to live for the hope of it all.

Chapter 84

August 20th, 2024

"And that's how it works,
That's how you get the girl..."

Bailey

"Hey this one is just like that white sweater of yours," Wren smiled, holding up a blue sweater from the rack. "But just in maroon."

"Add it to the pile," I told her, and then turned back to the dress in front of me.

They weren't something I wore often, only on certain occasions. But this short floral one had caught my eye when we walked in and I haven't been able to decide if I wanted to get it yet or not. It wasn't fancy, it had long sleeves and a square neckline. The base color was brown, but it had flowers covering every bit of it in pastel colors.

"Bailey, that's so pretty!" Delilah said, moving to my side and touching the hem of the dress. "You should try it on!"

Sweet Lilah, never change.

"I think I will," I smiled, grabbing the dress from the rack and moving towards the changing rooms. There was one open on the far end, and I was just about to change into it when my phone buzzed.

Beckett: How's it going?

And suddenly, my heart was racing as I wondered what Beckett would think of this dress. I knew he was worried about me, but today had actually been really good. Anna and Delilah worked hard to make today easier, and having Wren with me was always a comfort.

Me: Really good, we've reached the end of the mall. I think we're gonna head home after this store.

His response was immediate, and I could just picture him sitting on the couch waiting for us to get back.

Beckett: Did you get a lot? I can't wait for the haul later.

Me: I feel like your mom and Wren picked out most of it, but I'm happy with it all. I'm trying on a dress I picked out.

The bubbles popped up for a moment, and then they disappeared. Taking his silence as the end of the conversation, I changed into the dress.

And I was right. I knew I loved it. It fit perfectly, and I loved the way the sleeves weren't tight, but instead flowy around my arms. And I loved the way it hugged my waist, and cut off just above my knees. My phone buzzed again, and I scrambled to pick it up.

Beckett: Could I see?

Leave it to Beckett to be able to make my heart race this fast through a text message. I wondered if the butterflies in my stomach would ever go away when he talked to me, because we've already been dating for 6 months and they haven't faded even a little bit.

I bit my lip in thought, but it was useless because it was obvious I would cave. Letting my hair loose from the ponytail I had it in, I made quick work of adjusting the waves over my shoulders. It took a few tries, but eventually I took a photo I was happy with before sending it to him. I could hear my heartbeat in my ears as I waited anxiously for his reply, and when one came through, I thought my heart was exploding.

Beckett: When we get settled in Pennbrook, I'm taking you on a date as soon as possible. That dress is mandatory, Bailey.

My cheeks flushed, and I felt that familiar heat in my stomach that's been making an appearance around him lately. I set my phone down before changing back into my clothes and heading back out to the girls.

"Ready to go?" Anna smiled. I nodded before following them to the register, but the dress was plucked from my hands as we got there. I turned to face Wren with a confused glance.