“This is it, honey! This is the dress you should get married in.” Maggie couldn’t tear her eyes away from the dress displayed in the window.
Isabella beamed. “Married? When?”
“Nice try, lady. I can’t tell. Mr. Charmant would kill me for spoiling his surprise. Just you wait and see. The important thing is to be ready. That is my job. I must get you ready.” Maggie walked into the store with determination.
She was right. They had found the perfect dress, which just happened to be made of tiny rosebud bouquets of red, pink, and white scattered all over the ivory background. The sleeveless, A-line dress with a low cut front caught Isabella in all the right places. With the hem reaching just above the ankles, it didn’t even require shortening. Best of all, it matched nicely with the strappy ivory heels Maggie had chosen in one of the previous stores. And most importantly, it would go nicely with all of the jewelry that Gabriel had given her with roses on previous trips.
After a brief lunch, they walked into a day spa that Isabella swore had been expecting her. They seemed to know exactly what she needed done without her uttering a single idea. She had her eyebrows done, and a Brazilian bikini wax. A woman massaged her until she found herself so relaxed she could hardly move. Next, her hair had a trim and highlights. And finally, she received a pedicure and matching French manicure.
Thoroughly relaxed and pampered, they departed to meet the rest of the family at the hotel restaurant. Gabriel stood to greet her with an admiring look on his face. “Wow. You look amazing. I think I lost my train of thought there for a moment,” he said as he helped push her chair in. He paused while he gazed at her with undeniable love before sitting down. Rebecca, impatient to reveal the surprise, leaned over and whispered in his ear.
“Oh, thank you, Becca.” He tousled her hair. “Yes, tomorrow we leave for Italy.”
Isabella squealed ecstatically. “Oh! I love Italy. I’ve been dying to go back there! Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!” She leaned forward off her seat as she punctuated each thank you with a kiss, then sat back beaming.
They arrived at Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi in Rome late in the evening. The minute the front desk discovered who they were, bell hops came running to move their luggage and fell over themselves trying to be both friendly and useful. Isabella smiled. She would never get used to traveling with Gabriel. He made such a commotion wherever they went, although he never seemed to notice.
In the past they had always stayed in wonderful rooms, but this time Gabriel had gone above and beyond. “The Royal Suite, signor,” the bell hop announced after opening the door for them.
Gabriel stood there smiling proudly, then motioned for Isabella to enter. The children and Maggie had already marched out through the entry and directly to the terrace to look out over Rome. Isabella, however, walked tentatively through the double doors, through the impressive foyer, into the enormous living room, and inhaled in surprise. Gabriel stood behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist and planted soft, lingering kisses on her neck. “It’s magnificent,” she sighed, sinking back into him.
“One moment, darling, I just have to tell them where to place our luggage then you may have my undivided attention.” He took her hand, then turned to the three men carrying their baggage. “These,” he stated, pointing to Isabella’s bags, “go in the master suite. These,” pointing to Rebecca and Kyle’s, “go in the second bedroom.” The men scurried to their destinations. “These, the third bedroom, I think.” The man carrying Maggie’s belongings marched to the directed room. “And these will go in the fourth bedroom.” Gabriel’s luggage was taken away as well. Isabella stood there confused while he tipped the men and closed the door behind them.
“Now,” he smiled at Isabella, “I am all yours.”
“I’m confused,” she said quietly. “Didn’t you say just yesterday when you asked me to marry you that you never wanted to spend another night without me by your side? Now we’re in separate bedrooms?” Unmasked disappointment shone through her eyes as she watched his face, waiting for a response.
Gabriel smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling. “But darling, isn’t it customary that the groom not see the bride before the ceremony?”
Her heart pounded furiously, her mind raced. “When are we...getting married?” The recent disappointment turned to shock, elation, and concern all at once. She had imagined they would get married next year or at least six months from now. And what about Jessie and the rest of their friends and family? Shouldn’t they be here?
“Tomorrow,” he responded, eyes dancing.
“But what about...”
Before she could say anymore they were interrupted by the door bell. “I really must answer that,” Gabriel said smiling widely. She knew that look. He was up to something. The door opened and there stood Jessie.
They both squealed and ran at each other to embrace. They were laughing and babbling over each other all at once. Jeff stood there behind her, smiling warmly, and shaking his head at the two women. “Good to see you again, Gabriel,” he said pleasantly. “Since Isabella’s father passed away and she has no brother, I suppose it is my duty to warn you about hurting her.” He tried to look threatening.
“I’m not worried,” Gabriel announced, earnestly. “I love her.”
The two men came together, shook hands and slapped each other on the back. But before they had the opportunity to truly talk, the door bell rang again. This time Ben and the rest of Gabriel’s friends graced the doorway. They were soon followed by room service, which seemed to be bringing in large quantities of food. “What is all this?” Bella asked excitedly.
“Think of it as our rehearsal dinner,” he whispered, taking her aside. “Tonight we will party late into the night with our friends and family. Then I will tuck you in. You will be so sleepy you won’t even know I’m not there. I will be gone from the suite before you wake up in the morning to hang out with my best man and take care of some last minute details. All you need to know is that the hair stylists will be here at nine to do your hair, as well as Jessie and Rebecca’s. Oh, and I’ll make sure you get breakfast by eight. Sound good?”
Isabella nodded numbly. The plans for the wedding transpired so quickly, yet she found herself utterly unafraid, just filled with pure excitement. “Oh, what happens after that? Where do I have to go? When do I have to be there?” She prepared to express about a million more questions, but Gabriel placed a finger to her lips.
“Hush, darling. You have no worries. Not now, not ever. Maggie has received instructions. Just let her help you through it. We really have thought of everything. I promise.” He drew her close and peppered her face with feather light kisses.
“I hate promises,” she reminded him.
“I only make those that I intend to keep,” he responded with a gentle smile. Then kissing her, said, “Now go enjoy our guests.”
Smiling, they rejoined their friends. The children had already been busily entertaining everyone with what few jokes they knew, and an occasional song or dance. People seemed to be enjoying themselves. The room filled with laughter, conversation, and most of all, love. Isabella shivered watching it all. She never could have visualized any of this, not the location, the people, especially not Gabriel. Yet, she didn’t have to pinch herself to realize it wasn’t a figment of her imagination; she simply looked down at the ring on her finger to believe that the dream she dared to dream so long ago had at last come true.
Everything thus far had gone exactly as Gabriel promised. Together they tucked Rebecca and Kyle in around nine pm... “Do I get to wear that dress tomorrow, Gabriel?” Rebecca asked excitedly while the covers were being pulled up to her chin..
Isabella looked up at him questioningly from a seated position beside her daughter. Gabriel smiled at her. “Yes, my little flower girl. Tomorrow. And as for you, my little ring bearer,” he said while tousling Kyle’s hair, “you will be in that nice suit we found.” They kissed both the children, then left the room.
> At midnight, Gabriel cleared the suite with an announcement. “The clock has struck twelve,” he explained. “I must get my princess to bed before she turns into a scullery maid. So, we’ll see all of you tomorrow.”
They ushered out the last of their guests with warm hugs and hand shakes, then Gabriel escorted Isabella to her room. She gathered her nightgown and robe before moving into the bathroom to change and prepare for bed. “I can’t believe you aren’t staying with me,” she called out to the bedroom while disrobing, “but I do understand. I never realized you were so traditional.”
“Tomorrow night,” he said with a smile, as he watched her through the open door, studying her form. Then added with a chuckle, “Although I don’t know how much sleep we’ll get.”
Isabella emerged, her hair flowing around her shoulders, still rubbing the lotion into her hands. She paused before him, pushed herself up on her tiptoes to plant a soft, warm kiss on his lips, and then climbed into bed. He tucked her in, leaning over to kiss her lovingly for several minutes before reluctantly pulling away and exiting the room.
Isabella could hear him moving around for a little while after. She settled herself into the fluffy down pillows and tried not to think of how different her life would be after tomorrow. Tomorrow she would become Mrs. Charmant. Tomorrow there would be more celebrating. Tomorrow night they would finally consummate their relationship. For someone who had been so uncertain of her future, she now had so much to look forward to.
Maggie woke her at eight. “Breakfast has just arrived, miss. You need to eat before they come to fix your hair.”
Her simple, quiet words might just as well have been an alarm bell since Isabella awakened then, quickly, excitedly. She rushed from her bed, determined to eat before showering. The kids were also awake and already eating. Together they inhaled the pastries and fruit before Isabella rushed off to the bathroom. She barely reached the hallway before wheeling around alarmed.
“Oh, the kids!” She turned to Maggie; raising her arms to express her dismay over how she could possibly accomplish everything she needed to in what little time she had left.
“Don’t you worry about a thing,” Maggie assured her, reading her mind. “I have the kids under control. I get them ready; you just work on taking care of Miss Bella.” She chuckled while shooing Isabella into her bedroom.
Jessie arrived carrying a garment bag, looking fresh and happy. They barely had time to hug before the stylists arrive, laden down with carts full of supplies. The doorbell rang a third time as flowers were delivered. Bouquets of white, pink, and red roses were accented with baby’s breath and tied with white ribbon. There was a flurry of activity throughout the suite.
Two hours elapsed in but a moment, during which time Isabella and Jessie were styled and made up. Even Rebecca’s hair had been given a new up do. By 10:45, everyone sat ready, and waiting, lined up on the couches in the living room, afraid to even move and ruin the stylists’ efforts.
The doorbell sounded as Ben came to claim them. “I am to escort you to the wedding,” he announced.
“Will we have to go far?” Isabella asked nervously.
Ben smiled affectionately at her. “Not so far. And, may I be the first to tell you that you look incredible?” He moved as though to give her a warm embrace, but feared rumpling her dress and instead settled for kissing an offered hand.
Isabella blushed and murmured, “Thank you.” She tucked her hand in the crook of his arm as he led them to the elevator and down to the lobby.
Ben didn’t exaggerate. Isabella had never looked better. Her hair had been pulled into a huge curly mass atop her head. She hadn’t purchased a veil or headpiece, but the stylist presented her with a tiara. She had tried to refuse, but the woman kept repeating, “No, no, Signor Charmant, Signor Charmant.” So Isabella realized then that Gabriel must have bought it for her.
She wore the diamond bracelet, her necklace, and a matching pair of earrings that suddenly appeared on her dresser next to them this morning with a card from Gabriel. Her face exuded an incredible glow, the sort that only came from being in love and being loved in return. And still, the stylist utilized very few cosmetics to make her look stunning.
Once in the lobby, they strolled out to the pool area where, from a safe distance, Isabella saw that a crowd of people had assembled in chairs on either side of a white linen aisle and inhaled in nervous anticipation. The children were lined up first, followed by Jessie. Ben turned to her and placed his hands on her shoulders so that they looked each other in the eye. “I’m the best man, but if you wish I can walk you down the aisle.”
Isabella shook her head emphatically without even a moment’s hesitation. “No, thank you, Ben, I appreciate your offer, but I’m doing this of my own accord. The only person giving me away is me. I want Gabriel, our guests, and God to see that.”
Ben beamed, letting his hands glide down her arms to grasp her hands. “I admire you, Isabella. You are incredible. You are everything Gabriel needs. I know you two will be very happy together.” He planted a kiss on her cheek, then walked down the aisle to stand at Gabriel’s side.
The gardens were in full bloom, colorful and fragrant. And because of all the trees, Isabella couldn’t see the minister officiating the ceremony or tell where the music came from. Rebecca and Kyle walked side by side to stand near Gabriel, who smiled widely, like a proud father. Jessie moved next, after a quick hug. Finally, Isabella’s turn arrived and everyone rose. Suddenly, as she closed in on the altar, it became clear that the voice she had been hearing, one that she could almost recognize belonged to none other than Andrea Boccelli. By the time she reached Gabriel her eyes were watering.
He held her hands. “First, I think you don’t cry,” he whispered. “Now, I think all I do is make you cry.” He wiped her eyes and she kissed his fingers.
“It’s Andrea Boccelli,” she whispered back, gaping at the man who now held a place of honor on the altar. “I can’t believe that he’s here.”
“I pulled some strings because I knew you loved his music. I wanted today to be memorable.”
“Every day with you is memorable,” Isabella replied laughing.
They might have continued in their own private conversation for some time, utterly unaware of those present at Gabriel’s request, but the minister cleared his throat to signal the beginning of the ceremony. They blushed. The time arrived for them to say their vows. Isabella turned to Gabriel in a panic. “I didn’t prepare anything.”
“Neither did I,” Gabriel murmured, trying to ease her fear. “I thought we would simply speak from the heart.”
Gabriel spoke first. “My darling Bella,” he began without faltering. “I never knew I could love until I met you. I had many meaningless girlfriends, but no real attachments. You were a challenge, and well worth it. You rescued me. You make me better than I am. If I seem selfless and giving, it is because you make me want to do everything for you and Rebecca and Kyle.” He glanced down at the children who were standing in between them and gazing up at him lovingly. “If I seem honorable, it is because you make me want to make you proud. If I seem ambitious, it is because you have given me something to work for. All that I am is because of you and for you. You are my life, and soon my wife. My heart belongs only to you forever.” He squeezed her hands and smiled at her through teary eyes.
“Gabriel,” Isabella addressed him, so enamored by his words that she found herself once again virtually unaware of her audience. “You say I rescued you, but you rescued me, too. You are my dream come true. You are my knight in shining armor, my prince charming, a second father to my children, a best friend to me, a true soul mate. You are all I have ever hoped for and more. All I want from this day forward is to live each day to make you as happy as you’ve made me. There is nothing more that I can imagine wanting in this life because of the love of my children and our love. At last I am complete. You have healed me. I will always love you.” She squeezed his hands, looking at him with such love
and admiration that he blinked back tears and could barely speak moments later when they exchanged rings.
The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur. At some point she vaguely remembered kissing, and the warmth that immersed her from head to toe the instant their lips touched. Then they walked back down the aisle, arm in arm. As they sauntered through the crowds of people eager to talk to them during the reception, one face in particular that she didn’t see the previous night stood out.
“Dr. Pam,” Isabella called out warmly, pulling away from Gabriel to speak with her.
“Hello, dear,” she said lovingly when Isabella reached her side. “I think you may have found your inspiration, your passion, huh?” She winked at Isabella conspiratorially. Then she added, “I’m sorry I didn’t bring a gift. I wasn’t sure why I was coming here until I arrived. Gabriel sent for me, you know?”
“Dr. Pam,” Isabella responded, “don’t you think Gabriel is gift enough? I think you knew exactly what you were doing all along.” She gave her professor a knowing look.
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