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“Yeah, well. Not everyone loves playing dress-up.” Whitney smoothed the skirt of the dress. “You’re sure? I don’t want you to feel pushed.”
“I don’t. I love it.”
“Okay.” Whitney grinned.
Megan came out with the dress back on the hanger, and Whitney hurried in to change.
I nudged Megan’s arm. “You okay?”
“Yeah. I am. Promise.” She looked around. “Austin brought up living arrangements on Friday.”
I nodded. “He told me he was going to.”
“You’re really okay with him moving into your apartment? Or you guys finding your own place? I just…the townhouse was Grandma’s, and I know Austin owns it now, but it makes me feel like she’s still here instead of in Florida. Plus, I can walk to the bookstore.”
“Totally get it. It’s fine.” I patted her arm. I liked having it settled, one way or the other. Besides that? I didn’t care. There was room in my apartment for Austin. Maybe I’d have to do a little rearranging, but that was still doable.
The curtain separating our space from the store slid open and another woman appeared with her arms full of white satin. “Hi. Thanks for your patience. I’m Jerica. Let me go hang these up in the changing room, and I’ll be right back.”
I opened my mouth to warn her that Whitney was in there changing, but she stepped out before I had to. She scooted past Jerica with a smile and made her way to a hook on the wall where she hung her navy dress.
Megan’s eyebrows lifted and she took her dress over and hung it as well.
The two of them sat in the comfy looking chairs facing a circular raised platform.
“Okay. Again, thanks for waiting. The bride is Kayla, who is…”
“Me.” I lifted my hand.
“Lovely.” Jerica’s eyes sparkled. “Who do you have with you?”
“My bridesmaids. Megan and Whitney.” I pointed them out as I said their names. After a little more conversation, Jerica herded me into the changing room.
My eyes bugged ever so slightly at the miles of satin and tulle hanging on hooks in the room.
“Simple and A-line, yes?” Jerica eyed me a moment before nodding. “That could work. We’ll start there, at least.”
As I watched her begin to unzip the first dress, I swallowed. This was real. I was getting married. To Austin.
I grinned.
This was going to be fun.
30
AUSTIN
“Mr. Campbell. A word, please?”
I sighed and fixed a bright smile on my face as I turned back to Principal Sanders. “How can I help you?”
She gestured for me to follow her.
I checked the time on my phone. Unfortunately for me, there was still plenty before the first bell. I prayed silently as I made my way into the office, past the secretaries, and down the short hallway that led to the principal’s office. Even though I wasn’t a student, it felt as though I was heading toward doom.
“Have a seat.” She gestured to a chair and then closed the door to her office. She made her way around her desk and sat, then tented her fingers in front of her. “I’ve had a few conversations with the superintendent. He and I both believe that placing you on administrative leave until the end of your contract term is the wisest, most appropriate action.”
“But—”
