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‘I really am.’

‘And I might have arranged for someone else to bring something in that I think you might like too.’ Katie clapped her hands together. ‘Are you going to try this, then?’

* * *

Amrita did a double-take when she walked into the store – which was covered in more white lace and fluff than she’d ever seen outside of a movie. She could hear giggling from the back of the shop.

‘Hello?’

‘Just a minute.’ A few seconds later a woman appeared from behind heavy velvet curtains. ‘Hi, I’m Beth. Are you Amrita?’

‘Yes, I am. It’s nice to meet you. Katie asked me to bring this.’ She held up a bag.

‘And you’re sure you’re OK with me cutting it up?’

‘I probably can’t wear it again. At least, not without some major alterations anyway – otherwise there would be comments from my family.’ Amrita grinned.

‘Bit like some bridesmaid dresses then?’

‘Actually, this one sort of was. My outfit from the night before my cousin’s wedding. And yes, I was the chief bridesmaid. I know Mia liked it, so it’s really special that Katie asked me to bring it in. I really hope you can use it.’

‘Can I see?’

‘Of course.’ Amrita emptied the bag onto the counter – a cascade of pale blue chiffon and intricate embroidery.

‘Oh, this is so, so lovely.’ Beth ran her hands over the fabric, stroking it gently as if it was a beloved pet. ‘I think it could be perfect. You’re really sure you don’t mind me changing and using it?’

‘Positive. Katie?’ she called towards the back of the store. ‘Are you and Mia nearly done?’

‘We are now.’ The curtains swept open, and Amrita gasped.

‘Mia, you look beautiful!’

‘Amrita!’ Her friend threw herself at her in a swathe of white silk, chiffon and fluff. ‘I’m so pleased to see you! How are you?’

Touched. She was touched that her friend could worry about her even on her special day. ‘I’m OK. Maybe even good.’ She smiled. ‘And you look wonderful. Is this it? Your dress?’

‘Do you like it?’ Mia stepped back and twirled, her hands smoothing over the fluffy skirts that stopped a couple of inches below her knee. ‘Technically it was my mum’s, but Beth did some… work to make sure it fits perfectly.’

‘Spell-type work?’ Amrita asked, raising her eyebrows. ‘It’s OK. I’m getting used to the idea of magic being a part of normal life here. Well, maybe not normal, but everyday life, at least.’

‘She brought some of the most beautiful fabrics for us to play with,’ Beth cooed. ‘I’m thinking this one could work perfectly.’ She shook out the blue chiffon and Amrita was sure – just for a second – that the embroidered flowers fluttered for a few moments after the fabric had stopped moving.

Mia stared at it for a few seconds. ‘It is lovely, but I’m not totally sure about blue…’

‘We could lighten it – white ombre to a truly delicate blue.’

‘Will it stand up to bleaching? Is there even time?’ Amrita asked.

‘Maybe not for other people…’ Beth grinned and rested her hand on the fabric, and Amrita watched in amazement as lighter shades rippled out from her fingers. Beth murmured softly, and the embroidery moved slightly, rearranging itself and somehow looking more realistic. She shook it out when she was done, and this time the blossoms cascaded over the material like they were floating in a gentle breeze over soft white fabric that ended in delicate blue.

‘That is incredible.’ Amrita didn’t even realise she was whispering at first. ‘They look almost real.’

‘Thank you.’ Beth smiled at her.

‘You can see that?’ Mia asked, sounding surprised.

‘Of course. It’s right in front of me.’