My deceased father appeared in my dream the night before my birthday and warned, ‘Don’t wear the dress your husband gave you.’ I woke up trembling, because my husband had just given me that dress. And when the seamstress brought it back and I checked the lining, I realized my father hadn’t just visited in a dream, he might have prevented something I hadn’t noticed.

“Did you get a chance to try the dress on yet?”

“Not yet. She’s bringing it over today.”

“Oh, I can’t wait. Dad was raving about it. Said it’s gorgeous. Oh, and little Mikey is so excited. He told everyone at preschool that his grandma is throwing a big party.”

Liv chuckled, imagining her four-year-old grandson babbling non-stop.

“Tell him grandma can’t wait to see him.”

They chatted about trivial things a little longer, and then Nikki said goodbye, mentioning she was busy with last-minute arrangements.

Liv set down the phone, once again left alone with her thoughts.

The doorbell rang exactly 30 minutes later. Miss Evelyn Reed stood on the porch holding a large garment bag, smiling warmly.

“Hello, Mrs. Sutton. I brought your beautiful gown. I hemmed the bottom as you requested and adjusted the darts. I believe it fits perfectly now.”

“Thank you so much,” Liv said, welcoming her inside and leading her to the bedroom.

The seamstress carefully removed the dress from the bag, and Liv admired it once more. It was absolutely stunning. The fabric shimmered gently. The emerald hue was deep and elegant. The cut highlighted her waist while subtly hiding a small tummy. The three-quarter sleeves covered her arms gracefully.

“A truly professional touch, no doubt.”

“Please try it on,” Miss Reed suggested. “I’ll make sure everything is perfect.”

Liv nodded and stepped behind the screen. She slipped out of her casual clothes and into the dress. The zipper went up smoothly. The fabric hugged her curves without feeling tight. She stepped out and faced the mirror.

“Oh,” the seamstress clapped her hands. “How beautiful it looks on you. Look at that waist, that poise. You will absolutely shine at the party.”

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