I smile. I remember as well. It was the first time I told my mother I heard colors. I never felt the need to tell her before because I assumed she did too.

“I’m huddled with you in that damned tent, worried we won’t make it through the night because someone’s running through our area with a gun, and you’re happy as a clam. You wanted to hear it again.”

“The gun didn’t fire again.”

She shakes her head. “It didn’t, thank God. That one was way too close for comfort.”

“It was the first one that had a color. The others were always too faint.”

“The others came from the gang bangers in the streets at night. I found a place for us that was far away from their territory. Still, we were always in danger, baby. I’ll never forgive myself for putting you through that.”

“It wasn’t your fault.”

“No, but…” She shakes her head. “I was your mother. I should have done better.”

“You were only a kid yourself.”

“Which is why I should have…” She sighs. “Enough! This is a happy day for both of us.” She hands me a white satin dress. “For you. You should wear white.”

I can’t help a belt of laughter. “I’ve probably had more sex than you have.”

She nods. “You’re probably right. I was turned off it for a lot of years.”

“I know.”

She meets my gaze. “I hope it wasn’t a mistake to tell you who your father really was.”

I brush it off. “I try not to think about it. For the most part, I don’t.”

“Good.” She turns back to the rack. “If you don’t want white, how about this one?” She hands me a light-pink sundress.

I touch the silky fabric. “So soft.” Then I see the price tag. Five hundred dollars. “Uh…no.”

“You’re marrying a Steel.”

“And I’m not going to ask him to buy me a wedding dress.”

“Five hundred is nothing to him. He must have paid fifty grand for that rock on your hand.”

“Mom…”

“All right. You’re right. We’ll find something in your price range.”

“What are you wearing?” I ask.

“It’s an adorable ivory suit,” she says. “I found it on clearance at Nordstrom.”

“Sounds lovely.”

“It is. I couldn’t believe my luck.” She sighs. “Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ll find any bargain bins in Las Vegas, unless you want to take a cab outside city limits.”

I pull the pink dress off the rack once more. “I suppose I could at least try it on…”

A salesperson approaches us then. “Can I help you ladies?”

“Yes, thank you. I’d like to try this on, please.”

“Of course. Follow me.”

Once inside the dressing room, I undress and put on the dress.

“Damn,” I say out loud.

“Anything wrong?” the woman asks.

“No.” I scoff softly. “It’s perfect, actually.”

“Wonderful! I have a lovely pair of pumps that will match the color if you’re interested.”

I bite my lower lip. Shoes. Hadn’t thought of that. I brought black pumps to wear with the dress I brought for Mom’s wedding, but they won’t do.

What the heck?

Tomorrow I’ll be a Steel.

Why not live in the moment? I have a credit card with enough of a limit.

“Sure,” I say. “Bring them in. Size seven. I’d like to see how they look with the dress.”

Twelve hundred dollars later, I’m ready to get married.

“I’ll do your hair, of course,” Mom says.

“Who’s doing yours?” I ask.

“I have an appointment at the salon. Of course, I won’t be satisfied with what they do, and I’ll end up redoing it myself.”

“Why pay for it, then?”

“Dennis insisted. It’s his gift to me. A salt scrub, massage, mani-pedi, and hair and makeup.” She looks at her watch. “In fact, we need to get back to the hotel. The appointment’s in an hour. You should join me! I bet they have openings.”

“Are you kidding? I nearly maxed out my credit card with the dress and shoes.”

“Come on. It’ll be fun.”

“May I remind you that yours is already paid for?”

“My treat, then.”

“Mom, Vegas spas aren’t cheap.”

She smiles. “You know what? I just don’t care today. I want to treat my lovely daughter. Let’s go.”

“How long will it be?” I ask. “I think Dale wants to take us to dinner.”

“I’m booked from one until five,” she says.

“Okay, that should be good. When is the appointment at the chapel?”

“Dennis took care of all that. All I know is that the ceremony is at seven.”

“We’ll probably have to do dinner afterward, then,” I say. “I’d better text Dale.”

Mom wants to treat me to the spa this afternoon. You okay with that?

Sure. But what do I do with Dennis?

Poor Dale. He’s such an introvert.

Tell him you have an appointment or something. You don’t have to babysit him.

Okay. Love you.

Love you too.

“Dale’s good,” I tell Mom. “Let’s get a quick bite and then head to the spa.”

The spa has openings, and I’m suddenly booked for a half day of pampering along with my mother.

“I guess I’ll end up redoing both of our hairdos,” Mom laughs.

The receptionist nearly drops her jaw. “Are you not happy with the stylists you’re booked with, ma’am?”

I smile to defuse the situation. “You have to excuse my mother. She’s a stylist herself. I’m sure whoever is doing our hair will be great.”

The receptionist pastes a smile back on her face. “I know you’ll both be thrilled. Looks like you’re up for salt glows first. Fill out this paperwork, and then your concierges will take you to the locker room and show you the amenities you can avail yourself of while you wait for your therapists.”