59. Cassandra

Oh, Mom. This is amazing. Cassandra turned in a circle in her mothers cabin. You and Darlene have outdone yourselves.

The space was transformed, adorned with beautiful decorations that sparkled and shimmered, making the cabin look festive. Fancy little appetizers that had been prepared by the staff were spread out on tables that her mother and sister must have gotten from other cabins in addition to the one that had come with it.

Im glad you like it. Her mother pulled her into a warm hug while her sister waited her turn, standing to the side and smiling.

Come here. Cassandra reached for Darlenes hand, pulling her into a group hug. Thank you for doing this for me.

It was my pleasure. Darlene untangled herself from the hug. I got to see your dress and all the bridesmaids’ dresses that youve been hiding from us.

Cassandra cast her a mock glare. I wanted the reveal to be the highlight of my bachelorette party. You know, in the absence of strippers.

As her bridesmaids began to arrive, the cabin filled with laughter and excited chatter, each guest bringing their own unique energy to the gathering. Alena, Sylvia, Callie, Wonder, Mey, Jin, Eva, and Mia—each held a special place in Cassandras heart, and having them there to celebrate with her meant the world to her.

She had never had so many friends. For most of her life, it had been her mother and her, living almost in hiding, and now they had a whole clan as their family.

Despite the hardships they had suffered, they had been extremely lucky to end up in this amazing community, and Cassandra thanked the Fates, the stars, and every supernatural force out there for the blessing she had been given.

Once the party was in full swing, Cassandra could feel the anticipation in the room rising. Her bridesmaids were casting glances at the closed door to her mothers bedroom and whispering conspiratorially about pretending to need to visit the bathroom so they could take a peek at her wedding dress and their bridesmaids dresses.

She had kept the details under wraps, wanting to surprise everyone at her bachelorette party and adding an element of excitement to the celebration.

Okay, okay. Cassandra lifted her hands in the air, scanning the eager faces of her friends. I know youve all been dying to see what I picked out for tonight, and I promised that I would reveal the dresses at my party. Please follow me. She led them to the bedroom, where the dresses hung on a mobile rack, hidden beneath silk covers to add to the mystery and grandeur of the reveal.

Turning to her bridesmaids, she announced, First, your dresses. With a dramatic flourish, she pulled back the covers, unveiling the array of bridesmaid dresses she had chosen.

They werent custom made, but then that wasnt her mode of operation. Cassandra was an expert at finding spectacular designer stuff that was ready to wear with just a few alterations.

The bridesmaid dresses were the creation of Ursula Bemonir, an up-and-coming designer who was still trying to find her way to the top. They were elegant and modern, each tailored to flatter the individual wearer while maintaining a cohesive look for the group. The fabric was a soft, shimmering gold, designed in a sophisticated, floor-length sheath style. Each dress had a unique touch, with a subtle variation in necklines, sleeves, or straps, allowing each bridesmaid to shine in her own way.

They are all stunning. Alena smoothed a hand over her protruding belly. Which one is mine?

Cassandra removed it from the rack and handed it to her. Its not a maternity dress, but its loose enough to fit your cute little belly.

Alena chuckled. I think my belly passed the cute and little stage a month ago, but Ill take the compliment.

I wanted you all to feel stunning and yet comfortable. Cassandra removed the dresses one at a time from the rack and handed them to their owners. Would you like to change into them now?

Darlene shook her head. You have to show us your gown first.

Her sister had already seen it, but she was saying that for the benefit of the others.

Very well.

The room fell into an expectant silence as Cassandra moved towards the last covered garment, and as she pulled down the zipper, she couldnt hear anyone breathing.

The gown was breathtaking in its simplicity. Delicate spaghetti straps set the stage for a graceful, cowled neckline, while the bias-cut design and soft satin fabric elegantly draped the silhouette. The voluminous train and alluring low back added a daring touch to the otherwise reserved dress.

Wow, Cassandra, its gorgeous, Mia breathed. You are going to look stunning in it.

Put it on, her mother said. I want to see you in it.

It was still several hours until the wedding, but the dress was such a simple garment that it was no problem to put it on and then take it off.

As you wish.

A round of applause followed her acquiescence, and when she put it on along with the matching shoes, her friends ahhed and oohed.

Amanda shook her head. I dont know how you do it, Cassandra, but you find hidden gems in places I wouldnt even think to look.

Thank you. Cassandra beamed. Now its your turn, ladies. Put on your dresses, and if any last-minute alterations are needed, my mother will whip out her sewing kit.