Page 169 of Tangled with the Tight End

Cass helps Ann while I dutifully step back and watch them unload dresses onto hangers.

Then the frenzy begins. We draw the front curtains and I try on dress after dress. Eventually, we narrow it down to three.

“I’m going with the espresso one,” Cass says. “That asymmetrical neckline. And the fabric. It’s perfect.”

“I love that one,” Ann says.

“Sold,” I say, suddenly realizing Ann is not a volunteer. “Wait. Am I buying this dress?”

“It’s a high-end rental. When a client calls, I gather what I think might work from our warehouse in Nashville and bring it out for them to try on.

“Declan flew me and my garments up this morning. You’re not buying or renting. Declan covered everything.”

“Wait. What?” I am in shock.

Cass just beams.

“You knew about all of this?” I ask her.

“Yep.”

“I … don’t know what to say.”

“Tell me which dress you like,” Ann says.

“I like the dark brown one too. It feels so glamorous, but not over the top.”

“It was stunning on you,” Ann says. “Declan’s going to lose his mind when he sees you.”

“Well,” I say, still stunned. “Thank you.”

“We’re not finished,” Ann says. “I have a coat to go with it and shoes. And we’re going to do your hair and makeup—if that’s alright.”

“Alright? You really are a fairy godmother.”

“Maybe I’ll rename my business,” Ann jokes.

A few hours later, I’m standing in the living room while Ann packs up.

I’m in a sleek, long dress made of matte silk crepe. The one-shoulder neckline sweeps diagonally across my collarbone and chest. The dress clings to my figure, but not in a way that makes me feel exposed. The skirt grazes the floor, revealing only the pointed toe of my espresso leather pumps with each step. Ann gave me a deep brown cashmere coat with faux mink lapels to go over it.

Ever since Ann finished sweeping my hair up into a low chignon, my fingers have been drifting up to the few tendrils she left framing my face as if they’re trying to figure out what happened to my usual hairstyle.

I catch my reflection in our hall mirror and have to do a double take. Ann did a smoky eyeshadow look combined with some dark red lipstick. It’s a lot more than my usual quick swipe of mascara and lip gloss. I stare at myself and smile, imagining Declan’s face when he sees me all dressed up.

Cass comes up behind me, smiling over my shoulder. I look at her through the mirror and say, “I feel like a princess.”

“You look like one too. No. Scratch that. You look like a queen.”

I walk over to Ann. “This is the nicest thing I’ve ever worn. Thank you, again.”

“You look incredible. It was a pleasure working with you. I’m guessing I’ll see you again.”

Cass hasn’t stopped smiling since Ann came through the door.

She thanks Ann again, and then she tells me, “Okay, call him.”

“I am,” I say. “I should feel spoiled, right? Like this is too much?”