“Missing him?”
“You have no idea, how much,” I reply flatly.
“So are you nervous about today?” she asks, sitting down on the bed beside me. Her eyes dart to my hand and she smiles, looking at the scan picture of her grandchildren.
“Yes, I’m nervous.” She looks at me puzzled, not expecting that to be my answer. “Not about marrying Alex, that’s the easy part. I’m nervous about what the media will report. If word has already got out, and we don't get the privacy to get married. I’m still worried about having to live my life always thinking two steps ahead.”
“Oh sweetheart, with regards to today, I hope word hasn't got out, but on the off chance it has, I’m sure you will manage through with dignity and grace as you always do. I believe Alex will work hard at finding the balance between what is private and what will be public in your lives. He knows how you feel about the media; I know he will endeavour to maintain the privacy on your personal life and that of your children.” Her voice is warm and reassuring. I know she’s right, Alex wants privacy in our life just as much as I do, and especially where the twins are concerned. We’ve already spoken about all my fears at great length.
“How is Alex?”
“He sounds like he always sounds—confident.”
“I’m sure he does, but will he feel the same? He probably won't until he sees you walking down the aisle today. Your dad was always a confident man, but he will tell you on our wedding day, he was a mess. I’m sure Alex is just the same, nervous.”
“Maybe. I wish I had stayed at home. There was no reason for me to stay here.”
“Of course there was. You’re not meant to see each other the night before,” she tells me. “Now seeing as your awake, throw on some clothes; dad and I want to speak to you together, before everyone else gets here.” She kisses me before leaving the room.
Her words leave me intrigued. I pull on jogging pants and a t-shirt and head to the kitchen, where it smells mighty good.
“There’s my baby,” Dad says as soon as he sees me. He kisses me and hugs me tightly. “Sit down. A cup of tea or some juice?”
“Tea if it’s ready.”
I sit at the table while Mum pours the tea for the three of us. Dad finishes off cooking the food before putting it in the oven to keep it warm and joins Mum and I.
“Well, my baby girl, are you ready for this? There is still time to call it off,” Dad says with a hint of humour.
“That’s not going happen. And yes, I’m as ready as I’ll ever be for today.”
“That’s my girl. Now . . .” He smiles warmly at my mother as he lifts a large brown envelope from the table. “Your mother and I have a present for you.”
“You have both done so much already with the wedding; I don’t need a present.” He hands me the envelope and I glance between the two of them. Neither is giving much away.
“Open it.” His voice is warm, but demanding. His expression is soft.
I do as I’m told, because I can tell from the look on his face this is important to them both. I can feel two sets of eyes watching me. I take out the papers and read through the first page. I frown, not understanding straight away. I have to re-read to take in what it says. I look at my parents, who are both smiling at me. Dad rises from the seat and comes round and wraps his arms around me. I struggle with his gesture to keep myself together. This really is going to be a day full of tears from me.
“Really?” I ask. “No, I can’t.”
“Yes. It’s all yours.”
“I can’t accept this,” I reply, my eyes brimming with tears.
“You don't have to accept it, it’s already done,” Dad tells me. “Look, Libby, you and I both know the hotel was always meant to go straight to you. You were the only one my dad trusted with it. I was never meant to have it in the first place. I’m sure if Dad, was still alive, he would’ve continued running it up until the day he handed it over to you.”
“I can’t. What about Ethan?”
“Ethan already knows about this and agreed with us both. Ethan has no interest in it, you know that. And he will be taken care of as well; you don’t need to worry about that.”
I sit with the papers in my hand, trying to take it in. Not the sort of present I ever expected. Maybe some sort of memento of the day, but never this. I read over the first page again. In my hand I hold the title deeds to the hotel and estate, in what will be my new name later on today, ‘Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Stewart Mathews.’
“All you have do is sign the paperwork and it’s all yours. There are a few conditions that have been added. The main one being the hotel has to stay within the family; it can never be sold to anyone outside.” That I couldn't do anyway, so that condition doesn't make any difference to me. “Secondly, this is in your name only, not Alex’s. He has no rights over this should things not work out with you two. He has already signed an agreement to this. But I already know you two will be fine.”
“So, Alex knows about this as well?”
“Of course. He knows what the hotel means to you, and I know he’s more than capable of helping and advising you if you need it, as am I. Sweetheart, you have always been ready to manage the hotel, you know that. You are more than capable; you are putting your mark on it now and I truly believe that you will have a lot more success with it than I could ever wish for.”
I sit and try to take in the gift I’ve been given. Not a lot leaves me speechless, but this, it’s beyond words. I have no words that can truly express how I feel. Overwhelmed. My mum wraps her arm around me and that single act has the tears slowly trickling down my face.
“I don’t know what to say to you both.”
“Then don’t say anything,” Dad says. “Just sign it today and it’s all yours. We will need someone to witness it, but that shouldn't be too much of a problem. Maybe Simon, from the bank; I’m sure he would do it, he will after all want to keep your business.”
I smile at that. Given I had wanted a family wedding, it’s turned out to be a bit larger than I had originally planned. I’m just wiping up my tears when the front door opens, and I hear a little voice babbling away. Ethan and Sophie are here with my gorgeous niece.
“We’re in the kitchen,” Dad calls to them.
Not quite sure what’s going on with Ethan and Sophie; they were inseparable at Christmas break and now it looks to be the same. Sophie is staying with Ethan for the next week, and then he is going to New York with her for Connor’s wedding. So, I think it’s safe to say their relationship is heading in a whole new direction.
“How is the beautiful bride-to-be?” Ethan calls before entering the kitchen. “Oh! Have we interrupted?”
“No, son we are all done here,” Dad says.
Sophie has Lucy as Ethan walks toward me. Lucy seems to have really taken to her. He gives me a kiss and a tight hug. “Good morning, how are you?” he asks.
“I’m good. Great even.”
“And congratulations, sis, you really do deserve the hotel.”
Mum takes Lucy and straps her into her high chair so Sophie can sit down. Sophie and I sit chatting while Mum fusses over Lucy and Ethan helps dad. Sophie seems more excited than me about today. I have missed her not being around, but we have spent a lot of time on the phone these last few weeks.
Kirsty arrives at the right time, just as food is being put out. I leave everyone in the kitchen and drag her into the living room.
“How are you really?” I ask.
“Libby, I’m fine really. Jay is a really nice guy, but I just didn’t feel a connection with him. I couldn’t let our relationship continue and end up hurting him more.” Well at least she was thinking about how it would affect him. “Now, enough about me, I’m sure we have a big day to get ready for.”
Breakfast turns out to be really fun and relaxed, and just how I remember breakfasts at home. I drop Alex a text;
Me and you need to talk. Not even married and you’ve already started keeping secrets from me. xx
>
Straight away;
That wasn’t my secret to tell. But I’m so happy for you. Now no more contact until 1pm xoxox
I smirk at his text, as I can picture the playful look that would be on his face, as he was writing the last part.
We’ll see about that. I might need to speak with you. xx
I’m not too surprised or worried, that he doesn’t reply. Maybe a little disappointed, a few playful texts back and forth today, might calm my nerves. We are only halfway through breakfast when the door goes, if it’s the hairdresser they are early. Ethan leaves the table to answer it.
“Libby,” he calls. “You might want to come here.”
I head on out to the front door. It’s the florist with all the flower arrangements.
“You’re my first stop, this morning Libby,” she tells me as she comes in. Ethan helps her. “Next stop is your house, with everything for the men, then I am on to the hotel. The church flowers are finished, I done them last night. Father O’Connor is such a lovely man.”
We don't have time, for a full conversation because she has so much to do. I thank her for everything, the flowers look fantastic and I can’t wait to see both how the church and hotel look. She hands me a long box, before she has to rush off. I say goodbye to her and go and have a proper look at all the flowers. Beautiful white roses, with the right amount of red berries through my bouquet, for added colour. She has even done a small posy for Lucy. I really wanted Ethan and Lucy to play a part in today, so they will walk down the aisle after Kirsty and Sophie.
I stand and open the box, and smile when I see what’s inside it. One single red rose, with a note.
It’s beautiful, his words bring a huge smile to my face. I add the single red rose to my bouquet, because I want it with me today. Ethan watches me, smiling.
Ethan loves Lucy’s flowers, but I’m not sure who will end up holding them. We join everyone back in the kitchen to finish breakfast.
“So what did you three get up to last night?” My question is directed at Ethan.
He looks at Sophie before answering. “We went to visit Lindsay’s parents.”
Shit! Not the answer I or my parents were expecting, from the look on their faces, as we all glance at each other. Sophie just smiles at me.
“Oh.”
“I spoke with them both, at the start of the week. I wanted to explain to them about Sophie. I had a long conversation with them, about everything before Lindsay’s death. They wanted to meet Sophie, so after we both spoke about it, we went last night.”
“So how did it go?” my mother asks them.
“Surprisingly well.”
No-one pushes the subject, but I can tell mum would like more details. And I have to admit I’m, more than just a little curious as well. I’m sure I will find out all about it, soon enough. Things are obviously progressing, quickly with their relationship. Not something I could have imagined a few short months ago. God a few months ago, even a smile on Ethan’s face was an achievement. I’m not going to think about Ethan and the past today, because I don’t want any sad thoughts in my head today. I need a clear head, need to stay on my toes. I still don’t expect our wedding, not to have any unwelcome guests at it. We’ve tried really hard to keep, it out of the media, but you just never know.
“Right isn’t it about time you think about going for a shower?” Kirsty asks.
“Yeah I suppose I should.”
I head to my parents room, because that’s where I’m getting ready today. It’s the biggest room and my mum has thought of everything. My dress is hanging up. Kirsty and Sophie’s dresses are in my room, where they will get dressed after the hairdresser and beautician are finished with them.
I emerge from the shower, with my robe on, to find mum fussing about, as the hairdresser and beautician arrive with all their bags. Kirsty and Sophie also look as though they are fresh from a shower as they enter mums room which is currently being transformed into a mobile beauty parlour for the morning.
Dad arrives carrying a tray, with a bottle of champagne, orange juice and glasses. He puts the tray down and leaves the room shaking his head as we all giggle away. And so the fun begins. I think of my pamper day with Sophie back in New York, we had a fun afternoon. Mum pours the champagne into four glasses, although one has only a small amount in as she tops it up with orange juice.
“I can’t.” I say as she hands me the glass.
“Yes you can, it’s only a little and it’s your wedding day after all.”
The morning is exciting as I watch the others, being pampered. I’m surrounded with lots of fun and laughter and love. Mum, Kirsty and Sophie all look amazing when the hairdresser and beautician are finished with them. I decide to give Kirsty and Sophie my present, before they leave the room. Well it’s from both Alex and me. They will after all be wearing it today. A delicate white gold chain with a beautiful solitaire diamond with matching earrings. From the look on both their faces, I made the right decision with these.
“I love it.” Kirsty says, as she dabs a hanky under her eyes.
“Thank you Libby.” Sophie wraps me in her arms. “We both have a little something for you.” Sophie releases me and Kirsty hands me a box. I open it and smile. My something blue. A delicate blue garter, with my name hand stitched.
“Thanks both of you.” The three of us hug, as my mum watches on.
Sophie and Kirsty leave, all they have to do is put on their dresses and that’s them all ready. Mum has her make-up already on, just her hair to be styled, me on the other hand, I’m just about to get started. I had a facial earlier, so now it’s time to make a start on the make-up.
I get comfy on my mums bed, sitting up with a whole load of pillows behind me. Closing my eyes, I let my thoughts drift, as warm hands get to work on my skin. My thoughts go to, some of the headlines a few short weeks ago, when our engagement was announced, ‘hearts breaking across the states as Alex announces Libby is the one.’ ‘Has the sexy Scot, got what it takes to keep him.’ There were loads of other headlines, some good and some not so good. A few went with headlines alone the lines, that I was only interested in his money. I had to laugh at those, because if they had done their job properly, they would know I wasn’t short of a bob or two myself.
“Sweetheart, you look so relaxed, but you need to move to the other chair to get your hair done now.” My mother’s voice drifts through my head.
I open my eyes to a vision of beauty, my mother looks perfect. Her make-up and hair is stunning, she just has to get dressed. I can’t wait to see, her when she is all ready for the day ahead.
I stand and move to the chair, avoiding looking at the mirror in her room. I don’t want to see myself, until I’m fully ready. I let the hairdresser get to work, on my messy hair. Mum leaves the room to go and check on my Dad, Ethan and Lucy. Well I suppose she will, want to make sure they are all managing to get ready. Help them with their kilts and get Lucy into her little white dress, that I picked for her, I’m excited to see her. She will be gorgeous, and I’m more than happy for her to steal the lime light today.
The hairdresser puts the finishing touches, to my hair as my mother comes back into the room. She looks stunning, in her slim fitting grey dress and matching jacket. The flowers in her jacket, match the rest of the bridal party flowers. All that my mother needs to do before leaving the house, is put her hat on. We both thank the hairdresser and beautician for today, before they leave me to finally get dressed.
“Do you need anything before Kirsty and Sophie come through and help you into your dress?” She asks warmly.
“No mum, send them through. I want to see how they both look.”
“OH. MY. GOD.” I cry as they enter the bedroom. Mum rushes over with a hanky.
“No tears.” Kirsty teases. “We need our make-up to stay on. No panda eyes today.”
I look at them both, as they stand before me. They are stunning, my beautiful friends. Their dresses look so much better, than I remember from the
last fitting. The red satin suits them both, slim fitting strapless dresses. Simple but elegant. And I made the right choice, with the jewellery, perfect finishing touch.
“You both look stunning.” I say through my tear filled eyes. Sophie twirls round giving me a view of the back of the dress, I love the simplicity of this dress with its low back. The girls have beautiful, white satin shawls to go with it.
“Libby . . .” Kirsty’s voice carries off.
“No I’m fine honest.” I say. “You all look amazing.”
“Time to get you ready sweetheart, or you’ll be late.” Mum says. “And your brother and Dad are patiently waiting to see you.”
“Alright, let’s do this.”
The first job is getting me into my underwear. Mum spends a long time, fastening me up at the back. But when she’s finished, I ask her to adjust the last few clips, it feels a little tight against my belly. Next Sophie and Kirsty help me into, white stockings, ensuring the clips are secure, before sliding on the blue garter they gave me earlier. Mum holds out the underskirt, and I step into it. It’s only a small one, but it’s still needed with my dress.
I have butterflies in my stomach, now.
My thoughts go to the hotel. I really hope Kieran has everything in order for today. Most of the hotel rooms, are booked out for family and guests. I was last at the hotel two days ago, everything seemed to be going well with the preparations. I have poor Karl and Kieran, on edge with my constant phone calls, checking up and changing things the past few days. I think they will, both be glad when my wedding is over.
The snow that we had, over Christmas is all gone, and the rain of the past few days has stopped. So hopefully we can get a few photos outside, with the loch as a back drop.
“Now, time for your dress, darling.” Mum says, distracting my chain of thoughts.
My eyes shift to where, my dress is hanging. I smile. This simple white gown, with Alencon lace and tulle, sweetheart neckline and low back and beautiful chapel length train at the back—I fell in love with it the first time I saw it, and I’m sure my man will love it.
He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3) Page 18
