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"There's just one thing we need to work out," he tells me in a serious voice.
"What?" I ask, keeping my voice hushed with anticipation.
"The ring. We must get it back from Sarah and make sure it's on your finger before we return to San Francisco."
"Why?" I ask, frowning.
"Eleanor," he says as if it is such an obvious thing, "will ask to see it and I want her to. I will officially be her son-in-law, and I intend to make the best impression on her from the very first moment."
Unable to help myself, I burst out laughing. "Are you serious?"
"One hundred percent," Parker says. "I don't plan to give your mother a single reason to disapprove me."
"In the past, you’ve given her a few," I remind him, stroking his face tenderly.
"Unknowingly breaking my heart, for one. But, I have a feeling that from now on, she will hold you in higher regard."
"You think so?" he asks me, and he seems genuinely nervous.
"I believe it," I tell him, still stroking his cheek. "You love me and I love you. What else could my family expect from us?"
"Just for us to be happy forever," he whispers, his lips seeking mine.
And this time, when his lips find me, I know there is true love behind his kiss. There is no longer the risk of it all being staged to keep the press talking about us, but, for the first time, we are talking about our happily ever after because we both want to believe in it.
Chapter thirty-one
Epilogue - Penny
Throughthewindowofmy hotel room, I can see the sparkling light filling the room.
We are staying at The Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, a place that holds many memories of my childhood, as I used to go there with my family as a child. I’m familiar with the breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay, as well as with the beautiful image of the city skyline.
When Parker and I had finally dared to seriously discuss the wedding with her, my mother, Eleanor, had not hesitated for a second to choose this site for our venue. In fact, she had insisted that the entire family stay at the hotel during the ceremony, so that they can enjoy the wedding and the reception. For her, in a way, it is a buffer that will help her not to think about the fact that, when she returns home, I will no longer be there. After the wedding, I will go on honeymoon with Parker and we will move to our new home together.
For this, and a thousand other big and small reasons, I let my mother make a lot of decisions for this wedding, to make her happy. In return, she has arranged to give me the best celebration I could ever imagine, in a verdant and picturesque place, with beautiful buildings and gardens full of flowers, just as I have always dreamed of.
Smiling, perhaps not quite believing my luck, I once again look at myself in the mirror, gazing at my own image. I’m a bride who is getting married today.
Enjoying a quiet moment with myself before my life changes forever, I admire my wedding dress. It is an elegant and sophisticated design, with a mermaid cut that fits my body perfectly. The fabric is soft and flowing, with an elegant drape that moves with every step I took. The front V-neckline and open back is a sensual and daring statement.
As a fashion designer for an increasingly recognized brand, I had decided to design my own wedding dress. Because of that, I notice with much more pride the details in every element of the dress. The fine and delicate lace is studded with pearls and crystals that sparkle in the light. The diamond and pearl belt adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.
My hair is pulled back in a low ponytail with a few thin braids interweaved in it and wavy strands falling down in front of my face. My dress even matches my engagement ring, which Parker and I had indeed retrieved in time for my mother to fawn over as soon as Parker and I had stepped off the plane.
A knock on the door brings me out of my reverie, causing me to turn around in time to see who is rushing into the room.
"Oh, Penny, you look beautiful!" Sarah says with tears in her eyes. If it wasn’t for her, none of this would have been possible, since she is the one who brought the ring to San Francisco from New York.
Smiling, I look up at her, grateful to her for all she has always done for me.
"Thank you so, so much," I say, taking her hands, overjoyed that she had agreed to be one of my bridesmaids.
She smiles back, knowing how far Parker and I have come. This is the happiest day of my life, and I’m ready to take the big step with the man I love.
Suddenly, the door opens again and Whitney, my maid of honor, enters the room with Mom. Both of them scream with excitement.
"Oh my goodness, honey! You are the most beautiful bride in the world," my mom says as she runs to hug me, tears streaming down her cheeks.
