Swinging me around, Jess rolls her eyes. “No, you look amazing.” She gestures at the form fitting gown. “The only thing this dress is going to do is get you laid.” She giggles. “And possibly a ring on that left finger of yours.”

“Shh.” I hold my finger up to my lips. “I don’t want to jinx Alec’s proposal. He’s been a little weird lately and I know he’s nervous about making this commitment.”

“He’s crazy if he doesn’t know that you’re the best thing that’s happened to him.” Jess rolls her eyes.

Jess and I have had this conversation before. Many times.

“Of course. We’ve been through a lot. Me starting my label and Alec getting through law school, now he’s working long hours at the firm. But, I think we’re finally ready to take the next step.”

“Let’s put Alec on pause right now. This is about you and your hard work.”

“Everyone on the team’s hard work.” I interject.

“Right, but without you there is no Emma Belle Bridal, so get moving, missy.”

Jess swats at my butt to shoo me back toward the stage where I make it just in time to watch the first model step out onto the runway.

The venue is lit up with soft white lights that bounce off the shiny pink runway. The music which is a classic bridal song remixed with an upbeat dance song sets the perfect tone for the sophisticated, yet flirty gowns I have designed. While this isn’t my first collection, it’s the first that I’m showing to the world. My fingernail finds its way to my mouth automatically. It’s a bad habit that prevents me from keeping a decent manicure. Alec thinks it’s gross. I’m glad I never told him that I used to bite my toenails as a kid, he’d likely never kiss me again. Speaking of Alec, I pull my gaze from the runway to scan the audience. It’s packed. Every seat is filled, which makes my stomach flip with nervous excitement. But, I don’t see Alec. He might be running late or just slipped in and is watching from the back.

I do see the buyers from Bloomingdales and Bergdorf’s. I watch anxiously as they point at the model walking by, then furiously write something down on their notepads, eyeing each other suspiciously before turning back to watch the next model advance. While I have always enjoyed designing custom pieces, and I have for some friends and social acquaintances, I love the idea of my gowns being available to the masses to shop in department stores and bridal boutiques across the country.