by Rae, Alicia
Thursday morning, all of my family arrived, and they checked into a nearby hotel. Aunt Lucie had said they did not want to impose since we had hired help to begin preparing our backyard for the reception on Friday.
In the late afternoon on Thursday, Kyle, Damon, and Jason headed out to officially sign the paperwork for their new building. All three men were practically glowing with excitement at the start of their new adventure together. They were planning to join up with Ryan in the evening for Kyle’s bachelor party.
Jason even surprised us by informing Kyle and me that he was finalizing his decision between two apartments that he’d found. By the end of the weekend, he was planning to sign the lease with one of them.
Tonight was also my bachelorette party with Abbey and Brooke. I had no idea how in the world I was going to drink only water for a second time in a row without having Abbey hammering me with questions. But if I canceled now, those two girls would only come and hunt me down. I laughed out loud at myself while thinking I was going to have to pull off a stomachache…while dancing.
At five in the afternoon, I hopped in the shower to start getting ready. After washing, I quickly dried off and then sauntered into my closet to find something cute to wear. I settled on my favorite black strapless dress that accented my curves perfectly, hoping that it would fit with my rapidly expanding hips. I gently laid my outfit on the bed and then walked over to my dresser. I pulled out a strapless black satin bra and then the matching pair of thongs, so I would not have an underwear line with my fitted dress.
I held my breath while slipping my dress over my head. It went over my hips without any trouble. I breathed out a relieved sigh that it still fit, even with my growing waistline.
I walked back into my closet to grab a light shawl to drape over my shoulders. After all, I was pregnant, not out prowling for men. Then, I dug around for my Jimmy Choo black pumps. Somehow, they managed to be knee-deep in the back. Heels in hand, I stood to slip my feet into them.
Only missing my lip gloss, I walked back into the bathroom to apply my favorite shade of light pink. From the corner of my eye, I saw Kyle standing in the doorway. I turned my head to take in his large frame leaning against the door frame.
Kyle let out a low, sexy whistle. “How am I supposed to go out with the guys tonight, knowing you have on that sexy-as-hell dress?”
His familiar husky tone sent a heated thrill through my stomach.
“That’s why I added the shawl,” I retorted. I took slow, deliberate steps toward him while watching his eyes darken. I stopped directly in front of him and placed my hands on his chest, feeling the hard contours of his chest underneath my palms.
Kyle dipped his head while gripping my hips gently. “I think you need a jacket…and sweatpants,” he growled along my ear.
I wanted to laugh at his suggestion.
“Or maybe I should just call off this whole bachelor night and keep you locked up with me.”
“Mmm, that does sound way better, but I’m pretty sure you’d have two very upset women on your hands,” I chortled.
“I can handle Abbey…sometimes,” he huffed. “But I might be outnumbered with two outspoken women.”
“I think so, too.” I laughed before tipping my head up to kiss his inviting warm lips, and then I drew back. “Once I tell them I’m only drinking water for the night, I hope they will let me off the hook,” I added while giving him a saucy grin.
“Abbey will be bombarding you with questions before the bartender leaves.” He snickered. “How do you plan to hold her off without telling her?”
I shook my head. “I have no idea. All the ideas I can come up with are lame.”
Kyle’s eyes danced with humor. “Good luck with that.”
“I’m going to need all the luck I can get,” I replied.
Kyle drew me closer again. “Then, I better give you some good-luck kisses before you go,” he breathed against my lips with an impish grin.
I leaned forward and kissed him. I was bummed that I had to leave when I could stay home and make love to him for hours. He deepened our kiss and mingled his tongue with mine, stirring havoc within my body. I moaned against his mouth as his rough hands caressed down my behind before sneaking his hands under the hem of my dress to stroke my bare thighs. Then, he worked his hands back up as he groaned into my mouth before pulling back slightly.
The muscles in his jaw flexed. “Christ, Lily. Thongs?” he said in a rough and uneven voice. “I’ll be counting down the minutes until I get to take these off of you.”
I cupped his face, captivated in the feeling of him. “I won’t be out late, I promise. Then, we can finish what we started,” I said just as the doorbell rang.
I grabbed my clutch off my dresser, and Kyle and I made our way to the front door. Abbey stood on the opposing side, wearing a stunning red dress and matching heels. She looked beautiful as always.
“Dressing to match your car, are we?” Kyle asked with amusement.
“Yep.” She winked. “Don’t you have a bachelor party to get ready for?”
“Yes, but not till seven,” Kyle replied.
I lifted my hand to rub his back.
“Where are you girls headed?”
“We have to stop by the hotel and pick up Brooke. Then, we are headed to Jack’s Bar.”
Kyle nodded, looking as if he knew of the place. “Be safe, girls, and have fun,” he said to both of us.
“You, too,” I said while reaching up to hug him.
He gave me a tender kiss good-bye, and then he stepped back. “I’ll text you in a bit.”
I was excited to have fun with the girls, but I could not wait to be back in his arms.
“You’re drinking water?” Abbey questioned with astonishment at my reply to the bartender.
“Yep,” I said while racking my brain for a really good excuse.
I came up empty-handed as Abbey searched me with her detective eyes.
“And why would that be?” she asked, digging deeper, as she leaned forward on her bar stool.
“Am I missing something here?” Brooke chimed in.
“Yeah, Miss Lily over here drank only water the last time I saw her, too,” Abbey said with a raised eyebrow. “Care to fill us in?”
I put my best game face on. “I had a bad case of the flu last week. I was puking my brains out with a crazy fever the three days before Kyle’s birthday,” I said. My subconscious screamed that I was only half-fibbing. I continued, “It must have been the bad strand because I still kinda feel weak here and there, so I’m in no hurry to throw up again.” I was still telling the truth—partially. Sensitivity to smells while pregnant was no joke.
“I’m calling major bullshit,” Abbey snorted.
My gaze shifted to Brooke, who was looking between the two of us, then she gave me the we’ll-be-talking-about-this-later look. I would just have to work extra hard at holding her off.
“But your loss, sister,” Abbey added lightheartedly as she motioned the bartender back. “I’ll take a Bud Light.”
“Make that two Bud Lights,” Brooke purred. “We’ll just have to drink Lily’s portion, too.”
I laughed at the two of them. They were truly two peas in a pod in every way.
The bartender quickly returned with our drinks while the three of us chatted excitedly about the upcoming wedding. It was hard to believe I would be Mrs. Madison in two days.
Abbey also demanded that I stay the night with her tomorrow, so I didn’t break any traditions of seeing the groom before I walked down the aisle. I reluctantly agreed, having no idea how I would tell Kyle that tidbit of information. I didn’t know how he would react, but after the idea settled in, I liked the rush of anticipation it would bring on.
After Brooke and Abbey each polished off two beers, they pulled me out onto the dance floor. I smiled at the two of them while dancing, realizing I had two of the best friends a girl could ask for. Even though I had only known Abbey for a short time, I felt as close to
her as I did with Brooke.
I didn’t even notice Kyle was here until he was halfway on the dance floor, sauntering in my direction, with a heated look that had me gravitating toward him. With only a few feet between us, I grinned devilishly before I turned my back to him. I swayed my hips to the beat while looking over my shoulder at him. His hard chest pressed against my back as his hands gripped my waist, and then he started moving his hips in sync with mine.
“Lily…” he rasped against my throat. He moved to nuzzle his nose into my hair. “I came to get my girl.”
Oh, could the man dance as he melted me with his words at the same time.
“I thought you might say something like that,” I purred while tilting my head toward his. “But since you’re here…I think my fiancé owes me a dance first,” I challenged, feeling playful.
Kyle gently pushed against my left hip, effectively spinning me around in his embrace to face him. I glanced up at him to come face-to-face with his gorgeous eyes.
“You got it, beautiful,” he said.
Then, he gave me the sexiest grin I had ever seen.
The strobe lights flashed to the beat of the music while Kyle led me around the dance floor, never once letting me go.
Kyle and I spent our entire Friday reveling in our couple’s spa package that his parents had gifted him for his birthday. I made a mental note to send them a huge thank-you card as the masseuse worked over my tender legs from the endless dancing the night before.
I decided to tell Kyle about my upcoming sleepover with Abbey while he was getting his shoulders worked over by his masseuse. After a few grunts, he agreed that it would make the first moment of seeing each other tomorrow more special, too. I breathed out a sigh of relief. Now, I just had to hope that Abbey didn’t try to offer me any wine again.
Abbey had sent me a quick text in the middle of our massage, saying Kyle was in big trouble for crashing our girls’ night. She also mentioned that she and Brooke had great bonding time after Kyle had taken me home. I was happy to see Brooke and Abbey forming a friendship of their own, too.
After our pampering day together, Kyle dropped me off at Abbey’s. He kissed me good-bye at least three times before finally letting me out of the car.
Abbey and I lazed around and watched Sweet Home Alabama on her sofa while curled up in our PJs and blankets before calling it an early night.
After all, I wanted a good night’s rest. Tomorrow, I was going to walk down the aisle to say, I do, to the man of my dreams.
Our Wedding Day
I smiled at myself in the mirror of my dressing room, still in utter amazement that today I would marry the man of my dreams. My eyes glowed with anticipation of seeing Kyle soon. My long blonde hair flowed with light curls down to the middle of my exposed upper back. I’d kept my makeup natural with only foundation, mascara, a delicate pink blush, and matching lipstick.
I lowered my gaze while gliding my hands down my strapless wedding gown, feeling every contour of the white lace. It was perfectly stitched to make small flowers with shimmering small pearl beads sewn in the center of each. The design flowed from my chest and down my left side. My dress gathered at my left hip with a silver accent pin perfectly cinching together the fabric. I slightly turned to my side to see the medium-length train flowing outward behind me. I had fallen in love with this dress the minute I saw it hanging on the rack. I had known it was meant for me.
My chest rose and fell with eagerness, willing the clock to fast-forward, so I could finally go and see my man. It took every fiber of my being to hold back tears of joy.
At the quiet knock on the door, I turned my head and expected to see the return of my bridesmaids from their bathroom adventure, so they could get ready for another round of hairspray and lipstick applications.
“Come in.” I beamed.
Aunt Lucie walked into the room, slowing her pace as she took in the sight of me. Her eyes filled with tears. “Oh, Lily,” she cried. “You look so beautiful,” she added while reaching for my hands.
“Thank you,” I replied kindly and shook my head. “I can’t believe it’s today,” I added with excitement and nervousness and pure awe, repeating my thoughts that had been running through my mind all morning.
“Words can never express how happy I am for you to have met such a wonderful man, Lily,” she said, lifting one hand to catch a stray tear that had seeped from her eye. “He truly is your other half in every sense of the meaning.”
“Have you seen him yet?” I asked, wanting to know how he looked in his tux.
“No.” She laughed. “I came straight to you, dear. I can imagine though that he looks as handsome and eager as ever.”
“I can’t wait to see him.” I smiled tenderly.
“I’m sure he feels the same way.” Aunt Lucie smiled tenderly. “And you will soon, but first, I wanted to give you your something blue,” she said, pulling a small box from her purse.
She handed it to me, and I removed the lid. The sight before my eyes made my heart warm, and I gasped. It was a delicate beautiful silver necklace with a single round blue pendant hanging from the center.
“This has been in our family for nearly eighty years. It’s a blue diamond.” She hesitated as her voice clogged with emotions. “Your mother wore it on the day she married your father. I want you to have it, so you can pass it on to your children someday.”
With the reference to having a child, I had to fight the urge to tell Aunt Lucie that Kyle and I were expecting, but he and I had agreed to wait until I was safely out of my first trimester.
My attention quickly snapped back to the gift my aunt had given me. “Thank you, Aunt Lucie,” I said while blinking back tears. “It means so much to me that you want to pass this along to me,” I added softly.
Aunt Lucie’s hand rose to cup my cheek affectionately. “Lily, I have always thought of you and Annie as my daughters. The love I have for you will never change, even with you being a thousand miles away.”
Unable to contain the emotions coursing through me, I hugged her, pulling her in tightly. “Thank you,” I whispered. “I love you with all of my heart. I’m so grateful to have you here with me today.”
I leaned back, wiping the moisture from my cheeks.
“I love you, too, and I always will.” She let out a long breath as she waved her hands rapidly in front of her eyes. “Okay. We can’t ruin our makeup. No more crying,” she promised with delight before smiling fondly. “Just don’t look at me during the ceremony because I might be balling like a baby,” she added good-humoredly.
There was that word again—baby. I could not refrain from smiling. It was going to be extremely hard to hold back for the next several long weeks, considering I did not even know how far along I was.
Aunt Lucie left the room after one last embrace. Uncle Dan and Damon came into the room next. They wished me well and told me how much they loved me and how happy they were that I’d picked such a great man.
The truth was Kyle had chosen me. He’d pulled me out of my darkness while healing my shattered heart, one piece at a time. I could hardly stand the minutes before making him my husband.
Jason entered next. The adoration in his eyes had me running into his arms, one hundred percent ready for his bear hug.
“How’s my favorite girl today?” he asked, his familiar squeeze sucking the air out of me.
I was having enough of a time taking in breaths. My dress was already tight enough, thanks to the baby blimp that was broadening my hips.
“I’m so ready to go and get my man,” I said with excitement.
Jason’s deep chuckle filled the room as he drew back. “That’s exactly what Kyle said about his woman.” He smirked.
I beamed brightly. “Our minds do think alike.”
Jason’s eyes reflected back at me with happiness. “I’m so happy for you, Lily, and I’m honored to walk you down the aisle. You could not have chosen a more worthy man than Kyle.”
“Thank you, Ja
son, for being here with me today, for being a wonderful friend to Kyle, for everything.” I smiled affectionately. “I love you.”
“You’re welcome, Lily,” he replied, shaking his head. “There is nowhere else I’d rather be. I will always be here for you, no matter what.” He paused, letting out a grin. “So, are you ready for me to finally take you to your man?” he asked.
My face lit up. “Yes,” I responded with utter certainty.
Jason led me outside the building where we had all spent the last few hours getting ready in. The bridal party was already formed in a line just outside the building entrance. Brooke was my maid of honor, so she was paired with Ryan, the best man. Kate and Abbey were both being escorted by Damon since Jason was giving me away. Then, after the ceremony, Jason was going to walk Abbey out during the recessional.
The wedding party wished me luck, embracing me, before turning back to his or her formation in line.
“Here are your flowers, Lily,” Brooke said, being the last one to approach me. “I’m so happy you found someone who truly loves you more than life itself, girl. He has brought this light into your eyes, and I will be forever grateful to him for that.” She sniffed while pulling back from our embrace. Then, she let out a deep sigh. “Now, remember to breathe, sweetie, and I love you.” She kissed me softly on the cheek.
“Thank you, and I love you, too.” I smiled back at her, stifling my emotions that seemed to consume me today. “It means so much to me that you’re here.”
“Lily, I wouldn’t miss this day for the world.” Brooke snorted playfully. “I seriously better get back in line before I ruin my makeup,” she added, wiping the corner of her eyes. She hugged me once more before going to stand next to Ryan.
The wedding coordinator, Caroline, arrived outside. I had hired her to help out for today. She started going over the instructions with the wedding party since we hadn’t had a rehearsal. My gaze did a double take, observing the way Jason’s eyes were lingering on Abbey while Caroline was speaking. I didn’t think Jason even caught a single word of Caroline’s speech.