by S. G. Sonysa
I found Chase leaning on the car wearing a dark blue button-up shirt with black jeans and leather jacket, looking dazzling.
I ran to him and hugged him. He picked me up and spun me around, then placed me back on the ground. He pecked my lips and pulled away from me.
“Hey, where are we going?” I asked him, getting in the car.
“Baby, it is a surprise.” Chase buckled himself and started the car.
I shook my head with a smile.
After the thirty-minute journey, he finally stopped outside a place, which looked like a garden. He grasped my hand in his and dragged me into the garden. The first thing I saw was the path made of roses, leading me somewhere.
I looked to my left to realize that Chase had disappeared, leaving me to follow the path alone. My heart was thumping in my chest, but I made my way to where that path was leading me.
I took every step, feeling scared. I started thinking that it might be his new way of giving me a gift
The path ended, making me look at my surroundings. A sudden gasp escaped my mouth.
There was a shape of a heart outlined by the rose petals in the center of the garden and Chase was standing there waiting for me with his hand extended. I stepped into the heart shape formed on the grass.
Chase grasped my hand and pulled me closer to him.
“What?” I asked him, too surprised to form a simple sentence.
“Hailey… I have told you this before. I’m in love with you. I think I had fallen for you when I first laid eyes on you in the chapel in that wedding dress. My first thought was you were an angel sent here to tempt me to make me sin. I tried creating distance between us, but your innocence, your love made me bend my rules. When the secret about your age came out, I thought you were a kid, and you didn’t know what love is. But you proved me wrong. You proved to me that age doesn’t matter in understanding what love is and that made me fall even more in love with you.” He stared into my eyes.
I felt every emotion through his words.
Then he suddenly moved away from me, creating a gap between us and kneeled down on one knee.
“Have you ever heard the phrase that you won’t realize the value of something until it’s gone? Now, I understand the meaning of that phrase. The day you left me I felt dead from inside. I know, I was the one who made you leave, but it was very painful for me to let you go. I never ever want to experience that pain again. I want to live with you and die in your arms when the time comes, like a true lover. I want to spend my days and nights with you. I can’t thank you enough for giving me, such wonderful son. But if you will give me a chance I promise to thank you every day. Hailey, will you marry me again?” he asked, pulling out a rose shape jewelry box from his pocket and opened it.
I was staring at the ring with my mouth agape. It was that beautiful.
He cleared his throat, drawing attention to the fact that he was still down on one knee, waiting for my answer.
Tears started to stream down from my eyes, and I yelled, “Yes.”
He sighed and got up then hastily put the ring on my ring finger. I flung myself into his arms hugging him tightly. He chuckled while pressing me closer. I felt roses falling on us from above and looked up to find a helicopter in the sky, videotaping everything and showering rose petals.
“Chase, you made them videotape everything,” I said in a shock.
“I did just to prove that you actually said yes.” He winked at me.
The man in the helicopter waved at Chase and left us.
I looked at the beautiful princess cut diamond ring with a huge diamond in the center and tiny diamonds circling around making it look more enchanting.
“I feel like a princess wearing this ring,” I said to Chase.
He cupped my face between his palms and said, “You’re my princess.”
Then his head leaned down, and he captured my lips in a toe-curling kiss, making me breathless.
“I love you,” I said, making him smile.
“Say it again.”
“I love you,” I yelled.
“I love you too, Hailey.” He leaned down and placed his hands on my waist.
He lifted me up and spun me around. Both of us were laughing, truly happy in that moment.
Chapter Forty
Wedding
Hailey
“Chase, are you sure? I mean, don’t you need more time to think?” I asked him, glancing at my house.
“Yes, Hailey. I am sure. Now step out of the car so we can go inside and meet your parents.” He was waiting for me to get out of the car.
“As you wish, but if he ends up murdering you, then I will engrave ‘I told you so’ on the stone of your grave,” I said, glaring at him and stepped out of the car.
I started walking towards the door when he abruptly stopped.
“What? Have you changed your mind?” I asked him, frowning.
“No, I’m just nervous.” He looked scared.
“What will you say to Dad?” I asked him.
He shrugged his shoulders without making eye contact with me.
“Chase this is so stupid. I’m telling you,” I told him.
I tried making him realize that there was no need to immediately inform my dad tonight.
Before he could answer me, the main door opened, and I groaned. My dad was standing there glaring at Chase. He pulled me inside the house.
“Uh… Da-Dad, Chase wants to talk to you,” I said, crossing my fingers behind my back.
He nodded his head, making me smile. I ushered Chase into the house and closed the door behind us.
They glanced at me, and I had a hundred watt smile on my face.
“Hailey, come here.” My dad called me to join them.
“Yes, Dad?” I asked him.
I was still staring at Chase with a dreamy smile.
“Can you stop smiling like a Cheshire cat for a second and tell me what’s going on?” he asked me.
“Chase proposed to me today.” I was overwhelmed with happiness and jumped to show him my ring.
My dad’s eyes looked ready to pop out any moment. He stood in shock. His hand went to his chest like he had a heart attack.
“Hailey, I have a weak heart. Do not surprise me like that again,” he said with a pained face.
“Oh… Dad, I’m so sorry, but I’m just so happy today I… I,” I said, trying to tell him something but failing due to the excitement rushing through my whole body.
Chase came closer to me and hissed in my ear, “Hailey, go to your room.”
I glanced at him with a pout on my face. He glared at me, and I giggled.
I went upstairs to my room, leaving my dad and Chase to have a heart-to-heart conversation. When I opened my bedroom door, I saw Mom reading a book to Noah.
“Mom, guess what happened?” I walked straight to her.
She looked at me weirdly and said, “What happened?”
“Mom, Chase proposed me.” I squealed, making Noah and Mom jump in surprise at my loud voice.
Then I picked Noah up in my arms and spun him around, showering his face with kisses. Mom stopped me by gripping my arm before I would fall.
“Mom, look at my ring,” I said, showing my left hand to her while adjusting my son on my hip.
Noah and Mom both started at my ring, stunned.
“It’s beautiful,” my mom said, kissing my head.
“I’m so happy. He proposed to me. It was so romantic. He videotaped everything. He went down on his knees then said that he can’t live without me. Oh, Mom. He loves me so much.” I was still high with happiness that I was able to say everything in one breath.
“Hailey, I can understand that you’re excited but don’t forget to breathe,” she said, smiling.
I took deep breaths, and Noah kissed my cheek. I was sure he had no idea about what’s going on right now. But he was always happy every time I was happy.
“I’m so happy for you, Hailey.” She hugged me.
“Are you
drunk?” she asked me, her mouth agape.
She must have smelled the wine.
“I drank just a little to celebrate Mom,” I told her while gesturing with my hand and giggling. “Ahhh. I’m so sleepy. Good night Mom.” I yawned and fell on my bed with Noah. “Mom, can you please check on Dad and Chase? They’re downstairs.”
“What? You left him alone with your dad!” she yelled then ran out of my room, closing the door behind her.
I giggled at the thought of her going downstairs and stopping my dad from murdering Chase.
Then I pulled Noah close to me to cuddle with him.
“Good night, cuddle buddy.” I kissed Noah on his head.
“Good night, Mommy,” he replied in his sweet sleepy voice.
[Next morning]
I woke up feeling someone shaking me madly. I groaned and moved in my bed changing from the position I was sleeping before.
When there was another shake, I said “Let me sleep. Go away.”
“Wake up, you lousy friend,” Julia said, making me get up at lightning speed.
“What are you doing here?” I massaged my head.
I thought I had a headache from getting up too fast.
“You got engaged to that sweet man last night and didn’t inform me. You have been dating him, and you didn’t think of sharing any juicy updates with your best friend,” she said, hitting me with the cushion.
“I’m sorry, Julia.” I sighed.
“No. You’re not a sorry bitch,” she said, glaring at me.
“Hey, Noah is sleeping beside me. Don’t curse!” I glanced at my left to check on my baby, but I didn’t find him there.
“Where’s Noah?”
“He’s with his dad. You don’t have to worry,” she told me like she knew something that I didn’t.
Then I saw three strange ladies standing near my dressing table and placing things on it.
“What’s going on?” I asked Julia.
“Today is your wedding.” Julia was jumping up and down with excitement.
“Hold on. What did you say?” I asked her again to make sure I heard her fine.
“You are getting married today. Chase has arranged everything, so you don’t need to worry. These people are the best makeup artists in the country, and they will help you look like the most beautiful bride in the whole world.”
“I think I’m dreaming. Go away, Julia,” I said, closing my eyes.
“Hailey, get up before I rip this blanket to shreds and give you a good slap.” Julia was getting angry.
“Then slap me because I am having a hard time believing you.”
“Okay then. You asked for it,” Julia said and slapped me really hard on the back, almost robbing me of my breath.
“Shoot. You don’t need to hit me that hard.” I groaned in pain. “So it’s his surprise. Don’t you think it’s too soon, Julia? I mean, we just got back together,” I asked her, making a sad face.
“No, it’s not. You both have waited long enough to be with each other. Now, shut up, and we really need to hurry. Time is running, chop-chop.” She pulled my hand and made me stand.
“Hi. I’m sorry. Let me introduce myself. I’m Hailey,” I said, extending my hand towards the three ladies. They took my hand and told me their names.
Julia pushed me into the washroom and instructed me to take a shower. When I was done showering and asked for clothes, Julia handed me a silky white robe with a set of white lacy undergarments and a thin garter.
When I came out from the washroom, the ladies started blow-drying my hair.
Finally, Julia came back to my room with my wedding dress. Everyone in the room gasped, and I did a double take when my eyes landed on the dress.
The dress was simply beautiful and elegant. Julia and the ladies helped me into the dress and then started my makeup and hairdo. After spending two hours getting ready, I was done, and they took me in front of the standing mirror.
I glanced in the mirror and gasped at my reflection. The dress perfectly cupped my breast, making them look fuller, and the slit in the middle of the chest showed a teasing amount of cleavage. The skirt was made up of a pure white net and cascading down at my feet with an embroidered bottom, increasing the beauty of the dress. And the long matching veil was attached to the elegant bun on my head. The rest of the veil’s material was draped on my back mixing with my dress, making it look more beautiful like some princess’ dress.
My makeup was soft and natural. The nude pink lips and light pink blush with shimmer on my cheeks gave them magical life. My eyelashes were clad in thick mascara, making them longer. My eyes were lined with a very thin black liner making them prominent. Lastly, I was wearing the same necklace and earrings Chase gifted me on Christmas.
“You’re looking so beautiful, Hailey,” my mom said with tears in her eyes.
“Yes you’re looking simply gorgeous, my friend.” Julia kissed my head.
***
Chase
Yesterday, when Hailey left her dad in the lounge alone with me, I talked to him. I told him everything. I told him why I left her and Noah and how much I loved them. He understood that I couldn’t live without them anymore.
He finally gave me his blessings, and I told him how I plan to marry his daughter again at which his reaction was surprisingly sweet.
In the morning, I went to back to Hailey’s house to drop off her wedding dress and pickup my son.
When I was in Paris for a meeting last month, Allison asked me to get her something from her favorite boutique and being the good brother that I was, I went.
After buying a dress for my lovely sister, I was about to walk out when the wedding dress caught my eye. I looked at that dress and imagined Hailey wearing it. So last week, I called that designer and requested her to deliver that same dress in Oakland to my address. She agreed to give me the dress when I paid her double the original price.
Now, I was standing with my son in the same chapel Hailey, and I last got married, waiting for her to walk in the chapel. My son was wearing a tux same as mine. We were both wearing a black tux with a white shirt underneath and black shoes.
Some of Hailey’s friends were already here, and we were waiting for her to come. Suddenly, the door of the chapel opened, and I saw her mother and her friend entering.
Then finally, I saw her coming inside. Her eyes were downcast, and she was grasping her father’s arm. She was looking magnificent in her wedding gown. Her face was hidden by the veil.
I felt proud of my choice of gown and the woman I was about to marry again. She finally reached me, and her father placed her daughter’s hand in mine. I gripped it.
Leaning down towards her ear, I said, “You’re looking magnificent.”
“But you haven’t seen me yet,” she said without even knowing how much her words affected me.
“I plan to see you tonight.”
I felt her shivering.
Then the priest started the ceremony. We were both smiling, genuinely happy the whole time.
Finally, it was time for our vows.
The priest asked her and, she said, “I do.”
I sighed after hearing her. When the priest asked me, I didn’t think twice before saying “I do.”
“I pronounce you husband and wife. Now you may kiss your bride.”
I pulled off her veil and looked at her beautiful face.
“You’re beautiful and mine,” I said and captured her lips with mine, kissing her deeply as I pulled her closer to me.
In the background, we both heard the cheers of her friends and her mother. When we pulled away, she was breathless, staring at me with love in her eyes, promising to look at me like this always.
One by one her friends and family greeted us.
“Congratulations. I’m Julia, Hailey’s BFF,” her friend said.
I nodded my head in recognition, and we both replied with, “Thanks.”
“Oh, Hailey, you’re looking gorgeous. Your wedding dress is so beautifu
l. Who is the designer?” her friend asked hugging her.
“Oh! Vanessa, thank you! And I don’t know who the designer of this dress is. You have to ask my husband.” Hailey looked at me with eyes full of love.
I told her the dress was made by a famous designer in Paris.
“Congratulations.” A man came and hugged Hailey. Instantly my guards were up.
My mind started thinking that this was another competitor.
“Hey, Matt. Thanks. Let me introduce you to my husband. Chase, this is my college friend Matt, Vanessa’s boyfriend,” Hailey introduced the man, making me relax.
I hated feeling jealous, but I couldn’t stop myself from getting jealous when another man came near her.
I extended my hand, and after a polite conversation with her friends, we decided to go to the restaurant I booked for our guest to have dinner.
We arrived at the restaurant at 7:00 p.m., and had dinner. After dinner, the waiter brought out the red velvet cake with vanilla icing that I ordered, knowing it was Hailey’s favorite. I picked up Noah in my arms and made him hold the knife while Hailey’s hand was placed above his and mine was above her. The three of us cut the cake while others clapped.
We stayed in the poolside area of the restaurant, talking and enjoying some wine.
Her friends took a lot of pictures all over the place. Finally, I called my driver at 8:30 p.m and told him to pick us up.
When we were about to leave, Noah came running to Hailey and said, “Mommy, I want a brother okay. Don’t make a sister.”
I laughed and picked him up in my arms and kissed his cute face. Hailey’s face, on the other hand, was priceless. She was completely red with embarrassment and shock. Her wide eyes and wide open mouth were just so funny. I wished I could capture it.
“Noah, we’re not… Who said anything about brother or sister?” Hailey glared at Noah.
“Mommy, Auntie Julia said you’re going to make a sister for me,” Noah said, looking sad.
