NO LONGER THERE

THE MOUNTAIN

AVERY GRACE REED

We closed the shop.

And a ninety minute appointment became an all day affair. The consultants didn't mind, though. The publicity they would get from me purchasing my wedding dress there, was worth more than the appointments they cancelled for the remainder of the day.

Three bottles of champagne and one bottle of sparking cider later, we had a wedding dress, a simple ball gown from Amsale's collection. It was an asymmetrical envelope neckline and drop waist skirt that fit like a dream. I had to add a Swarovski crystal belt, for Hershey and Roxy.

The entire crew was in tears, butI held it together until the video chat with Clarence. When Hershey turned the camera towards me, he didn't  speak. My daddy's words were becoming more difficult for him to formulate. I knew that. I also knew what he felt, before he struggled to add sound to his mouth's movements.

He wiped his face, sniffled and said, "My babygirl."

That's when I lost it. We celebrated, the consultants snapped a few pics, then we loaded back into the van. I was happy to be home, and dinner at my parent's house capped off the perfect day. We all cooked, even Lillian, well she peeled the potatoes.

Clarence gave us a much as hell as he could and Bryce joined us following his meetings. After a lively and interesting dinner, Nana, Hershey and Imani started to clear the table.

Bryce stood. "Could everyone have a seat? I have an announcement."

Nana paused. "Do I need a cigarette or more champagne?"

Bryce chuckled. "Both Nana, and I may have to join you for that cigarette."

Clarence and Bryce exchanged glances. I wondered what those two had gotten into.

Bryce started his announcement. "I'm excited about Aves deciding on her wedding dress today. That is as monumental as our engagement news so very long ago."

"Haha." I taunted from my seat.

"Well," he continued. "We now have a wedding dress and still, no date, but Dad and I have a solution."

"So you're going to pick a date to marry my daddy?" I joked.

Clarence slowly added, "Marry me, Prince Charming."

Bryce's cheeks lit up like the coils in a pre-heated stove. Clarence got to him every time.

"As alluring as that sounds, marrying one Reed is all my heart can stand. Instead, we have narrowed it down to three dates and tonight, we'll choose one."

I couldn't even be mad. I would have a wedding dress and no wedding date for years. So, I agreed and joined in the fun. Bryce and Clarence chose the night of our first date, the date of our engagement and Clarence's birthday. We all had to vote. The date with the most votes won.Clarence's birthday won unanimously. Every one was happy, especially Clarence.

***

With a wedding date and I regressed with concern about my hair.

I was no longer obsessed with it, just concerned. The pixie, though fire, was still thin, but Imani knew exactly how to make it look fabulous. Every woman needs an Imani in her life.

She and I met more often as we began to transition the Avery Speaks Hair column over to Imani's Hair Minute, and she was excited.

"I'm gonna have a guest interview next month."

My brain said, "Can my body get cold first?"

My mouth said, "An interview, that's new."

She laughed. "You freakin out ain't you?"