Free The Wedding Favor by Caroline Mickelson Page A

and then at Mateo. “I think we’d better get started on our list if we’re going to try to achieve the impossible today.” Her friends wore identical confused expressions so she hastened to add, “We’re going to try to find a wedding dress.” She made a face. “Wish me luck.”
    Mateo laughed. “You’ll look beautiful in anything.” He took ahold of her hand and drew her to her feet. “The trouble is going to be narrowing it down to the one you like the best.”
    “Aww…this is so romantic,” Marti said. “Totally unexpected and a huge surprise, but so romantic.”
    Romantic. Ava could see how it would appear that way from the outside looking in. She suddenly had a handsome, attentive and devoted fiancé who wanted to marry her as soon as possible. It would be incredibly romantic, if only any of it were real.
    **
    Mateo sat perched on the edge of a dainty pink satin chair that he doubted would hold a man of his size much longer. He glanced up at the crystal chandelier that hung overhead. Opulent was the best word to describe it, and it suited the tiny bridal boutique perfectly. He just hoped it was as well secured as it was polished. He felt like a caged animal but there was nowhere to go, nowhere to even pace, while he waited for Ava.
    Maricela’s Bridal Boutique had been his younger sister’s recommendation. She knew the owner and had assured him that given Ava’s petite frame, Maricela would be able to find a dress in stock that fit her. Obviously his sister had phoned ahead because when he’d ushered Ava into the salon, Maricela had greeted them with enthusiasm. But enthusiasm was hardly the word to describe Ava’s reaction to the plethora of wedding gowns hanging from every wall. He could tell by the look on her face that she agreed with him the bridal salon looked like a jungle of satin, silk, crystals and pearls.
    “Is something this formal really necessary?” Ava had whispered just before Maricela whisked her behind the red velvet curtain. “I would be fine wearing a simple dress or suit off the rack. But if you want me to wear a wedding gown I will.”
    Mateo had smiled his thanks, unable to think of a way to adequately express his gratitude. He felt guilty as well as grateful. Before this was all over, before he said good-bye to Ava, he’d need to find a way to adequately express his heartfelt gratitude that she was willing to go along with this charade just to make his grandfather’s last days happy. But how could he thank her for such kindness and sacrifice?
    Whoever the man was that would one day capture Ava’s heart, he was going to be fortunate beyond words to call her his wife. Mateo stood and shoved his hands in his pockets. He glanced at the velvet curtain. Exactly how long did it take to pick out a dress?
    A moment later Maricela pulled back the curtain. “She’s found the one.”
    Mateo glanced down at this watch. Half an hour. It could have been worse. His sisters would have taken days. “Wonderful. Send her out.”
    The proprietress smiled. “Oh, no, young man, no chance I’ll let that happen. First of all, we need to make just a few alterations so you sit tight.” She smiled broadly. “And furthermore, it’s taboo to see your bride in her dress before the wedding. Bad luck is no way to start your new life together.”
    Ava appeared behind Maricela’s shoulder. “We aren’t worried about bad luck, are we Mateo?” Without waiting for him to answer, she neatly sidestepped the bridal shop owner and came into the small boutique showroom.
    Mateo stared at her, unable to speak. He couldn’t find the words to describe what a vision of loveliness his bride-to-be was. He’d always thought of her as attractive, but now that Ava stood before him, he knew he’d never seen, nor would ever again see, a more beautiful woman. He let his eyes travel over her from head to toe. Magically, the dress she’d chosen fit perfectly. He felt as if he were staring at royalty. “Ava,”