The wedding dress Rachel Hauck

AdvancePraiseforTheWeddingDress
TheWeddingDresswillcaptureyoufrompageonewithastoryonlyRachelHauck
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—JENNYB.JONES,award-winningauthorof
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—BETHWEBBHART,best-sellingauthorof
SunriseontheBatteryandLove,Charleston
FromthemomentIheardaboutthisstory,Icouldn’twaittogetmyhandsonit.A
weddingdresswornbyfourdifferentwomenover100years?Yes,please!Ilovedthe
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Atendertalethatspansgenerationsofwomen,eachaproductofhertimeandahead
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LISAWINGATE,nationalbest-sellingand
Carolaward-winningauthorof
DandelionSummerandBlueMoonBay





The
WEDDING
DRESS



OtherNovelsbyRachelHauck
DiningwithJoy
LoveStartswithElle
SweetCaroline
DivaNashVegas
LostinNashVegas
THESONGBIRDSERIESWITHSARAEVANS
TheSweetByandBy
SoftlyandTenderly
LoveLiftedMe

The
WEDDING
DRESS
RACHELHAUCK




©2012byRachelHauck
Allrightsreserved.Noportionofthisbookmaybereproduced,storedinaretrieval
system,ortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans—electronic,mechanical,
photocopy,recording,scanning,orother—exceptforbriefquotationsincritical
reviewsorarticles,withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthepublisher.
PublishedinNashville,Tennessee,byThomasNelson.ThomasNelsonisaregistered
trademarkofThomasNelson,Inc.
ThomasNelson,Inc.,titlesmaybepurchasedinbulkforeducational,business,fundraising,orsalespromotionaluse.Forinformation,pleasee-mail

ScripturequotationsaretakenfromtheNEWAMERICANSTANDARDBIBLE®.©
1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995byTheLockman
Foundation.Usedbypermission.
Thisnovelisaworkoffiction.Anyreferencestorealevents,businesses,
organizations,andlocalesareintendedonlytogivethefictionasenseofrealityand
authenticity.Anyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData
Hauck,Rachel,1960–
Theweddingdress/RachelHauck.
p.cm.
Summary:“Onedress.Fourwomen.Anamazingdestiny.CharlotteMaloneisgetting
married.YetallisnotsettledintheheartofBirmingham’schicbridalboutiqueowner.
Charlottecandressanybridetoperfection-exceptherself.Whenshediscoversa

vintagemint-conditionweddinggowninabatteredoldtrunk,Charlotteembarksona
passionatejourneytodiscoverthewomenwhoworethegownbeforeher.Emilyin
1912.Maryin1939.AndHillaryin1968.EachwomanteachesCharlottesomething
aboutloveinherownuniqueway.Wovenwithinthethreadsofthebeautifulhundredyear-oldgownisthetruthaboutCharlotte’sheritage,thepoweroffaith,andthe
beautyoffindingtruelove”—Providedbypublisher.
ISBN978-1-59554-963-1(pbk.)
1.Brides—Fiction.2.Weddingcostume—Fiction.I.Title.
PS3608.A866W432012
813'.6—dc23
2011051933


PrintedintheUnitedStatesofAmericafont>

121314151617QGF654321



ToJesus,thegloriousbridegroom



Contents
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight

ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
ChapterFourteen
ChapterFifteen
ChapterSixteen
ChapterSeventeen
ChapterEighteen
ChapterNineteen
ChapterTwenty
ChapterTwenty-One
ChapterTwenty-Two
ChapterTwenty-Three
ChapterTwenty-Four
ChapterTwenty-Five


ChapterTwenty-Six
ChapterTwenty-Seven
ReadingGroupGuide
Acknowledgments
AuthorNote



ChapterOne
Charlotte
April14

Itwasthebreeze,achangeinthetextureoftheunseenthatmadeherlookupand
walkaroundastandofshadingbeechtrees.Charlottepausedonthemanicuredgreen
oftheLudlowEstateforapure,deepbreath,observingtheelementsoftheday—blue
sky,springtrees,sunlightbouncingofftheparked-carwindshields.
She’dwokenupthismorningwiththeneedtothink,topray,togetclosertoheaven.
She’dtuggedonherfavoritepairofshortsanddrivenuptotheridge.
Butinsteadofsolitude,CharlottefoundherpieceofRedMountainbusyandburdened
withshoppers,seekers,andbargainhunters.TheannualLudlowantiquesauctionto
raisemoneyforthepoorwasinfullforceontheestate’slusciousgrounds.
Charlotteraisedhersunglassestothetopofherhead,resentingtheintrusion.This
washerpersonalsanctuary,eveniftherestoftheworlddidn’tknowit.Mamausedto
bringherhereforpicnics,parkingonagravelserviceroadandsneakingCharlotte
alongtheLudlows’perimeter,laughingandwhispering,“Shh,”asiftheyweregetting
awaywithsomethingfunandjuicy.
She’dfindaspotonthebacksideofaknoll,spreadablanket,openabucketofchicken
oraMcDonald’sbag,andexhaleasshelookedoutoverthevalleytowardtheMagic
City.“Isn’titbeautiful?”
“Yep,”Charlottealwayssaid,buthereyeswereonMama,notBirmingham’slights.She
wasthemostbeautifulwomanCharlottehadeverseen.Andalmosteighteenyears
afterherdeath,shestillwasthemostbeautifulwomanCharlottehadeverseen.Mama
hadawayofjustbeing,butshediedbeforesheimpartedthatgifttoCharlotte.
ShoutsinvadedCharlotte’smemorialmomentwithMama.Biddersandbuyersmoved
inandoutfromunderthe
Shadinghereyesfromtheangledsunlight,Charlottestoodinthebreeze,watching,
decidingwhattodo.Gobackhomeorwalkthegrounds?Shedidn’tneedorwant
anythingthatmightbeunderthattent.Didn’thavethemoneytobuyevenifshedid.
Whatsheneededwastothinkthrough—prayabout—herrecenttensionswithTim’s
family.Hissister-in-lawKatherinespecifically.Thewholemesschallengedherto
reconsidertheleapshewasabouttomake.
AsCharlotteturnedtowardhercar,thewindbumpedheragainandsheglancedback.

Throughthetreesandbeyondthetent,thesecond-floorwindowsoftheLudlowstoneand-glassmansionshonewiththegoldenmorninglightandappearedtobewatching
overtheproceedingsontheground.


Thenthewindshiftedthelight,ashadowpassedoverthewindow,andthehouse
seemedtowinkather.Comeandsee...
“Heythere.”Aloftywoman’svoicecausedCharlottetoturnaround.“You’renot
leavingalready,areyou?”Sheluggeduptheslopeofthelawnwithaboxinherhands.
Charlotterecognizedher.Notbynameorface,butbyaura.OneoftheclassicSouthern
womenthatpopulatedBirmingham.Oneswithdewyskin,pressedslacks,cottontops,
andamodeststringofpearls.ShestoppedbyCharlotte,breathless.
“You’venotevengoneuptotheauctiontent.Isawyoupullin,sweetie.Now,comeon,
we’vebeautifulitemsforauction.Isthisyourfirsttimehere?”Shedippedintothebox
andpulledoutacatalog.“Hadtoruntomycartogetmore.We’rebusy,busythisyear.
Well,youcanseethatbythecars.Remembernow,alltheproceedsgototheLudlow
Foundation.Wegivemillionsingrantsandscholarshipsaroundthecity.”
“I’veadmiredthefoundationforquiteawhile.”Charlotteflippedthroughthecatalog.
“I’mCleoFavorite,presidentoftheLudlowFoundation.”SheofferedCharlotteher
hand.“You’reCharlotteMalone.”
CharlotteregardedCleoforamoment,slowlyshakingthewoman’shand.“ShouldIbe
impressedyouknowmeorrunscreamingbacktomycar?”
Cleosmiled.Herteethmatchedherpearls.“Myniecewasmarriedlastyear.”
“Isee.Sheboughtherdressfrommyshop?”
“Shedid,andforawhile,Ibelievedshewasmoreexcitedaboutworkingwithyouthan
marryingherfiancé.Quiteabusinessyouhavethere.”
“I’vebeenveryfortunate.”Morethananypoor,orphanedgirldreamed.“Whoisyour
niece?”
“ElizabethGunter.ShemarriedDylanHuntington.”Cleostartedtowardthetent.
Charlottefollowedsoasnottoberude.
“Ofcourse,IrememberElizabeth.Shewasabeautifulbride.”

“Andshewantedthewholewideworldtoknowit.”Cleolaughedwithapopofher
handagainstthebreeze.“Shedarnnearsentmybrothertothepoorhouse.Butyou
onlygetmarriedonce,right?”
“Ihearthat’stheidea.”Charlottetouchedherthumbtotheshankofherengagement
ring—thereasonshe’ddrivenupheretoday.Shepausedattheedgeofthetent.
“So,Charlotte,areyoulookingforanyparticularitem?Somethingforyourshop?”Cleo
droppedtheboxofcatalogsonatableandstarteddownthemainaisleasifshe
expectedCharlottewouldfollow.“Wehavesomebeautifulwardrobesforsale.The
catalogtellsyouthelotnumber,whenandwheretobid.Theauctioneerjustmovesto
thepiece.Wefoundthattobeeasierthan—well,whatdoesanyofthatmatter?It’sa


greatauctionanditrunssmoothly.Tellme,whatareyoulookingfor?”Cleotippedher
headtoonesideandclaspedherhandstogetheratherwaist.
Charlottesteppedunderthetent’sshade.“Actually,Cleo,”—Icameupheretothink
—“mybridalshopisstrictlycontemporary.”Charlotterolledthecataloginherhand.
“ButIguessbrowsingisalwaysfun.”Shecouldwalktheaislestothinkandpray,right?
“Whysureitis.You’reboundtofindsomethingyoulikeasyou...browse.”Cleo
winked.“Itworksbestifyougoaheadandgiveyourselfpermissiontospendsomeof
yourhard-earnedmoney.”
“I’llkeepthatinmind.”
CleotrottedoffandCharlottepickedasideaisletowander,examiningthepiecesasif
theanswershelongedformightbelurkingamongtheancientsandtheantiques.
Maybeshe’dhear,He’stheone,asshepassedatwentieth-centurybreakfrontora
nineteenth-centurywardrobe.
Butprobablynot.Answersdidn’toftenjustappeartoheroutoftheetherealrealm.Or
droponhersuddenly.Sheworkedforherlifeanswers.Justrolleduphersleeves,
evaluatedthesituation,calculatedcosts,anddecided.She’dhaveneveropenedMalone
&Co.otherwise.
Charlottepausedinfrontofadarkwoodfoyertableandtracedherfingersoverthe

surface.Gerthadonelikethisinherfoyer.Wonderwhateverhappenedtoit?
Charlottebenttoseeiftheundersidehadbeenmarkedwitharedmagicmarker.
Ithadn’t.Charlottemovedon.Thattablewasn’tGert’s.Oh,she’dbeensomadwhen
shediscoveredherniecehadrunamuckwiththatredpen.
Attheendoftheaisle,Charlottehaltedwithasigh.Sheshouldheadbackdowntothe
city.Herhairappointmentwasinafewhoursanyway.
Instead,shestarteddownthenextaisle,letherthoughtswandertoTimandthe
struggleinherheart.
Fourmonthsagoshe’dbeenperfectlyensconcedinhersteady,predictable,
comfortableday-to-daylife.Thenthecontractorwhoremodeledhershopharangued
herintoacceptinghisChristmasdinnerinvitation.HeseatedhernexttoTimRoseand
changedCharlotte’slife.
Adull,tiredrolltopdeskcaughthereye.Charlottestoppedinfrontofitandsmoothed
herhandalongthesurface.Ifthegraincouldtalk,whatstorieswouldittell?
Ofahusbandfiguringthefamilyfinances?Orofachildworkingthroughahomework
problem?Ofamamawritingalettertothefolksbackhome?
Howmanymenandwomensatatthisdesk?Oneorhundreds?Whatweretheirhopes
anddreams?


Onepieceoffurnituresurvivingtime.Wasthatwhatshewanted?Tosurvive,tobea
partofsomethingimportant?
ShewantedtofeellikeshebelongedtotheRosefamily.Katherinecertainlydidn’tmake
Charlottefeellikeapartofthegregariouscollectionofsiblings,aunts,uncles,cousins,
andlifelongfriends.
OntheirfirstdatewhenTimtoldCharlottehehadfourbrothers,shecouldn’teven
imaginewhatthatfeltlike.Itsoundedthrilling.Shedrilledhimwithquestionafter
question.CharlotteonlyhadMama.ThenoldGertwhenMamadied.
She’dneverlivedwithasibling,letalonefourofthem.Letaloneaboy.
WasthatwhysheacceptedTimRose’sproposalaftertwomonths?Fascination?Atthe

moment,shewasn’tsureherreasonwaslove.Shewasn’tevensureitwastobepart
ofabigfamily.
Charlotteglanceddownattheone-caratdiamondfiligreeandplatinumengagement
ringthathadbelongedtoTim’sgrandmother.
Buttheringhadnoanswers.Shehadnoanswers.
“CharlotteMalone?”Around,pleasant-lookingwomanapproachedherfromtheother
sideofadiningtable.“IreadaboutyouinSouthernWeddings.Youlooklikeyour
picture.”
“Ihopethat’sagoodthing.”Charlottesmiled.
“Oh,itis.Yourshopsoundsmagical.MademewishIwasgettingmarriedagain.”
“Wehitaluckybreakwiththatpiece.”Whentheeditorcalledsiditorclastfall,itwas
thelastinawashoffortunatewavesbreakingCharlotte’sway.
“I’vebeenmarriedthirty-twoyearsandIreadSouthernWeddingsaboutasreligiously
astheGoodBook.Ijustloveweddings,don’tyou?”
“Icertainlyloveweddingdresses,”Charlottesaid.
“Isupposeyoudo.”Thewoman’slaughlingeredintheairasshesaidgood-byeand
movedon,touchingCharlotte’sarmgentlyasshepassed.
Shedidloveweddingdresses.Sinceshewasagirl,thesatinandsheenofwhitegowns
practicallymadehergiddy.Shelovedthewayabride’sfacechangedwhensheslipped
ontheperfectgown,thewayherhopesanddreamsswaminhereyes.
Infact,shewasonthevergeofherowntransformation—slippingontheperfectgown,
hopesanddreamsswimminginhereyes.
Sowhatwastheproblem?Whytheholdout?She’dconsideredfifteendresses,triedon
none.June23wouldbeherebeforesheknewit.


AyearagoFebruary,shewasbarelygettingby,investingallhercapitalininventory
whileduct-tapinghershop—a1920sMountainBrookcottage—together.
Thenananonymousbankchecktothetuneofahundredthousanddollarslandedin
heraccount.Afterweeksofpanickedelationtryingtofindoutwhowouldgiveherso

muchmoney,Charlotteredeemedhergiftandfinally,finallyremodeledhershop.And
everythingchanged.
TawnyBoswell,MissAlabama,becameaclientandputheronthemap.Southern
Weddingscalled.Then,asiftoputabowontheyear,CharlotteattendedtheChristmas
dinnerandsatnexttoahandsomemanwhocharmedeveryoneintheroom.Bythe
timeshe’dfinishedherfirstcourseofoystersoup,TimRosehadcapturedherheart
too.
Thefeatherykissofdestinysentashiveroverhersoulasthebreezerushingoverthe
mountaintoptappedherlegs.Didshesmellrain?Dippingherheadtoseebeyondthe
lipofthetent,Charlottesawnothingbuttheglorioussunpossessingacrystalbluesky.
Notonevanillacloudinsight.
Shestarteddownthenextaisleandherphonebuzzedfromherjeanspocket.Dixie.
“Hey,Dix,everythingokayattheshop?”
“Quiet.ButTawnycalled.Shewantstomeetwithyoutomorrowatthree.”
Sunday?“Iseverythingallright?Didshesoundokay?Likeshewasstillhappywith
us?”CharlottehadspentmonthstryingtofindtheperfectgownforMissAlabama,
lyingawakeatnight,whisperingtotheGodoflovetohelpherfulfillTawny’sdreams.
Thenshediscoveredanew,smalldesigneroutofParisandCharlotteknewshe’d
foundherownbrandofwhite-silkgold.“Callherbackandtellhertomorrowisfine.
Dowehavecrackersandcheeseintherefreshmentbar?Coffee,tea,water,andsoda?”
“We’reallstocked.Tawnyseemedenthusiastic,soIdon’tthinkshe’sgoingtotellyou
she’sgoingwithanothershop.”
“Howlonghavewebeenworkinginthebridalgownbusinesstogether,Dix?”
“Fiveyears,eversinceyouopenedthisplace.”Dix,foreverpragmaticandcalm.
“Andhowmanytimeshavewelostacustomeratthelastminute?”Evenaftercountless
hoursofscouringdesignerstofindtheperfectgown.
“Wedidn’tknowwhatweweredoingthen.We’retheexpertsnow,”Dixiesaid.
“Youknowverywellithasnothingtodowithus.Listen,I’llcallTawnyandtellher
we’dbehappytoseehertomorrow.”
“Alreadytoldher.Didn’tthinkyou’dwanttoturnherdown.”Dixie’svoicealways

carriedtheweightofconfidence.Shewasagodsend.SupportbeamsforCharlotte’s
dream.“So,whereareyouanyway,Char?”


“UponRedMountain.AttheLudlowestate.Icameupheretothinkbutranintothe
annualauctioncrowd.I’mwanderingamongtheantiquesaswespeak.”
“Peopleorthings?”
Charlottegrinned,scanningthegrayheadsamongtheaisles.“Alittleofboth.”She
pausedinfrontofalockedglassofjewels.Uniquepiecesweretheperfectaccentfor
herbrides.Charlottemaintainedaninventoryofone-of-a-kindnecklaces,earrings,
bracelets,andtiaras.Itwasthesmallthingsthathelpedsealhersuccess.
“Speakingofweddings,”Dixiesaidlowandslow.
“Werewe?”
“Aren’twealways?Yourweddinginvitationsarestillonthestoreroomdesk,Charlotte.
Doyouwantmetobringthemhometonight?”Dixandherhusband,Jared,Dr.Hotstuff
asshecalledhim,livedintheHomewoodloftnextdoortoCharlotte.
“Wait...really?They’restillonthestoreroomdesk?IthoughtItookthemhome.”
“Ifyoudid,theywalkedback.”
“Ha,ha,funnygirlyouare,Dixie.Yeah,sure,bringthemhome.Icanworkonthem
tomorrowafterchurch.IneedtoseeifMrs.RosehasaguestlistforTim’sside—”
“You’remeetingwithTawnyatthree.”
“Right,okay,afterImeetwithher.OrIcanworkonthemMondaynight.Idon’tthinkI
haveanythingMondaynight.”
“Charlotte,canIaskyousomething?”
“No—”
“You’regettingmarriedintwomonthsand—”
“I’vejustbeenbusy,Dixie,that’sall.”Charlotteknewwhereherfriendwasgoingwith
herinquiry.Charlottehadbeenaskingherselfthesamequestionsforweeksnow,and
theneedforanswersdroveherupthemountaintoday.“I’vegottime.”
“Butit’srunningout.”

Sheknew.Sheknew.“Weshould’vepickedafallweddingdate.Fastengagement,fast
wedding...ithasmespinning.”
“Timisanamazingman,Charlotte.”
Sheknew.Sheknew.Butwasheamazingforher?“Listen,I’dbettergo.Ineedtoget
backdownthemountaininafewminutessoIcangetmyhairdone.Callyoulater.”
“Havefuntonight,Charlotte.Don’tletKatherinegettoyou.Tellhertobugoff.Justbe
therewithTim.Rememberwhyyoufellinloveinthefirstplace.”


“I’lltry.”Charlottehungup,Dixie’sadvicesettlinginherthoughts.Rememberwhyyou
fellinloveinthefirstplace.
It’dallbeenheartpoundingandromantic.Shewasn’tsureshecouldidentifyareal,
solidreasonoutofthewhirlwind.AsCharlottemadeherwaydowntheaisletoleave
thetent,shefoundherselfherdedtoonesidebyagatheringcrowd.
Shesmiledatthemanbesideherandtriedtosteparoundhim.“Excuseme.”Hedidn’t
budge,butremainedplanted,staringpointedlyattheitemabouttobeauctioned.
“Pardonme,butifyoucouldletmethrough,I’llbeoutofyourway.Areyoubiddingon
that—”Charlottelookedoverhershoulder.“Trunk?”Thatuglytrunk?
“Gatheraround,everybody.”Theauctioneerjumpedontotherisernexttothetrunk.
Thecrowdoffifteenortwentysurgedforward,takingCharlottewiththem.She
stumbledback,losingherclogintheprocess.“We’reabouttostartbidding.”
Fishingaroundforhershoe,Charlottedecidedtowaititout.Thebiddersonthisitem
seemeddetermined.Howlongcouldtheauctionbe?Tenminutes?Mightbekindoffun
toseethewholeprocessupclose.
Twentybucks.Thetrunkdidn’tlooklikeitwasworthmorethanthat.Charlottepeeked
aroundtoseewhoshethoughtmightbewillingtoshelloutmoneyforadull,battered,
andscarredboxofwoodwithfrayedandcrackedleatherstraps.
Theauctioneerwasamanwithnothingdistinguishableabouthim.Averageheightand
weight.Hairthatmighthaveoncebeenbrownbutwasnow...gray?Ash?
Yetheworeabrilliantpurpleshirttuckedintocharcoalgraytrousersthatheheldup

withleathersuspenders.HebouncedontheriserswithhisverycleanandwhiteNike
runners.
Charlottegrinned.Shelikedhim,thoughwhenhelookedather,theblueblazeofhis
eyesmadeherspiritchurn.Shetookastepbackbutremainedhemmedinonallsides.
“Thisislotnumberzero,”theauctioneersaid,andhisbassvoicesankthrough
Charlottelikeawarmpearl.
Lotnumberzero?Shefannedthepagesofhercatalog.Therewasn’talotnumberzero.
Shecross-referencedwiththeitemizedlistingintheback.Butnotrunk,orchest,or
luggage,orsteamerwaslisted.
“Thisitemwasrescuedfromahousejustminutesbeforeitwastorndown.Thetrunk
wasmadein1912.”Heleanedoverthecrowd.“Itwasmadeforabride.”
HisgazelandedonCharlotteandshejerkedbackwithagasp.Whywashelookingat
her?Shetuckedherringhandbehindherback.
“It’sonehundredyearsold.Acentury.Thehardwareandleatherareoriginalandthe
entirepieceisingoodbutthirstycondition.”


“Whathappenedtothelock?”ThemanonCharlotte’sleftpointedwithhisrolled-up
catalogatthegnarledbrasslockingthelidinplace.
“Well,that’sataleinandofitself.Itgotweldedshut,yousee.”Theauctioneerleaned
farthertowardhisaudience.Again,hisroaming,fieryblueeyesstoppedonCharlotte.
Hewiggledhisbushygrayeyebrows.“Byagalwithabrokenheart.”
Thewomeninthegroup“Ooh’d”andangledforabetterlookatthetrunkwhile
Charlottetookanotherstepback.Whywashedirectinghisattentiontowardher?She
pressedherhandagainsttheheatcracklingbetweenherribs.
“Buttotheonewilling,there’sgreattreasureinside.”
Hescannedthecrowdthatseemedtogrowthickerandwinked.Laughterpeppered
theairandtheauctioneerseemedsatisfiedhe’ddrawneveryonein.
Okay,Charlottegotit.Therewasn’treallyagreattreasureinside.Hejustwantedthem
tobelievetherecouldbe.Hewasquitethesalesman.ryesalesKudos.

“Let’sstartthebiddingatfive,”hesaid.
Severalfromthecrowdpeeledaway,releasingthepressureCharlottefelttostay
pennedin.Theswirlofcoolairaroundherlegsfeltgood.
“DoIhavefive?”hesaidagain.
Charlottecheckedthefacesofthosewhoremained.Comeon,someone,bidfive
dollars.Nowthatthetrunkhadapriceandhadenduredlaughter,hersympathies
werearoused.Hearingabitofitsstorychangeditsdismalappearance.
Everyone,everything,neededlove.
Anotherfewsecondstickedby.Bidsomeone,please.“I’llbidfive.”Charlotteraisedher
rolledcatalog.Shecoulddonatethetrunktothechildren’sministryatchurch.They
werealwayslookingforitemstostoretoysortopackwithmissiontripnecessities.
“Ihavefivehundred.”Theauctioneerhelduphishand,wigglinghisfingers.“DoIhave
five-fifty?”
“Fivehundred?”Shebalked.“No,no,Ibidfivedollars.”
“Butthepricewasfivehundred.”Theauctioneernoddedather.“Alwaysconsiderthe
cost,littlelady.Nowyouknowtheprice.DoIhavefive-fifty?”
Please,someone,bidfive-fifty.Howcouldshehavebeensostupid?Theinnocent-oldmanroutinefooledher.
ThemannexttoCharlotteraisedhiscatalog.“I’llgofive-fifty.”
Charlotteexhaled,pressingherhandtoherchest.Thankyou,kindsir.Sheflipped
throughthecatalogpagesagain,searchingforadescription,someinformation,


anythingonthetrunk.Butitwasflatnotlisted.
“Five-fifty,doIhavesix?Sixhundreddollars.”Theauctioneer’seyeswereanimated,
speaking,andhischeeksglistenedredeventhoughthemountainairunderthetent
wascoolforApril.
ThewomannexttoCharlotteraisedherhand.“Six.”
Threemorebidderspeeledaway.Charlotteregardedthetrunkthroughnarrowslits,
thinkingsheshouldjusttakethistimetobeonherwaytoo.She’dexperiencedenough
ofthebiddingprocess.

Besides,shewantedtogrababiteoflunchbeforeherappointment.Bythetimeshe
leftthesalon,she’dhavejusttimeenoughtogohomeandchangebeforeTimpicked
herupatsix.
“Six,doIhavesix-fifty?”Theauctioneer’svoicebobbedwitheachsyllable.
“Six-fifty.”Themanonherleft.“IcanuseitforreplacementpartsonasteamerI’m
restoring.”
“Sevenhundred,”Charlottesaid,thewordsburstingfromherlips.Sheclearedher
throatandfacedtheauctioneer.Usedforparts?Never.Somethinginsideherrebelled
atthethoughtoftearingthetrunkapart.“Thistrunkdeservesitsowntender,loving
care.”
“Thatitdoes,younglady.Irescueditmyself.AndwhatIrescueisneverdestroyed.”
Theauctioneer’seyesradiatedbluewitheachwordandsentaburningchillthrough
Charlotte.“DoIhaveseven-fifty?”
Thewomannexttoherliftedherhand.
“Eight.”Charlottedidn’tevenwaitforhimtoupthebid.“Hundred.Eighthundred.”
Run!Getoutofhere!Charlottetriedtoturn,butherlegsrefusedtomoveandherfeet
remainedplantedontheLudlowlawn.AbluntbrushoftheAprilbreezecooledthe
flashofperspirationonherforehead.
Shedidn’twantthistrunk.Shedidn’tneedthistrunk.Herloftwascontemporary,
small,andsofar,clutter-free.Thewayshelikedit.
Malone&Co.wasanupscale,classy,exquisitelycontemporaryboutique.Wherewould
sheputabeat-upoldtrunk?Nevermindthatshe’dspentherwindfallmoneyonthe
remodel.Everylastdime.Andherpersonalbankaccounthadjustenoughtofootthe
expenseofasmallwedding.Eighthundreddollarsforatrunkwasnotinthebudget.If
shewasgoingtoblowthatmuchcash,she’dbuyapairofChristianLouboutinshoes.
“Itcallstoyou,doesn’tit?”ThemaninpurpleleanedtowardCharlottewithaswoosh
upofhisbushybrows.
“Unfortunately,yes.”Timwouldhaveafitifshebroughtthatthinghome.

Charlotteregardedthetrunk.Whowasthemanorwomanwhoownedthetrunkin
daysgoneby?Whataboutthebridetheauctioneerspokeoffrom1912—wouldn’tshe
wantahomeforthisbatteredoldpiece?
“Eight-fifty.”ThesecondmanonCharlotte’sleftmadeabid.
“Onethousanddollars.”Charlotteclappedherhandoverhermouth.Butitwastoo
late.She’dmadethebid.
Oh,she’dhavetoexplainthistoTim.
“Sold.”Theauctioneersmackedhispalmstogetherandpulledaslipofpaperoutofhis
pocket.“Thistrunkbelongstoyou.”
Charlottereadthepreprintedslip.Redeemed.$1,000.Shewhirledaround.“Wait,sir,
excuseme,butysuseme,howdidyouknow...”
Buthewasgone.Alongwiththecrowdandthehumofvoices.Charlottestood
completelyaloneexceptforthebatteredtrunkandtheglitteringswirlintheair.



ChapterTwo
CharlotteleanedintoTimastheywatchedhisparents’anniversarypartyfromtheir
table.Abluishamberhuefellovertheirdinnerplatesasthepartylightschased
aroundtheballroom.
“Dinnerwasgood,wasn’tit?”shesaid.Comeon,Tim.It’sonlymoney.
“Itwasgreat.”
Charlottelookedoverathim.Hewaspicture-perfecttoher.Ifshecouldusesucha
word.Hisstraightnosealignedoverfulllipsandaneven,squarechin.Hislong,sandy
hairfellinasoftsheenagainsthissculptedcheek.
Butatthemomenthisnormallyvibrant,charmingcountenancewasbrooding.
Oh,whydidn’tshewaittotellhimuntiltheridehome?Nowthefamily—Katherine—
wouldblameCharlotteforTim’slackofparticipation.
“Doyouwanttodance?Look,Jackkeepswavingatus.”
JackwasTim’syoungerbrother,theonerightafterhiminthelineoffiveboys.David,

Tim,Jack,Chase,andRudy.
“Inaminute.”TimgesturedforJacktoholdon.
Everyguestatthisfortiethweddinganniversarycelebrationwasonthefloorjukin’
andjivin’,singing“celebrategoodtimes,comeon”atthetopoftheirlungs.
EveryoneexceptTimandCharlotte.
“Comeon,Tim,it’snotthatbigofadeal.Let’sdance.”Charlottestood,smoothingher
handsoverherskirt.She’ddeterminedtohaveagoodtimetonight,forgetherRed
Mountainmissionthatwentbustandletherinnerextrovertrulethenight.Shehada
longtalkwiththatgirlthisafternoonwhilesittinginthechairgettingherhairandnails
done.
She’dwornanewpartydress,anavynumberwithafittedbodiceandshort,flared
skirt.AndamatchingpairofJimmyChooMaryJanesshe’dboughtonsale.
Thenightwasgoingsowell.Timcouldn’tkeephiseyesoffofherandforthefirsttime,
Charlotteactuallyfeltlikeshewasapartoftheinner-Rosecircle.
Then,fifteenminutesago,Charlotteleanedintohermanandsaid,hermanOh,Tim,I
forgottotellyou,butIendedupatanauctiontodayuponRedMountainandboughta
trunk.Forathousanddollars.”Therenow,thatwasn’tsobad.
Thenshenoticedthelightdimminginhiseyes.“Athousanddollars?”Timkeptthe
weddingbudgetandhadeverypennyaccountedforuntilJune23.


Afterthat,theywhisperedharshlytoeachotheroverdinneraboutwhyandhowshe
could’vespentthatmuchmoneywithouttalkingtohim.Themuffleddebateconcluded
asdessertarrived.
“Ihopeyoudidn’tbuythatfive-thousand-dollardressyouwantedbecausewecan’t
affordthatnow.”
“No,Ihaven’t,”Charlottesaidwithabitofsass.“Ihaven’tboughtmydressyet.”
TheconfessionhungbetweenthemanddimmedthelastbitofmerrylightfromTim’s
eyes.“We’regettingmarriedintwomonths,Charlotte.Youownabridalshop.”
“Iknow,Iknow.”Whenwouldshelearntokeephermouthshut?Hertimingmissedby

acountrymile.
Theyatetheircarrotcakeinrelativesilence.
“Sureyoudon’twanttodance?”Charlottetuggedonhiselbow.
Timshovedawayfromthetable,standing.“I’mgoingforsomeair.”
“O-okay.”Charlottewatchedhimgothroughwateryeyes.“Tim?”
Heturned,gazingdownather.
“Sorryaboutthemoney.”
“Iknow,Char.”Hebrushedhisfingerslightlyoverherneckandrelievedherfears.“It’s
okay.Promise.I’llbebackinaminute.”
Inthefourmonthsshe’dknownTim,she’dlearnedthatheneededtimetoprocess.He
rarelymadesnapdecisions.Whichwasanotherreasontocontemplatethiswhole
weddingordeal.
Heneverdidanythingimpulsively—sowhythemarriageproposalsoquickly?Wasita
momentofromanticweakness?Shewasn’tsureheevenwantedtomarryher.What
madehimdroptoonekneetwomonthsafterthey’dmetandsliparingonherfinger?
Didshewanttomarryhim?CharlottemighthavetodrivebackuptoRedMountainin
themorning.
Butoh,hisproposalwasperfectandromantic.Charlotteblurtedyeswithoutthinking.
Sheledwithherheart.Atleastthat’swhatGertalwaystoldher.
Thebandbroughtdownthemusicandthedance-floorlightsdimmed.Couplesstepped
togetherandswayedintimeto“IOnlyHaveEyesforYou.”
Charlottegrabbedherclutchandheadedfortheladies’room.Ifshesatthereany
longer,someonewouldinquireaboutTim.
Shovingthroughthedoor,Charlottewasgratefultobealone.Sheleanedagainstthe


vanitycounterandstudiedherreflectioninthemirror,duckingundertheglareofthe
unkindlights.
Thestrandsofhairthathadslippedfromherupdocurledaroundherneck.Pressing
herfingerunderhereye,shedabbedawayaspotofmascara.Assheopenedher

clutchforherlipstick,avoicecrawledoverhershoulder.
“Youlookbeautifultonight,Charlotte.”
Charlotteglancedinthemirror.Katherine,olderbrotherDavid’swife,stoodbehind
her.“Asdoyou.Iloveyourdress.”
Katherinemovedtothevanityandleanedtowardthemirror,checkingherhairand
makeup.Shewasthefirstandonlydaughter-in-lawinMarshallandBlanchRose’s
family.Adistinctionshetookseriouslyandguardedjealously.
“Areyouhavingagoodtime?”Katherine’ssmilewasstiffandforcedasshefisheda
tubeoflipstickfromherclutch.“YouandTimhaveafight?Youwerewhisperingto
eachotherallthroughdinner.It’sagoodthingBlanchcouldn’tseeyoudirectly.”She
smoothedredcoloroverherlips.“Tim’susuallythefirstonthefloorandhe’snot
beenoutthereyet.Henevermisses‘Celebrate.’”
“I’mhavingalovelytime,Katherine,thankyou.”Charlottesidesteppedthewoman’s
huntforinformation.HerconversationwithTimwasn’tanyofhissister-in-law’s
business.“Fortyyearsofmarriageisquiteamilestone.”
“Youknow,Charlotte”—Katherinetoreatissuefromthebox—“ifyou’regoingtobea
Rose,youshouldstarttryingtoactlikeaRose.YoukeepdraggingTimtodarkcorners
andholdingpersonalconversationslikehe’snotallowedtoassociatewithhisown
family.It’snotgoingtositwellwitheveryoneifthiskeepsup.”Shedabbedthecorners
ofherredlipswiththewhitetissue.
“Thatshadeworkswellwithyourcomplexion,”Charlottesaid,unwillingtogoonthe
defensiveanddebatetheRosefamilywithKatherine.Itwouldbefutile.She’drather
stayonherturf.Homefieldadvantage.“MyassistantDixiedoesmakeupforourbrides
andshe’susingsoftpinksonthebrideswithfaircomplexions.”
Katherinetossedherlipstickbackintoherclutch.“Well,itwasrecommendedbythe
girlattheSakssalescounter.Butdon’tchangethesubject,Charlotte.”
“Isthereasubject?”Itfeltmorelikeaninquisition.Charlotteclickedherclutchclosed
andreachedforatissue.Sheneededa
“Letmetellyouastory,Charlotte.IlivednextdoortotheRosesfromthetimeIwas
threeuntilmyfreshmanyearinhighschool.”Katherinewaddedthetissueandtossed

itinthetrashbin.“Davidwalkedmetofirstgrade.Yep,hedid.Hewastheolderman,a
secondgrader.Thenthesummerbeforeseventhgrade,mydadmovedusacrosstown
toamansioninanexclusive,gatedcommunity.Wehadapool,tenniscourts.”
Katherinefoldedherarmsandleanedagainstthevanity.“Butmyparentshadtowork
eighty-hourweekstokeepusinthelifeofluxury,andittorethefamilyapart.My


parentssettledtheirdivorcethedayafterIgotmydriver’slicense.”Shestaredather
hands.“IfeltprettylostsoIdroveovertotheoldneighborhood.Tothelastplacewe
werehappy.DaveandTimwererakingthefallleavesintopilesforJack,Chase,and
Rudytojumpin.ItwasliketimestoodstillattheRoseplaceexceptDavidhadturned
intothistall,filled-out,gorgeousboy.Hesawmeandwaved.Ipulledintothedriveway,
insomanyways,andneverleft.”
Charlotteregardedherinthemirrorforamoment,theireyesclashing.“I’mnotvery
goodatreadingbetweenthelines,Katherine.”Sheheldhervoicelowandsteady.
“Whatisityou’retryingtosay?”Charlottewalkedtothesinktowashherhands,to
breakthelaserlineofKatherine’sgaze.
“I’mjustgoingtoletouttheclutchandspeakmymind.”
“Pleasedo.”Charlotteturnedoffthewaterandreachedforthehandtowels,andwith
aninhale,tightenedherribsaroundherheart.
“Idon’tthinkyoutwobelongtogether,Charlotte.Youdon’tfitinwiththefamily.It’s
notthatyoucan’t,butyouwon’t.What’sgoingtohappenonceyou’remarried?It’dkill
DadandMomRoseifTimdriftedawayfromus.”
“Why...whywouldhedriftawayfromthefamily?Katherine,you’remakingupstuff
thatisn’tthere.WhenhasTimmissedafamilyevent,orSundaydinner,orbirthday
partysincewe’vebeentogether?Notone.”
“Charlotte,Timproposedtoyouwithhisgrandmother’sringafterknowingyoufor
twomonths.”KatherineflashedherfingersatCharlotte.Two.“Ittookhimthatlongto
askouthislastgirlfriendforthefirsttime.Heprayed,talkedtoherafterchurch,gotto
knowherabit,talkedtopeoplewhoknewhertoseewhatshewaslike.Theydatedfor

sixmonthsandwethoughtshemightbetheonebecauseTimdidn’twastetimedating
awomanifhedidn’tthinkitwasgoinganywhere.Then,outoftheblue,hemeetsyou
ataChristmasdinnerandwedidn’tseehimforalmosttwoweeks.Wethoughthe’d
losthismind.MomRosefearedhe’dmissChristmasdaywithus.”
“Therelationshiptookusbothbysurprise,”Charlottesaid,proppinghershoulder
againsttheoppositewall.Bythedoor.“Butheisrightforme.I’mrightforhim.”Isn’t
he?
CharlottehadnevermetanyonelikeTim.Neverfeltthewayhemadeherfeel.Never
beenthisedverbeesfarinlove.Anddespitetheterroroffree-fallingandherdriveup
totheridgethismorningtoshutoutthecity’snoiseandhearGod,Charlotte
desperatelywantedTimtobeherforty-yearman.Theloveofherlife.
Katherinesquintedather.“DavidtellsmeheandTimhaven’tpickedouttheirtuxes
yet.”
“There’sstilltime.”CharlottetriedtoreadKatherine.Wherewasshetakingthis
inquisition?
“I’venotseenaninvitationorsave-the-datecard.”