Marry Me at Christmas (Fool's Gold #19)(32)

Madeline showed her one. “We can wrap a pretty gold ribbon around them to make them festive and have them blend in with the color scheme. The candles that fit in here last between ten and fifteen hours. That means we can have them lit before everyone arrives. It will be really beautiful.”

Ginger sighed. “I love your ideas. The planters, the candles. They’re perfect.”

“Good.” Madeline made some notes. “Now about the cake.”

Ginger rolled her eyes. “I saw the one you suggested and the one my brother found. Seriously? This isn’t a White House wedding. What was he thinking?” She held up her hand. “Never mind. Don’t try to answer that. I like the smaller one you suggested. I love the idea of the white frosting with the green ribbon.”

“I’m glad. I’ve spoken with the cake person and she can put little gold leaves around the base, to tie in the colors.” She made more notes, then put down her pen. “Ready to try on dresses?”

“Yes, but I’m nervous, too.”

“That’s perfectly normal. Come on. I have a dressing room all set for you.” Madeline eyed her. “You’re a size six?”

“How did you know?”

“It’s my job. Samples are usually a ten. I have a few that are smaller. Based on our emails, I’ve put some aside for you to try on. I also have a couple I can order from other stores. Let’s try on a half dozen or so and narrow down the style.”

Ginger stood. Her brows drew together. “I don’t understand. I’m not getting my dress today?”

“I don’t know. You might. If not, we can do one more try-on session closer to the wedding. I’ve already reserved my best seamstress for the two days before Christmas. She can work miracles.” Madeline smiled at her. “Even though we’re getting this done quickly, you have to love your dress. It’s a rule.”

“If you insist.”

“I do.”

Madeline led the way toward the dressing room. “The gowns I’ve pulled are relatively simple. You’re petite and that means we have to be careful with proportions. You don’t want the dress to overwhelm you. You’re wearing it, not the other way around. You said you didn’t want a bunch of fussy details, so I avoided those.”

She opened the door and waved Ginger inside. “There are three dresses. Call me when you’re in the first one and I’ll come help with the buttons and zippers. Don’t worry about the fit. We’ll clip it so you can see what the dress will look like when it’s altered to fit you.”

An hour later they were in agreement that a modified A-line was the way to go. Ginger studied herself in the half circle of mirrors in the main part of the store.

“I like it,” she said, her tone doubtful.

Madeline stood behind her and adjusted a couple of the clips. The fit was okay, but the dress wasn’t the one, she thought.

“It’s too simple,” Madeline said. “There’s a difference between elegant and plain and we’ve crossed that line.”

Ginger nodded slowly. “You’re right. I want something.” She pointed at the neckline. “Lace or beading.”

“I agree. I have a couple of ideas. I’ll email you pictures and then get at least three dresses in right before Christmas.”

“Should we hold this one as a backup?”

“Absolutely.” Madeline knew they would find the right dress for Ginger, but also didn’t want the other woman worrying. If having a backup dress allowed her to let it go for the next couple of weeks, then they would have a backup dress.

After Ginger changed back into the street clothes, she walked out of the dressing room.

“You’ve been so great,” she said. “Thank you for all your help. There’s no way I could do my work and plan a wedding.”

“I’m happy to do it,” Madeline told her. “I’m having fun and learning a lot about planning a wedding. There are a lot of details. Your brother always has interesting ideas.”

She’d meant the comment to be teasing, but instead of smiling, Ginger shifted her backpack from one shoulder to the other.

“We should probably talk about him,” she said with a sigh.

Madeline felt herself flush. Oh, no. Was it that obvious that she had a thing for him? Was Ginger going to warn her off? Talk about humiliating.

“My brother is going to be a problem,” Ginger said softly. “It’s already started. That huge flower cake? What was he thinking? I’ve told him I want a small, simple wedding. He says he gets it and then he tries to buy a cake like that.”

Madeline nodded without actually getting the problem. “Too much involvement?” she asked.

“Trying to show me how much he cares.” Ginger pressed her lips together. “You two are friends, aren’t you?”

“I think so. He’s nice.” She didn’t know what else to say. Mentioning the tingles wasn’t appropriate. Talk about the weirdest conversation ever.

Ginger smiled. “Not many people would describe him as nice, but you’re right. He is. He loves me. A lot. Which shouldn’t be a problem. Only he wants me to know he loves me and, for Jonny, that means showing, not telling.”

“I don’t understand.”

“He can’t say the words. I think it’s all the loss he’s had in his life.”