“I’m fine.” Paula put a hand lightly to her cheek. She had brushed a little blush on after applying her lipstick. It mustn’t have been enough to hide the sallow reflection she’d looked at in the mirror this morning. “It’s been a busy few days.”

“Yes, Dan told me about Ted and Heather’s dilemma.” Rowena shook her head then flicked back the wisp of hair that fell over her eyes. She clicked her tongue. “Why Ted would take such a risk I do not know.”

“Dan said he’s had some tough times.” Paula wondered when Dan had spoken to Rowena. It must have been early this morning before he’d taken the header part that needed fixing in to town.

“He’s just made them a whole lot tougher.” Rowena strode to the door. “Now, I’ll try on the first outfit. I don’t want you to give me your decision until you’ve seen all three.”

Paula felt a puff of breeze as the door swished on its hinge. She watched the door settle back in its place and unexpectedly felt on edge herself. This was a big moment for her to share with Rowena.

Paula recalled shopping for her own wedding dress with her mother and her sisters. It had been a lot of fun, even though the timeline had been short. Rowena didn’t have family and Paula wasn’t aware of any women who could be classed as close friends, although surely there must be some.

The baby did a slow stretch, pushing a tiny bump in the side of her tummy. “Do you want to have a look too?” Paula whispered.

“Ready for number one?” Rowena called.

“Yes.” Paula cleared her throat as her reply came out in a squeak.

Rowena slid into the room in an ankle-length cream outfit. It was absolutely beautiful, but not at all what Paula had imagined Dan’s aunt would choose. The skirt draped delicately to her ankles. The short-sleeved top had some kind of pintucking stitched diagonally so that it skimmed over Rowena’s non-existent stomach and exquisite floral work adorned one hip and the opposite shoulder.

“It’s gorgeous,” Paula said with a flood of relief.

“Are you sure?” Rowena rubbed her hands down her hips.

“Yes, the cut is just right. Have you lost weight?” Rowena was always trim but she looked positively svelte in her outfit.

“I’ve been trying to watch what I eat and I’ve done a lot more walking lately. Austin plans for us to travel and some of the places he wants to go require more fitness than I thought I had.” She spun slowly. “I like this but thought it a bit too,” she flicked her fingers in the air, “too ‘bridey’ for someone of my age.”

“But you are a bride, I think it’s…”