Say I Do

I stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror, barely recognizing the woman staring back. The cloud-like wedding dress fit me perfectly, I looked like a fairy tale princess. An unconventional choice, Mario had said but it was stunning. I didn’t actually think Giovanni would allow me wear the dress after the fitting. But somehow, standing here now, fully dressed and moments away from walking down the aisle, it felt different. My fingers found the bird necklace at my throat. I rubbed my thumb against the small metal. "Are you really keeping that necklace?" Claire asked softly from behind me. My grip tightened on it. "Yes." I thought about Christabel's laugh, my mother's worried face and Marco's promise that everything would be okay. I felt like crying. But what would that change? I was getting married already. "It's time!" Mario announced, sweeping into the room with the other designers trailing behind him. His eyes were bright with excitement that made me want to scream.