Travels in Eire #65

Ruth and Cailin had been texting back and forth since Cailin arrived from Ireland. Cailin didn't want to spend an exorbitant amount for her wedding dress and Ruth found the perfect place for them to shop. It was called The Bridal Garden. They gowns were donated from famous designers, all one of a kind and heavily discounted. All proceeds from the sales went to benefit charities supporting children in New York City. This was exactly the kind of thing that appealed to Cailin.

After a quick breakfast with Darren, Cailin headed out. Sean, Cailin's dad, had taken such a liking to Darren that he decided to venture out and take Darren sightseeing. This was a rarity for Sean as he hated to be the tour guide. Who knew where the two of them would end up. But Cailin was happy for this time they had to get to know each other.

Cailin hopped the subway to 23rd Street and walked the couple of blocks to 21st Street to find the shop. She found Ruth out front peering into the window.

“Can't wait till it's my turn to do this,” Ruth commented as Cailin came up beside her.

The two girls walked into the shop and it was only a moment till they were searching through designer gowns and “oohing” and “awwing” as they giggled and laughed. Ruth and Cailin agreed on two very different gowns for Cailin to try on. One was very simply stated, but elegant, the other more romantic. The simple one was a beautiful white satin that draped softly over Cailin's body. It was not fitted, and puddled at the floor. Caiin had pulled her long black curly hair up for today. This way the dress looked very sophisticated. Ruth snapped a quick photo with her phone, so Cailin would have a reference later. Then Cailin put the second dress on. When she came out of the dressing room Ruth's mouth dropped open.

“Cailin, put your hair down,” she commanded. Ruth stood up and walked around the pedestal that Caiin was perched on. “Oh, my bejeezus!” she squealed, “I'm without words. You look like you just walked out of a romantic fairy tale. Cailin, this is the most beautiful gown I've ever seen on anyone. And with your hair down it's just so darn amazing. ”

The gown was not pure white but just off white making it look slightly aged. It was a combination of lace and satin with a five foot train. The bodice was cinched in to show Cailin's small midriff. It just flared out enough to flow as she walked. The neckline was an open sweetheart design so Cailin could wear her Connemara heart and it would be seen.

While they had been chatting the sales lady came by and placed a veil on Cailin's head. With her hair down she could not wear something that poofed at the back of her head. This was a small tiara type headband with a long lace-edged veil that met the hem of the dress. When Cailin took a look in the mirror she couldn't believe what she saw. Tears started to flow down her cheeks. Happy tears, but tears, nonetheless. Ruth noticed and was immediately at her side blotting the tears.

“Can't soil this dress before the wedding now, can we?” as she stepped back and nodded. “So have we found the perfect dress?”

Cailin could barely speak so she nodded and smiled.

“Then it's time to tea for us girls. Get this paid for and let's go find a nice cuppa.” Ruth was always ready for a good cup of tea.

Cailin took care of purchasing the dress and veil. She'd have it sent to her parents and they would bring it back to Ireland for the wedding, and the two girls headed off to a small cafe a few blocks away. On the way Cailin called Darren to see how things were going between Darren and her dad. When he answered she could barely hear him because of all the background noise.

“Darren, where are you and dad?” Cailn asked.
“Cailin, amazing thing. I didn't know your dad played snooker!” Darren was shouting into his phone.

“Oh no! He didn't!” Cailin shouted back. “Put my dad on the phone,” Cailin yelled.

“Can't honey, he's in the middle of a heated game. Gotta go, talk to you later,” and then the phone clicked off.

Cailin knew how much her dad loved snooker and would consider a stop at a pub for a “quick” game if he had the chance. There was also a lot of betting that went on during these games, and Cailin had known her dad to lose quite a few dollars in a night. And now Darren was there with him. She could smell trouble brewing just as she and Ruth ordered their brewed tea. But there was nothing she could do.

Ruth was full of news about her move with her sister Joyce to New York City. They had played a few gigs, and were getting ready to perform as a first act to a larger touring group. Cailin was hoping that their schedule would allow Ruth to return to Ireland for the wedding, but with the tour, it looked like it was not going to be possible. After a chat, some tea and sandwiches, they parted and Cailin headed back home, never knowing what to expect.