Kirsty carries the dress over, carefully. Mum starts fussing, I’m not allowed to move until she says. Sophie puts my shoes in front of me. They’re plain and simple. I slip them on first. I know stand in the middle, of my parents room with underwear on, an underskirt and my four inch heels. I inwardly laugh at the image running through my mind. Thoughts of Alex, he would so love this look, but he will need to wait until the end of the day, to see it.
“Step,” mum says. “Carefully.”
I do step, carefully. With Sophie and Kirsty helping, it doesn't take too long to have it on. Kirsty makes quick work, of the delicate satin buttons on the back.
I hear my mother gasp.
“Oh. My. God.” Sophie says quietly. I had expected her to screech at me.
“Oh Elizabeth, we just need the finishing touches. What jewellery are you wearing?”
“It’s in the other room. The diamonds Alex bought me in New York. Could someone get them?”
“Libby, I have a present for you.” Sophie tells me. Mum and Kirsty both look at me quizzically as Sophie hurries out the room. Kirsty is standing in front of the mirror, I’m still not ready to see myself. Sophie rushes back into the room, carrying a black velvet box. “This is for you, from Alex.”
“Another gift? He has already sent me a red rose.”
I smile thinking of him, as I slowly open the box. I gasp at the contents. I can't move, I stand mesmerised to the spot. Stunning freshwater pearl necklace with matching stud earrings. Mum takes them from me, and puts them on for me.
“Okay are you ready, to finally see.” Kirsty asks excitedly. I nod. She moves quickly away from the floor standing mirror.
I lift my eyes from the floor, where I’ve tried to keep them. I take in my reflection in front of me. My dress is perfect, and my tiny bump isn’t noticeable. My make-up is natural and as for my dark hair. It’s silky smooth and rolled and pinned in an elegant up style. “Holy Fuck!”
“Libby!” my mother scolds me. “Less of the language.”
Sophie is smoothing out the bottom of the dress, ensuring it’s all flowing in the right direction. Mum takes my hand and squeezes it tightly. I’m scared to look at her, frightened that she will set me off. I hear a small sniff, but it’s not from my mum, I turn around to face Kirsty. Her eyes are cloudy, as she tries to rein in her emotions. Mum hands her a tissue, as a small sob escapes.
“Kirsty . . .”
“I can’t help it. You take my breath away. Everything about you today, is perfection. I have the pleasure of saying, the beautiful woman in front of me is my best friend.”
I close my eyes. Don’t cry. Don’t cry. I repeat over and over in my mind. I hear another sniff, and another and I know when I open my eyes, it’s not going to be just Kirsty struggling.
I open my eyes and it’s confirmed, the three of them, are all dabbing hankies under their eyes. “Beautiful,” says Sophie.
I struggle when my eyes meet my mothers. “Oh, mum.”
“Sweetheart, I’m fine. Honestly. I knew I would be like this today. I’m going to be a blubbering mess. Kirsty and Sophie are right, you look stunning, my beautiful baby girl.”
“Thank you, the three of you. Not just for this morning, but for everything.” I can't put the emotions into words, but from their smiles of acknowledgement, they all know what I mean. “Soph, can you pass me my phone?”
“Come on girls,” mum says. “Libby, we will give you a few minutes. We will see you in the living room, when you’re ready.”
As they leave I text Alex;
I love it. It’s perfect. Thank you for my gifts today. But most of all I love you. xxx
His reply is instant.
I’m glad you love it. I love you too, see you soon. x
I’m just about to type a reply, when there is a light tap on the bedroom door. “Come in,” I call out. I turn and watch as Ethan stops in the doorway. He looks handsome standing there, in his traditional Stewart tartan kilt. I wasn’t ready for this.
“Libby.”
“Please,” I plead with him. “Don’t set me off. I’m really struggling.”
He moves quickly across the room, and takes me in his arms. I melt. We stand in each others arms, for a few moments. Words don’t need to be said between us, we know what the other is thinking.
“You look amazing. Radiant and dare I say it, glowing.”
“You don’t look so bad yourself,” I tell him.
“Are you ready?” I nod. “Okay then. I have one thing to tell you before I take you to dad.”
Why do I not like, the expression that has just flashed across his face.
“Okay, there was a journalist and photographer, at the end of the road.” I knew I wasn’t going to like what he said. “It was only a matter of time, before word got out to others. Dad has spoken with them and has granted them access and exclusive pictures providing no other media turns up today.”
“Oh.”
“Libby, don’t worry about them.” His voice is reassuring. “Now come on. I want you to see the amazing girl in my life, she will break a lot of hearts today.” I smile as he speaks of his daughter with love. He takes my arm and we walk to the living room, where I know my Dad is waiting patiently for me.
I enter the room, and my eyes go straight to Sophie, she has our beautiful girl in her arms. I’m more than happy for that little girl to have the lime-light today. She looks adorable, in her little white dress, with a matching red ribbon round the waist, the same colour as Kirsty and Sophie’s dress. She has a little red bow in her hair. I love that girl. And from the look on Sophie’s on face, I’m not the only one that loves her. My eyes turn to Ethan, and I see pride in his eyes as he watches Sophie with his daughter.
And I finally see it. He’s falling head over heels in love with Sophie. He might not have admitted it, but he has, and I get the feeling Sophie feels the same way.
“Come on you lot, we should really be in the first car.” Mum announces. They all kiss me goodbye, telling me they will see me shortly at the church, as they leave the room one by one. Mum is the last to leave.
It’s only now I look at my dad.
He’s wearing his kilt as well. The most important man in my life growing up, is standing before me with tears in his eyes. God I hope Kirsty has my make-up with her, because it’s going to need to be touched up when I get to the church.
“Dad, please.” I warn him with a smile.
“All I will say. Is you look beautiful. You my dearest Libby, are a vision of beauty. And here I stand thinking back to my own wedding day. I remember feeling like the luckiest man on earth when I first saw your mother walk toward me. But seeing you standing here, nothing could prepare me for how I feel today. My baby girl making her own way in the world. I’m so proud of you.” He takes a breath. “Your mother and I are so proud of you. I love you.”
“I love you, more than you’ll ever know. All this means the world to me,” I tell him. His loving words have set me off. He hands me a tissue.
“Come on. Let’s get this show on the road. Poor Jack’s been outside, waiting to start taking pictures. And let’s not keep, this man of yours waiting too long. I hope Alex knows just how, lucky he is having my amazing, talented and beautiful daughter in his life.” He hands me my bouquet and links his arm with mine.
“Thank you dad.”
KIRSTY AND SOPHIE STAND IN the church entrance as I approach them with my dad. Jack is off to the side, snapping away with his camera. I’m glad Jack could do today, I feel so at ease with him, maybe that’s because I’ve known Jack such a long time. The photographer and journalist from the national paper spoke with me as we left the house, I’m still not a hundred percent happy about having them here. They have assured me they will try and stay out of sight and won’t interfere with official photographs. But I suppose it’s a small price to pay to ensure a peaceful day. Dad spoke with Alex, and it’s been agreed we will give them a brief interview, back at the hotel. They get an exclusive, and we get peace. As l
ong as they keep their end of the bargain.
The girls look amazing, standing at the entrance the red suits them both. I knew it would. I’m so lucky to be blessed with great friends and family.
“Are you ready to do this?” Kirsty asks.
“Give me a minute.” I answer breathlessly.
Kirsty bends and starts fixing my dress, smoothing out the front and neatly fixing the train, while Sophie holds onto both sets of flowers.
“Are you alright?” My Dads voice is one of concern.
“Yes.”
Ethan appears with Lucy in his arms, and at the moment she is holding her posy of flowers. She’s just so adorable. I’m sure the smile, on Lucy’s face is for Sophie as she watches her. It’s amazing how close the two of them have grown. “What’s the hold up?” my brother asks.
I suddenly feel so overwhelmed, tearful and I’ve not even seen Alex yet. My breathing has quickened and I feel myself start to shake. I did worry about how today would affect Ethan, but I needn’t have given it a second thought. He’s happy and content and I know he’s fallen deeply for Sophie.
“Libby!” Ethan stands in front of me. “You can do this.”
I smile at him, as I bring my breathing back to a more comfortable pace. I look into his dark eyes and nod. “I’m ready.” I tell them.
Poor Sophie releases the breath, she was holding. She sounds relieved, did she think I would turn and walk away? No there was never any chance of me doing that. I love her brother with every last breath I have.
The doors into the church are held open and the music starts playing. Sophie and Kirsty take that as their cue to enter the church. Ethan waits a few moments, and follows with Lucy in his arms. A chorus of ‘ahs’ and ‘ohs’ can be heard. Of course that would be the reaction, to our sweet Lucy.
My dad nudges me and I take my direction from him. With slow steps we walk into the church, and stop. And I see him, for the first time today. Standing just in front of Father O’Conner, with Michael by his side. His dark brown eyes smiling, drawing me in. I smile as I run my eyes over him. Not what I expected him to wear, I had hoped though.
He stands at the end of the aisle, in a full traditional Stewart tartan. And yes I have to admit, he really suits the kilt, as does Michael. Now I wonder if he is following Scottish tradition? A true Scotsman would have nothing on underneath the kilt. I smile with the thought running through my head, as we start walking again toward the man, who has captured my soul.
A cheeky boyish grin spreads across his face, as if sensing the thoughts running through my mind. His eyes never leave me. His smile grows with each step closer I take. Only now, do I take notice of our closest family and friends. My poor mother is sobbing uncontrollably on one side of the aisle, while Sarah’s tear filled eyes watch me walking, the now short distance to her son.
My dad squeezes my arm, in reassurance. I turn my gaze to him, and smile. I feel myself start to shake again. Closing my eyes briefly I try to compose myself again. I open them and the only person I see is Alex. All eyes of the church, are focused on me as I walk the last few steps to him.
And then I stop.
It’s only now I notice, Alex’s eyes are brimming with unshed tears as he stands gazing at me. Oh my poor man, “I love you,” I tell him, as Father O’Connor starts to speak. I’ve stunned Alex into silence, I catch Michael from the corner of my eye, grinning with amusement.
“Are we getting married?” I whisper as Alex takes my hand from my dad.
“I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU MAN and wife. You may kiss your wife.”
I turn to face him, his touch is gentle against my skin, as he takes me in his arms. Our lips meet, with no hurry, soft and loving. As the church erupts with a round of applause.
“Mrs. Mathews, you look breath taking and so beautiful, as you always do,” he whispers as his lips leave mine.
“About time you said that Mathews, I was beginning to think I would be saying that to your wife first.” Michael teases, which earns him scowl from Alex. “Congratulations Libby.” Michael kisses me on the cheek. “And you do look amazing.”
Alex, Michael, Kirsty and I head off with Father O’Connor to sign all the documents, before making our way out of the church. We had invited Father O’Connor back to the hotel, but he declined, something to do with a certain football game, that made me laugh. Alex gave his hospitality tickets away to staff at the casino. I did try to tell him we should postpone the wedding, once we realised it was the same day as the old firm game. I know how excited he was when I gave him the tickets for his Christmas. Alex was having none of that.
Outside in the cold winter sunshine we pose for some photos with family. I’m glad the weather has brightened up after the recent weeks. I don’t really get a chance to talk with my parents or Alex’s, as we are directed into position for pictures.
Connor and Emma are the first, to offer their congratulations. Today is the first time in over three months, since Alex has seen his brother. Emma isn’t as frosty to me today as she was when I was in New York. She also quietly congratulates me on the pregnancy, and she does seem genuinely happy for us. She also hints, that she hopes, it won’t be long after her wedding, that she will have the same happy news. Maybe we could end up being friends. Connor takes me in his arms and welcomes me to the family with a kiss.
Next is Stephen on his own. Sally is working day shift at the hotel, but will join us later tonight. Stephen seems happy and not just because of Sally, maybe some of it has to do with seeing his best friend happy.
I stand with Alex’s arm around me, watching Jack take pictures of Ethan, Sophie and Lucy. The three of them look so happy together. I know Ethan has missed Sophie terribly, while she was back home in New York. I shake feeling a little cold.
“You okay?”
“No, I’m starting to get cold.” I tell him.
“Michael.” Alex calls. “Can I leave you with Michael, for a few minutes and I can speak with Jack. I think the rest of the pictures can be done at the hotel.”
He releases me to Michael, and walks toward Jack, but he does get stopped several times on his way.
“Do you want my jacket, Libby?” Michael asks unbuttoning his jacket. He doesn't let me answer, before putting it on my shoulders. “So Mrs. Mathews, you managed to silence your husband today. And if I’m not mistaken, he had tears in his eyes. But I think you had that effect on everyone in the church.”
“What can I say to that. I know how to manage my man.”
“Of that I have no doubt,” he laughs. “You’re the only person capable, of managing him. You’ve brought him to his knees and I’ve already told you I love seeing how he is with you.”
I don’t get a chance to answer him, because Alex is back at my side. “Come on baby, let’s get to the car.”
“Alex I feel bad.” I shrug out of Michaels jacket and hand him it back.
“What’s wrong?” He asks, with panic in his voice.
“Nothing, it’s just I haven’t spoken with my parents or yours yet.”
“They will understand. We will be with them soon enough. Now come on, I have a surprise for you.” I raise my eyebrows, questioning him. A slow smile spreads on my face, as I think of what could happen during our car journey.
“You can wipe that look, from your face. Not happening,” he says flatly as we walk toward the waiting car. “You forget Mrs. Mathews, I can read your mind fairly well it would seem.”
I hand Alex my flowers, as I gather my dress and climb into the car as elegantly as I can. He has a quick word with Michael, although I don’t hear what is said, before joining me. There is champagne, fizzy water and orange juice in the car. Alex lifts the champagne and I shake my head.
“You can have a little.”
“No, maybe later on.” Alex hands me two glasses, and he opens the water and pours.
“A toast. To the most beautiful woman in the world, who has just made me the happiest man alive. Mrs. Mathews I love you.”
I tak
e a long drink, from my glass as I sit wrapped in Alex’s arm. I finally feel relaxed for the first time today, gone are the nerves I had before the ceremony.
“Happy,” he asks me, squeezing me tighter.
“Of course. I am always happy, when I’m with you.” He drops a soft kiss on my lips, seeming happy and content with my answer. “So what’s this surprise?”
“Well you will just need to wait and see.”
My mind races as I think about what he’s up to. Because he is up to something, the mischievous grin on his face, gives him away. It has me wondering about our honeymoon. The destination he refused to reveal to me. All I know is Joan has packed for me, and we leave tomorrow around noon, after spending tomorrow morning relaxing with our family at the hotel. The only thing I have been told, is we won’t be home until after Connor and Emma’s wedding. Which has me thinking, I hope Sophie has something in her shop suitable for me to wear to that wedding.
“So how are my babies today?” he asks with a growing smile.
“I believe, they are well.”
“I can’t wait to feel their first movements.”
“It will be a few more weeks before I feel that, I think. Although with there being two, I don’t know I might feel them sooner.”
“You have the hotel covered, for your absence in the next few weeks?” he asks
“Of course I have. Kieran has everything in hand. Although I would like to give him some extra time off when we come home. I know he has a two week holiday that he is taking, but I think he deserves more after all the extra he’s put in, in recent weeks.”
“That he does. But I’m not prepared to have my pregnant wife, working seven days a week. You will have to sort something else out for when he’s off.” He narrows his eyes, making his point. “I mean it, Libby. Your health is something I won’t risk, even for the sake of your beloved hotel. If I have to step in and help I will.”
I smile at my very bossy man. Knowing he means every word he’s said. And given all our recent discussions, about the hotel, I’m sure he would do a fine job if he had to step in.
He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3) Page 19