Badges and Bikes

Chapter 36

Ashton's POV***

At twelve o'clock, I walk into Burks, where I bought my prom and wedding dress. Mom and gma were right ahead of me. "Hi, mom and gma!" We hug as we always do in greeting. But this time I have a special request of them. "I have a huge favor to ask you both."

"Well what is it, baby?" Gma asked.

"I want you two to be my matrons of honor. My complete bridal party. Will you do it? Will you stand up with me?" I ask them both. I can tell that I had surprised them.

"But, sweety, wouldn't you rather have someone more your age?" Mom asked.

"No, I want you and gma. You both helped me get through David's cancer and death. I had my cousins as my first bridal party. Just as I wanted. This time I want you two."

"Well then! I say that I need to find the perfect dress!" Gma answers enthusiastically.

"So do I! My baby is getting married and I am one of the matrons of honor!" Mom smiled brightly and hugged me.

"Awesome! Now we only have less than an hour to shop for my dress. Let's do this!" I was very happy to have my two favorite women with me.

Martin Burk came to us and smiled. "Hello again! Are you here to buy a beautiful dress? Or to tell me that you agree to be my model for the dresses? Or dare I dream you came for both?" He gushed. I laughed. He says the same thing every time we see each other. No matter if I am shopping or we see each other out around town.

"Sorry, Mr. Burk! I am needing a dress. I am getting married next weekend. Do you have anything for me to look at?" I ask the gentle older man.

"Congratulations! I have a new shipment that I am tagging into inventory. Follow me to your new wedding dress." He led us toward the back of the shop.

It took me almost the entire lunch hour to find my dress. But I found it and it didn't need any alterations. That is why I love Burks. He always has my dress, no matter the occasion.

"You really are made to model formal wear. You have the perfect figure for any dress that I stock." Mr. Burk said as I walk out of the dressing room in my choice of dress.

"What do you think, mom? Gma?"

Their mouths are open in what I assume is wonder. At least I hope that is what this is. I turn in a circle as I held up the train. When I stop moving, Mr. Burk fixes the train so that it is spread out like a fan, on the floor behind me.

The dress itself was a sheath dress with spaghetti straps and made with silver lace. There was an underskirt of pearl white silk. It had a sweetheart bodice that is beaded. The train is a cathedral train, so it six feet long of the silver lace. The back is a low cut V, that ends at my hips.

Mom and gma start walking around me, eyeing all the details of the dress. When they were back in front of me, there were tears on both of their faces. Mom spoke first. "That dress was made for you! I think that it is the perfect choice for you. My beautiful baby!"

"What she said, baby! You are such a beautiful lady. That dress was made better when you put it on. Thane is going to be speechless when he sees you in it." Gma added.

"Thank you both for everything that you do for me! I love you both with all of my heart!" We hugged, then I went back to take the dress off. The sales associate helped me. She couldn't stop talking about the dress. How she had seen it yesterday and begged her boyfriend to propose to her so she could try the dress on. But he refused.

"Maybe it is time for a new boyfriend." I tell her.

"Well to his credit, we have only been dating three weeks." She laughed.