The One Adored (The One Trilogy Book 3)

by North, Alexandra

  “We’ll put the pine cones out later, for the place card settings - they were a super idea and came out beautifully in the silver glitter.”

  “And the ceiling, oh, Gigi - its looks amazing!”

  We both look up collectively - where large branches have been hung from thin wires, across the length and breadth of the the ceiling, in the same silver glitter and white flocked appearance and then fairy lights had been fed throughout to create warmth.

  “It must have taken them hours to create this?”

  “It took longer to do the twigs - my creative team have been developing them since the week after we first met but they started putting the installation up a couple of days ago.”

  I feel tears begin to form in my eyes and immediately rush to brush them away.

  “Hey, don’t cry.” Gigi rubs my upper arm. “Save that for tomorrow. I’m just so happy you and I are on the same wavelength. I knew you’d love this - I’d want this for my wedding. Not that I’ll ever do it but I’m doing it vicariously through you.” She smiles her beautiful white teeth showing like a dental advert.

  “Don’t be daft, someone will snap you up - why they haven’t already I don’t know?”

  “No, weddings are my business but not my future. I haven’t found the man that looks at me like Sebastian does you.”

  I grow warm inside at her words. I know how fortunate I am. He is an amazing man. “You will though. There are some wonderful men out there and you are stunning.”

  She laughs off my compliment, something I get the feeling she does often. I like that she is humble, with model looks like her, it would be easy to be a bitch. “Men bore me easily - I’m very career driven, very stubborn and I’ve been hurt before. Men always let me down.”

  Like the first time I met her, I sense there is so much more to know but I’m pleased she’s invited me in, even if it’s only a tiny bit. “You’ll know. He’ll come out of nowhere and it’ll hit you in the gut with a force you’ve never known.”

  “You reckon do you?”

  “Oh I do. I’ll help you sort your wedding.”

  “Well, if I ever do get married and I sincerely doubt that that will ever happen - you’re on.”

  “Deal!” I shake her hands, laughing and we move deeper into the room, moving for staff to roll the white heavily ensconced in plastic carpet down the central aisle. “So, this is where I’ll do the deed?”

  “It is. You like? It is long, as you’ll have to walk from the path down in the hallway, at the tree, through the doors, which will be open and then down the aisle but boy will you make a statement.”

  I take a deep breath. “I think by that point Seb will be a gibbering wreck!”

  That white smile glows brightly again. “He’ll be watching his beautiful bride walks towards him and wondering how he got to lucky.”

  I pause and assess the rows of clear Philippe Starck Ghost chairs that have set out down the outside of the aisle and along every row end hangs a Silver bell with a white glitter bow. All the little touches are here and have been so thoughtful. “I can’t believe you’ve achieved this in the time scales.”

  “That’s what you pay us for and I have an outstanding team - in fact I have to say I’m willing to trade you something, anything for Colin. I love him!”

  I shake my head emphatically. “Not on your nellie. Col is mine!”

  “I thought you might say that. He’s got a good eye and great style.”

  “He has. I love that guy and now that him and James are a couple, becoming co-owner of this place has given him the confidence to believe in his abilities.”

  “Well, he’s been a Godsend.”

  “I’ll make sure I thank him. Shall, we go finish doing the glittered calla lilies for the vases and then we can begin to start getting ready for tonight’s meal - you are joining us aren’t you - please Sen and I want you there.”

  “Oh, I’ll be working tonight, Lu. A certain girl won’t get to her decorated ball if I don’t.”

  I pull a childish pout. “Well, maybe pop in for pre-dinner drinks, at least? Just before at least to toast my last night of singledom.”

  She grins at this. “Ok, I will. I’ll be there.”

  On that note we make our way away from the stunning ballroom towards the hall, the scent of Christmas hitting our noses as we enter and hustle and bustle of busy people getting ready for the wedding of the year. I can hear men laughing in the library and I leave Gigi for a moment to nosy and locate Seb, Nathan, Gino, Bob and my Dad lounging in purple velvet sofas by the fire, eating cheese and crackers and mince pies and drinking scotch, and not their first by the looks of my dads ruddy complexion.

  “So, this is where you men have snuck off to?”

  I slip my arm behind Seb’s back, snuggling into him and he instantly kisses my upturned nose. “No sneaking we are just leaving you ladies to enjoy all the

  I roll my eyes at them. “Where’s Finn?”

  “He’s with Suzie, they’ve both gone down for a nap.” I nod.

  “She did look tired.”

  “She’s struggling now.” Gino screws his nose up. “Goose is getting fat, bless her.”

  “Gino! Don’t let Suzie hear you saying that!” I reprimand him with a smile. “Make sure she takes it easy tonight, even if she has room service - I’m worried about her blood pressure - her ankle are really swollen.”

  “I will, Lu - I promise.” He smiles at me affectionately.

  Seb rubs my waist and I shudder at his touch, wishing that we could just have a minute alone to share a long overdue kiss - it seemed like hours since we’d woken in one another’s arms. “Have you seen the reception room yet?”

  “I have - it’s a winter wonderland. Absolutely incredible. Are you happy?”

  “Very!” I snuggle into him. “I better get off though, go help my mum, Gigi and Abby do these extra little bits before we go dress for dinner. I fancy a lovely soak in a hot bubble bath.”

  He leans in and whispers. “If I remember rightly that bath is big enough for two.”

  “It is but you are not coming anywhere near me today, tonight, at all Mr. Silver” I smart a little too loudly.

  “Whoa, you’ve been told, mate. I had the same orders by Suze, the night before our wedding.” Gino affirms.

  “And me - by your mother.” Bob Silver nods. “There’ll be plenty of time for that, after you’re married.”

  “Dad! Seriously!” Seb brows reach his hairline in horror. “If I want to be with my woman tonight I will.”

  “No you won’t Sebastian Gabriel Silver.” Ooh his full name was out, he was in trouble, I smile as Nina walks in. “You’ll do as you’re told and leave the poor girl alone for one night and allow her to get some rest. Honestly, you Silver men.” She wags her finger at Bob.

  “Hey, how did I get dragged into this?” He grins jovially.

  “You know exactly what I mean. Telling him to leave him alone - you were just the same as him - trying to get into my room at midnight, and my bed!”

  I snigger at this and flick my eyes between Seb and his dad, so alike, bar their black and silver hair colouring. It obviously went as deep as their temperament too.

  “I’m off to go get another drink, anyone joining me? Nathan hollers into the room. “Not sure I can take more of the mum and dad sex-talk.”

  “Seb laughs slapping Na on the back. “Come on bro, let’s head to the bar, before you’re scarred for life.”

  I blow him a kiss as we leave and Nina and I make our way to the other women, who are busily working on the decorations that will be placed within the ladies toilets, the children’s room, when an outside creche company will come in and entertain the kids during the wedding reception and for the top table. I notice Abby is not there so I send her a quick text.

  You OK Abs? Just decorating rooms - no rush just checking you’re fine x

  *

  I’m having my nails done in the beauty r
ooms, ones chipped :/

  Hope you don’t mind. Trying to avoid N.

  Will come by your room b4 we go downstairs 2nite.

  OMG the wedding room looks A…MAZ…ZING!

  xxx

  *

  No Probs hun. Take ur time.

  See you in a bit. Today is for chilling. U’ve done your bit.

  Stop worrying about Nathan and f’in sort it out.

  X

  I don’t receive another reply and am happy to just get on with things. My mum is a master with flower arranging and it turns out so is Bitzi, and between the three of us, we continue the theme and make fast work of dipping calla lilies and chrysanthemums in silver and white glitter, and placing them in heavy square vases that are then filled with white flocked moss and more twigs. Feathered wreaths are places around the hall and in the bar area and we decorate a Christmas tree that has been left for us to work our magic in the main lounge in the same style. The time together is a lovely bonding experience, spent talking about my parents wedding and Bitzi wedding to Bob, both of which are scarily similar, why I’m surprised I don’t know - and I love that these two women who will be such fixtures in Finn’s life and any future grandchildren, get along so famously. We’ve all known each other as families for years but it is so different when families come together in marriage - and so much simpler for the couple in love if their parents enjoy one another’s company.

  After an hour we are finished and I can say my goodbyes, kissing both of them on their cheeks before heading upstairs to check on Finn. I locate him by the sounds of little boy’s giggles echoing of the marbled pillars in the floyer, as he slides down the curved bannister, with Seb at the bottom, ready to catch him. The photographer, who has been booked for the entire weekend, as now arrived and is ensuring he gets plenty of pictures, already. They would be lovely ones, as I watch Finn’s gleeful face so free of worry beaming at me.

  “Did you have a good sleep Finnster?” He certainly looked full of energy again.

  “Yes, Auntie Suzie is still snoring.”

  I laugh at my little cherub, who currently looked like Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone, sliding down to greet me. “Can anyone have a go at this?”

  He nods excitedly.

  “Hey you.” Seb leans in to kiss me and I do, before planting one on Finn’s blonde head. “How’s things going?” He adds.

  “All done. Well our bit. Poor Gigi, is just starting on the table settings.”

  “She’s a trooper that woman but its her business - she makes it look easy.”

  “She does. I’m shattered - I’m off for that bubble bath. Fancy joining me?”

  “Changed your mind. I’ll be there in a breath.” His eyes turn dark instantly.

  “Not you, naughty. I mean Finn. How’s about it poppet - you, me and a ton of bubbles?”

  “Yay!”

  “Come on then, let’s go get freshened up and we’ll see Sub at dinner.” I begin to step around him and his hands encircle my waist pulling me too him.

  “Don’t think you’re getting away that easily, Ms. Myers.” His lips touch mine and I close my eyes, inhaling his scent, my worries drifting away, my arms clasping about his neck. I push myself into his body and the kiss develops, as it always does with us, the passion rises instantaneously. When his tongue, searches for mine, I swoop in and suck his and hear his breath hitch, the bulge in his pants grows, pushing against my belly. I feel light headed, my nether regions buzzing.

  “Sub’s kissing mummy. Sub’s kissing mummy.”

  I suddenly pull apart from him, shock on my face, and see the same on his own. It takes seconds to alight our passion and Finn was at our feet. His screwed up face pretend-kissing the back of his hand. “Mwah, mwah mwah! Look mummy I can do it do!”

  “Yes, you can, darling!” Mummy wishes she could carry on doing it.

  “Sub likes kissing mummy and tomorrow he’ll be kissing her all day long, no matter who is around and no one is going to tell him otherwise.” He looks at me pointedly and I shake my head, knowing he meant every word of it.

  “Come on, I’ll see you in an hour or so. Love you, baby.”

  “I love you too. Never mind a hot bath. I need a bloody cold shower now.” He moans, heading off to rejoin the men in the bar.

  *******

  Dinner is served in the private dining room which Elysium had recently renovated for James. We were its first guests and I smile happily as friends and family compliment me and in turn Colin on the superb job that our company have performed. Silcon had not been involved with this brief as it had been purely decorative and looking around as we sit at the immense mirrored table, studded with leather that seated 30, I felt proud of our achievements.

  We’d modernised, but kept the traditional touches, as we had in the bedrooms, choosing to stick with the deep ruby red, dark charcoal and black colour palette and also using touches of plaid, as with The Gilded Fox, to create a real dinning room in keeping with a house this grand. A huge chandelier made from antlers hung above the table, walls were lined with leather stitched panel effect wallpaper, and then studded and thick plaid carpets squished beneath your feet. The immense stone fireplace, was lit, and strewn with garlands and wreaths, a red velvet stocking on either side. The ceiling has been painted black and the intricate cornices and detailing all enhanced by white and gold. As we chatted amiably about Seb and I and how we should have gotten together years ago, over candlelight I begin to realise that whilst the past few months have brought terror and evil into our lives, hurt and loss - it’s also brought love, happiness and such rewards. My business is thriving, my son is overjoyed that I’m marrying Seb and I’ve found the man I want to spend the rest of my life with.

  I couldn’t ask for more.

  “Penny for them?”

  Abs whispers to my right. “ Sorry, babe - miles away. Just taking it all in.”

  “You ready for tomorrow - all your bits catered to?”

  “I’ve had my nails done.” I waggle my newly shellaced fingers in front of her to oohs and ahhs.

  “They are gorgeous.”

  “Thank you - I loved the white with the silver glitter and the one Silver on my wedding finger - the little pearl on the end is perfect.”

  “Waxed?”

  “Yep.”

  “Not going to come on? And if so all your supplies?”

  I suddenly stop and look right through her, frowning. I hadn’t even thought about that. Shit! When was my last period?

  “Lu? What’s up? You have a funny look on your face?”

  “Er, nothing? It’s fine.”

  “Out with it, Mrs. Soon to be Silver or I’ll scream.”

  “Bloody hell, Abs” I shove my thumb in Seb’s direction, and put my finger to my lips. He’s in a full-on conversation with his dad and Gino but I don’t want him to overhear. “I can’t remember when I last came on?”

  “Wtf?”

  I bite my lip. “Hmmm. I need to check my iCal and spend a couple of minutes on my own checking dates - I’m sure its fine. Probably all the stress…”

  “Probably all the shagging, more like. Do you think you could be…”

  “I don’t know?” I suddenly stop. What if I am? It would be amazing - totally unplanned…again but amazing and the best wedding present to Sebastian I could ever give him.

  “Are you ready for it again, so soon after…you know?” her brown eyes are full of support.

  “I think so. I didn’t think I’d be able to. Look. I don’t even know if I am - let’s get tonight out the way I’ll figure it out.”

  “Drama!”

  “You got that right, my love. Always follows me.”

  “Well, I’m here for you, no matter what.”

  “Thanks, hun but I heard from Suzie that you’’re thinking of leaving us.”

  I watch her guilty eyes turn downwards. So there was some truth to it them. I feel nausea wobble around in my tummy. She was my best-fr
iend.

  “I’m just thinking that’s all, nothing is nailed on.” She sips her champagne.

  “Why didn’t you say anything, Abs?”

  “You had so much on, with the wedding and the Leo nightmare - I didn’t want to worry you. I can’t take things at work much longer Lu, you already know that and Na, well he’s already proved he doesn’t feel the same was as me. A job offer has arisen - they’ve headhunted me.”

  “Where?” I whisper.

  “New York.”

  “Wow!” It was the one place she’d always wanted to go - brilliant for graphic design and illustration - her dream. I could feel her slipping away.

  “They want me to start in January, straight after Christmas.”

  “So soon? So when would you leave?”

  “Well, that’s the tough part. If, I took the position and it is a big if - I’d need to leave next week - so I could get myself an apartment, settled in and do a few days induction before they close for the Christmas break.”

  “Oh, Abs I’d miss you so much.”

  “I know, me too.”

  I suddenly look at her, really look at her and see her for the first time in a long time. Forgetting all of my shit, my life, my needs, I take her in my arms and hug her, whispering into her ear. “You need to do this for yourself. If this is what you want, if you feel it is your future then you need to grab it with both hands and go show them who Abigail Thompson is, Graphic Designer extraodinnaire - don’t let me stop you, or Nathan - do this for you. I’ve got my future, here. I’ll always be here for you, Seb, Finn and I and there’s FaceTime and all the other social media outlets now that will mean we can be in constant contact and I’lll come vsit and we’ll go shopping in New York. I love you, Abby and if this is what you want you need to go for it.”

  Her eyes are streaming, tears sliding down her cheeks and I grab a napkin and begin to pat them away. “Oh, Lulu - I love you, too. I’m sorry I’ve been such a bitch the past few weeks - I found my future here..” Her eyes fix pointedly in Nathan’s direction before sliding back to mine, “…but it was not reciprocated. My second love is design and Carnell Advertising want me! They are willing to fight for me, with a six figure salary and perks and the prestige alone of working for a company like theirs will mean I could certainly set up on my with backing in a few years, maybe less.”