The Love Story Between Sophie Thompson And Niall Horan

Chapter 29 Saying Yes To The Dress

April 24th 2016

Sophie's Point Of View

Today is the day I've been dreaming about since I was a little girl—I'm picking up the dress I'll wear to become Mrs. Horan. I'm surrounded by some of the most important people in my life: my mom, my younger sister Kathrine, and my older sister Danielle, who has her 3-month-old son, Freddie, sleeping peacefully in the stroller. My youngest sister, Sarah, couldn't join us because she's in school, but she's with us in spirit. Also with me are my three closest friends—Maya, who is 12 weeks pregnant and expecting her baby in March, Layla, and my childhood best friend Katie.

As we walk into the dress shop, we're greeted by a smiling woman. "Hi, my name is Megan, and I'll be helping you find the perfect dress today! Who's the bride?"

Everyone instantly points at me, and I can't help but smile as I raise my hand slightly. "That would be me," I say, my heart fluttering with excitement.

Megan smiles warmly, her eyes lighting up. "Wonderful! Congratulations! Today is all about you, so let's make sure we find the dress that makes you feel absolutely perfect."

I can feel my mom and sisters beaming behind me, and the energy from my friends is contagious. Megan gestures for us to follow her as she leads the way through the elegant boutique, rows of delicate fabrics and intricate gowns hanging in soft, glimmering light.

"We have a few dresses set aside based on what you mentioned when you first came in for your fitting," Megan explains as we walk. "But feel free to take a look around. If you see anything that catches your eye, don't hesitate to let me know."

As we reach the back of the shop, Megan pulls aside a delicate ivory gown with lace detailing and a flowing train. "This one," she says, "was one of your top picks."

I take a deep breath, suddenly feeling the weight of the moment. I glance at my mom, who's already wiping away a tear, and at Kathrine and Danielle, who both nod encouragingly. Maya, Layla, and Katie are all buzzing with excitement, snapping photos and chatting eagerly.

"I think this is it," I whisper, my voice catching slightly. Megan beams and carefully hands me the dress, leading me to the fitting room. As I step inside, I can feel the butterflies in my stomach fluttering wildly. The moment is here, and it's everything I imagined it would be.

Once the dress is on, Megan helps me adjust it, carefully smoothing out the delicate lace and making sure every detail is perfect. I step out of the fitting room, and the room falls silent for a moment as everyone takes in the sight of the dress.

My mom gasps softly, her hand going to her mouth. "Oh, Sophie... you look stunning."

Danielle's eyes are wide with amazement as she rocks Freddie's stroller gently. "That's beautiful. Just perfect for you."

Kathrine smiles brightly. "It's like it was made for you."

Maya, Layla, and Katie are already whispering to each other, taking pictures and gushing. "It's so you," Katie says, stepping forward to get a closer look at the intricate lace details. "You look like a dream."

I stand in front of the mirror, my heart racing as I take in the sight of myself in the dress. It's everything I've ever wanted—elegant, timeless, and romantic. The lace sleeves, the fitted bodice, the way the train cascades softly behind me—it feels like the dress was designed with me in mind.

But I'm not ready to say yes just yet. "Let's try a few more," I say, glancing at Megan, who nods understandingly.

Over the next hour, we try on several more dresses—some with flowing skirts, others with sparkles and tulle. Each one is beautiful in its own way, but none of them make me feel quite like the first dress did.