SWEETHEART ORDEALS

ChapterFour

LIAM ORGANIZED THE DAY fastidiously; he wanted it to be perfect for Quincy. The smooth black limousine moved gracefully through the arteries of the city and into one of the fanciest bridal boutiques in New York. On either side of him sat Quincy, hardly able to contain her excitement, her friends Isabella and Celeste chattering away excitedly about the day ahead.

"I can't believe you're finally getting married, Quincy," Isabella said, her eyes twinkling. "It feels like yesterday we were talking about what your wedding would look like, and now that time is here."

Quincy chuckled softly at Liam. "I know, surreal, right? But I am actually so happy you guys could come out today and help pick out the dress. Means a lot t me, really does."

Celeste leaned forward husky in her tone. "I bet Liam is just that much more interested as you. Right, Liam?"

He flashed another charismatic grin, and switched mental channels.

"Absolutely. I want nothing but the best for Quincy. This is all about making her day, letting her be queen for just one day."

Quincy blushed and squeezed his hand harder. "You're too good to me, Liam. I thank my lucky stars for you."

At last, the stretch limousine pulled up in front of the boutique and they were let inside by the doorman. The setup was very sumptuously done with crystal chandeliers lighting one after another row of exquisite wedding gowns. Quincy's eyes widened at the sight.

"Wow," she said in a whisper, "this place is amazing.".

Isabella beamed, nudging her friend " Only the best for you, Quincy, let's get that dress that's going to make Liam's jaw drop,"

A boutique owner made her way over, ushering them to a champagne glass as they started the tour of gowns. Her friends dived right in, pulling out dresses and holding them up in front of Quincy.

"Oh, this one is beautiful!" Celeste proclaimed, holding the very long lace gown with a long train up. "You have to try this one on."

Quincy nodded, picturing herself already in that dress. "For sure. What do you think, Liam?"

Liam nodded, trying to stay focused. "It looks good on you, Quincy. You are beautiful in anything you choose."

As Quincy and her friends continued their search through the many gowns, Isabella pulled Liam to the side, her voice barely more than a whisper. "You know, she is really in love with you. She hasn't stopped talking all day about everything just so perfect. I hope you realize how much all of this means to her."

Liam nodded, feeling a twinge of guilt. "I know, Isabella. I want to make her happy."

"You're doing a great job," Isabella told her, smiling. "Just keep being there for her; that's all she needs."

Meanwhile, in the fitting room, Quincy was already trying the first gown. She stepped out, a vision in lace, and her friends gasped as she pirouetted around.

"Oh my God, Quincy!" Celeste blurted out. "You look like a princess!"

Quincy turned to Liam with shining eyes. "What do you think, Liam?"

Liam's breath caught as his eyes met hers. Literally, everything was muddling his mind, but he couldn't lie to himself. She looked ridiculously beautiful. "You're glowing, Quincy. So freaking beautiful."

Quincy beamed even wider and turned back to the mirror. "I think it's this one," she whispered to herself. I can imagine walking down the aisle in this.

Both of them nodded vigorously. "It's perfect," Isabella agreed. "But let her try a couple more, just in case."

Quincy swirled back into her fitting room, and Celeste turned, as if expecting it, to Liam. "You know you're a lucky guy, right? Quincy is amazing."

Liam nodded, managing a faint smile. "Yeah. She is. I'm so lucky."

Several gowns later and many, many more rounds of opinions, it finally was—the dress that rendered everyone speechless. The silk gown fit all her curves to perfection with delicate beading that shone in the light.

"This is it," Quincy said, very convincingly. "This is the dress."

Her friends were clapping in delight, saying, "You look beautiful, Quincy. This dress was meant for you."

Suddenly, Quincy felt her face flush, and then, all of a sudden, she was overwhelmed with emotion again. "I just cannot wait for me to marry you, Liam," she said, all filled with love.

He could feel her sincerity, swimming in her eyes. He could muster a smile, but his heart was heavy. "I can't hardly wait either.".

Finally, they narrowed down the dress and went on to Accessories: Shoes, Veil, and Jewelry. And all the while, Quincy's friends continued to chime in with all their gushing praises, talking about what exactly they liked and what it was that she absolutely had to wear, all the while Liam just stood there rather stupidly, trying to feign some form of interest as his mind completely wandered.

At long last, the shopping ended, and they all climbed back into the limousine with arms full of bags and boxes. Quincy snuggled her head onto Liam's shoulder as a satisfied sigh escaped her lips.

She finally whispered softly, "Thank you for today, Liam. It was perfect. I think I must be the luckiest girl in the world.".

Liam planted a light kiss to the crown of her head, his heart battling within itself. "Anything for you, Quincy," he said. "Anything for you."