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ChapterSix
BERNIE
The next day,the big day, is spent at the Marriott Marquis near Adler. It’s where the guests traveling from out of town are staying for the wedding. Dex splurged for two penthouse suites—one for us ladies to spend the day getting ready in, and then the other, where the guys will be. While Dex and Morgan have a room at a different hotel tonight, they’re getting on a plane early in the morning and traveling to Hawaii for their honeymoon.
Tonight, I get to stay in the suite we’re hanging out in today. I’ve never stayed in a penthouse before, even if it’s just a mini version. It’s going to be lonely. The space is massive, with a lavish living room area, where there are several stations set up throughout the room to get our hair and makeup done. There’s also a nice-sized kitchen area with a bar and stools, plus a large bedroom and spacious bathroom.
“Morgan, are you sure it’s okay that I stay here tonight? I feel like it’s a waste of Dex’s money for just me.”
Morgan is sitting at the bar getting her nails painted. Our makeup is already done, while Gia and Ruby are getting theirs done now. Morgan gave us all fluffy pink robes with our names on them as gifts last night, along with jewelry to wear today. So we are literally lounging around a suite as we get pampered. I can’t say I’m not enjoying it.
“Oh my gosh. No way, Bernie. We had to get this room for the whole weekend in order to get it for the day. So you’d be doing us a favor by staying here.” Morgan wouldn’t lie to me, so I believe her.
“Wouldn’t it make more sense for you two to say here?” I wonder. She blushes when Gia laughs from across the room.
“Dex doesn’t want to share her tonight,” Gia shares. “Plus, the guys are using the other suite for a party tonight. At least that’s what Simon and Link were saying last night.”
Ruby adds, “Yup. Link bought a keg. I’ll be honest with you, Bernie. I may end up with you in the big bed depending on how wasted Link gets tonight.”
“I’m okay with that. Though, do you all have rooms booked too?”
Gia rolls her eyes, and whatever she’s about to say, I just know has mischief from the guys written all over it. “Yes, we have rooms, but apparently only to ensure the rooms under the suite don’t have occupants in them.”
That’s when I realize that Simon and Link have been planning this party for much longer than we all knew. “Ah, so they don’t have to worry about being too loud.”
“Yeah. And since Dex requested that the rest of the party stay on the same side, anyone near the suite will already be wasted from the reception and won’t be bothered,” Gia says.
I nod. “So let me get this straight. Dex was in on it, so he helped the guys out on their master plan, and your boyfriends aren’t expecting to get laid tonight because they’re all getting wasted. Am I warm here?” We all laugh.
“Exactly!” Morgan declares good-naturedly. “Which is why I suggested Dex and I find another hotel. I love you all to pieces, but I want to spend my wedding night with my husband, not wasted with the likes of your boyfriends.”
“Word!” Ruby raises her champagne flute in the air.
Smiles and laughter fill the rest of our day. It’s light, fun, and exciting. As the hours tick by and the closer we get to the wedding, the excitement and nerves on Morgan’s part start to grow. When it’s time to go to Adler, the four of us join Morgan’s father and his girlfriend in a limo to get some early photos done. A videographer and photographer have been in and out of the suites all days catching memories that Morgan and Dex will be able to look back on for the rest of their lives.
An hour later, Morgan walks down the aisle in the most gorgeous part of the planetarium, which has been turned into a magical ceremony space. Dex’s face when he sees Morgan for the first time makes me tear up. There isn’t a dry eye in the room when they say their vows and are declared husband and wife.
The wedding party is swept off into another part of the planetarium for photos as more than two hundred guests head over to Café Galileo for the reception.
“Is my mascara running?” Ruby turns to me as we watch Dex and Morgan have photos taken of just the two of them.
“Nope. Remember, Dianne promised the mascara was the best waterproof stuff out there,” I tell her.
“I know, but I cried like a baby when Dex lost his grip on his emotions and shed some tears. I’m a crier at weddings, but I wasn’t expecting to feel so much.” She sniffs.
I put my arm around her. “It’s been a crazy couple of years, babe.”
She chuckles. “I love you, Bernie.” She leans her head into mine.
“I feel like I’m being left out over here.” Gia sighs as she walks over to us. I lift my other arm, letting her join in the hug.
“Which one of you is next?” I ask. They both laugh and both point at the other at the same time.
“It’s all good. We will let Morgan decide,” I singsong.
Gia chuffs. “Yeah, between the bouquet and garter toss, plus whoever’s name is left on the bottom of her shoe at the end of the night, we are bound to find out. Though, I’ll tell you right now, don’t expect this type of lavish shindig for Simon and me. I’m thinking smaller scale.”
This wedding cost a pretty penny, but Dex is careful with his money. And while Morgan is a simple girl, she was upset that her mom, who passed away ten years ago from cancer, wasn’t going to be here. So he went big. But also, their wedding was originally planned for later next year, but Adler had overbooked and two months ago, they offered Morgan and Dex a deeply discounted rate to move up their wedding. It was crazy, but with our help and the hired wedding planner, it went off without a hitch.
