Ep 2

Epilogue II
Arin
I’ve long since done away with making prom dresses, but this is a unique exemption.
Felicia stands on the raised platform in front of my tri-fold mirror, deep
ruby red satin draped over her body. It’s every ounce elegant as it is sexy with its corseted bodice and high slit on the left leg.
Dominic—ever a protective father—was concerned it was a little too suggestive, at which point I showed him the most risqué dresses I’ve ever made to prove him otherwise. He shut up promptly after he saw the barely there, see through dress I made entirely of Swarovski crystals that did very little to cover the nipple area. Felicia’s dress makes her look like a nun in comparison.
“Eighteen,” I muse aloud. “Time really does fly.”
My daughter laughs softly. “That’s, like, the fourth time you’ve said that today, Mom.”
“But it’s true! It feels like yesterday you were throwing tantrums when I refused to give you a pudding cup.”
“To be fair, pudding cups are delicious.”
I stand, smoothing the skirt of her dress. Even without the platform, Felicia towers over me by a good couple of inches. I’m still taller than Tomasso and little Bella, but I have a sneaking suspicion that my children are all going to inherit their father’s height. Give it another few years and I’ll likely be the smallest one of them all.
Felicia fiddles with one of her curls, chewing on the inside of her cheek as she studies her reflection with less enthusiasm than expected.
“What’s wrong, sweetie?” I ask her.
“I hope Alex thinks I’m pretty,” she mumbles bashfully, her cheeks turning a light pink.
I roll my eyes. “Sweetie, I’m sure he’ll think you’re gorgeous, but there’s
only one person you need to impress.” “Are you about to say me—” “You,” I say with a grin.
“I knew it.”
“Nobody else’s opinion matters. You are the only one worthy enough to judge yourself.” I smile at her. “So? What do you think?”
Felicia smiles at her reflection. “I think… I think I look beautiful.” I nod in approval. “That’s right, you do.”
“Thanks, Mom. I really appreciate you making this dress for me.”
“Of course! I want all the other girls to be jealous of my daughter. An exclusive Marina made by the designer herself? That Tammy girl who used to bully you can eat her heart out.”
Felicia laughs. “And you call Dad the competitive parent.”
“We’re both competitive. That’s what makes us such a dream team.” “Boy, I’ll say.”
I rub her back. “Come on. Let’s save Alex before your father makes him cry.”
My daughter and I vacate my work studio and head to the living room. I hear Dominic well before I see him, along with the jittery babblings of the young man trembling at our front door.
Felicia’s prom date, Alex, is a nice boy. He’s dressed in a rented tuxedo, his light blonde hair gelled back. Not only is he the captain of the basketball team, but he’s also co-captains with Felicia on the debate team. They recently competed together at nationals and managed to place third.
But Alex isn’t the confident, readily argumentative kid who managed to debate circles around at least ten other teams. Right now, he’s getting the earful of a lifetime from my husband. The fact that he isn’t yet in tears is proof of his character. Not everybody can withstand the full force of Dominic’s if-you-hurt-my-daughter spiel and live to tell the tale.
“I want her home by eleven,” Dominic says sternly, his eyes cold and locked onto the acne riddled eighteen-year-old before him. “Any later and I’ll personally hunt you down and bring her home myself. Is that understood?”
“Y-yes, sir.”
“No drugs, no alcohol, and no hanky panky.” Felicia’s face turns bright red. “Oh my God, Dad.”
“I’m only looking out for you, principessa. Boys these days are always up to no good.”
I take my place beside Dominic and hook my arm through his. “Stop it, sweetheart. Felicia’s a grown woman now. She’s capable of making her own decisions.”
My daughter is quick to take her date’s hand. “Come on. Let’s get out of here before things get even more cringey.”
“See you later, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson,” Alex calls over his shoulder. “Make good choices!”
“Remember, back by eleven-o’-clock or I’ll break out Mom’s baseball bat!” Dominic calls after them, but they’re already racing across the driveway to Alex’s waiting Subaru. We watch them go until the vehicle is out of sight.
I take a deep breath. “Time really does fly.”
“Next thing you know she’ll be going off to college and getting married,” Dominic muses as he runs a hand through his greying hair. “And next will be Tomasso and Bella, and then we’ll finally be free.”
I giggle. “You’re the one who wanted a big family.”
“Yes, and while I don’t regret a thing, you have to admit it’ll be nice to finally get some alone time.”
I bump my hip against his. “You get alone time every night, silly.” “You know what I mean.”
“Are Tommy and Bella asleep?”
Dominic nods. “They wanted to wait up to see Felicia go, but they were both pretty tired.”
I lick my lips, looking at my husband adoringly. “So what I’m hearing is we have some alone time.”
“You’re in for a treat tonight,” I say as I hop up on my toes to kiss him. “Satin?” he guesses. “Silk? Lace? Tulle? The cute little number made
entirely of ribbons?”
I smile wide. “You’re just going to have to wait and see.”