“And the way we always voted on which one was the best of the whole show?” Paula cut out Chantilly lace to cover the satin bodice of a dress.

“Well, we’re going to get that honor this year,” Jody declared. “Even if we don’t have our own personal van with our logo on the side.”

“Maybe we’ll get enough business that we can buy one for next year,” Mitzi said.

“That can be our goal.” Jody nodded.

“We’re here,” the twins called out from the foyer.

“And we’re ready for you,” Mitzi yelled. “Meet us in the fitting room.”

“Yes!”

Mitzi caught sight of Dixie pumping her fist in the air as she led her twin across the foyer into the fitting room. “This is the bare bones of the dress,” she explained as she took the dresses off the satin hangers. “Seams are still raw, but we want to make sure it lays pretty on your shoulders without any wrinkles and that the arm holes are the right size.”

“Oh, Dixie, we’ve got to learn to make things like this. I feel pretty.” Tabby squealed as she stepped up on the platform in front of the three-way mirror.

Mitzi pinned the shoulders up another half an inch. “Honey, you are beautiful. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. This is a lovely color on you and the style is so becoming. I’m glad you chose it.”

Paula helped Dixie into her dress and stood to the side while she made her way onto the platform with her sister. “I don’t think you’ll have to do anything to this one, Mitzi. It’s a perfect fit.”

After a quick rap, Fanny Lou stuck her head in the door. “Got room for one more in there?”

“Of course,” Dixie said. “Come on in and tell us what you think. Be honest with us. Are these going to be fancy enough for junior bridesmaid dresses?”

“They’ll have burgundy bows at the back,” Tabby said.

“You’re going to steal the whole show.” Fanny Lou pulled up two chairs—one to sit in and the other to prop her feet on. “Maybe I should get y’all to make me a dress.”

“You gettin’ married?” Jody asked.

“Oh, hell no!” Fanny Lou answered. “Once was enough for me. I loved my husband, but I’ve been a free bird too long, and I’m too old to live with anyone at my age.”

“Maybe you’re too old for anyone to live with you,” Mitzi teased.

Fanny Lou tucked her hands inside the bib of her overalls. “That, too, but Elijah Cunningham asked me out to dinner. Since he’s made reservations at a fancy restaurant in Dallas, I probably shouldn’t wear what I’ve got on right now, should I?”