“Move back. I’ll get it.” Mrs. Simms zipped up the back of the dress. Jorden turned around and looked into the mirror. She gasped. “It’s beautiful!” The scooped neck, bodice, and light puffy sleeves had hand-stitched lace with seed pearls. The back of the gown had a slight chapel train. Simple but elegant. Jorden couldn’t take her eyes off her image in the mirror—it gave her shivers, a thrill of excitement. She could see herself walking down the church aisle, holding onto her father’s arm and gliding toward Alex.

“Turn around and face me. Stand up straight and watch the wall clock,” Mrs. Simms stated confidently in a gentle manner. She cocked her head to the left, seeming to hesitate a moment before she put the first pin through the satin fabric. Jorden’s eyes dropped. It had to be hard to alter the dress she had made with such love for her daughter. The length of the dress and the sleeves needed to be adjusted and shortened. Mrs. Simms spent almost an hour carefully measuring and rechecking the length. Jorden wondered how this must be affecting Darby.

After a while, Darby and Emma Lynn seemed to be getting restless. “Mama, are you almost done? I don’t think the dress can hold many more pins.” Darby squirmed. “The more I look at this dress on Jorden, the more I think about different scenarios.”

Emma Lynn fidgeted in her seat. “What are you talking about?”

“Think about it, Emma Lynn. Use your insight and you’ll figure it out.” Darby grinned.

Emma Lynn jumped up. “Oh I get it! Matt Ulster. Who else? Yes! Yes! The dress is meant for Matt.”

“You love Matt as much as I love Kyle. Admit it!” Emma Lynn clapped.

Mrs. Simms looked up at her daughter in a questioning manner. “Who is Matt?”

“Matt is Jorden’s friend,” Darby replied. “He calls himself her escort, but we know they are more than just friends. We’re crazy about him and think he’s perfect for her.”

Jorden shot Darby a petulant look.

“Of course, we don’t know Alex, so we’re partial to Matt. Mama, it’s okay. We’re just kidding Jorden. I promise.”

“This is a serious matter—nothing to joke about. Jorden, I hope you know who this dress is for?” Mrs. Simms looked up from the hem and made eye contact with Jorden.

“Yes! This is for Alex! No more mentioning of Matt!” Jorden reached down to touch Mrs. Simms shoulder. “Really—this is for Alex and no one else!” Jorden shot fiery looks toward Darby and Emma Lynn.

After a tense moment Mrs. Simms sighed. “Okay. Good, no more nonsense. Now hush up, girls! I’m trying to get the finishing touches. You can have your picnic at the beach while I start working on these adjustments. We’ll have supper at six.”