"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the Bride." The groom held his bride tightly, eager to seal the deal at last. The second their lips made contact, the crowd went wild, rising up and applauding.

"For the first time, I am proud to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Nieder." The priest closed his book, nodding his head in approval. The newlywed couple paraded down the rose decorated aisle, trying to unsuccessfully dodge the bowls of rice and confetti thrown towards them. They neared the opening doors, bride close to her groom, kissing once more for the waiting crowd. They separated only once for the bride to position herself in front of the heap of highly anticipated woman, with her bouquet. She waited in excitement, before tossing it in the air, already expecting the amount of screams and fighting over the sacred good luck charm. She didn't wait to find out who was victorious, for she returned to her husband's arms, kissing him yet again; both ready to start their lives together.

"Once again, and not in the least bit surprising, excellent job Gabbs." The very pleased woman turned around to her co-worker and best friend, Patricia.

"Thanks but it was nothing really."

"Everything's 'nothing really' for you. That's your favorite word I swear."

"Hey, what can I say? From that first appointment, I knew those two were destined for a long and promising life together."

"Oooh, are we fortune telling now?" She positioned her hands over an imaginary crystal ball, rubbing it expertly.

"I'm just doing my job." Gabriella Montez had spent the last four years of her life as a Wedding consultant. Her life's work was dedicated on making the Bride and Groom as happy as possible on the most important day of their lives. That same hard work and determination scored her a top position at the company and a well known reputation. If not the best, she ranked among the most sought after planners in Albuquerque.

"Well you did a great job at that. So… why don't we hit a bar and celebrate?" Gabriella crossed her arms.

"Pat, you try every excuse in the book to get drunk." Her friend laughed in response.

"Well, can you blame me? This job's as hard as it gets." Before replying, Gabriella's phone rang. Every since starting, she carried two with her, a personal and work phone. She'd jokingly named it the Bride-line.

"Montez here."

"Ms. Montez, your 3:00's are here."

"What? But it's only," She checked her watch. "2:35."

"I know Ma'am, but they were so insistent on coming early. And you didn't have any other appointments, so I let them in your office."

"Who's there?" Patricia asked only to receive a stern finger.

"Tell them I'll be there shortly, and next time Lisa, don't authorize anything involving me without my permission. Is that clear?"'

"Yes it is, Ms. Montez. I apologize, and I'll see you shortly." The secretary timidly responded, hanging up the phone.

"Harsh, don't you think?" Patricia questioned, once the conversation ended.

"I'm paying her aren't I? It's about time she learned to be a proper secretary."

"What was the call about anyway?"

"Oh, my 3:00's here early. I swear some couples act like they're getting married in that first appointment! Always so anxious! Well, I have to meet them earlier than expected so I will see you at home. Please give the bride my congratulations and blessing."

"Will do." She waited for her friend to leap into her car and drive before rolling her eyes in humor. She thought her best friend really over worked herself, often spending more time on the bride's life than her own. Of course, she couldn't address her on it, or Gabriella would storm off in a tirade and force herself to work even harder. For now, she had grown used to Gabriella arriving at their home around 12, 1 maybe even 2 am, followed by her quick exits around 7. Following her orders, Patricia found the bride and groom, wishing them only the best in life, like every other customer.

Gabriella drove vigorously to her work office, almost running a red light. In all her years, she had never missed, rescheduled or been late to an appointment, and this was no exception. She parked, collecting her appointment binder, briefcase and a pen, and then walked the short distance to the building.

She had often been dubbed the un-official owner of Soto (Professional Wedding) corp., seeing as she was and has been the hardest and most determined worker hired. Couples went to great heights to get an appointment with her, for she was known to make the impossible possible, and at a cheap price. Quickly, she pushed open the doors, setting her brief case down to open her binder. Finding the most recent appointment/ newly wedded couple, she checked their names off then shut it, continuing to her office.

"Oh, Ms. Montez you're here." The woman stood, eager to please her boss.

"Of course I'm here Lisa, why wouldn't I be?" She paused, annoyed by her secretary's imprudent attitude.

"I'm sorry Ms. Montez; you're 3:00's are_"

"In my office I know." She left the outside room for her office. By now she would have checked her list, the list of dates, times and appointments she had typed on her own.

"Who's the lucky couple today," She muttered to herself, using her index finger to scroll down. "Ah, here we go, Holton." She stacked the papers back into the binder before entering. "Good Afternoon Ms. Holton." The lady, previously occupied in one of her guest chairs immediately stood and turned towards her.

"Ms. Montez! Good Afternoon to you! This is such an honor." She extended her hand and Gabriella took it, firmly.

"Absolutely, I should be honoring you. It is a very special moment in your life." She sat herself down behind her desk, while the lady returned to her seat.

"So is the groom not attending?" She asked, re checking her list in addition to getting out contracts.

"Oh, no my husband_" Noticing the pause, Gabriella looked up. The woman had been blushing, trying to hide her smile. "I'm sorry, my almost husband. I'm too excited, forgive me." Gabriella smiled. A happy bride was a deserving bride, often what she worked for.

"It's alright; he will be in a few short months." The woman nodded her head in response.

"Anyway, he needed to use the bathroom. I told him to go before coming but he just wouldn't listen. I swear he's_" They were interrupted by a knock and open of the door.

"I'm back." Gabriella took one look and gasped.

"Honey," The woman called. "Don't just stand there. Come in, sit next to me." He stood frozen, staring back at her for a moment until following the order. Gabriella followed his every move right down to his position on the couch, nervous and uncomfortable."Sweetie, I want you to meet Ms. Montez. She is going to make everything easy for us." Gabriella broke out of her trance, standing up and extending out her arm.

"Nice to meet you Mr..."

"Bolton." He responded, shaking her hand, lightly. She nodded her head, returning to her seat.

"I know I've said it before, but again, thank you so much for taking time out of your day to meet with us. I've talked to all my married friends, and they say you're the best of the best." She took her fiancé's hand, and for the first time, Gabriella noticed the ring. She stared at it for 2 seconds before returning her gaze to the client.

"Yes... absolutely. That's what I'm here for. Now, let's plan a wedding, shall we?" The woman smiled, gripping her fiancé's hand tighter, and Gabriella kept her eyes on her binder. She had a job to do, and this was no exception.


Hope you guys liked the first chapter!