"I, Van Bailey, take you, Lily Romano, for my lawful wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part."
She broke from her memory to look at Van, gripping her hands. Her heart melted at the sound of his vows and when prompted she repeated the same. Their eyes didn’t stray from one another once after that.
Finally after saying ‘I do’ Van bent her low in the crook of his arms and they sealed their marriage with the sweetest kiss Lily had ever shared with him. The warmth ran through her body as he lifted her back up and she could hear people clapping in the background. She gripped onto his arm as he led her from the church after the guests had left. They were waiting outside to throw confetti over them as they made their way to the waiting car.
After getting inside, Van turned to her, “I have never seen a woman as beautiful as you, Lily. I can’t believe I finally get the chance to call you my wife. Although I must say I’m rather tempted to forgo the reception altogether and have you here and now.”
His grin was infectious and Lily tapped him on the nose, “Contain yourself, Mr. Bailey.”
“Just try and make me Mrs. Bailey.”
The words made her melt as his mouth fell upon hers. He was careful not to disturb her hair as they made out in the back of the car. The drive was only twenty minutes, but she was feeling hot and heavy by the time they arrived. She was almost tempted to have her way with him in the car when the driver rushed around and opened the door for her. They both clambered out to the sound of cheering as they entered the front entrance to the mansion, they had rented for the reception.
After greeting everyone, they found their way to the main table and the speeches begun. Ace and Red had various amusing stories to tell and she thought she almost caught Van blushing at one point. They had the whole crowd up in laughter. When it came to Pearl’s speech a silence fell across the room. Even in a family event such as this, she still wielded power.
“To my dearest sister on her wedding day, I couldn’t be happier. After our parents died I was thrown into the role of your carer, but I never once bothered to learn about the woman you were growing into. You became this strong, independent and amazing woman without my knowledge and for that, I am sorry. I have made many mistakes in my life regarding your upbringing, but at least I can say that today was one of the best choices I have ever made, in giving my blessing to your marriage. Van Bailey has made you happier within the last year than I have done in your entire life. So, everyone please raise your glasses and toast to Mr. and Mrs. Bailey!”
The crowd cheered and clinked glasses. Lily raised hers and clinked with her sister but didn’t take a sip. Pearl raised her eyebrows as she sat back down next to her.
“What’s wrong? Is the champagne not to your liking? Or are you trying to stay sober for the party? Don’t worry about today, it’s all about you. Fuck our reputation! It’s about your happiness.”
“Actually, I have something I need to tell you…”
Lily quickly stood up, clinking the side of her glass with a spoon. Everyone’s eyes turned to face her and she could feel her nerves getting the best of her before Van was by her side. He gave her hand a squeeze and then nodded at her.
“I know it is rather nontraditional for a bride to give a speech at her own wedding, but I have something I need to tell all of you. To begin with, I would like to thank each and every one of you for being here with us on our special day. Some of you may be wondering why I have chosen the dress I’m wearing today or why I’m not drinking. Well, I would like to announce in front of all of you today that there are more Baileys on the way!”
There was a huge gasp followed by a round of cheering. Van cupped his wife’s head in his hand as he leaned down to kiss her. Pearl was quick to her feet.
“You’re pregnant?” she screeched, throwing her arms around her, “But what do you mean by Baileys? That’s plural?”
Lily laughed, “Well, as you know… twins run in the family.”
It took over half an hour to calm Pearl down and several glasses of champagne. Everyone came up to the table to congratulate them, on both their wedding and their pregnancy. Lily sat there and glowed as her husband wrapped his arm around her.
“I love you, Van,” she smiled.
“I love you too, princess.”
And just like that, I’ve found my happily ever after.
The End
*****
Did you enjoy this Box Set?
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MELISSA DEVENPORT
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The Bailey Brothers Box Set- the Complete Trilogy Page 53