Five Star Temptation. Jacquelin Thomas

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СКАЧАТЬ was obvious that this man never really cared for Paige. Ryan was careful not to voice his opinion aloud. He did not want to say anything that would add to the young woman’s pain.

      * * *

      “Have you decided on your color scheme yet?” Sage inquired.

      “I was actually thinking about a mint-green and vintage-purple theme,” Natasha said. “They are two of my favorite colors.” She paused a moment before adding, “Oh, and I’ve found what I think is the perfect bridesmaid dress. It’s by Alvina Valenta. She is an extraordinary designer, and her dresses are known for their details and elegance.”

      “I’m just glad that you didn’t choose soft pastel colors,” Sage announced as they entered the bridal shop. “They do absolutely nothing for my complexion. You know weddings are all about the bridesmaids, don’t you?”

      Laughing, Natasha walked up to the counter to check in for their appointment.

      While they waited, Sage’s gaze traveled the length of the shop, eyeing the vast number of wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and other formal wear. She couldn’t wait for the day when it would be her turn to get married.

      Her dream wedding wasn’t filled with lots of glitz, glamour and hundreds of wedding guests. Instead, she wanted a more intimate and romantic ceremony—perhaps a destination wedding.

      “What do you think about this one?” Natasha asked, drawing Sage out of her reverie.

      She surveyed the gown in her future sister-in-law’s hand. “It’s pretty, but I don’t think it looks like you.”

      “Really?”

      Sage nodded. “I don’t know why, but I just can’t really see you in this dress. Maybe it’s because there’s so much lace. You don’t strike me as the ribbons, ruffles or bows type of girl.”

      “You’re right,” Natasha agreed. “I prefer more simple lines but thought I’d do something different for my wedding.”

      “No,” Sage interjected. “Your gown should definitely echo your personality.” She walked over to a nearby rack and selected a dress. “Now, I think that this one looks like you, Natasha.”

      “Oh, my…” Natasha murmured as she fingered the soft, delicate chiffon. “This is stunning.”

      Sage agreed. “You should try it on.”

      Anna, the bridal consultant standing nearby, walked over to them. “I’ll take this to the dressing room.”

      “Ari told me that I could have my dress designed, but I think I’d rather buy one off the rack.” Natasha pressed the dress against her body. “I really love this one.”

      “Try it on,” Sage encouraged.

      She strolled around the store, pausing every now and then to look at a gown. Sage already knew how she wanted her dress to look. While Natasha wasn’t interested in having a one-of-a-kind wedding gown, Sage felt otherwise.

      Natasha walked out of the dressing room with the assistance of Anna. She looked like a vision from heaven in the eggshell-tinted strapless gown made of Tomen chiffon and lace embellished with Swarovski crystals and a sweetheart neckline. The unbelievable draping across Natasha’s torso completed the elegant vision.

      “So what do you think?” Natasha prompted.

      “You look beautiful,” Sage murmured. “I think this is the one for you.”

      “Ms. LeBlanc, you look exquisite,” Anne complimented. “From everything you’ve told me, I agree with Ms. Alexander. This is the wedding dress for you.”

      Natasha continued to gaze at her reflection.

      “I’m loving it,” Sage said. “I can’t wait for my brother to see you in this gown.”

      “I love it, too,” Natasha responded. “This is the dress for me. My search is over for the perfect wedding gown.” She glanced over at Anna and said, “Would you bring out the dress I selected for the bridesmaids, please? I want Sage’s opinion on the choice.”

      Anna walked into a back room and returned a few minutes later, carrying a stunning knee-length satin sheath in a purple/platinum duet.

      Sage fell in love with the draped strapless sweetheart neckline with natural waist and draped skirt. “Natasha, it’s gorgeous. I love it.”

      “I thought that you would,” she responded. “It’s going to look great on you, Zaire and my sister.”

      Sage held the dress up to her and eyed her reflection in the mirror. “This is a beautiful dress. I especially like that it’s one I can wear again. I have a closet full of bridesmaid gowns that were only for that one day.”

      “I’ll set up a dressing room for you,” Anna stated. “While you change, I’ll have the seamstress come out to perform the fitting for Ms. LeBlanc.”

      Sage hummed softly as she strolled into a nearby dressing room to try it on. She couldn’t wait to see how the dress looked on her body.

      “You look beautiful,” Natasha said when Sage walked out. “You need very few alterations. It nearly fits you perfectly.”

      Sage agreed. “Natasha, I really love this dress. This dress is so me.”

      “How do you think Zaire will feel about it?”

      “Natasha, she’s going to love it, as well,” Sage assured her. “My sister and I have similar taste when it comes to clothes. We’re also the same size, so you don’t have to worry about having her dress altered. Besides, she’s planning to come out here in a couple of weeks. Zaire says that school has been hectic for her and she needs a little break. I know that grad school is intense, but I think my little sister is missing the family. She can’t just leave Atlanta and be home in an hour anymore.”

      “My sister and I are the same way.”

      “I’m looking forward to meeting your family, especially Natalie,” Sage stated. “It sounds like she and I have a lot in common.”

      “You do,” Natasha responded.

      Sage waited patiently while the seamstress worked with Natasha to make sure the gown fit her body perfectly for her big day. Every now and then, her eyes would travel around the shop, gazing at row after row of wedding gowns. My time will come, she silently assured herself.

      * * *

      When Sage returned to the hotel, she glanced around before walking through the entrance.

      I wonder what happened to that homeless man, she thought. Maybe he was somewhere having a hot meal; at least she hoped he had spent some of the money she had given him on a good meal. He didn’t resemble a drug addict or alcoholic.

      She shook her head in confusion.

      It was strange, but Sage felt as if their souls were connected. The feeling was so strong that she knew deep down that she had not seen the last of this man who had left such a strong СКАЧАТЬ