“Sadie, there’s a mistake—this dress is huge!” I held up the oversized gown, feeling utterly humiliated.
Sadie turned with mock surprise. “Oh no! Guess you can’t be my maid of honor now. Maybe Jess can take your place.”
Her words cut deep. But before I could respond, Aunt Marie entered the room, assessing the scene with a knowing look. Without missing a beat, she handed me a box. “I had a feeling something like this might happen,” she said with a wink.
Inside was a stunning dress, nearly identical to the bridesmaids’ gowns but with extra shimmer and detail. Grateful, I quickly changed and returned to the suite, ready to support Sadie.
Sadie’s expression softened, and for the first time, I saw something genuine in her eyes. She whispered an apology, confessing to years of insecurity and resentment. “I’m sorry, Nancy. I always felt overshadowed.”
I took her hand. “There was never a competition, Sadie. I just wanted us to be close.”
At the reception, Sadie hugged me and asked if we could start fresh. I saw Aunt Marie watching, her eyes sparkling with pride. Maybe this was truly the beginning of a new chapter for us.