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“They’re ready for us.” Penny’s voice drifted in from the doorway, as delicate as the slight knock she’d made before entering.
“Oh, Penny.” Again the waver in Ivy’s voice betrayed her rising emotions. She looked a vision of beauty, a stunning vision. Becca had made them all matching lace chokers. But as her bridesmaid, they’d chosen a dress with a similar style to Ivy’s, a corset bodice, with a beautiful A-line shade that stopped just above the knees. The burgundy dress complimented her pale skin, bringing out those beautiful blue eyes. Alternating panels of ivory and black hid within the folds, adding an elegant flare. She looked ravishing, alluring, and simply spectacular.
The two women reached out, grabbing Ivy’s hands, broad smiles spreading across their features, just a small representation of the happiness they felt for her, as they marched her down the hallway between them.
As they neared the gardens, Ivy paused, catching sight of herself in the large mirrored windows. For a second, she didn’t recognise herself. The makeup had been kept light, enhancing her eyes, making them pop but hiding the dark circles, and highlighting her high cheekbones. Gentle curls cascaded from the beautiful up-do, falling down her back in soft waves hidden by her veil. With a smile, Becca stepped before her, pulling the veil over her face.
“Goddess,” she whispered, kissing the air beside Ivy’s veiled cheek.
Taking her position, she waited, seeing Becca nod just seconds before the music started.
She expected the panic to set in, especially as everything was moving so fast. But instead, there was a calm serenity. Everything about this, about this moment, just felt right. The doors to the garden glided open, and for a single moment, as she beheld the sight before her, her breath stilled in awe.
A path of rose petals led the way towards a large floral arch where her future awaited. She felt the weight of all eyes turn to her, but she could only see one person. Her knight, stood like prince charming in his elegant tuxedo. His face shone with joy as his gaze came to rest upon her.
Damn, he was temptation and salvation itself.
It was then, as he locked his gaze with hers, she found her breath. He was the air she breathed, the beat of her heart; he was her life, her everything. Her every dream, past, present, and future. And he was waiting for her, looking at her the way he always did, a way she never felt worthy of.
She felt Becca’s encouraging touch, pulling her gently into the steps she had forgotten to take as the soft music started. She couldn’t hear the tune, couldn’t even remember what song they’d chosen. All she could hear was the beat of her heart, the rapid tattoo that sang in her ears that all her dreams were finally coming true.
In a few short moments, she would be Miles’ wife. Although he already owned every part of her. Body, mind, and soul. She would be his on one more level as she spoke those vows, pledging her life to him.
She had feared this moment, feared the words whispered as she walked past the small gathering, dreaded the looks of pity, but as she dared a glance, she saw none of it, none of the judgement or disgust, instead, each face was filled with joy, smiling at her as she walked one step at a time closer to her dreams.
Instead of words of scorn or criticism, she heard whispered words of awe as they watched her. But, with that one glance complete, she couldn’t tear her eyes away from her knight, from the man she owed, and would give, everything to. Becca took her hand, placing it in his, kissing her on the cheek as he raised her veil.
It was only as she turned to see Becca step back and give Penny the simple bouquet, she saw something that caused her throat to swell. Beside Mister and Mrs Taylor, were two empty seats, her parents’ names written on place cards beside their picture resting upon them. Miles squeezed her hand softly, brushing his thumb against the back of her hand in a comforting motion, turning them to face the registrar.
The kindly-looking man welcomed them all, his words dissolving. Ivy heard him speak, heard the vows, repeated the words. It all happened so fast, in a blur, in a daze so unreal she feared she would wake at any moment.
Her shaking hands pushed the ring up Miles’ finger, thankful it slid into place, despite her making sure it fit him at least a dozen times. His hot caress comforted her as he kissed the ring placed on her hand. He leaned into her, quietly growling a single word in her ear, one that made her legs grow as weak as the kiss that followed.
“Mine.” She felt breathless as he pulled away, his lips once more finding her ear. “Are you wearing the present I left you?” The blush on her face must have betrayed her guilt. She’d seen it in the drawer, but with everything being last minute, in the rush, she’d forgotten. “Looks like we’re starting our married life with a punishment, my disobedient little princess.”
Her face turned more crimson as he grabbed her hand, presenting his wife to the gathering. Once they’d departed down the aisle, he led them towards the dining area.
“Now, let’s get our guests fed, and you onto the plane.”
“Plane?”
“Did I not mention? That huge evening party you didn’t want, well, we’re going to ditch it. You only wanted the lunch, you agreed to everything else for me, for my mother. Turns out, it clashes with our honeymoon fight.”
“You know I love you, right?” Ivy felt her heart swell as her husband led her to the table, pulling her chair out for her to sit.
Ivy couldn’t hide the joy bubbling out of her in the form of laughter as she and Miles dashed down the trimmed corridor, where their guests cheered, throwing rice and confetti as the happy couple fled.
If it was up to Ivy, she’d have taken her husband to their bridal suite, where she had expected to be staying tonight, until Miles had surprised her with their new plan.
A few hours for the photographers, and they were meant to be off. No after-party, no extravagant guest list. Still, a part of her had felt guilty enough to insist they stayed at least for the first dance before slinking out. After all, those people were coming for them. They should at least catch a glimpse of them, she supposed.
It didn’t mean they had to stay after the traditional part of the evening was done. The cake had already been cut at lunch, and the catering staff were hard at work, cutting the mammoth structure into pieces to go into the party-favour boxes.
Ivy’s fingertips throbbed at the memory of counting out sugared almonds into lace circles of ivory and burgundy that she’d tied with black ribbon. She didn’t know how she’d managed to get them all done. She’d handled the lunch favour boxes personally, each containing a special personalised gift, the almonds, a space for the cake, a personalised book of matches with hers and Miles’ name on and the date of their wedding, and a few special sweets.
The evening gift boxes, however, she’d had made up for her, leaving space for her sugared almonds.
She remembered when she was little, her mum used to always help with the wrapping of sugared almonds for wedding favours. By doing this herself, she felt somehow she was honouring her mum at the same time, bringing her to the forefront of her mind. But if she didn’t see another one for a few years, she wouldn’t miss them. It was a shame there was a kitchen cupboard shelf dedicated to them after she’d severely overestimated the amount they needed.
