“Did you get a chance to try the dress on yet?”
“Not yet. She’s bringing it over today.”
“Oh, I can’t wait. Dad was raving about it. Said it’s gorgeous. Oh, and little Mikey is so excited. He told everyone at preschool that his grandma is throwing a big party.”
Liv chuckled, imagining her four-year-old grandson babbling non-stop.
“Tell him grandma can’t wait to see him.”
They chatted about trivial things a little longer, and then Nikki said goodbye, mentioning she was busy with last-minute arrangements.
Liv set down the phone, once again left alone with her thoughts.
The doorbell rang exactly 30 minutes later. Miss Evelyn Reed stood on the porch holding a large garment bag, smiling warmly.
“Hello, Mrs. Sutton. I brought your beautiful gown. I hemmed the bottom as you requested and adjusted the darts. I believe it fits perfectly now.”
“Thank you so much,” Liv said, welcoming her inside and leading her to the bedroom.
The seamstress carefully removed the dress from the bag, and Liv admired it once more. It was absolutely stunning. The fabric shimmered gently. The emerald hue was deep and elegant. The cut highlighted her waist while subtly hiding a small tummy. The three-quarter sleeves covered her arms gracefully.
“A truly professional touch, no doubt.”
“Please try it on,” Miss Reed suggested. “I’ll make sure everything is perfect.”
Liv nodded and stepped behind the screen. She slipped out of her casual clothes and into the dress. The zipper went up smoothly. The fabric hugged her curves without feeling tight. She stepped out and faced the mirror.
“Oh,” the seamstress clapped her hands. “How beautiful it looks on you. Look at that waist, that poise. You will absolutely shine at the party.”
Liv studied her reflection and saw a refined woman in an exquisite gown. Yes, it was flattering. Yes, she looked amazing.
Yet, why did a lingering unease still haunt her? A nagging sense of unease.
She ran her fingers over the fabric along the hem, across the waist. Everything seemed fine. What could possibly be wrong with the dress?
“The lining is natural silk,” Ms. Reed explained, highlighting the details. “Your husband wanted everything made from the finest materials. And by the way, he requested hidden pockets in the side seams for your phone or a tissue.”
Liv nodded, only half listening. She tried to pinpoint what felt wrong, but nothing appeared amiss. Maybe she really was just being overly anxious.
“I believe everything is perfect,” the seamstress concluded. “If you have no questions, I should be going. I have another client waiting.”
“Yes. Thank you so much for your work.”
Liv removed the dress, changed into her casual clothes, and escorted Miss Reed to the door. Once alone, she hung the gown on a padded hanger in the closet and stood for a long time gazing at it.
Beautiful, costly, crafted with care and love.
Or maybe not.
Don’t wear the dress from your husband.
Her father’s voice echoed in her mind once again, and Liv knew she couldn’t simply dismiss the dream. There was something urgent, something real about it that demanded attention.
She closed the closet, stepped back, and sank onto the bed. She had to figure out her next move.
Tomorrow was the party, and this damn dress.
Mark returned home for lunch as he had promised. Liv heard the front door slam, his footsteps in the hallway, kicking off shoes. She sat in the kitchen with a cup of cold tea and flinched at the sound of his footsteps.
“So, did the dress arrive?” he called from the hallway.
“Yes, everything’s fine,” she replied, trying to keep her tone even.
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