Love at the Little Wedding Shop by the Sea - Jane Linfoot Page 0,114
holds her tumbler out to Jess for a refill. ‘When I’m at the bar trying to decide between Rolling Wave or Half Pipe, quite often I have to have a pint of each.’
I mean, Immie doesn’t even work here. But she’s been such a force willing the wedding plans along, and as she’s in charge of the housekeeping team at the castle, there was no keeping her away.
I’m hoping Pixie’s not feeling overwhelmed with so much unexpected bustle. ‘I’m sorry there’s such a crowd of us, but everyone’s been so committed to putting your day together, they all wanted to come and wish you luck.’
Jess is smiling the beatific smile she saves for her proudest moments. ‘Under normal circumstances we’d have been working with you hand in hand all the way, not meeting you just before.’ Jess has carefully avoided the bridal words Pixie’s so wary of. And at least people have arrived one by one to introduce themselves.
Possibly because she’s sitting in a sea of gorgeous stilettos, Pixie looks completely at ease as she smiles around the room. ‘Even though Nic’s kept the details a secret he’s told me how much you’ve all done. It’s lovely to see you so I can thank you in person.’ She turns to me. ‘As for you, Milla, you’re a total star. If there’s anything I can ever do for you in return, you’ll have to let me know.’
I’m swallowing back the lump in my throat, fanning my face with my fingers like a teenager in an American High School movie. I manage to mumble. ‘Our pleasure … you’re very welcome … any time.’ And then it hits me. ‘Actually …’
‘Yes …?’ Pixie’s smiling at her over the glint of the strappy sandals, gently stroking a feather with her finger.
‘I’m hoping it’s not too much to ask, but I’d love to feature you on my Brides Go Wild blog.’
‘Really?’ Pixie tilts her head.
I’m rushing on while I can. ‘One of the most popular blog features is Six of the Best where different, interesting women try on half a dozen dresses and give their reactions. Sometimes we focus on dresses for a certain kind of venue, or a certain budget or, or by a featured designer.’
Jess is picking up the baton. ‘It would be brilliant to feature you trying dresses from the shop, Pixie.’
I’m grinning at Pixie. ‘We’ve never had a basketball player before.’
Pixie shrugs. ‘You want me to try on dresses from here?’
Holly’s clasping her hands. ‘If I took some quick pictures of you wearing them, it would help you to relax in front of the camera too.’
When Pixie wrinkles her nose she looks even more adorable. ‘I never considered trying on proper wedding dresses.’
Jess smiles at her. ‘It must all look very over the top to you on a first visit.’
Immie puts her hand on Pixie’s. ‘I know how you’re feeling, Pix. It took me a year and seven visits before I dared to try one. In the end they ambushed me with a blindfold, but I was so glad they did.’ Immie’s eyes are shining with tears. ‘The trouble was, I didn’t believe I could ever look beautiful. Not that you’d ever have that problem – but even if you aren’t wanting one, Sera’s dresses are so special they’re worth trying once in your life.’
Jess nods at the spangly sandal in Pixie’s hand. ‘On one unsuccessful dress appointment, Immie fell off some heels very like those and took the entire bridal display with her.’
Pixie laughs. ‘With my legs, I’d likely do the same. I’m warning you, it’d take quite a few of you to get me into a dress like the one in the window.’
I’m smiling because she’s picked on the biggest, most voluminous dress in the shop. ‘Luckily, there are plenty of us to help! And I promise you, most dresses will be easier to put on than that one.’
She gives a shrug. ‘It would be good to wave the flag for women in wheelchairs. We do get married too – not that anyone ever mentions it.’
I’m wary of offending her but I can’t skirt around it anymore. ‘There’s simply nothing out there. Women who can’t walk are entirely overlooked in the wedding world. It sounds fake if someone not disabled tests the dresses out, but you making the dresses look so good too will be really encouraging to people. And you’re the perfect person to talk about how the different styles work and which are most comfortable.’