Hailey's POV
"Hailey, you are not seriously dressing me in this, are you?" Liv asked, twirling in the light pink dress I had picked for her.
"You're the maid of honor, Liv. You have to stand out from the other bridesmaids," I responded, circling her slowly as I studied the dress.
"Please, no." She sighed, pulling at the tulle.
"Okay, maybe not this one. Pink is not your color. Maybe I'll flip it and have you wear sage green and the other bridesmaids this dusty pink. I doubt you want a gold dress. I just wasn't sure, because I feel like I always put you in green dresses."
"You're not wrong." We both laughed, thinking of the 10 green dresses Liv now owned because of me or Lucas.
"Want to try the gold then?"
"Maybe?" She seemed just as unsure as me.
"Let's do it. We have time to kill." I smiled, enjoying my one-on-one time with my best friend. She was looking so healthy again, with a beautiful glow back in her skin. Her rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes were another testament to her better health.
I had gold dresses brought to us in the large private dressing room Lucas had booked for us. He said he was my maid of honor, too, and decided to pay for all the bridesmaid dresses. I found it sweet, and of course, Liv rewarded his kindness in the way only a wife could. We were brought an array of gold dresses, which weren't nearly as tacky as I thought they would be.
Liv slipped into the first one rather quickly and fairly easily. The ultra-soft chiffon and slightly stretchy lace hugged her figure, accentuating her natural beauty. The off-the-shoulder design and V-neckline gracefully framed her clavicle and shoulders, adding a touch of allure to her look.
The floral lace splicing seamlessly blended with the flowy chiffon, creating a flared swing silhouette that perfectly suited her. The dress exuded a classic elegance that made her stand out as she effortlessly moved around. It was a versatile choice, suitable for various occasions. This dress was perfect for her and my wedding.
Her curly red hair cascaded down her shoulders, contrasting beautifully against the soft hues of the dress. Her pale skin glowed, and her icy blue eyes sparkled with excitement. As she stood in front of the mirror, her confidence radiated. She was a vision of grace and beauty, causing us both to smile.
"I love this." She nodded, assessing herself further as she looked at the back over her shoulder.
"I agree. Gold suits you."
We stared at her a moment longer before our sales associate came in to check on us. She looked at Liv, who gave her a nod of the head- some kind of symbol. Our sales associate disappeared immediately after, returning with a group of people. Hortensia poked her head in first, a mischievous glint in her eyes. After her came DeeDee, the twins Helena and Hilda, and lastly, Mami.
"What are you guys doing here?" I hugged each one as they entered, feeling happy but concerned to see them.
"They're here to dress shop with you. It's your turn, Hails. You've been putting it off and it's time." Liv flashed me a wide grin from her spot, revealing she was the mastermind behind this plan.
We all spoke for a while as our associate went and gathered all the dresses I asked for. I knew them by name and style, having looked at countless designs of dresses. The thought of designing my own had crossed my mind a time or two, but it's too big of a task for me to do on my own. The first dress came, a simple mermaid gown, but it wasn't for me. I didn't like the way my hips looked in that one. I quickly ruled out the mermaid gowns, moving on to A-line dresses next. Those dresses didn't have enough flare for me, which had me trying on ball gowns next.
I was excited as I stepped into this dress. It's fun to have a dress so big you can't slip it over your head. One you can step out of and it would still be left standing. With some help from Mami and Liv, I managed to get dressed. Slowly, I made my way towards the mirrors, holding the large skirt up to walk in easily. It felt as if time held still, seeing my reflection in the mirror.
I couldn't help but be amazed by the stunning detail of the gown. It had a long train that added a touch of grandeur, while the delicate white design seemed to come straight out of a photorealistic painting. It was like wearing a work of art, with its soft sculpture-like texture and realistic detailing. The lace and decorative beads were intricately done, giving the dress a pop of elegance and charm. It was clear that the designers had taken inspiration from photorealistic renderings and blended it with their own creative touch. The result was a dress that felt both unique and stylish.
Running my fingers over the fabric, I smiled brightly. It was more than just a gown; it was a piece of art that I would get to wear on my special day. It was a dress that would make me feel like a work of art myself as I walked down the aisle. I couldn't wait to show it off to my loved ones and create lasting memories in this gown.
"It's perfect," everyone whispered.
We all cheered, popped some champagne, and celebrated. I was beyond ecstatic, feeling giddy all over, more than ready for my wedding day. I couldn't wait for Ian to see me, to see this dress, and later to tear it off me. Well, maybe not tear. After some celebrating, Mami and my sisters left, leaving Liv and me to finish checking out.
"Thank you, Liv." I hugged her, feeling closer to her than before. If that's even possible anymore.
"I am glad you found your dress, Hails. It's beautiful, unique, and a little over the top, just like you." She laughed, teasing me as she poked my cheek.
"You love that part of me."
"I really do," she admitted. "I can't wait to see how your children will turn out."
The topic had yet to be discussed since my molar pregnancy. The thought of children, which once brought me happiness and hope, now scares me more than anything. Of course, I still want to be a mother. I have so much love to give, but I am unsure if I can put myself through this again. My chances of having another one are still rare, but they are higher than those of an average person. I was in the clear now and was allowed to try to have a baby. But Ian and I have sort of pushed that aside and stayed focused on the wedding. I think we were both avoiding the topic, unsure of how the other felt about it.
"I don't know if I can do it again," I whispered, feeling my heart break at the memory. Liv quickly wrapped her arms around me and embraced me tightly. Her hands rubbed my back comfortingly as she began to speak.
"I can't imagine what that must have been like for you. But Hails," she pulled away to look me dead in the eyes, "you have to be a mom. You have the largest heart and most nurturing personality. You are the wisest person I know. In fact, let me tell you what you once told me. You won't know until you try."
"Liv."
"Listen, Hails. I know you're scared, but you told me the same thing when I was scared of taking a chance on Lucas. The possibility of having another molar pregnancy is there, but it is low. Will you truly give up on being a mother because of it?"
"It's just scary. I don't know if I could go through that again."
"I know, Hails. I am so sorry you ever had to go through that. Let me just start by saying, I can't tell you how to feel, but as your best friend, I can tell you that you can't give up on being a mom. There are other options if you really are that scared. Just don't set aside the thought. Don't give up on it, okay?" She squeezed my hands, holding my gaze with those icy blue eyes of hers.
"Yeah, okay." I nodded.
I know she is right. I shouldn't give up on the idea. But after everything we went through, I just wasn't sure if it was the right call for me anymore. The heartache I experienced was unlike any other, it almost broke me completely. I can't go through that again. It scares me more than anything. But can I really give up on the idea of being a mom? Of holding a child I created with Ian and loving it with every fiber of my being. I need to talk to Ian.