"I don't know if I will ever be able to trust you, Jake. I will live in insecurity of you pushing me away whenever life would become difficult again." I shook my head in denial as I whispered back.
"I will do everything in my power to regain your lost trust Emm. I will try every second of my life, you will see." He persisted.
I had my doubts, and I wasn't sure of what lies ahead in future for us. But for now, I felt drained.
I rested my head on his chest as he wrapped his arms around me. Forgetting everything else, I felt his beating heart.
"I have lost the strength to stay away from you, Emma." He slowly whispered in my ears.
I closed my eyes, reminiscing his touch and soft words; this moment was deja vu.
"Then don't.... don’t stay away". I whispered back.
"You are precious, Emma, I lost, and found you, I do not wish to let you go again" He said while tightening his grip around me.
"I promise I will do better this time. I want to give us one last chance, Emma. Do you?" He asked while giving a soft kiss on my head while still hugging me.
These words and feeling felt so familiar and made me revisit his exact same confession in Lofoten for the very first time. My heart fluttered even if I was uncertain about a lot of things, which only time would tell and decide.
However, for now, I just let out the words, "I will like to give us one last chance Jake, and mind you, if you ever think of pushing me away, I will unleash my temper, break your bones and murder you in cold blood."
He let out a slight chuckle, as he replied,
"I am yours to love, yours to keep, yours to break and yours to kill if that's what your heart desire. I love you; Emma and I will never hurt you ever again."
I was breathing deeply, inhaling his scent; and that's when I suddenly felt many other warm arms embracing us from all the sides.
All our friends came running and were now hugging us, squeaking and swearing along, as every minute of our confrontation, made them gasp and pinned their nerves in anticipation too.
"God, you guys. You scared the shit out of us. If need be, I might just tie you both together; you can't do otherwise. Jerks!" Niki screamed as she gave a playful push to Jake, followed by a loving kiss on my left cheek.
We all hugged and smiled, and in this moment, I felt my life was complete, except, one person stood afar, both his hands in his front pocket, silently observing everything. I could feel a painful smile curving up his lips too, as I mouthed a "Thank You".
He read my lips, blinked and nodded; and gradually walked towards us, as I waved my arm telling him to come along and join us. Niki jumped and was the first to embrace Mark, followed by everyone else, who hugged and cheered him too.
"I owe you with my life, Mark. Thanks a lot for everything, buddy. I will be forever indebted to you." Jake said in soft, heartfelt words.
"Take care of her Jake; she is precious. I will always love her and long for her happiness; I hope you won't put us down this time." Mark said, looking at Jake, straight in his eyes.
"I won't. I promise." Jake replied as my mind slid in deep thoughts. In that instant, my heart melted to hear Mark's words, and I knew it with all my will, that I have found a lifelong friend in him, the one I will treasure all my life. I loved him too, with all my heart, and wished nothing but the best for him.
This marked the end of a treacherous journey, and also a fresh start to a new era of friendships.
With that, we all forayed into our plans for the evening, the moonlight shone upon us, as we all settled down around the bonfire, holding onto each other.
Epilogue
Emma
One year later
I woke up from my slumber stretching my inert limbs, slowly I put my feet down on the cold marble floor.
I tiptoed to the huge window that overlooked the twilight of the morning sky, leaving behind curled up quilts entangled on my empty bed.
A fresh gust of breeze brushed my hair as I heaved a contented sigh.
Medley of gold and pink shades adorned the dawning horizon, paying a perfect complement to the current state of my solicitous heart.
It felt magical as I reminisced the blissful memories that ultimately led to the present day.
The birds chirped a symphony of merry songs; the air felt poetic, and it all seemed to be nature's sweet little conspiracy to make today a beautiful day.
Today was special indeed, and even though I received innumerable lectures on the importance of beauty sleep, the joy and fervor of uniting with my one true love surpassed every other bodily need.
Seconds turned into minutes, and minutes into hour, as I sat silently in admiration, reflecting upon life. Soon enough, the sun rose high in the sky, and Jake's family home was now bustling in preparations.
The house was decorated like a beautiful Indian bride, the fragrance of rich bundles of flowers, of all shape, color and type, bloomed through the corridors. Every corner was glorified, and every section of the house told its own magnificent story.
We mutually agreed to honor Jake's father's memory and decided to have our wedlock at a place that was closest to him.
This place had given us several bittersweet memories; it was a reminder of love, sacrifice, forgiveness and forbearance; and soon it was to witness the most precious occasion of my life.
Soon I was set to call it home, my home.
We moved in here a week back, and ever since, Jake had been staying in the west wing of this gigantic mansion, while I settled in his bedroom in the east wing. He wanted to do it the traditional way, and we had not seen each other for the past several days.
It worked, as I was dying to see him, touch him and melt in his warm embrace. When I would meet him next, it would be at the altar and standing there; he won't be the billionaire CEO or the famous Jacob Richmond; instead, he would be the guy I fell in love with, the guy who would be my husband, the man of my life, the one who loved me back with the same intensity, maybe even more.
The past year had been momentous as Jake went through thick and thin to reinstall my lost trust in him. We both fought our demons of insecurities, and learnt to believe the intent before judging the act.
My parents had never been happier, my friends never felt this thrilled, and eventually, everything fell in its rightful place.
Even though, Jake still did not forgive his mother, but I was determined that there would be a day, when he would have the heart to let her back in our lives.
The bedroom door flung open, and a parade of my loved ones stormed inside.
"What did I tell you about rest and rejuvenation?" Niki uttered with a raised eyebrow scanning for any trace of tiredness on my face. She settled in and kept a huge bag at the corner of my bed.3
"Didn't I tell you that this early lark will be awake even before the start of dawn?" Britney chuckled a mock, as she came forward and gave me a tight hug.
"Oh, come on you two, give my girl a little break. I am sure she was feeling the wedding jitters. Aww, my baby, I love you so much." Mom took me in her loving embrace as I wrapped my arms around her.
Dad smiled warmly as he stood at the door, I opened my arms to him, and he walked in and joined for a family hug.
"Aww aren't you all adorable. Alright now, back to business. Carter clan, please give some breather to our bride here. You can recluse to your respective rooms. We need to get Emma ready." Niki clapped her hands as the maid of honor in her took control. Everyone giggled their way out, nobody could dare mess with her, especially when she was in charge.
"Wow, what's this fragrance?" I sniffed the air as a sweet rosemary aroma filled my room.
"I got your bubble bath ready; I have used the best natural salts and oils there are. Come on in, go dip and relax, meanwhile we will set up everything here." Britney ordered as I silently obeyed and followed her command.
After almost an hour, when I stepped out of the shower, I was stunned to see both of them dressed and ready.
They looked
beautiful.
Their matching yellow backless gowns screamed elegance. They both wore a white rose in their relaxed side ponytails, the hair looked stunning with the accessory, as they fell comfortably on their bare shoulders.
I looked around and realised that they had turned the bedroom into a studio, excitedly waiting for me to come out and begin getting ready.
A massive rack on the left ornamented the wedding dress of my dream. It was the first one I laid my eyes on, and the moment I saw it, it took my breath away. We both made a pact, the dress and me, that we would together grace this auspicious day, and help embellish my bridal charm, allowing me to look the best I ever did.
I settled on the cushioned chair, as Britney and Niki began their magic on me. The most awaited moment that was finally here; this was it. I was about to turn into a bride and bind in my happily ever after with Jake. I had dreamt about this day, but living it, elated my soul beyond measures.
As they both worked their way on me, I suddenly remembered to ask Niki, "Sorry, I totally forgot. How are Nate and Jessica holding up?" I whispered, being careful not to move my jaw much as Niki's brush was giving soft strokes on my cheeks.
"Shh. Don't move. You are going to spoil my classic piece of art. And yes, the answer to your question, they are both fine. Jessica can pop any day now."
"Wow! Nate as a father. Sounds amazing." I muttered again, only to get a deadly stare from her.
"Yeah, I know, right. If it were not the joy that my heart contained to have my niece come in this world, I would have murdered him for ruining my wedding plans, and getting married first instead."
"Absolutely my friend. I thought you would be the next bride in line after my wedding, but here Emma took the giant leap instead."
Britney added as she let out a small laugh, while carefully braiding the front locks of my long curly length.
"Yes, who could have imagined this a year ago? I remember how Emma used to fret love and relationships at that time, and how she dodged the bouquet you threw, it landed in the hands of your poor cousin, she sure didn't see that coming." Niki laughed as she completed the length of my lashes with the mascara in her hand.
"Oh, yes, Alice. When we were younger, she hated the concept of marriage. She was shocked beyond belief." The room was full of laughter now, and I couldn't help but smile too, amused, as I remembered Alice's expressions. She looked as if she saw a ghost.
"Wasn't Alice relocating to New York? For her new job?" Niki continued as she began giving me my final touch up.
"Yes, she will be here next week. I am so happy to have her live so close to me. She is my legit partner in crime." Britney winked, as she tucked my veil on my head, and caressed the length of it, making her soft palms brush against my nervous demeanor.
"Oh, my frisking god." Niki and Britney gasped in unison, as they both stepped aside and stood next to me, all three of us felt spellbound, admiring my reflection in the huge mirror in front of us.
The room suddenly embraced silence as we quietly adored the sight of my bridal attire.
My off shoulder charmeuse wedding gown highlighted the length of my collar bone, swirls of spark illuminated from the heart of the deep green pendant as it rested right in the center of my neckline.
The laser-cut lace on my back gave a sheer look that donned till the end of my tail bone, showing and hiding just enough, wrapping my curves seamlessly at all the right places.
My fitted bodice gripped tightly around my little waist, as the extravagant, wide and full skirt with layers of tulle, glided down my derriere covering the stretch of my legs.
My soft curls were partly tied, holding my long veil in place. My rosy cheeks and highlighted eyes meant nothing but perfection, just on point, completing my overall look.
I took a deep breath in an attempt to hold the voyage of emotions that were flooding my fragile heart. I could see my father's wet eyes and my mother's quivering lips. I flinched imagining that they were finally going to give me away.
We all headed downstairs to the front lawn that adjoined a vast garden within the house.
White fabrics and florals festooned the outdoor theme, as lush green leaves formed a surreal ceiling blanketing above our heads; it felt no less than a rainforest canopy.
Barry and mom were the first to walk down the aisle, followed by Britney and Max. Niki, as my maid of honor, walked alone. Dad and I followed behind her.
The moment I stepped in the aisle; my eyes met his blue ones. I saw how they let out a tear of joy as he smiled warmly, his gaze fixed on me.
He looked like a dream in his tan tailored suit. The red and gold boutonniere was placed neatly on the lapel of his jacket, which was in perfect contrast to the bouquet in my hand; symbolizing our boundless love in one single bloom.
Next to him stood Mark, his best man. Mark couldn't turn down Jake's humble request to be the best man at our wedding, they bonded over the last few months and shared a great rapport now.
Mark's eyes reflected admiration, showing respect and warm approval. I returned him a heartfelt smile, for he had been my constant rock ever since he helped save my relationship with Jake.
As I reached the altar arch, Jake took my hand and made me stand next to him. We got lost in a trance holding each other's hands as the ceremony began. The priest started the wedding homilies, and soon, it was our turn to exchange vows. Jake went first.
"I, Jacob Richmond, take you, Emma Carter, as my lawfully wedded wife. It was destiny, that I met you by chance, miles away in a foreign land, and the moment I saw you, I knew you were special. My soul longed to meet you again, and at last, when I did, you came into my life as my biggest blessing. The size of your big forgiving heart and the strength of your character amaze me every single day. You inspire me to do better, and I promise I will reciprocate every bit of your unconditional love with the same zeal and affection. I love you, Emma, and I vow to love you more than my life until my very last breath."
"I, Emma Carter, take you Jacob Richmond, as my lawfully wedded husband.
We crossed paths under the most unexpected circumstances, and to say you didn't captivate my heart right away, would be an absolute lie. My heart beats for you, even though a lot comes with the territory of loving you. Staying by your side wasn't always easy but never have I ever, had slightest of regret, because your love has been my strength and it's your solemn presence that completes me.
I vow to give you a beautiful home, a beautiful family and fulfil every small and big wish that your pure heart may desire, in sickness and in health, through good times and bad. I love you Jake, always had and always will."
We both exchanged our matching wedding rings; they were white gold bands with our initials inscribed on them.
"By the power vested in me, and as witnessed by friends and family, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." The priest said.2
The moment those words fell on our ears, Jake stepped closer and held me in an endearing embrace, making me lean a bit as he softly placed his lips on mine. Our lips moved in sync as a tear rolled down from my otherwise closed eyes. We could hear cheering and gasps from our closed one’s present, followed by chatters of applause and hooting.
After a short yet intense kiss, the moment I opened my eyes, Jake whispered, "I love you, Mrs. Richmond".
"I love you more, my darling husband". I whispered back.
The wedding was followed by a grand reception, post which we headed to a surprise destination that Jake had kept a secret since days.
"Come on, at least tell me now, where are we heading?" I was getting restless, as I coaxed him to tell me one last time.
"Just ten more minutes love. You will know soon."
He replied, giving me a warm smile, his eyes twinkled in excitement.
Soon we reached a vast driveway of a huge building complex, right in the heart of the city. Jake got up and quickly came to open the door for me, extending his hand, "Shall we?" He asked.1
I to
ok his hand, and as I stepped out, I saw Augustin and other security personnel already present at the location.
"Where are we?" I quizzed him.
"Just five more minutes wifey, you will see." He took my hand as we stepped inside a luxurious, spacious lobby. We were immediately greeted by a couple of females at the entrance. They looked like staff members who worked at this place.
"Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Richmond. Many Congratulations on your wedding." They handed me a bunch of flowers, followed by a wide smile.
We both thanked them as we reciprocated with a warm smile and a polite nod, and headed straight to the elevators.
As we were waiting, suddenly Jake whispered in my ear, "May I?"
I turned around at him a bit puzzled, not quite sure of what he meant when he took out a white satin blindfold and put it on my eyes.
In the next second, he lifted me in his arms, making me clutch his jacket in surprise. He carried me and walked inside the elevator.
My heart raced in anticipation, after a while, the elevator beeped and stopped. Jake walked with me in his arms for a while and then he finally put me down.
He removed the blindfold and whispered, "Welcome home, Emma."
I was speechless at the sight. In front of me was an exquisite penthouse, with huge ceiling to floor windows as I could see vibrant colors of a beautiful sunset right across the skyline. My heart skipped a beat, as Jake snaked his arms around my waist, snuggling in the crook of my neck from behind.
"Do you like it, Mrs. Richmond?"
"I love it. When did you..."
"I bought this penthouse a long time ago. I was about to propose you to live in with me. A lot happened since then, but I am glad we are here as husband and wife." He said in a husky voice, as I leaned back on his chest; he tightened his embrace on me, giving me soft kisses on my bare shoulder, trailing across the length of my collarbone.
"How come you never gave up on us, Jake? What kept you going?" I asked meekly as I was slowly getting lost under his sensual kisses.
I will lower the moon for you Page 30