Eager to try again, she didn’t want to wait.  This time would be different. She was ready to return to The Enchanted Bridal Village.

At each stop sign, her anticipation grew. She couldn’t wait to get there.

Would she see everything differently?

She paused at the entrance and glanced at the hours. Thirty minutes before closing.

Perfect.

Smiling to herself, she stepped inside. It felt less like walking into a bridal shop and more like stepping toward a new beginning.

The doorbell was louder than she remembered. In fact, she hadn’t even noticed it before.

The sweet lady in the front recognized her.

“Hello, Lilly. Nice to see you again.”

Lilly’s smile widened. “Hello. Good to see you, too. Would you mind if I just looked around before you close? I love it here.”

She smiled back at Lilly. “Of course. We love it here, too.”

Slowly, Lilly walked toward the dresses, taking everything in

Contagious laughter rang out.

Lilly giggled and looked toward the group of older ladies. Their enthusiasm lit up the store.

She looked around for a place to sit and observe them. They seemed completely unselfconscious.

“Helen, are you going to try one on?”

“I don’t know. This all seems so silly. None of us are getting married, Margaret.”

“Remember, Helen, it’s all in the power of yet. We are manifesting. Now get up and try on the dress. It’s waiting for you in the dressing room.”

Lilly smiled as the women laughed together. She couldn’t help staring at the tall, white-haired woman. Her olive skin and perfect posture gave her an elegant presence.

The woman met her eyes.

“Hey, sweetheart. Why don’t you join us?”

“Oh, no. That’s okay. I’m just enjoying your celebration. It’s fun watching you.”

“Don’t be silly. Come sit.”

The other ladies encouraged her as well.

“Come sit with me.”

“Esther, you’re always collecting people,” another teased.

“Don’t mind her. What’s your name?”

“I’m Lilly, and I truly don’t wish to intrude.”

“Nonsense. My name is Margaret, and these are my lifelong gal pals.”

Just then, Helen stepped out of the dressing room.

She looked puzzled. “Who do we have here?”

“Oh, never mind that, Helen. She’s our new friend, Lilly. Now let’s focus on you. Helen, you’re stunning. I knew this was the perfect gown.”

“Oh, posh,” Helen grunted as she stepped toward the three-way mirror.

She gasped at her reflection and immediately twirled.

“You’re right, Margaret. I look amazing!”

“See? Now isn’t this fun?”

“Well, I still think it’s foolish. I’m not even dating anyone. But yes… it is fun. A bit of a tease, but still…”

“Ladies,” Lilly interrupted, “the shop is about to close, and I still want to browse a little more. Thank you so much for letting me be part of this. It’s been such a pleasure.”

The women wished her well as she wandered back toward the dresses.

There it was.

She pulled out the dress Roni had chosen.

It didn’t look any different. Just as lovely as before.

Lilly slowly turned, taking in the entire shop.

The laughter.

The music.

The sparkle of beading beneath the lights.

Before leaving, she glanced back one last time.

Helen was still standing in front of the mirror, smoothing the skirt of her gown before giving herself one more delighted twirl. The ladies erupted into laughter, cheering her on as though she really were a bride.

Lilly smiled.

They were completely inside the moment.

She noticed all of it.

And yet…

Why did she still feel like she was standing outside of it?

To be continued.

Tag, you’re it. If you’d like to jump in, feel free. If not, I’ll keep moving it along, bit by bit.

Sending warmth and kindness.