After Hours

Chapter 22

Standing on the pedestal, I slowly glance around the room. My reflections surround me, the mirrors giving me a view of each angle. The dress is tight on my upperbody and flows out just above my hips. It's an off-the-shoulder dress. The top is lace, along with the sleeves. An overwhelming surge of emotions floods my body and I gasp as a tear slips down my cheek. There's a knock on the door so I quickly wipe away the tears. "Come in."

Sam gasps. "It's beautiful! I love it."

"Me too," I reply softly.

Noticing my change in mood, she glances up at my face. "Oh, Emery. What's wrong?"

I shake my head. "Nothing. This is all just overwhelming, that's all."

She frowns. "You know, if you're not ready for this you need to tell him."

Another tear slips down my cheek and I take a deep breath. "It's not that. It's just... he's a king and I'm just a servant. I don't feel like I'm good enough for him and he comes with a lot of baggage - the house, cars, money. It's not who I am."

"But you've been doing so well lately. You have your own money," she points out.

"That's true but it's nothing compared to what he has."

"Are you sure you want to do this?" she asks.

Before I can answer, my phone begins ringing and she quickly hands it to me. I take a calming breath before answering it. "Hello?"

"Hey," Jasmine says. "Jackson said you wanted to hang out again so I came home for a while. Where are you?"

"I'm shopping with a friend. I can text you the address," I say.

"Sounds good. I'll see you soon."

Hanging up, I quickly text her the address. I hand Sam my phone before stepping down from the pedestal. "Now I need to find some shoes to go with it," I say.

She smiles, following me out of the large dressing room. One of the workers helps me find the perfect pair of wedges in my size. I stand, testing the wedges to make sure they're somewhat comfortable since I'll be dancing and walking in them for an entire day. When I hear the bell ring, I glance over to find Jasmine walking past the wedding dresses to the more casual dresses. "Excuse me, ma'am. Would you like to be my maid of honor?" I ask, leaning against one of the shelves.

She turns around with furrowed eyebrows but when she sees me in the dress, her jaw drops and her eyes immediately fill with tears. "Are you serious?" she asks.

I nod, smiling although my eyes are also beginning to fill with tears. "So what do you say? Will you be my maid of honor?"

She wipes away her tears as she closes the space between us. "Of course," she says, hugging me. "This is incredible. I can't believe you two finally came to your senses and realized you are meant to be."

I smile, rubbing her back. "Me too. You pushed us together so thank you."

She pulls away with a grin. "You're welcome. You look absolutely stunning. I'm going to find a dress."

"My friend Sam is here as well," I say, leading her towards the dressing rooms where Sam is waiting. "You two should find a dress that you both like so all of the bridesmaids match."

"Who else is going to be in the wedding party?" Jasmine asks, stopping and looking at a few dresses.

"So far it's just you, Sam, and I think Zach," I frown, thinking about Danielle. "And I guess I should ask my sister."

As we reach the dressing rooms, Sam walks out wearing a beautiful dark blue floor length dress. It has a band of jewels just below her breasts and is covered in glitter. I immediately fall in love with it. "I love you already," Jasmine smiles. "That dress is perfect."

Sam smiles before slowly spinning. "I think this is the one."

"Great. If they don't have another in your size then we can order it," I tell Jasmine. "My treat."

After Sam changes out of her dress, I make quick introductions before doing into the dressing room to change back into my clothes. Looking in the mirror now, I can't help but smile. In less than a month, I will be Emery Lancaster. It's different but there's a certain ring to it. Folding the dress over my arm, I leave the dressing room. "One of the workers found the dress in her size so she tried it on and it fit," Sam says.

I nod. Jasmine exits a moment later with her dress and we make our way up to the cash register. The total almost makes me faint but I try not to pay much attention to it as I swipe the card. They bag our dresses, placing mine in a thick canvas bag which I am thankful for. I'd hate for it to get ruined.

After a late lunch where Jasmine and I enjoy a couple margaritas, Sam drives us back to the house. Jasmine announces she is going to get some rest and Sam says she needs to get ready for work so Franklin drives them home. After hanging my dress in the closet, I lay on the bed and call Jackson. "Jackson Lancaster," he answers.

"Hey," I say softly, closing my eyes.

"Emery," he says, surprised I think. "How is your day so far?"

"It was great," I pause, opening my eyes. "But it'd be a lot better if you were here."

There's a long moment of silence. "I'm at work," he says softly. "I have to get things in order before the wedding. Before the honeymoon."

"I understand," I reply, trying not to sound disappointed. "I'll see you tonight, Mr. Lancaster.

I can sense his smile. "Until then Mrs. Lancaster."

I inhale, my lips twitching up into a smile. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, baby. I'll be home as soon as I can."

"Okay."

Hanging up, I groan. I don't feel like working but I also don't feel like waiting around the house. Deciding that I should do something productive, I get dressed and head downstairs to await Franklin's return.

**************************

Vote ★ Comment ★ Follow