Alyssa's Desire

by Krysten Raine

  "Could we really pull that off?" Alyssa asked as her mind wandered to the fantasy of traipsing around Europe in the ultimate romantic fashion. They talked about spending a good deal of time there just reveling in the beauty of the old world. Jack suggested that they hire and train someone to handle orders from Alyssa's online store and that they invite their wedding guests to tour Europe with them for a week and then they would spend about three months there, just the two of them.

  Before long the idea had become more than just a fantasy and Jack and Alyssa were not just planning a beautiful French wedding, but also a romantic three month long honeymoon. They had made arrangements for their friends and family to all fly out and stay at an elegant hotel and then to visit France, Italy and England. They invited Jack's parents, and Jade so that Jack's son could come and they could still have plenty of alone time on their honeymoon. They invited ten of their closest friends as well. Everyone who got the invitation was ecstatic at the opportunity, after all a free trip to Europe doesn't happen every day.

  Now that it was getting close to the wedding date and Jack and Alyssa were starting to pack their things and prepare for their adventure. They had not planned for Alyssa to be with child during this time, but her morning sickness had passed and she was early enough in her pregnancy that she could travel without worry. Alyssa was happy that she was not showing yet and that she could fit in her wedding gown without any alterations.

  Finally the preparations were all made and it was time to head to the airport. Jack and Alyssa ran around like crazy trying to make sure that everything was done before they left. Alyssa quadruple checked to make sure that they had everything packed and ready to go. She must have made sure that they had their passports and plane tickets forty-times. Jack called and confirmed that all of their utilities would be shut off during their vacation dates. Alyssa called everyone that was coming and made sure that they all had their important items as well. Then they packed their bags into a cab and set off for their grand adventure.

  When they arrived at the airport, Alyssa admitted to Jack that she was a little nervous. She had never flown before and it was a bit intimidating, but she was super excited as well. Then they saw everyone gathering together and she felt a little bit better. Jason ran up and he gave her a big hug and a kiss and then he did the same with his dad. He was bouncing around with excitement. Everyone else seemed equally excited and the whole group seemed to be talking at once. Even Jade was being uncharacteristically pleasant for a change. Jack whispered that she was probably being nice because she just got a free trip to Europe.

  The chatter was interrupted by the boarding call. Everyone gathered their things and made their way onto the plane. The plane ride itself was uneventful for the most part. About half way through Alyssa started to wonder what she had been worried about. They had a decent meal on board and they had watched a couple of in-flight movies. Alyssa enjoyed thumbing through the Air Mall Magazine and then everybody slept for quite a while. The best part of the plane ride by far was flying over Paris and getting to see the Eiffel Tower from the plane window. Not only was it a marvelous sight, but it really made the magnitude of their wedding plans seem real to Alyssa. That glorious structure would forever be a part of her wedding memories.

  They had arrived in Paris two days before the wedding. This was part of their planning. They wanted to make sure that they left enough travel time to account for delays or cancelations. Fortunately everything went smoothly on the plane ride and they all checked in to their hotel with no problems. Everyone had their bags and personal items and all of their rooms were ready for their arrival. The whole group decided to unpack, take showers and get refreshed from the travel and then they would meet at a bistro on the corner for brunch followed by some sightseeing and some shopping.

  They visited the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe before calling it a day. Jason was getting a little restless by then and everyone was a bit jet lagged. They met up for dinner and then they all turned in to get a much needed rest. The next day the rest of the group split off to enjoy more tourist attractions. Jack's parents and Jade took Jason to Disneyland Paris while the rest of the guests made off to enjoy the museums and beautiful structures that gave Paris its unique appeal. Jack and Alyssa concentrated on taking care of the last minute wedding details. They went around ensuring that everything was ready from the catering to the flowers to the photographers. It was a busy day for everyone.

  That night they had their rehearsal dinner in the fabulous Hotel Scribe, which was also the location of the ceremony the next day. Since Alyssa's parents were no longer around, Jack's parents took the honor of hosting the event. It started it out with the actual rehearsal for the ceremony. Jack's parents were going to act as the maid of honor and the best man respectfully. Jack and Alyssa thought it was only right to extend them that honor. Jason of course was to be the ring bearer and then he would stand next to his father as an honorary groomsman. The rehearsal went smoothly and then everyone enjoyed a delicious French dinner. Afterwards they all retired for the evening. That night Jack and Alyssa slept in separate hotel rooms so that they would not see each other before the ceremony the next day.

  The next morning Alyssa awoke just as the dawn was starting to break. It was about two hours before her alarm was set to go off, but she was wide awake. Today was her wedding day and she would finally take her place as Jack's wife. Alyssa sat up in bed and she placed her hand on her stomach and whispered to her unborn child that today was the day that would officially become a family. A single happy tear fell from her cheek and then she jumped out of bed and made her way to the bathroom to take a nice, relaxing bath in the spa tub. She dropped in some silky, rose scented bath beads and she allowed the jet spray and bubbles to relax her and prepare her for her day. She washed her hair and shaved everything that could be shaved and then she exited the tub, feeling clean and refreshed.

  When she was done with her bath, she called down to the front desk and ordered room service. She had a vegetarian omelet, a fruit bowl and a glass of orange juice along with a latte. Then she got dressed and brushed through her rich, brown hair. When room service arrived, she slowly ate her breakfast. She was nauseas but she figured it was a mix of pregnancy and butterflies. She had found that eating seemed to subdue the morning sickness, but she had to eat slowly or she would end up getting sick.

  After breakfast, Alyssa joined Jack's mother and they made their way into town for full spa treatments that began with massages and ended with full hair and makeup. Alyssa and her future mother in law spent four hours indulging in the French spa package that they had ordered but they both looked beautiful for the wedding. The people at the spa even helped Alyssa into her wedding dress and they ensured that every detail was correct. Alyssa looked more beautiful than she ever had before. Jack's mother said that she was glowing.

  Then it was time to head to the hotel for the wedding. Jack's mother had arranged for a limousine to pick them up from the spa and take them to the ceremony. When they arrived and Alyssa first stepped out of the limo, everyone who was outside marveled at how gorgeous she was. Then her friend June grabbed her and hurried her into the bride's chambers before Jack could see her. There all the women gathered to primp and make touch ups so that they all looked their best for the ceremony.

  Jack's father knocked on the door as he was to walk her down the aisle before taking his place next to Jack for the ceremony. He called out that it was time and he asked if Alyssa was ready. She opened the door and looked at the man that would soon become her father in law. In that moment it all became real for her. She reached out to take Edward's arm and held her breath as she heard the wedding march begin.

  "Let's go Alyssa, everyone is waiting for you," Edward said with an almost melodic sound to his voice. Alyssa smiled at Edward and nodded as they started to walk in unison to the beat of the wedding march. Confidently they walked through the doors. The music guided their steps as they walked down the aisle. Everyone s
tood as the bride passed by. Jack's mother blew her kisses and then wiped at her eyes with a tissue. Alyssa could see Jack waiting for her next to the priest. He looked so handsome and elegant in his fine tuxedo. When Edward and Alyssa reached the front, Edward proudly announced that he was presenting this woman as wife for his son. Then Jack happily took Alyssa's hand and helped her up the steps to stand next to him.

  The ceremony itself was a beautiful tribute to love and romance. The priest performed a traditional wedding ceremony and then Jack and Alyssa each took turns stating their own vows as well. Jack placed the ring on Alyssa's finger and he gazed lovingly into her eyes as he spoke.

  "Alyssa, you truly are everything to me. You are the love of my life but you are also my inspiration and my heart and the source of my greatest joy. From the moment we first met you have stolen my heart and consumed my thoughts. It is my honor to take you as my wife this day," Jack said, getting a little choked up on the last part. Alyssa beamed and tears started to fall as emotion swelled up inside her but she managed to keep her cool as she prepared to share her vows with Jack.

  "Jack, it was hard for me to write my vows because the words I am looking for don't seem to exist. No matter what, nothing seems to be able to describe the intense love and passion that I feel for you. I fell in love with you the first moment I saw you. I tried to force myself to let those feelings go because I didn't think I would ever have a chance with you. We went through a lot together and we faced a lot of challenges, but we came out stronger than ever. I know in my heart that we are meant to be together and I will always love you," then Alyssa put Jack's ring on his finger and the priest pronounced them man and wife and instructed them to kiss.

  After the official ceremony, the entire wedding party headed to Champ de Mars for the reception. Everything was all set up and ready to go. Jack had reserved the entire west side of the park for their celebration. There was a live band and they had a temporary dance floor placed down right on top of the grass. There was a whole banquet prepared by the finest French caterers and a table for the cake and one for wedding gifts. The cake itself was a six tiered white cake, with gold leaf encrusted flowers that curved all the way up to the top in a spectacular spiraling pattern. The caterers brought a mobile kitchen and they prepared fresh salmon, orange glazed chicken and filet mignon to the guest's specifications. There was a full bar with the finest French wines and champagne. There was even sparkling apple cider for Alyssa and Jason since they could not partake in the good drinks. Everyone had a great time. They all danced and drank and celebrated Alyssa and Jack's official union. The Eiffel Tower really did make the perfect backdrop for the festivities and for the amazing photographs that were taken to commemorate the event. It truly was the best day of Alyssa's life.

  The next day Alyssa and Jack gave their tearful goodbyes to everyone who had come to witness their marriage and they headed off for their three month long honeymoon retreat. During that time they visited all parts of France, England, Italy, Ireland, Holland and Scotland. It was a nonstop adventure of love making and reveling in the marvels of the world. It was a time to express their undying love for one another and it truly was the best way to begin their life together as man and wife.

  Five months later Alyssa gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, whom they named Jasmine. She was six pounds and seven ounces of pure joy. Jack and Alyssa felt that their family was finally complete. Jason was so proud to be a big brother and he helped out with the baby whenever he stayed with Jack and Alyssa. The Coleman family had truly been through a lot but they had overcome their challenges and were stronger for their experiences. Jack and Alyssa had finally found true happiness.

  The End