Marry Me at Christmas (Fool's Gold #19)(67)

She opened the door to the dressing room. Jonny took one look at his sister and sighed.

“That’s awful,” he admitted. “It’s what? Too big?”

“Too much dress,” Madeline told him. “Ginger is petite. She needs a gown that flatters her rather than overwhelms her. Go sit. She’ll be out in a few minutes.”

He retreated. She closed the door. Ginger stared at her.

“That was good,” Jonny’s sister said. “You totally handled the situation without making him feel bad.”

“He did a sweet thing. He really loves you.”

Ginger nodded slowly. “Yeah, he does. I’m very lucky. It’s nice how you understand him.”

Madeline got a little nervous about where the conversation was going, so she hurried over to help Ginger out of the big dress. Rosalind took it away while Madeline got Ginger into one of the dresses she’d ordered.

“This is my favorite,” Madeline admitted. “If it looks as good as I hope it will, you’re going to be stunning.”

The dress was a beautiful creamy ivory lace covering a white silk sheath. The two-tone effect was subtle, but added a depth that was elegant. The neckline was a deep V, front and back. The dress was sleeveless and a modified trumpet style—fitting to midthigh before flaring out. Rather than being too puffy, the skirt draped, giving a nod to the modern style without overwhelming the wearer. In the back, the fabric pooled into a beautiful brush train.

“I love it,” Ginger breathed as Madeline pulled up the zipper.

“There’s more,” Madeline told her, then reached for the beaded ribbon belt. It was the same creamy ivory as the lace, with hand-sewn beading on the front. She tied it in place, then smoothed the ends of the ribbon.

“If this is the one, when we get it fitted, we’ll have the belt bow sewn into place. Then we’ll cut it and add a couple of sturdy snaps to hold it closed for the day. The last thing you want to worry about is tying the bow over and over again.”

Ginger blinked quickly. “Why am I crying?”

“You’re supposed to cry when you find the right dress. Come on, let’s go show your brother.”

Madeline grabbed Ginger’s shoes and followed her to the front of the store. Jonny came to his feet as his sister entered, then whistled.

“Sis, you’re stunning.”

“Isn’t the dress beautiful?” Ginger asked, wiping away tears. “I love it.”

Madeline got her up on the platform, then helped her into her shoes. Ginger turned and viewed herself from every angle. Madeline showed her how the dress could be bustled.

“We’ll add extra loops and buttons,” she said, holding the train up. “From the back, it looks fantastic and the front lines are still perfect. You’ll be comfortable, able to dance and look good in pictures.”

She straightened and Ginger threw herself at her.

“Thank you,” the other woman breathed. “This is perfect. I love this dress so much. I can’t believe how much you’re helping me.”

Madeline hugged her back. “You’re welcome. I’m having a great time.”

Over Ginger’s head, she saw Jonny watching her. When their eyes met, she felt a tug that went clear down to her heart. It had nothing to do with sexual attraction and everything to do with the man himself. The feelings were deep and overwhelming.

What she’d been experiencing hadn’t been star power or even hanging out with a really great guy. It had been love. She’d fallen in love with him. Maybe the first day, maybe over time. However it had happened, she was in it now. Totally and completely in love with Jonny Blaze. What on earth was she supposed to do about that?

* * *

After Ginger’s fitting, she and Jonny went off to finalize wedding plans. Madeline did her best to act normal, despite the voice screaming in her head. In love with Jonny Blaze? What had she been thinking? Only there hadn’t been thinking. There’d been her heart, falling for a man she could never have. Not only was he totally famous and rich and who knew what else while she was the definition of ordinary, there was his whole fear of commitment. He couldn’t even tell his sister he loved her. How on earth would he ever allow himself to care about anyone else? Madeline knew she was completely doomed. It was not a happy revelation only a few days before Christmas.

She walked through town on her way to lunch with her friends. The store windows were glowing with lights and holiday decorations. All around tourists shopped for last-minute gifts. People called out greetings to each other. Madeline did her best to smile and wave, all the while telling herself she was going to have to get it together before she got to Jo’s. Otherwise, everyone would guess something was wrong.

When she reached the restaurant, she paused to draw in a few deep breaths. She could do this, she told herself. Act normal. She opened the door and walked in.

She was the last one to arrive. She saw that Shelby had saved her a seat. Bailey was there, along with Taryn and Felicia. Isabel had gone away with Ford for a few days before family festivities. Dellina saw her and grinned, then motioned her over.

“How’s it going?” Dellina asked as she approached the table. “Have you found a new career as a wedding planner or are you ready to pull your hair out?”

Before Madeline could answer, Dellina turned back to the table. “You all know that Madeline is planning Jonny Blaze’s sister’s wedding, right? I’ve been hearing from my vendors that you’re doing a fantastic job, by the way. Everyone is loving the choices you’ve made.” She paused. “Oh, God. I’m talking too much, aren’t I? I had four lattes this morning. It’s the caffeine. I’ll be quiet now.”