by Amber Heart
“Thanks. That really makes me feel more confident in myself. Would you wait for me while I go in?”
“Of course! If the bitch still says no, you tell me and I’ll take care of it.” There was no doubt in Rosalie’s mind that her friend would stomp in there and bully Eric’s mom into being in the wedding. They pulled up, and Rosalie took a deep breath before getting out and walking up to the door. When she rang the bell, a butler answered, looking down his nose at her when she asked if the lady of the house was home. He stepped back without a word, holding the door open. She assumed that that meant to follow him. She did, and he led her through the house into a little room covered in hanging flowers. Eric’s mom was sitting on a little chaise lounge, reading a fashion magazine. The butler had mysteriously disappeared, leaving her on her own. Rosalie’s heart started to pound with nervousness as she walked in and cleared her throat. She never even looked up.
“Ah, Daniel. I would like some more coffee.” She held out a cup, fully expecting it to be taken from her hand.
“Excuse me, ma’am.” The woman looked up, shocked, then disgust was written on her face, plain as day.
“How did you get in here? If you’re looking for my son, he’s at school. Go cast your net in another pool of rich men.” She went back to her magazine, but she put her cup down. Rosalie didn’t like being dismissed like that, and she’d come here to help Eric. Even if he didn’t know it. She cleared her throat again. Not for attention, because she was going to get her attention, but to make sure that her nerves were out of her throat.
“Your butler let me in. Now you’re going to listen to me.” Her voice had a hardness in it that she’d never heard come out of her mouth before. “Eric may have told you that he would marry me with or without you, but if you’re not there, it’s going to hurt him. You’re his mother and he loves you, no matter what you might think. I’ve come here to convince you to be in the wedding.” Shock registered on her face, and she stared at Rosalie like she was an avenging angel come down from the very gates of Heaven.
“Why would you want me in the wedding? You must know that I don’t think you’re good enough to be in this family.” His mother had composed herself, and the scathing comeback was the first thing that came into her mind. It stung, but Rosalie shook it off. She could hurt later, when no one was watching.
“I personally wish that you wouldn’t come because I think you’ll ruin the whole day with your attitude. But that doesn’t matter. Eric loves you and he wants you to be there, even if he won’t come out and say it. I love him and I want him happy. If that means having you there with him, then I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get you there, and even be on a truce to stay the hell away from you all night because I know that you don’t like me one little bit.” She practically spat the words out at the woman, watching as her emotions moved across her face like clouds over the sky. She swallowed hard and looked at the ground.
“It takes a lot of guts to come here and to talk to me at all, much less like that. I can’t say that I like you, or ever will, but I can understand loving someone and wanting them to be happy.” Rosalie doubted that, but she kept her mouth shut. “If you promise to stay away from me except for the family pictures that are always taken, I will go.”
Chapter 22
When Rosalie turned towards the door, the butler had magically appeared. It startled her a little, because she didn’t know if he’d heard what she’d said to the lady of the house, or if he’d just appeared. It made her blush and suddenly feel shy again. She really didn’t have many moments in her life where she had outbursts like this, but when she was heated or passionate about something, then all bets were off. She kept her eyes on the floor as he led her back through the maze of rooms to the front door. He was reaching for the handle to open it when a voice rang out, echoing down the empty hall.
“Wait!” The butler’s face never changed, but it certainly startled Rosalie badly enough that she jumped. When she turned towards the voice, she saw that it was Eric’s sister. Remembering that she was on Rosalie’s side, Rosalie gave her a smile. “I’m sorry. I just need to talk to you for a minute if that’s ok?” She was jogging down the lengthy hallway. When she arrived, she was panting a little, but not enough to keep her from talking. “Daniel, you can go. I can let her out.” The man looked like he was put out a little, but he did as he was told. Rosalie let her catch her breath.
“Thank you. For being on our side. I know that it means a lot to Eric that you support us.” Roasalie’s voice was gentle, and she hoped that the girl knew exactly what that meant to both of them.
“You’re welcome. I know my brother is happy with you, and I know that we don’t know each other that well, but I’d like to change that. I’d like to help you plan the wedding in any way I can. I heard what you said to my mother, and I want to say thank you. You’re right. It does mean a lot to my brother to have her there, even if she’s a little on the rude side. She deserved to hear what you said. Maybe it will help her get her head out of her ass.” Both girls laughed, and Rosalie stuck her hand out for a handshake.
“Thank you. I could certainly use the help. I’ve never planned anything before, and even though Eric bought me a planning book, I think I’ll still need some help.” The girl checked her watch and swore.
“I’m sorry, but I’ve got to get going. I’ve got a tennis lesson and I’m going to be late. I wanted to hear what you said though.” She blushed like a little kid caught listening at the door. Rosalie smiled and shooed her off. Standing there at the door alone, Rosalie considered the trip to be a success. She went outside and almost got bum rushed by Vanessa.
“How’d it go? What did you say? What did she say?” Rosalie threw her hands up in surrender.
“Whoa! Can I get in the car first?” Vanessa almost ripped the door off its hinges in her hurry to get Rosalie into the car. She ran around the front end and dove into the driver’s seat, turning to stare at her friend. “She’s going to come to the wedding.” Vanessa let out a whoop. The girls were chatting and singing along to the radio on the way back when Rosalie decided it was time to ask her friend an important question. “Um, Vanessa? Can I ask you something?”
“Yeah, what’s up? Who I gotta kill?” Rosalie laughed.
“It’s nothing that serious. Well, ok, it is serious, but not in that sense. Would you be my maid of honor?” Vanessa slammed on the brakes. Luckily, there was no one behind her. She looked over at Rosalie with a bit of mist in her eyes.
“Of course! That’s not even a question! I just didn’t know if you’d want me to be. I have to warn you, though, I know nothing about planning weddings.”
“That’s ok. I got an offer of help from Eric’s sister, and I was thinking I would do most of the planning with her anyway so that we can get a chance to get to know each other better. I just didn’t want to hurt your feelings if I asked you to be the maid of honor, then didn’t let you help.”
“No! That’s no problem at all! That’s actually a good plan. Just keep me in the loop and everything will be fine.” Rosalie could hardly believe her luck.
***
Eric was just finishing his class when his phone went off. It was a text from his sister. She usually sent short messages, so when he saw the book she’d written him, he stepped to the side of the door and read it. He was in shock. This couldn’t be true, could it? Rosalie had marched to his house and badgered his mother into being in the wedding. He was numb. He couldn’t believe that, but here was his sister telling him that, and she wouldn’t lie. Maybe he should ask his mother. There was just something about confronting her that made him smile. Then she asked for Rosalie’s number. He found that odd, but he had no problem giving it to her. It looked like everything was working out just fine for their wedding. He might not have to do anything as far as planning went. Not that he didn’t want to, but he just didn’t feel like he was good at all that. He’d have to talk to Rosalie about when she’d feel comfortable
getting married. As far as he was concerned, it could happen today and he’d be happy.
***
Months went by, and the wedding planning was coming along great. Rosalie had almost everything done thanks to the help she was getting. Eric had a tux fitting coming up, and she was going to go shopping this weekend with Vanessa for a dress. It was strange for her to have Eric’s father foot the bill for everything, but he insisted. His father had even called her a few times with ideas. It was something that she had to admit that she liked. Part of her thought that his mother should be playing this role, but per the agreement they had, they were staying away from each other until absolutely necessary. Eric’s father had let slip, however, that she had been the one to suggest the caterer, so Rosalie began to think that his mother was telling her ideas to either her husband or daughter, and was helping in that way. It warmed her heart, because she thought that maybe they would be able to get along one day. Even if she didn’t like her, she wanted to get along or at least tolerate the woman for Eric’s sake. She didn’t want to make him have to choose between his wife and his mother. Breaking up a family was not something that she wanted to do.
Eric was happy to do what he was told, or pick up anything she asked, so long that he didn’t have to come up with creative ideas. It was actually kind of cute at how terrified he was at having to participate in anything girly or frilly. He would start stammering and find someplace else to be, and all three girls would just laugh. Rosalie spent quite a bit of time with his sister, and had made her a bridesmaid. Vanessa was along for the ride, even if she did leave most of the ideas to the two of them. She was always quick to offer support. Except for on the dress shopping issue. That was something that she insisted she and Rosalie do alone. It meant a lot to her that Vanessa had taken such a stand, and she was glad that it was Vanessa going with her. She knew that her friend was blunt and honest, and if for some reason it didn’t flatter her, Vanessa had no issues letting Rosalie know. That made her both excited and nervous to go dress shopping, but she’d put it off long enough and now it had to be done so the alterations would be done in time. She was getting married in three months!
Every time she thought that, a thrill of joy went through her. She’d already sent out the invitations to everyone, even though it was only going to be a small affair, and she’d gotten an RSVP from everyone. Her parents were insistent on trying to pay for things, but she’d let them know about Eric’s dad wanting to take the reins, and she knew that they were secretly glad because they had fallen on some hard times. She was hoping that at some point, she’d be able to send money to them once she finished school and started working as a doctor. Only a few more short years, and she’d be able to make sure they never needed anything again. It made her tear up. It was the least she could do to pay them back for the life they had given her.
In the meantime, she’d managed to make the Dean’s List, which made everyone in her life proud, and had even helped in the way of getting her a scholarship. Granted it was a partial one, but every little bit of money helped because she didn’t want to rely on Eric and his family’s money. She had pride, and she was going to go as far as she could before she looked for help. That’s how she’d always been, and knowing that she was safe now that she was going to be part of a socially royal family wasn’t going to change that… no matter what his mother thought. She wasn’t in it for the money. She was just finishing her first year as a med student, now she was getting married, and it felt like her life was falling into place. She sent up a quick thank you to whoever was listening, strengthening her faith that good things come to those who wait, and who aren’t afraid to work hard. It was something that she was glad to know, that her ideals and morals that she’d had when she was younger, stayed with her and proved her right. It strengthened her and reinforced her belief that she didn’t have to change to be what she wanted to be.
Now she only had three more years before she could start giving back to the people that helped her achieve her dreams. That was a feeling that she was dying to feel. She eagerly counted down the time, almost as eagerly as the days to her wedding. With the two girls at her back supporting her, and both of Eric’s parents hiding in the wings, even if one was trying to hide, she knew that her wedding day would be perfect. Even if everything went wrong from the ceremony to the reception and after, she was still going to be marrying the man that she loved, and with him, she could get through anything the world threw at her. Life was looking up, and she was going to make sure it stayed that way. When Vanessa banged on the door at eight the next morning, Rosalie could only smile. They were going dress shopping.
“Up and at’em, Sleeping Beauty! We gotta get a dress for the princess and a little something hot for the wedding night!” The smile was instantly gone from Rosalie’s face. She’d been so focused on the wedding that she hadn’t even thought about the wedding night. Fear flooded her like ice in her veins, the color drained from her face, and she started to shake. Was she really ready for that? She’d heard stories, both good and bad, about sex, but now it was going to happen to her for the first time, and she couldn’t stop the fear going through her.
Chapter 23
“Um, we can just skip the lingerie. The dress is much more important.” Rosalie was beyond nervous now, and she regretted taking Vanessa with her at all. She knew that Vanessa would make her get something for the wedding night and wouldn’t take no for an answer. She’d be damned if she tried on anything to show her friend. She probably wouldn’t be able to see herself in the mirror as it was.
“What? Are you kidding? NO! It’s tradition, and Eric will be expecting it. You can’t disappoint him, now, can you?” Damn Vanessa! She knew exactly which buttons to push to get Rosalie to dance along to whatever beat she was playing.
“I don’t feel comfortable shopping for something like that!” she hissed, feeling her cheeks heating up. Vanessa just waved off her objections, as if to say, they would see about that when they got to the store. Rosalie decided to change the topic. “Where are we going?”
“David’s Bridal is right down the street. I figured we could start there, and if you don’t find the perfect dress that makes you feel like a princess, then we’ll find a few more stores until we do.” That was one thing that Rosalie did love about Vanessa. She was persistent. Unfortunately, that also made her stubborn when she wanted Rosalie to do something that Rosalie didn’t want to…like buy sexy outfits. She shook her head, trying to forget about that detail of the day and shooed Vanessa out while she got dressed. When she was ready, she came out into the living room to see that Vanessa was done and impatiently waiting. She was holding a polaroid camera in one hand and idly spinning her keys on her finger with the other. “I thought you were going to take hours. Let’s go!” Rosalie waited until Vanessa wasn’t looking to roll her eyes. Granted, the enthusiasm was contagious, so as they walked down the stairs to the parking lot, Rosalie’s heart started to pound with it, too. The drive felt like it took hours, but in reality wasn’t more than ten minutes. Vanessa was so into the task at hand, that she cut off another car and took the first available spot, closest to the door. A mother and her daughter glared at them as they got out and walked to the front door. Rosalie and Vanessa dissolved into giggles, and couldn’t stop until the sales lady had cleared her throat three times to get their attention.
“Good morning, ladies, and welcome to David’s Bridal. Do you have an appointment?” Both of them sobered up. Did they need an appointment in order to shop? They didn’t know that, so they hadn’t made one. This day would quickly go from good to bad if they couldn’t look at dresses.
“Um, no, ma’am, we don’t. We didn’t know that we needed one.” Rosalie’s heart was in her throat as she waited for the woman to say something.
“It’s not required, but sometimes we get so busy that you can only get in by appointment. Luckily, today isn’t one of those days. I can take you over here to Daisy, and she’ll help you right away.” Rosali
e let out the breath that she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. The woman led them over to a slender woman with beautiful, almond shaped eyes. She smiled at them as she led the girls to a section of dressing rooms. Vanessa dive bombed into a pouf that was clearly positioned for the people waiting to see the dresses, earning a reproachful look from Daisy.
“Hello, I’m Daisy. What sort of a dress are you looking for? We have about a dozen different main designs, then we can narrow down the particulars.” Rosalie felt blindsided. She had no idea about fashion or anything. Her eyes went wide, and sort of glazed over. Vanessa blew a bubble with her gum, then popped it.
“She’s looking for either an A-line, mermaid, or princess. No feathers, lace is ok, so long as it’s not dominating the dress, and strapless is alright if she can get a jacket to go with it.” Daisy looked Vanessa up and down critically before nodding and disappearing between the racks that held hundreds and hundreds of dresses. Rosalie mouthed a quick thank you to Vanessa, who just winked at her and resumed blowing bubbles, making sure to snap her gum particularly loudly any time Daisy was close. Rosalie was handed a gown and ushered into the dressing room. She did her best to get into the first gown, then ended up calling for help. Daisy went in, tugged and poked, prodded and yanked, then led Rosalie out to stand on a little pedestal that was surrounded by mirrors. It was a beautiful dress, but it didn’t call out to her. In the movies, the mom or whoever was with the bride always started crying when it was the perfect dress, and Vanessa was just looking bored, giving the dress a fake yawn and a roll of her eyes.