Lizzie Marshall's Wedding by Emily Harvale Page A

The chiffon straps were overlaid with more pearl beads at the shoulders. Its sheer beauty brought tears to Becky’s eyes.
    ‘Don’t start bawling. You’ve got to look your best for tomorrow,’ Susie said.
    Becky hugged both her friends then dashed upstairs to try it on. When she looked in the mirror, she hardly recognised herself. She ran back downstairs and twirled around the sitting room with the fabric clinging to her hips then floating away.
    ‘Oh Susie, this is magnificent. You’re an absolute genius. You really should have been a designer. I’ve never worn a dress like this – in my entire life. It feels ... well, sort of like I’m wearing nothing, it’s so light and yet, it feels as if I’m wearing fairy wings.’
    ‘Okay, no more wine for you,’ Jess said grabbing the half empty bottle and hugging it to her chest.
    ‘I’m serious. It’s as soft as gossamer. Is it really mine?’
    ‘Yes Cinderella, and you shall go to the ball. Fairy wings; gossamer; what are you going on about?’ Jess shook her head but smiled, nonetheless.
    ‘I’m just so excited. This has been one of the best days of my life for ... well, since Lily was born. First Margaret offering me a job and now getting this exquisite dress, not to mention having two of the best friends in the entire world.’
    ‘Um. Aren’t you forgetting another couple of pretty spectacular events?’ Susie said. ‘Like, Max kissing you and then asking you to be his Valentine date. I’d say they both rank pretty highly.’
    Becky smiled like a child locked in a sweet shop. ‘I’m still not sure if that’s good or bad, to be honest. He makes me so mad and yet ... that kiss was pretty sensational.’
    ‘And wait till he sees you in that dress. I think tomorrow night may be the best night you’ve had in a great many years.’ Jess winked at her.
    ‘You’ll need shoes too,’ Susie said, reaching into her handbag. ‘I brought these because they’re what I’d suggest to wear with it but you’re welcome to pop in to the shop tomorrow and see if there are any others you prefer.’
    Susie handed her a pair of chocolate brown satin high heeled shoes that matched the dress to perfection. They were open toed court shoes with two little pearl beads in the centre of the scooped down front.
    Becky slipped them on and her smile grew even wider. ‘They’re perfect Susie. Thank you. Thank you both so much. I-’
    ‘Don’t say it; we don’t want you to repay us. They’re a gift. Now go and take them off before we all turn into pumpkins,’ Jess said.
    She refilled their glasses as Becky ran up the stairs, two at a time.
    CHAPTER ELEVEN
     
    Jess and Susie arrived at Becky’s at five p.m. with two bottles of sparkling wine, to help her to get ready for her big date. They gave her a manicure, pedicure, did her make-up and her hair, and even they were stunned by her appearance when she was dressed and ready to go.
    ‘You look fabulous!’ Jess said as Becky checked her make-up for the umpteenth time.
    ‘I can’t believe how nervous I am,’ she said, knocking back another glass of wine. ‘The only thing I’ve been able to eat all day is a slice of toast.’
    ‘Then you’d better slow down on the wine!’ Susie said, taking the glass out of Becky’s shaking hand.
    ‘It’s been so long since I’ve had a date, that just the thought of it is making me light-headed. I needed the wine to steady my nerves.’
    ‘Well, I think if you have any more, it’ll have the opposite effect. Just breathe and try to keep calm.’
    ‘That’s easier said than done. The butterflies in my tummy are having a rave ... on crack ... and have clearly downed several gallons of alcohol! I really hope I can eat something at dinner otherwise Max will think I’m one of those women who obsesses about their weight, saying they’re full after eating half a lettuce leaf. Oh God! Let me have just one more small glass of plonk. I really need it!’
    ‘No!’ Susie said,