“Not the pink,” Ellie Mae said. “Mama’s going to flip out over the black anyway, but over the pink it looks like I’m naked under the lace. That white does look pretty. What would it look like with white beading?”

Mitzi took out a drawer full of medium-size beads and laid some out in a double heart. “What do you think?”

“I love it.” Ellie Mae’s blue eyes glittered. “I’ll use a circlet of white roses in my hair with just a touch of black lace.”

“Maybe since your mama wants a veil, we could do something like this.” Mitzi picked up a beautiful black-lace hat with a wide brim and set it on Ellie Mae’s head. “This might be an option instead, and it looks lovely with your blonde hair.”

Ellie Mae turned toward a mirror and gasped. “Look at me! It’s so different, and I can wear my hair down in big waves. How about a pouf of black illusion at the back with a little bit trailing down my back?”

Mitzi took a roll of illusion from the shelf, cut off two yards, and using straight pins, fixed it to the back of the hat.

“Yes! That’s it. I love it. When can you get started?” Ellie Mae asked. “And can we keep it all under wraps? I’m not even sure I want Mama to see it before the wedding day.”

“The Perfect Dress has the same confidentiality laws as a therapist,” Mitzi told her. “I’ll get the dress drawn up, and you can come in on Friday to approve it.”

“Fantastic. Darrin will be wearing a white tux with a black-and-red paisley cummerbund, and I’m carrying red roses,” Ellie Mae said. “It’s all going to be beautiful.”

“Yes, it is, and very unusual. I may have to stock up on black lace after this. You could start a brand-new trend.” Mitzi had trouble keeping her mind off what Fanny Lou had said about Ellie Mae being an angel.

“That would be something, wouldn’t it? What time do I come by on Friday?”

Mitzi opened her appointment book. “How does eleven thirty work for you? You’ll approve the dress. I’ll take some measurements. We’ll be done in less than half an hour unless you want some adjustments. We’ll make your appointments for several fittings and get started on Monday morning.”

“Great. I’ll take an early lunch from my job. Thank you for everything.” Ellie Mae hugged her.

After sending Ellie Mae on her way, Mitzi carried her notes to the sewing room and slumped down in a wingback chair. “You’re never going to believe this. Ellie Mae Weston is getting married in black lace.”

“Does her mama know?” Jody asked.

“No, and we are sworn to secrecy,” Mitzi answered.