Submitting to My Best Friend's Dad by Scarlett Rossi
Chapter 229 -

Весса.

The compound was abuzz with the upcoming wedding. I was glad the move from the larger to the smaller compound went so smoothly. The kids didn't even notice the change; Alessandro and Dahlia were as happy as ever. The only one who wasn't too delighted for us was my father, but there wasn't much I could do about it. James said he'd talk to him again, though I doubted it would make a big difference. Thankfully, my stepmother seemed to be fully on my side.

At that moment, I was sitting on our couch and trying to stop myself from the overwhelming excitement that overcame me. Today, I'd be bridal gown shopping with my stepmother and Sophia. Sophia was going to make an amazing maid of honor. She was so good when it came to fashion and decor.

Soon, security sent me a message saying the two women had arrived. When I went to the front lobby area, I was swept into the arms of my stepmother, who held me there tightly. "I'm so happy for you!" she exclaimed, her voice keeling with excitement.

"Thank you, Tara," I said, using the nickname my dad had started calling her recently. Turns out, my stepmom really loves tiramisu and couldn't get enough of it now that she lived in Italy. We called her Tara so much now, sometimes I couldn't even remember her real name! I chuckled, blushing a bit and returning the hug. I closed my eyes, overwhelmed with so much happiness. Things were just right, and this wedding was going to be amazing. I knew it. Dress shopping today was going to be dazzling.

"Hey, Becca," Sophia said, giving a wink. "How's the baby?" she asked, causing me to chuckle. I still couldn't believe she somehow knew to bring the pregnancy test that prompted me to go to the doctor and confirm the sickness was actually a new baby on the way.

"The doctor says the baby is doing wonderfully," I said, causing her smile to widen. I clapped my hands in excitement, saying, "Let me go say goodbye to the children and check on Madeline. Then, we're well on our way!"

The two women nodded, following me to no doubt say hello to the children and Madeline as well. I made my way to the new nursery that was set up. Plenty of room, still, for the kids and their mountains of toys! At the moment, Madeline was there taking care of them.

Speaking of which, she looked up and dipped her head in greeting when we three arrived. "Hey there, Becca!" she said. "The kids were just talking about you. Sort of. Lots of 'mama' involved in their babbling," she chuckled. I beamed at her, then looked over to the children.

Dahlia was playing with a little pink horse, one of the ones James used to propose to me. I put a hand over my heart, still feeling so happy about that day, and how he did it. She looked up and gave me a wave, saying joyously, "Mama!" I walked over to her and took her into my arms.

Leaving a soft kiss on her forehead and grinning at her enthusiasm, I said, "Hi, there, baby girl, look at how much you're growing! Mama can't wait to play with you when she gets home later." I poked her on the nose, causing her to giggle. Soon, though, she squirmed, impatient to get back to playing. I chuckled and put her on the ground, turning to approach Alessandro. The little boy was playing with one of the other pink horses, but also making them fight a little car. He kept bumping the toys into one another, his eyes gleaming with fascination. I wrapped my arms around him, causing him to squeal with annoyance. "F*ck!" he said, then laughed. I couldn't help but start giggling at his reaction as well. "Alessandro! Shh... not in front of everyone!" I gave Sophia and my stepmother a sheepish grin. They were trying to hide amused smiles, too. Eventually, Alessandro gave in, turning to give me a huge hug. I squeezed him a bit, then let him get back to playing.

Lucky for them, I would only be an annoyance for so long! But I'd be back later to play with them, that was for sure. After saying my goodbyes to the kids and bidding Madeline farewell for now, I was off to go shopping with the girls. The ride was pleasant, with the sun shining brightly overhead. We were headed to a gown shop that wasn't private, but was still rather expensive, something I could cover with my funds with ease. I wasn't afraid to spend a lot on this wedding. It was to be a special day. During the drive there, I chatted with Sophia and my stepmother. I explained, first, the big reveal I planned for James. "I think the waiter knew that we had a little fun before dinner," I said, blushing a bit and rubbing the back of my neck. "Becca!" my stepmother said with a laugh, shaking her head. "Though that entire day, and dinner following, sounds very romantic. James is such a wonderful father. I'm honored to be his stepmother-in-law," she said. I nodded to her, beyond happy she approved.

Sophia said, "Tell us about the proposal! I heard it was something both very cute, and very special." My stepmother nodded, causing me to close my eyes and grin widely at the memory of how wonderful my soon-to-be-husband's proposal had been. I went into detail as to what James did, then said, "Involving the family made it completely magical. He didn't have to do that, but he did. He's so happy about this baby, just like I am," I said. "Things are really working out for our family." The other women gushed over this, asking plenty of questions as the car pulled into the lot. We parked and were helped out by security, who flanked us as we approached the shop. The building was exquisite, with large glass windows showing intricate dresses on display.

My heart began to pound with even more excitement. I entered the shop with the other two women in tow, greeted by a very kind associate. "Ciao! Benvenuto!!" the lady working for the shop said with a huge smile. "I can help you replace the perfect dress today!"

"Hi, grazie" I said cheerfully, letting her lead us to the back and listening to the various questions she gave regarding the style of dress I wanted. "I was thinking of something not too poofy, but also not something that will hug my figure too much. I'm pregnant."

"Oh, how wonderful!" the woman exclaimed, clapping her hands. Sophia and my stepmother exchanged a glance in agreement, chatting away with one another and me as she went to the back to replace a few perfect selections.

I sat there practically glowing as I waited for a few dresses to be brought out. The first one arrived, looking gorgeous. This one had bits of flowing cloth falling down to the floor, blush-pink in color. There were white flowers patterned on it, though not necessarily roses. Hmm...

"I'd love to try it on," I said, knowing the first one would likely not be my choice, but wanting to try it on anyway. I slipped into the dressing room, taking some time to get into the dress so as to not risk ripping it, despite how excited I was, of

course.

When I was finished, I did a little twirl in the mirror, then emerged to where Sophia and Tara were waiting. Immediately, their eyes widened, and they let out soft squeals of approval. Sophia clapped her hands, and Tara put a hand over her heart.

"Becca," Tara said, "that's beautiful. It fits you so well! Your favorite color, too, without being overwhelming." Sophia nodded in agreement.

"I think it looks gorgeous, Becca. Is that one you like too?" she asked. I thought for a moment and gave a slow nod, wearing a soft smile.

"Sort of," I replied. "I want to try on more of them, but this one may be an option. I was thinking more of a rose theme, though, and these flowers aren't quite there yet," I said. The two women nodded in agreement to what I said, murmuring that roses would indeed be a better fit.

The next few dresses were also beautiful, but not quite right. One was a bit too poofy, even if not overly so. One hugged my figure just a bit too much but had a rose design that I fell in love with. Sadly, it just wasn't comfortable enough to give the green light.

Eventually, I came out of the dressing room in a gown that had my eyes widened and my heart pounding. The dress was absolutely perfect. As I did a twirl in front of the others, feeling the movement of the dress along with my body, I knew it was the one.

The dress had flowing fabric on the lower half, a slightly brighter pink than the first dress, but not overly so. Rose designs seemed to drip down the bottom of the dress, which was a beautiful choice of design.

The upper half was also made of flowers as if I'd be lying in a field of them while walking around. They were small, though, so they didn't immediately catch the eye as a bunch of flowers until someone got closer. It would be perfect for pictures.

Sophia and my stepmother's jaws dropped. They exchanged a glance and gasped, eyeing me up and down. My stepmother spoke first. "Becca," she breathed. "That one looks magical on you. Just the right fit and style. It feels so... you." "Yes, I agree," Sophia said, giving a nod. "Not that the other dresses didn't also make you look like the princess you are. But this one? It's too perfect. Are you going with it?" she asked, tilting her head curiously. I smiled and gave a nod. Breathlessly, I said, "I think this is the one. It feels so right. James is going to love it. Oh, it's so beautiful!" I added. That's when the tears began to flow down my face, and I covered it, my emotions overwhelming me suddenly. The two women got up and held me there in a warm hug. I was so happy, this dress was so beautiful, our family was safe, and this wedding would be wonderful. It had taken some hurdles to get through, but here we were. With that, I got out of the dress and made the purchase. It'd be hidden from James until the big day, of course. Sophia gave me a huge hug, and I told her to go with a light-hearted, bright theme for her dress. I didn't have anything specific in mind.

"Let me take you both out to lunch," my stepmother said on the way out of the shop. I beamed at her, loving that idea and the chance to spend more time with them. Both Sophia and I agreed, and soon, we were off to eat at a restaurant of her choosing.

The wedding preparation was going so smoothly, and now, I had a beautiful dress that James would undoubtedly adore as I did. My heart sang with happiness. This was going to be magical.