The Past Within - Mialotte - TNN

Dresses and Suits

Charlotte had been looking forward to this day for weeks. As she stood in front of the boutique, she felt a rush of excitement, mixed with a healthy dose of nerves. She had never imagined going dress shopping for her wedding with a daughter in tow, let alone someone as special as Jemma, the little girl who had quickly become the centre of her world.

Jemma, with her boundless energy, was already bouncing up and down, her tiny hand tightly gripping Charlotte's. On her other side was Marjorie, smiling warmly, clearly as excited as Charlotte. It wasn't just another shopping trip—it was a moment that symbolized so much. After everything they had been through, it was a step toward their future. Charlotte was marrying Mia, and they were about to officially become a family.

"You ready?" Marjorie asked, giving Charlotte a nudge.

Charlotte exhaled, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and nerves. "I think so," she replied, squeezing Jemma's hand before looking down at her. "Are you ready to help me find the perfect dress, little lady?"

Jemma grinned up at her, her eyes shining with excitement. "Yes, Mommy! Can I help you pick it out?"

"Of course, sweetheart," Charlotte smiled, her heart warming at how easily Jemma had begun calling her "Mommy." It still took her breath away sometimes. "I need my best girl's opinion."

They stepped inside the boutique, greeted by the soft glow of chandeliers and racks of beautiful, flowing wedding gowns. The shop owner, a kind older woman named Beth, approached them with a welcoming smile.

"Welcome, ladies! Who's the bride-to-be?" Beth asked, her eyes twinkling as she looked between them.

"That would be me," Charlotte said, a little shy but smiling brightly.

"And who's this lovely young lady?" Beth knelt down to Jemma's level.

"I'm Jemma," she replied proudly. "I'm helping my Mommy find her dress."

"Well, I think we have the perfect team here then," Beth said with a wink before straightening up. "Now, Charlotte, tell me—what kind of dress are you imagining?"

Charlotte glanced around at the different dresses—lace, satin, long trains, simple cuts. She had never really pictured what she wanted her wedding dress to look like, not until Mia had proposed. Now, she was feeling a bit overwhelmed by the options.

"I'm not sure," Charlotte admitted. "Something simple, but elegant. I want to feel like me, but... special, you know?"

Beth nodded, understanding exactly what Charlotte meant. "I think I know just the thing. Why don't you and your little helper take a look around while I pull a few options?"

Marjorie guided Charlotte toward the racks, giving her arm a gentle squeeze. "Don't overthink it. You're going to look beautiful no matter what."

Charlotte smiled gratefully at her friend, but before she could respond, Jemma was tugging at her hand. "Mommy, look at this one!" Jemma pointed to a gown with delicate lace sleeves and a flowing skirt. "It's so pretty!"

Charlotte crouched down to Jemma's level, examining the dress. "You think this one's pretty, huh?" she asked.

Jemma nodded enthusiastically. "It looks like a princess dress!"

Charlotte smiled, running her hand over the soft fabric. "It does, doesn't it? Maybe we should try it on."

Marjorie chuckled softly from behind them. "I'm pretty sure whatever Jemma picks will be perfect."

They spent the next hour looking through dresses, with Jemma darting between the racks, excitedly pointing out different gowns. Charlotte found herself gravitating toward simpler designs—soft, flowing skirts with minimal embellishments. She tried on a few dresses, each one bringing a different smile or giggle from Jemma.