this wedding doesn’t happen for some reason, we should totally throw a fake one just so you can wear this dress.”
My mom approaches me, her hand reaching out to gently stroke my cheek. “You look beautiful, honey.” I see a single tear glistening in the corner of her eye. She turns to Camille, the saleswoman. “We’ll take it.”
“Of course,” Camille replies, “I’ll just need to take some measurements. It should be ready by next week if that works for you?”
“That’s perfect. We still have a few weeks left.” Mom’s smile is warm and reassuring.
I want to pay for the dress myself, but Mom is adamant. She practically shoves me away from the cash register. “Mia, don’t argue with me. Your father and I decided we’re buying your dress and taking care of everything. Please, just let us do this.”
I nod, not wanting to argue, and leave the store with the girls, heading towards the car.
“You’re going to look amazing!” Ashlee wraps me in a hug. “Do you have someone to do your makeup and hair?”
“No, and I don’t plan on hiring anyone. I’ll do it myself.” The girls look disappointed at my response.
“She’s really taking all the fun out of this, isn’t she? Well, at least we’ll throw a proper bachelorette party!” Lea starts doing a little happy dance.
“Girls, please, no.” I try to stifle their enthusiasm, but they’re not listening.
“Oh, no you don’t! We’re having a proper party. Champagne, limo, dancing all night! Do you think he won’t have one?” Ashlee looks genuinely outraged.
“I don’t care!” I retort, opening the car door and quickly sliding inside.
“But we do, and we’re throwing one for you!” They follow me into the car.
“Do what?” Mom asks, her curiosity piqued.
“A bachelorette party,” Lea answers, starting the engine. I can see their excited glances in the rearview mirror.
I know they’re trying to make me feel better, and to be honest, buying this dress did help a bit. Maybe a bachelorette party will too.
“Okay, but you have to get me glitter champagne!” I love the stuff. It’s not some fancy two-hundred-dollar bottle, but it’s perfect for me and my girls.
“You got it, girl!” Ashlee and Lea high-five in the front seat.
Continue to the next chapter of The Alpha’s Arrangement