Business and Pleasure

by Jinni James

  “Yes. Alex asked me the night before last.”

  Natalie squeals and pulls me back into a hug. “I am so happy for you! Is there anything I can do to help?”

  I glance over at my flowers then look back at Natalie. “Yes…you can help me plan my wedding.”

  *****

  The next six months fly by. With every day that passes, I grow more and more comfortable living with Alex. His apartment feels like home, a beautiful sanctuary, as much mine as his. Work has gotten back to normal, both at Hamilton Publishing and Neo Corp. Everyone at Neo Corp has been so apologetic for even considering Bob as a board member. We had to testify…first at Bob’s trial and then again at Christina’s…and they were both sentenced to prison. I never have to worry about that asshole again. Christina tried to reach out to me and then to Alex a few times, but neither of us wanted to talk to her. All we want to do is put the past garbage behind us, and focus on each other and our wedding.

  Speaking of my upcoming nuptials, Becca, Natalie, Nicki and I have been working nonstop making wedding plans. The men contribute very little, with Alex answering questions or giving his opinion only when asked. When I question him regarding his lack of participation, he tells me he’ll be perfectly okay with whatever I decide and that he trusts me explicitly. He did, however, make a call to reserve the Grand Ballroom at New York’s Plaza Hotel, which is where we decided we’ll hold the ceremony and reception. My parents were married there, so I have always wanted to do the same. We also set our wedding date for the same day as my parents’…March 14th. Thank goodness for Becca, Natalie, and Nicki. They’ve helped me plan out every last wedding detail, from the chairs to the flowers to the dress, and there’s no way I could have done any of it without them. We sent out one-hundred and fifty invitations, and all but a few people have confirmed they’ll attend. Every time I begin to stress, Alex steps in and forces me to take a break, during which he coddles me by pouring me a glass of wine and drawing a hot bubble bath. He takes very good care of me, knows exactly how to make all the stress disappear.

  These past six months have proven to be the best six months of my life. I think we all feel kind of the same. Mark and Becca moved in together, and Bryan and Natalie have been in a relationship for a few months now, while Nicki…well, Nicki is still just Nicki, playing the field and having fun doing it. Everyone seems happy, I feel as if I have a brand new, extended family.

  Tonight, the night before the ceremony, Alex is staying the night over at Becca’s with Mark and Bryan, while Becca, Nicki, and Natalie are staying here my house. I’m so excited about tomorrow, I’m having a hard time relaxing, and I know I’ll never fall asleep if I don’t figure out a way to settle my nerves.

  “Here, Lizzy, have another drink. Another cocktail should make you tired enough to sleep, when the time comes.”

  I accept the glass Becca hands me and take a long sip. One more Cosmo shouldn’t hurt, right? Over the course of the next thirty minutes or so, I drain my glass. The alcohol has the desired effect; warming my insides and making my body feel like it’s made of jelly. I half-listen as the girls start talking about what they’d want at their weddings…even though none of them are even engaged. Silly girls. I excuse myself and go to my bedroom, leaving them to hang out and talk. As I lay down, I look over at my dress hanging on the closet door and recall how many weeks I spent looking for just the right gown. After hours and hours spent trying on one gorgeous creation after another, I came upon the perfect dress—a beautiful, sophisticated, fitted designer gown with a lace overlay and a sweetheart neckline. The minute I tried it on, I fell in love. I hardly needed any alterations, and the color worked great with my white, beaded high heels. As I lie in my bed—my big, empty, lonely bed—and fantasize about tomorrow’s events, I find myself drifting off to sleep.

  * * * * *

  I wake up the next morning to the ladies jumping up and down on my bed.

  “Wake up! Wake up! Today’s the day!”

  They seem more excited than I am—not exactly a difficult feat, considering I only just opened my eyes, and my brain’s not even awake yet. Becca sticks a cup of coffee under my nose as I sit up and attempt to clear the cobwebs out of my head.

  “You need to be in the shower in ten minutes,” Becca says. “I’m dead serious. Don’t make me come back in here. If I have to, I’ll throw you in the shower and wash you myself.”

  Damn, how many cups of coffee has she had this morning? Talk about bossy. But I don’t argue—the image of Becca climbing into the shower with me has me sliding out of bed with quickness. Considering how much I have to do prior to leaving for the ceremony, I don’t have time to lay around, anyway. There’s just enough time for me to shower, get my hair and makeup done, and drive to the hotel.

  After my shower, I throw on my robe, and Natalie comes in with the hairdresser. Two hours later, I’m glancing at the clock and wondering if I allowed enough time for everything. My hair isn’t finished yet. Thank God the makeup artist got here early, so she can do my makeup as the stylist continues working on my hair. Heightened tension fills the room as Natalie, Nicki and Becca pace around, wringing their hands, unable to do anything to hurry things along.

  The moment the stylist and makeup artist leave, the girls are on me, dress and veil in hand. Five minutes later, I’m completely dressed and ready to walk out the door. I glance in the mirror and gasp at my reflection. Wow. The combined effect of professionally styled hair and artist-applied makeup was definitely worth the wait. My hair is half up, half down, and long curls flow over my shoulders. The natural yet vibrant makeup is flawless, and as I continue gazing at my reflection, I barely recognize myself. Dear God…this is really happening. In just a few hours, I’ll be a married woman. ‘Til death us do part…

  Nervous tension has butterflies swarming in my stomach. Natalie brings me bottled water and a trail mix bar to hold me over until after the wedding. Luckily, our reception is going to be right there in The Terrace Room at The Plaza.

  As I nibble on the energy bar and attempt to catch my breath, Becca’s cell phone, which is lying on my bed, begins ringing. She grabs it, glances at the display, and then brings it to me.

  “Mr. Wonderful is on the phone. I imagine he wants to speak to you.”

  I smile as I reach for the phone. We said we couldn’t see each other before the wedding, but we didn’t say anything about not talking.

  “Hello there, Mr. Preston.”

  His gentle laughter caresses my ear.

  “Hello, soon-to-be Mrs. Preston. I can’t wait to see you.”

  I find my breath and try to hold back the tears pooling in my eyes.

  “I can’t wait to see you, either.” I glance over at the clock on the nightstand. “I’ll be there shortly.”

  “And I’ll be waiting, my love. But don’t make me wait too long.” There’s a pause, and when he speaks again, I notice his tone has changed, grown more serious. “I love you, Elizabeth.”

  Aw, geez. One tear escapes and rolls down my cheek. “I love you, too, Alex.”

  As soon as I hang up, Natalie is there with a sponge, fixing my makeup. My goodness…such a fuss over one tiny tear.

  The moment my face is again picture perfect, we’re ready to go. We all pile inside the white limo that’s downstairs waiting for us. I can’t control my twitching hands and my feet won’t sit still. We pull up to The Plaza and now is when I feel sick to my stomach. The butterflies are overwhelming. We make our way through the beautiful hotel to a room they provide for us to use in order to touch up our makeup and finish getting ready. Becca, Nicki and Natalie are wearing sky blue bridesmaid dresses by the same designer who created my gown. The dresses are knee-length and the bodice is secured by a one-shoulder strap. The girls look gorgeous.

  Becca comes up and hands me a drink. “Drink this; it’ll calm your nerves.”

  I accept the martini from Becca and sip it slowly so I won’t throw it right back up, while the girls walk around and made sure my d
ress is lying absolutely perfect.

  “Here,” Becca says, and hands me my bouquet full of white calla lilies mixed in with some light blue roses. “You ready?”

  I look in the mirror, my gaze going from my sister on one side of me to Natalie on the other. Wow, what a trio we make. Talk about a hot threesome. But our group is incomplete…

  As if conjured by my thoughts, the door flies open, and Nicki comes striding into the room. I grin at the vitality she brings with her; she’s got more energy than the Entergizer bunny.

  “Let’s get this show on the road, shall we?” She stands before me, hands on her hips, and looks me up and down. “Wow. You look great!”

  “Thanks.” I examine her outfit, as well. “You don’t look too shabby, yourself. In fact, I’d say we all look pretty amazing. Thank you, ladies. I couldn’t have pulled off this wedding without your help.”

  “Our pleasure. I’m sure you’ll do the same, when it’s our turn.” Becca starts for the door. ‘Now, let’s go. Your groom is gonna start thinking you’ve decided to leave him stranded by himself at the altar.”

  I take one more look at myself in the mirror, then turn and follow Becca and the others out into the hallway.

  * * * * *

  I walk through the doors of The Grand Ballroom in The Plaza. White chairs with light blue ribbon draped around each one are lined up, row after row, from the front of the room to the back. White calla lilies, light and dark blue flowers, line each side of the aisle and surround the altar, which is a beautiful, angelic white tent with greenery intermingled with the colorful blooms. Candles in brushed silver candlesticks are intermixed with the flowers, their flickering flames giving the room a subtle, golden glow. Becca, Natalie, and Nicki stroll down the aisle on the arm of three handsome groomsmen, all of whom are lifelong friends of Alex’s, and then it’s my turn. Although I had several male friends I may have asked to escort me—including Mark, who said he’d be honored to do so—I decided to walk down the aisle by myself, carrying a picture of my parents tucked away in my bouquet. I can feel their spirits in the room with me, as if they’re walking with me, one on each side. I gaze at the far end of the aisle and lock eyes with Alex. The moment I do, the butterflies disappear, and I’m focused on one thing and one thing alone…joining him there, at the other end, and saying my vows…promising to love and cherish him forever. Per my request, he’s wearing the same tuxedo he had on the night he proposed. The only difference is the blue vest we added, in order to tie in his outfit with the bridesmaids’ and groomsmen’s clothing.

  As I arrive at the altar, I take Alex’s hand and give it a gentle squeeze. His eyes are filled with tears, as are mine, and I can barely see Becca when I hand her my bouquet. She fishes a handkerchief out of her bodice and blots my eyes. I cough back a burst of laughter. A handkerchief in her bodice! She’s like someone’s little, old auntie, but I must admit I’m happy she’s so prepared.

  Alex takes my hands in his and that spark I felt the moment we met is still there. A vibrating current flows through my body like electricity as the preacher talks about everlasting love. Alex and I had decided to stick with the traditional vows, and as he speaks them to me, my knees go weak. He vows to love me, cherish me, and be with me forever, and I have a hard time wrapping my mind around the enormity of the situation. When it’s my turn, I make the same vows. Speaking from the heart, I mean every single word. Never have I loved another person as much as I love this man. Gazing into each other’s eyes, we exchange rings, and the moment the band is on my finger, I know I belong to him and he belongs to me.

  The preacher says, “You may kiss the bride,” and I jump into my husband’s arms as he kisses me. My husband. How cool is that? Applause fills the room and everyone stands while we walk back down the aisle. We make our way to The Terrace Room, and as always, I’m blown away by the Italian Renaissance décor. Magnificent paintings cover the ceiling, and crystal chandeliers throw off a brilliant glow. My candles and flowers lie atop the white cloth-covered tables, and the seating in here matches what we had for the service in the ballroom. My vision has come to life; everything is exactly as we’d planned and exactly as I’d imagined when I’d pictured this perfect wedding in my mind all these past months. I could not be happier with the end result.

  Alex and I spend the rest of the evening eating, toasting, and dancing with our friends and family. I feel free, happy, and better yet complete.

  “So, dear husband,” I say. Husband…God; I love the sound of that! “Are you going to tell me where you’re flying me off to?”

  Alex lets out a laugh and pulls me closer. “I guess I’ve made you wait long enough, huh?”

  I giggle—a sound I only seem to make when I’m with him, and one I know he finds irresistibly sexy. He groans, soft and low, and nuzzles my neck. His warm breath against my skin gives me chills, and for a moment, I forget all about where I might be spending the next few weeks of my life. But the song ends, and I’m back in the moment.

  “Well?” I ask him. “If you were trying to distract me from my question, it didn’t work.”

  “Ah, I should have known better. Are you ready for a few weeks of just me?”

  “If I get to bring my laptop I am.” I can’t resist teasing him a little.

  “On our honeymoon?” He pouts. “I guess you can bring it, but if you have the time or desire to work while we’re gone, then I’m not doing my job.”

  “Ha! You have a point.” I glance around the room. I’m surrounded by everyone I care about. My work family, my existing, newly formed family, and tons of mutual friends. My life is complete; I couldn’t ask for more. “I think our wedding was a success. How about you? Was it everything you imagined?”

  Alex holds me a little tighter. “Yes…and then some.”

  I open my mouth to question him again regarding our honeymoon destination, when my sister comes running up and interrupts me.

  “Oh, my God, Lizzy! Mark just asked me to marry him!”

  I glance down at the amazing, round-cut diamond and platinum ring on Becca’s hand. Wow. Talk about a rock! The man did well. Although some might say Becca and Mark hadn’t known each other or dated long enough to make such a big decision, I didn’t agree. After all, the same might be said regarding Alex and me, and we think we made the right choice in getting married. I can only feel happiness for my sister, especially since I never thought I’d see her engaged. She’s never struck me as the “serious relationship” type, and you can’t get a much more serious relationship than a marriage. But like me, I suppose Becca was just waiting for the right man to come along.

  “Congratulations, Becca! The ring is beautiful!”

  Alex and I both hug her at the same time.

  “Thanks, you guys! Lizzy, I expect you’ll be ready to start making wedding plans again when you get back from your honeymoon. But Mark and I have decided on a year-long engagement, so we have plenty of time.”

  I smile at my lovely sister, who has grown up too fast.

  “You got it, sis. I love you.”

  “I love you too. Have a wonderful honeymoon.”

  Mark walks up just then, and we offer him our congratulations, as well. The evening is winding down, and people are beginning to come up to congratulate us and say their good-byes. There aren’t many people left, so Mark and Becca bid us farewell, too, and head off to hold their own little celebration. As I watch them go, I smile. Mom and Dad would have been so proud.

  “The band is beginning to pack up. I guess that’s our queue.” Alex leans down and presses a kiss to my lips. “So, Mrs. Elizabeth Preston, are you ready to head to Paris tomorrow?”

  I smile as I look into my handsome husband’s emerald eyes. Paris! He is taking me to Paris for our honeymoon! I cannot hide my excitement as I answer him,

  “I am on cloud nine, Mr. Preston.”

  Smiling, Alex leans down to speak right next to my ear so only he and I can hear. “Well, then, let’s get home, so I can take care of you my
lovely wife.”

  ~The End~

  Thank you so much for reading! If you would like to find out more about me or my books you can find me here: http://authorjinnijames.blogspot.com/

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  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen