Sabrina got out of the car, and Holly did the same. Then they both walked to the entrance of the small store and opened the door. A bell tinkled as they entered and closed the door behind them.
“Ah, Sabrina!” the heavy-set woman greeted her, her eyes sparkling with motherly warmth. “And you brought a friend.” She walked toward them with her hand stretched out.
Sabrina shook it. “Good morning, Julia! This is my friend Holly. She’s my bridesmaid.”
“Oh, so nice to meet you!”
“Nice to meet you, too,” Holly responded.
“Well, let’s get started then.” The seamstress walked to the door, locked it from the inside, then pulled a shade down for privacy. Then she did the same with the window, before turning back to Sabrina and Holly.
“Let’s get you into the dress and see what we need to do.”
Swiftly and efficiently, Julia helped her get undressed, before helping her into the wedding dress.
“Step onto the podium,” she instructed and pointed to a small wooden platform only about a foot higher than the floor.
Sabrina did as instructed.
“It’s beautiful!” Holly exclaimed, looking at her with an open mouth. “Gorgeous! I know you emailed me a photo before, but it’s even more beautiful with you wearing it. Perfect!”
Sabrina smiled. “I feel like a princess.” She looked in the wall mirror at herself. The top of her dress was a bustier hugging her boobs, and at her waist, the silk fabric widened into a mass of cloth that made her feel like she was drowning in cotton candy.
“And you look like one,” Julia added. “Now turn and let me see the length in the back.”
Sabrina turned as if she were trying to make a pirouette on ice and instantly felt dizzy. She reached out her arms, trying to steady herself. Before she could fall, Holly had grabbed her arm and supported her.
“Are you okay?”
Sabrina took a deep breath and tried to regain her balance. “Just a little dizzy. Sorry. I shouldn’t have moved so fast.”
“Can I get you anything?” Julia asked, her voice laced with concern.
“Maybe just a glass of water.”
“Of course.” The seamstress disappeared into the back room.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Holly asked again, looking her up and down.
“Yes, I’m fine. It’s just . . . ” Sabrina hesitated, then lowered her voice to a whisper. “I think I’m pregnant.”
“What?” Holly’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Shhh!” Sabrina cautioned with a look to the door through which the seamstress had disappeared. “I took a home pregnancy test yesterday, and it was positive.”
“Oh my god!” Holly cupped her hands over her mouth and shook her head. “Are you sure?”
Sabrina shrugged and brushed nervously over her gown’s skirt. “I don’t know. I only did the home test. With all the wedding preparations I don’t have time to see a doctor. It will have to wait.”
“But you have to see one, Sabrina. Like, today,” Holly insisted. “If you want to, I’ll come with you.”
“Thanks, Holly, but I think I’ll wait until after the wedding.”
Holly tilted her head to the side, her look one of disapproval. “Why?”
“I’m stressed out enough as is, Holly. I don’t need this looming over my head as well.”
“Do you want this baby?”
“What? Of course I want it!” Sabrina cupped her hands protectively over her stomach. Having Daniel’s baby would be a dream come true. Finding out before the wedding that the home pregnancy test was wrong would be a huge disappointment, one that she didn’t want to face right now. “What kind of question was that?”
“An honest one.” Holly placed her hands at her hips as if ready for a fight she was determined to win. “I just don’t understand why you don’t want to go to the doctor and find out for certain. It seems like not knowing would cause more stress than actually knowing.” Holly frowned. “Have you told Daniel about this yet?”
Sabrina averted her gaze and shook her head.
“Sabrina! Why not? Are you afraid he’ll be upset?” Holly asked.
“No, why would he be upset?” Sabrina asked quickly and adamantly. “I know he’ll be thrilled, but I don’t want to tell him until I’m one hundred percent sure. It would crush him if I told him I was pregnant, and then found out I wasn’t. You know how inaccurate those home tests can be.”