Keep Me Safe

Chapter 42

Emily reached behind her to zip up the back of her dress. She turned around to face the mirror and was amazed by what she saw. The band around her waist accentuated her every curve and the chiffon covering her chest was ruffled in the most perfect way.

She pushed the curtain aside and stepped out into the room. Her friends' eyes widened and Spencer covered her mouth.

"Em, it's beautiful!" Spencer gasped.

"Well you're the one who picked it out!" Emily laughed.

"I know, I'm just," Spencer choked. "I'm so glad all of you could be my bridesmaids."

The girls gathered into a group hug which was interrupted by Josie, the saleswoman, tapping Spencer on her shoulder.

"Miss Hastings, your dress," she said with a smile.

Spencer took the heavy dress from Josie and turned around into the dressing room.

She unzipped the garment bag and carefully removed the dress. She held it in front of her for a moment, admiring it's beauty. The lace on the sleeves, the tight satin around the waist, the way the tulle flared out at the bottom. It was almost pointless... A dress you'd wear once, and why did you even need it? Why did you need some dress to symbolize your eternal love for someone? But it was somehow a very important piece of her day.

She stepped into it and pulled the skirt up around her waist. She carefully looped her arms into the lace sleeves and tugged the bodice over her chest. She called Melissa in to zip it up and her sister obliged.

"You're lucky this was so easy to put on," she said.

Spencer remembered what a pain in the ass Melissa's dress was. Having to clip on multiple layers of fluffy tulle, looping on additional corsets. Spencer had purposely chosen a simple design.

After her sister zipped up the back of the dress, she turned to Spencer.

"Spencer, I'm so happy for you. You deserve this so much. After everything you've been through..." She trailed off.

Spencer pulled her sister into a hug before she chose to show her friends. Melissa led her out of the dressing room and stepped aside.

Her friends gasped and Hanna stood up to survey her.

"It's absolutely perfect, Spence," Hanna breathed.

"I love it," Aria gushed.

Compliments from Paige and Emily ensued as well before Spencer finally took the dress off.

They left the store and Spencer gave the dress to Emily. She would keep it at her hotel until it was time to get ready tomorrow. Spencer went back to her own home, where she found Toby, Ezra, Travis, Jacob, and Daniel getting ready to leave.

"Hey, we're gonna go meet Mike for lunch. He's almost in from Chicago," Toby said.

"Sounds great, I'm just gonna get some things ready for the rehearsal and the bachelorette party," Spencer replied.

"Okay, I'll see you in a few hours then," Toby gave her a small kiss and walked out of the house.

She sat down at the island and watched them drive away, the snow fun a flurry in the air. Glitter in the Air played softly from the radio as Spencer's thoughts drifted to the first night they had spent together.

She watched as he fumbled with the door, trying to get it to shut. He eventually gave up and started to take his shirt off. Spencer couldn't look away. She was ashamed by how attracted to him she was. The entire night she had tried to suppress her feelings. It wasn't right, falling for Toby Cavanaugh. But she was, and she was in past the point of no return. He stepped out and lied down on the bed. Spencer got changed and stepped out of the bathroom, crossing her arms self consciously. Here she was, fully exposed. But Toby was already asleep. She sat down on the bed and scooted closer to him, unaware that this was the first of many nights they'd spend together.

The doorbell interrupted her thoughts. She stood up and traipsed to the door. She opened the door, and no one was there.

There was, however, a small crate of wine. Attached was a note.

"Here's an early wedding gift from your best friend. Have fun tomorrow, Spence. Don't let me worry you, my game starts after the honeymoon. I promise. -A(li)"

Spencer looked around in disbelief. But there it was. A lilting little giggle from the woods, and the strong scent of vanilla soap.

It was most definitely Ali.