Huge thanks to everyone following my story and leaving reviews. I appreciate it so much.
I'm a little sad as my story is coming to a close. This is my second last chapter. I will have the last chapter uploaded over the weekend.
Disclaimer: The characters you recognize belong to Janet Evanovich.
Today was my wedding day. There was excitement in the air and I could hear movement coming from downstairs. I wrapped myself in a robe and headed down. I was a little nervous about everything going smoothly. However, I was surprised that I wasn't nervous about being married. I wanted to be Mrs Carlos Manoso more than anything.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs I was met by Carlos and a cup of coffee. He guided me into the kitchen where Maria was hard at work.
"Good morning dear, Ella emailed me a list of all your favourites, so please take a seat and enjoy your breakfast. You have a big day ahead and you will need all your energy."
"Everything looks fabulous Maria." and it was.
Carlos seemed to be happily directing work man and a team of florists. They were erecting a huge white gazebo in the backyard. With the amount of flowers that had been delivered, we could open a chain of florists.
I heard a knock on the door and before I was able to stand up from my seat, Carlos was at the door.
Two well-groomed ladies entered.
"Babe this is Frieda and Chloe, there here to help you relax with a massage and pedicure. Then there going to help with your hair and make-up. Once Lula, your Mum and Jules arrive, they can help them too if they'd like."
"You know, you are the perfect man. You think of everything."
Frieda and Chloe headed up stairs with all their equipment. I went to follow but Carlos grabbed me by the arm and kissed me with all he had and I felt myself go weak at the knees.
"You're the one that's perfect Babe, and I can't wait to make you mine. This afternoon can't come soon enough for me."
He finally let me go and in my dazed state I staggered up the stairs.
Frieda and Chloe took wonderful care of me and were getting everything ready for Julie, Lula and my Mum. I could hear Lula's voice carry up the stairs, indicating to me that they had arrived.
My Mum entered the room with a little tap on the door. She was on her own. I braced myself for her criticisms. She surprised me with a gentle hug, being careful not to mess my hair.
"Stephanie, I don't think I've ever seen you so relaxed and happy. I can't tell you what a relief it is to see you like this."
I knew she couldn't wait to have me married off again. We'd never discussed Ranger as a possibility, so I wasn't sure how she felt about him. She must have read my face as she continued.
"I've only ever wanted you to be happy Stephanie. I know your Grandma will be upset that she's missed your special day, but there was no way to contact her while she's on the cruise."
"That's ok. Carlos and I wanted to keep our wedding small and simple. We'll have a big party to celebrate once we're back in Trenton and everyone will be welcome." I explained.
Lula came barrelling through the door, "It's so good to see your skinny white arse," she bellowed.
I caught up with all the gossip from the office and what was news on the burg grapevine while Frieda and Chloe worked on Lula and my Mum.
Julie arrived and gave Chloe explicit details on how she wanted her hair. We all giggled and agreed that she was thirteen going on thirty. Maria brought us in a tray of divine sandwiches and tropical fruits.
Lula had picked out a seamlessly sedate yet elegant dress which matched Julies perfectly.
We helped each other into our dresses.
Whilst picking out our rings, Carolos had suggested gifts for everyone. We had picked out matching earrings and pendants for Julie and Lula and a beautiful brooch for my Mum. I chose to wear the exquisite heart pendant Carlos had given me only days before. Everyone loved their gifts.
We were all standing back admiring each other when my Dad arrived with our flowers.
"Hey Pumpkin," he said laying the box of flowers on the bed. He gave me a tender hug and a sweet kiss on my cheek.
"Everything's ready, are you?" he smiled.
"I'm more than ready; let's get this show on the road." I headed over to the bed to distribute the flowers.
My Mum had a corsage which Dad helped her with. Julie had a basket of ivory roses and baby's breath, and Lula had a smaller version of my bouquet which was a bunch of long stemmed ivory roses tied together with white satin ribbon.
"You look beautiful Pumpkin," Dad held out his arm for me to loop.
My Mum was about to step down the stairs when I had an idea. "Mum would you help give me away with Daddy?" I held out my hand to her.
She smiled, "I would be honoured. Thank you."
Daddy already had my arm looped in his, so my Mum did the same on the other side, leaving my hands free to hold the bouquet.
We made our way down the stairs and into the garden.