Wedding shopping

Sunday morning arrived, and the house was filled with an air of excitement. Bella sat on the couch, combing Rachel's hair as the little girl hummed to herself. Lucas, who had arrived early, leaned against the dining table with his arms crossed, watching them.

"Rachel," Bella began gently, "we're going shopping today."

Rachel turned her head slightly, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "Shopping? What are we going to buy?"

Lucas crouched beside her, smirking. "For the wedding, of course. Your dress, your mom's dress, and mine."

Rachel's face lit up with excitement. "Really? Does that mean I get a pretty dress?"

Bella smiled, nodding. "Yes, sweetheart. You'll get to pick one you like."

Rachel squealed in delight, clapping her hands. "Yay! Then can we also get ice cream?"

Lucas chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Of course."

Soon, they left for the mall, where they were scheduled to meet Alessandra and Vivian. Upon arriving, Bella spotted them near the entrance of an upscale boutique. Alessandra greeted her with a warm hug, while Vivian observed from a slight distance, her gaze shifting toward Rachel.

Rachel, standing close to Bella, peeked up at the unfamiliar woman. She had already met Alessandra, who had showered her with affection the last time, but the other woman was a stranger.

Alessandra bent down with a smile. "Rachel, do you remember me?"

Rachel nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! You gave me chocolates."

Alessandra chuckled. "And I might have more if you behave well today."

Vivian finally spoke, her tone neutral yet curious. "So, you're Rachel?"

Rachel tilted her head. "Yes! And you are?"

Vivian blinked at the straightforwardness, then let out a small chuckle. "I'm Lucas's aunt, Vivian."

Rachel grinned. "Oh! That means you're family too, right?"

Vivian hesitated, glancing at Bella before nodding. "I suppose so."

Rachel's eyes brightened, and she reached for Bella's hand. "Mama, we have a big family now!"

Bella squeezed her fingers, her heart warming at her daughter's innocent excitement.

Lucas cleared his throat. "Alright, let's start shopping before Rachel gets distracted by the toy store."

Rachel pouted but didn't protest as they stepped into the boutique.

The group dispersed, looking at different styles of wedding attire. Rachel excitedly picked out a dress for herself, spinning in front of the mirror. Meanwhile, Bella found a stunning white gown with delicate embroidery. She carried it into the dressing room and pulled the curtain shut.

After struggling with the back strings, she sighed in frustration. "Anyone there?Lucas?" she called out instinctively, remembering how he had helped her before.

But before Lucas could respond, Alessandra gently knocked on the door. "I'm here, dear. Let me help you."

Bella hesitated, then unlocked the door. Alessandra entered, skillfully adjusting the strings.

"You look beautiful," Alessandra remarked warmly.

Bella smiled. "Thank you."

As she turned to check the fit in the mirror, her gaze flickered outside, where Lucas stood just beyond the curtain. Their eyes met, and suddenly, Bella was reminded of their previous dressing room encounter—the way his hands had skillfully pulled the zipper of her dress, the way his breath had brushed against her skin.

A deep blush spread across her cheeks. Lucas, catching her reaction, raised an eyebrow and smirked. Bella quickly turned back to the mirror, trying to ignore the heat creeping up her neck.

Alessandra, oblivious to the silent exchange, stepped back. "There, all done."

Bella let out a small breath of relief. "Thank you."

Alessandra smiled knowingly. "Lucas would've been happy to help, you know."

Bella's blush deepened, and she hurriedly changed back into her regular clothes, avoiding Lucas's gaze as she stepped out of the dressing room.

"You looked beautiful in that one." He complimented her in a whisper, only enough for her to hear it. She replied with a small thank you.

They then finish getting a dress for rachel and also a black tux for Lucas. After finalizing their outfits, the group moved to the accessories section. Alessandra held Rachel's hand as the little girl excitedly pointed at sparkling tiaras and hairpins. Meanwhile, Bella stood near the glass display, admiring an elegant yet simple bracelet.

Lucas, however, had his eyes on something else. He turned to the sales associate and pointed at a stunning diamond necklace resting on a black velvet stand. "Pack that one."

Bella's head snapped up. "Lucas, no." Lucas raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean 'no'?" She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "It's too much. I don't need such an expensive necklace."

Lucas crossed his arms. "It's for our wedding. And I want you to have it."

Bella shook her head. "I don't want you to spend so much on me. A simple necklace is fine."

Vivian, who had been watching their interaction, narrowed her eyes slightly. To her, it seemed odd that Bella was rejecting an expensive gift. Most women would have been thrilled, wouldn't they?

Lucas sighed, slipping his hands into his pockets. "Bella, I can afford it."

"I know you can," she replied, her voice calm but firm. "That's not the same point. I don't want you to buy something just because you can. I'd rather wear something meaningful than something ridiculously expensive."

Vivian's gaze sharpened. Was Bella trying to be modest to appear more sincere? Or was this her way of playing hard to get?

Alessandra, noticing the tension, stepped in. "Bella has a point, Lucas. If she doesn't want it, you should respect her choice."

Lucas sighed in defeat. "Fine. But I'm still getting you something."