During the next several weeks, the wedding planning kicked into high gear as last-minute preparations were underway. From round-the-clock food preparation from John's restaurants to the flowers being flown in from out-of-state to last minute alterations to the bridal party's attire, everything was going incredibly smooth.
Too smooth for Erin's taste. Something is going to go horribly, horribly wrong. I'm just trying to figure out what it is.
After the wedding party was treated to their spa treatments and a quick run-through of ceremony, they were headed to one of John's restaurants for the dinner rehearsal. Plenty of food and alcohol flowed as everyone wished the happy couple success and happiness in their marriage.
During a break in celebrating, Randy and John had a few moments alone. "Hey man…" John whispered to Randy. "Is that Trish chick single?"
"I don't know, I guess. Why?"
"Why? Dude, she's smokin'!" John clamored as he glanced over to her. "Has she said anything about what guys she likes?"
"Dude, I don't know." Randy shrugged. "I guess she likes dudes."
"Man, hook me up!" John said.
"Hook yourself up." Randy replied.
Trish walked past John and Randy on her way to the ladies' room. "Hey there." She smiled to John as she entered the restroom.
John felt like he was melting. "Dude, hook me up!" He whispered.
"Alright, alright. I'll see what I can do." Randy said. "But this might cost you…"
"I'm not doing the wedding for free, jackass."
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After the rehearsal dinner, Erin retreated back to her parents' house to spend her last night being known as Erin Williams. She never officially changed her name before but the next day she was going to sign the marriage license as Erin Williams Orton. I like that. Nice ring to it.
When Erin was getting ready to go to bed, she heard a brief tap against her window. She turned off the lights and slowly walked towards the window and peeked from the curtain. There she saw her fiancée with numerous stones in his hand ready for launch.
Erin opened the window. "Randy! What are you doing?" She loudly whispered.
"I decided to build a pool for your parents and I thought I'll start by using these stones." He said as he bounced them. "What does it look like?"
"Smart-ass!" Erin smiled. "Well, don't break my father's window. I'll be down there in a minute." She then closed the window.
Moments later, she appeared on the front porch before her husband. He was holding a single yellow rose and he was in casual wear. "Boo…" He whispered.
"Randy…" Erin said as she couldn't contain her excitement. Despite the fact it was two in the morning, she was happy to see Randy. "You're not supposed to see me now."
"I know, but I couldn't help it." Randy whispered as he sat down on the porch. "I just couldn't wait to see you tomorrow afternoon."
Erin grabbed Randy's head and leaned on his shoulder. "We're getting married tomorrow, Orton."
"I know." He rubbed her shoulders. "Nervous?"
"A little. I just hope my dad doesn't step on my train." Erin smiled. "What about you?"
"Mmm, maybe a little." He said. "It's cool, though. I'm looking forward to tomorrow."
"Really, why?"
He shrugged. "So I can finally have sex again."
Erin took Randy's hand off her thigh. "And this is going to be the quickest marriage in Orton history…"
He laughed and pulled her closer to him. "You know why, Boo." Randy smiled. "Because I love you."
"I love you, too, Orton." She said as she rested her head against his chest. "You need to go home and get some sleep."
"I will. I just wanted to spend a few moments with my wife before our wedding tomorrow." He said as he rubbed her shoulders. "That's weird. I'm seeing my wife on the eve of our wedding day."
Erin smiled. "But I wouldn't want it any other way."
Randy smiled and kissed her. "Me either."
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The next morning was a media frenzy as photographers and many media representatives waited outside the Oneka Castle for the high-end event of the season. John's employees were working overtime, making sure that the food and set-up was perfection. The flowers were in full bloom and everything couldn't have been more perfect.
Except one big thing was missing. One huge thing was missing. As Erin was getting ready for her big day, she had a nagging feeling in her gut that something was wrong. She felt it all week and it was ten-fold that day. And the moment her bridal party arrived at the salon, she realized exactly what it was.
Maria hasn't been seen within the past two days. And worse yet, she was holding Erin's gown.
