Two days later Ms Racheal, Kate, Vivienne and I are heading out to look for dresses. There is a small boutique in town that has the prettiest collection of clothes and accessories. I'm not looking for a traditional wedding gown, just a white dress that I'll be comfortable in and not have to do alterations to, pulling into the parking lot my excitement grows. As we're getting out of the car Kate gets a text message and can't hide the smile that spreads across her face.

"That wouldn't be Tyler would it?" I ask her mischievously, wriggling my eyebrows.

“What?" She asks, snapping her head up at my question.

"Careful your crush is showing," I laugh at her while pulling Vivienne out of her car seat.

"I don't know what you're talking about," she tries to laugh me off by tucking some hair behind her ear.

"Girl please I know he got your number from Chris."

"Larkin what do I do!? I'm usually more in control of my flings, I feel like I'm just following his lead and I don't know what will happen.” she groans at me. I pass the baby to Ms Racheal so I can start grabbing some dresses I see.

"What's wrong with really liking him? He's a great guy with a good job."

"The problem is I won't be around long enough for how much I like him. We just met and I'm already sad about leaving after the ceremony. I'm trying to keep some distance so it's easier to leave but it's getting harder and harder." She runs her hands over her face.

"You can work from anywhere technically right? I mean I know you like to be in the galleries and see the work before you sign an artist but you could just travel for that meeting and come back, you could set up here if you wanted. I know I would love to see more of you." I told her, rubbing her back. I've never seen her like this, I don't want her to miss out on something just because she's scared and it's different.

As we continue to talk Ms Racheal comes around the corner holding the baby and a dress. The smile on her face tells me this is a special find. Taking it from her we find an attendant to get us a changing room. 

The dress she brought to me is long and flowy with loose sleeves that come down to my elbows. The top layer is sheer with a slip-like silk liner underneath. Along the trim of the sleeves are blue, purple and yellow embroidered small flowers. It's beautiful. Slipping it over my head it falls perfectly around me. It's comfortable and bridal without being a huge ridiculous ball gown, just the thing for my small backyard wedding, I excitedly exit the changing room to show the girls.

"Oh Larkin, you're stunning.” Ms Racheal says with a hand on her chest.

"Chris will love it!” Kate says clapping her hands while Vivienne blows raspberries at me, I'm taking that as a positive. Smiling widely I twirl around in it and I can imagine marrying Chris in it.

"This is it!" I tell them happily, "now I just need to find Vivienne's outfit."

"And mine,” says Kate from beside me. "Tyler asked me to be his date so now I need a whole new dress." She tells Ms Racheal and I. 

Changing back into my clothes we start walking around again looking for Kate now. A few minutes later she's back in the changing room and Ms Racheal and I are waiting to see her choices. I've noticed that she's a little quiet on this trip.

"How are you holding up?" I ask her as we wait to see Kate. She looks at me and smiles but it doesn't reach her eyes.

"Oh I'm fine sweetheart," she says waving her hands at me. I continued to stare at her.

"I don't want to take away from today, really." She says, patting my hand. When I raise my eyebrows at her she finally relents.

"I miss Hope." She finally tells me looking down. I'm surprised for a second but it soon passes, I can see how she would miss her, Hope would have been heavily involved in the wedding had it come about any other way-

"Have you talked to her recently?” I ask her.

"I have been to see her since she's been moved to Lakeside, it's a pretty nice facility, but...she's not well, I don't know how to help her and I'm not even sure where it went wrong. I just...I just wish things could be different." She finishes still holding my hand. I lean over and pull her into a hug.

"You're an amazing mom, I don't think you could have done anymore, and I still think you're doing everything right." I tell her and I mean it. We all can only do the best with what we have, she hugs me tighter right as Kate comes out of the dressing room.

"What do you think?" Kate asks hesitantly. She's picked a soft blush colored dress that hits right about her knees, it fits her like a glove but it's definitely different from her normal attire. This is way more sweet and way less sexy. I've seen her pull off way more daring outfits but she looks so nervous I can't help but giggle.

"You look wonderful!"

"Kate, it looks so good!"

"You think so?" She asks as she fidgets with her hands. After we spend a few minutes talking her out of every negative she could come up with, all of us are heading to ward the front when suddenly I see someone that turns my blood to ice. Sarah. I slow down as we approach the register and Kate clocks her a second after I do. She grabs my hand and moves slightly ahead of me in an attempt to block me but Vivienne decides to fuss at that exact moment drawing her attention. 

When her eyes settle on me they instantly narrow. It's not a huge store so she is over in our vicinity sooner than I would like.

"Why is my granddaughter so upset? What did you do to her?" She demanded as she stepped next to me, I tried to sidestep her and just keep walking forward but she steps in front of me now blocking my path. She looks at Vivienne and tries to reach out and touch her so I turn my body away from her.

"Seriously? You really are a piece of work, I'm so glad that Eric is done with you now and I can set him up with somebody worth his time......"

"Shut up you absolute witch." Kate cuts in, the shocked look on Sarah's face is priceless. She opens her mouth to argue with her but Kate continues, "How she managed to be nice to you for all these years is beyond me, I barely know you and you are the worst person I have ever had the displeasure of meeting. Remove yourself. Now." She finishes with a little hand motion like she's shooing away a pest.

Sarah stumbles back like she's been physically assaulted, hand clutching her chest and everything. She looks so ridiculous I can't help the snort that escapes me. Ms Racheal walks up to us right about this time and I happily hand her Vivienne in front of Sarah making it clear I just didn't want her to touch her. The baby quiets down immediately since she knows Ms Racheal and I turn smugly to face Sarah. I simply smile and take a step toward her. I feel braver now that the baby is safely over there and Kate is here next to me. Taking a deep breath I address her myself.

"Sarah, I had hoped that you would be kinder after what your son did to me and our children. I have been nothing but respectful to you and your husband the entire time I was married, seeing your true colors now I'm relieved honestly when I tell you now that I hope we never cross paths again. I will act as though you don't exist if I see you out because frankly to me you don't anymore. You have no place in my future so it's looking up." Before she can try and reply to me I make my way to the register finally with Kate right behind me. I make my purchase while Kate glares at Sarah, keeping her from trying anything else with me.

As we make our way out to the car I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Finally standing up for myself feels good. I love my dress and I can't wait until Chris sees me in it. I still can't believe that the divorce is done and I can do things on my own timeline now, but looking at the women with me I can't help but be excited. It’s a completely new chapter with new players, but already it feels right. Little did I know what was still waiting for me before I got my happily ever after.