Wildflower Wedding by Luann McLane Page A

COLORFUL ARRAY OF dresses strewn across her bed and groaned. Nothing was right for the retro dance. “I really should have gone shopping,” she lamented with a sigh, but there just wasn’t enough time in the day to get all of her work done and shop as well. If Miss Patty and her crew hadn’t jumped in to help out, she’d still be downstairs making corsages. Hiring Joy was going to really be a godsend.
    Gabby had originally planned on wearing one of her sundresses that looked a bit retro, but suddenly nothing seemed right. She glanced at the digital clock on her nightstand and felt a little surge of alarm. Reese would be arriving soon. She’d just have to pick one out and go with it, but just as she reached for the buttercup yellow eyelet dress, she heard a knock at the back entrance to her apartment. Crap. He was early. She cinched the belt on her robe tighter and hurried through her kitchen to let him in. She’d have to offer him a beer while she got ready.
    Gabby opened the door and shook her head in surprise. “Addison!” She stepped aside to let her friend and fellow Wedding Row shop owner in. “Hey, girl, it’s good to see you. What brings you here?”
    Addison held up a dress sheathed in plastic. “Maggie told me you were going to the dance at Whisper’s Edge. I know you probably already have a dress picked out and this is so last minute, but I just got a shipment of bridesmaids’ dresses at the shop. These look like the famous Marilyn Monroe halter-top dress. I thought this white one would be perfect, so I hurried over.” She pulled the plastic off and held the dress up. “What do you think? It even has the pleated skirt. But hey, if you’re not interested my feelings won’t be hurt.”
    â€œNo, it’s so pretty! Addison, you won’t believe it but I was just lamenting my lack of choices of what to wear. I’ve just been swamped lately.”
    Addison smiled. “I figured that. And since you have a date with Reese Marino . . .”
    â€œHow did you know I was going with Reese?”
    â€œAre you kidding? New travels faster in Cricket Creek than it did when I lived in L.A. Just like I know that Drew Gibbons has set his sights on you too.”
    Gabby chuckled. “The Miranda Lambert song is right about everybody dying famous in a small town.”
    Addison chuckled. “Well, I don’t mean to butt my nose into your business, but I’ve learned that’s kind of par for the course here. But mostly in a good way. Everybody just cares. Let me see, I guessed you to be about a size six?”
    Gabby nodded. “Yes, but I’m so doggone short. Do you think it will be too long?”
    Addison angled her head to the side. “The beauty of this style is that it can be a little bit long on you and still look good. It’s not a petite but we can adjust the halter top. As long as it fits in the waist, we’re good to go. Like I said, it’s totally your call.” She wiggled it back and forth. “But do me a favor and at least try it on.”
    â€œOkay.” Gabby nodded and then took the dress from Addison. “If Reese arrives will you keep him entertained?”
    â€œNo problem.”
    â€œThank you, Addison!” After feeling like a bit of an outcast in high school, she found it was nice to have friends in Cricket Creek. She’d just been so shy and insecure back then. Gabby hurried to her bedroom, shed her robe, and put the dress on. When she gazed at her reflection in the full-length mirror, she put her hand on her throat. Was it too sexy? “Addison, will you come in here and tell me what you think?”
    â€œSure!” A moment later she appeared in the doorway. “Oh, Gabby! A little bit long, but other than that it’s perfect on you.”
    â€œDoes it show too much skin?”
    â€œNot in my opinion.” Addison shook her head. “Unless of