The Wedding: A Faces of Evil Short Story Read Online Free PDF Page A

Lori had urged her to look at others, but this had been the one. The gown was made of soft, elegant tulle overlaid with lace and accented with a grosgrain belt and a crystal gemstone bow. The three-quarter-sleeved wrap-over bodice was fashioned from the most exquisite lace. Jess loved the way it hugged her body. The floor length A-line skirt of the gown was embellished with lace appliques and a scalloped hem. The matching sheer veil fastened at the back of her head allowing the gauzy fabric to drape down her back and along the length of her gown. Jess adored the way it featured the same lovely lace and crystal appliques. The soft ivory color of the gown and veil made her skin appear more radiant.
    Wanda had done a marvelous job with her hair. The half up do was exactly the look she’d wanted. Wanda was right about Jess looking like her mother. Blinking back the tears that would ruin her make-up, she fingered the delicate silver bracelet. “Wish you were here.”
    A knock on the door sounded about two seconds before Lily, Maddie, and the others poured into the room with the soft rasps of tulle, satin, and taffeta.
    “Oh my God, Jess,” Gina cried. “You look...” She pressed her fingers to her lips.
    Sylvia smiled, her lips trembled just a little. “What she’s trying to say,” she finished for Gina, “is that you look stunning.”
    Lori nodded. “You were right, Jess. This gown was the one.”
    Maddie touched one of the lace appliques. “Looks like my dress.”
    “It sure does,” Jess agreed. As the flower girl, Maddie’s little dress had been made to complement Jess’s.
    “Dan is simply going to melt when he sees you,” Lily promised.
    “Thank you.” Jess surveyed her sister and dear friends. “And look at all of you.” Lily and Lori wore dresses of silver satin and taffeta. The formfitting bodices and long sleeves flowed into cinched waists and floor-length A-line skirts. Gina and Sylvia’s were a deep Christmas red in that same striking fabric. The dresses glittered as if they’d all been dusted with diamonds. Jess sighed. “Just wow.”
    Lily hugged her, careful of their make-up and dresses. “I’m so happy for you and Dan.”
    “Okay, okay, ladies,” Sylvia scolded, “no tears. We have a few last minute details to cover.”
    Lori stepped forward. “You have something new.”
    Jess touched one of the diamond earrings Dan had given her and smiled. “Yes.”
    “The chief also gave you something a long time ago that you asked me to be sure you didn’t forget to bring.” Lori held out the locket Dan had given Jess when they were seniors in high school.
    Jess’s breath caught. “Thank you for remembering, Lori.”
    Gina held Jess’s hair and veil aside while Lori fastened the tiny catch. The cool white gold of the locket rested against Jess’s throat. Inside was a photo of her and of Dan. God, they had been so young. Jess had kept this locket safely tucked away for more than two decades.
    She touched the cherished locket, relished the feel of it against her skin. “This was the first important gift Dan gave me.”
    “Stop,” Lily protested, “you’re going to make me tear up again!”
    “Moving on,” Sylvia announced. “You have something blue, that leaves the something borrowed. I brought the something borrowed.” She handed Jess a lady’s handkerchief. Tiny pink flowers were embroidered on the soft ivory linen. “My great grandmother brought that handkerchief with her from Ireland. You may borrow it for this auspicious occasion.”
    Gina produced Jess’s bouquet. “We thought you could tuck it into the bouquet in case you need it.”
    “Good idea.” Jess bit her lips together to stop their trembling. Tears brimmed on her lashes as she clutched her bouquet. She had selected every flower being used today and simply looking at them made her heart glad. They were so very lovely. Roses of red and varying blush shades, cream colored tulips, and orchids, with baby’s breath and