Gloria stepped between me and the window.
“This light is much kinder on mature skin,” she told Callie. “Get a few full-length shots before the room fills.”
Callie lowered her camera. “I’m scheduled with Mara right now.”
“I purchased the premium package.”
She had not. I had paid the photographer’s deposit from money my mother left me, and Colin and I had split the balance.
Before I could answer, Colin appeared in the doorway in his charcoal suit.
For one hopeful second, I expected shock.
Instead, he smiled. “Mom. Wow.”
Gloria turned slowly, giving him the full effect of the train.
“Too much?” she asked, already knowing the answer she wanted.
Colin kissed her cheek. “You look beautiful.”
I waited until he looked at me. “She is dressed like a bride.”
His smile tightened. “It’s one dress, Mara. Let her have her moment.”
“This is our wedding.”
At 8:47 on my wedding morning, my mother-in-law walked into the hotel ballroom wearing a white cathedral-length gown and told the photographer to move me out of her light.
