Ice Dreams Part 2 by Melissa Johns

and walked into the kitchen. Alicia was up and cooking them breakfast. “Good morning, did you sleep?”
    Madison nodded. “Yeah, I think everything wore me out.”
    “What do you want to do today?” she asked as she placed her plate in front of her.
    “You are the bride, you tell me.”
    She smiled. “Why don’t we stop by the boutique and check on the dresses.”
    She agreed. “I would like to walk around town and see if anyone is hiring. I need cash.”
    “Finish breakfast and we will afterwards.”
    “You are going to make a great mom, Alicia.” Madison paused. “Wait, did you find out anything yet?”
    “They are supposed to call today but I know my body. I know I am.”
    “Are you going to be ok?”
    She nodded. “It’s earlier than what we were planning on but this child will be loved.”
    “I’m so excited for you guys. When are you going to tell Carter?”
    “As soon as the doctor confirms it, I will tell him over dinner.”
    Madison smiled. “Just let me grab my purse and we can leave.”
    A short time later, they drove into the small town and parked outside of the wedding boutique. The store was busy as they walked in. They spotted Amber as they waved. “I will be right with you ladies.” She disappeared into the backroom.
    “It must be wedding season,” Madison stated.
    “It’s because the weather is fantastic and people want to be near the beach. Amber has a couple of girls who work with her.”
    “She needs more help. The poor girl is running around with her head chopped off.”
    Finally the shop cleared out as Amber approached them. “I’m so sorry for the delay! We are getting into wedding season and everyone wants their dresses now!”
    Alicia smiled. “Well, I’m just checking on mine. Did the bridesmaid dresses come in?”
    They followed Amber to the counter as she disappeared into the backroom. She wheeled the rack out that held the four bridesmaid dresses. “They are beautiful!”
    Madison looked at hers and smiled. “They really are. I love it. We need to schedule the final fittings. The wedding is next month.”
    Amber grabbed her notepad and booked the fittings. “I wish I had more time to chat with you but I have a wedding part of twenty coming within the hour!”
    Alicia frowned. “Oh that’s obnoxious.”
    Madison laughed. “Amber, can I ask you a question?”
    “Of course, what’s on your mind?”
    “Are you looking for another employee?”
    Amber looked at her. “I was just talking about that. It would only be part time.”
    “That’s fine. I need something to go along with my schooling.”
    “Do you have any experience with measurements, clothing or customer service?”
    “I’m great with people. The other stuff I will pick up quick, I promise you. If you don’t like me, fire me.”
    Amber looked at her. “Why not, I have nothing to lose. Can you start tomorrow?”
    She nodded. “Of course, what time?”
    “Be here around ten. I can run through stuff before the clients arrive.”
    “Thank you, Amber. You won’t regret it.”
    They waved as they left the store. Alicia hugged her. “Congrats! You found a job right off the bat.”
    “I’m so relieved. That’s so amazing. Wait until I tell…” she trailed off.
    Alicia jumped in. “Don’t you dare lose it again. You can tell him next week when he comes to his senses.”
    She nodded. “What do you want to do now?”
    “Let’s go over to my house and we will sort through the favors.”
    *********************
    A few hours into finishing up the favors, Alicia ordered a pizza and Madison walked out onto the deck. She felt someone approach as she turned around. “Hey Carter, I got a job.”
    “That’s fantastic, where?” he asked.
    “The wedding boutique in town, it’s just part time but it will help with the bills.”
    He smiled. “I talked with Hunter last night.”
    She turned back towards the ocean and watched the waves come on shore. “What did he say to you?”
    “He’s in a bad