***4 Months Later***
It was the week of Jennifer and Jonathan's wedding. Jennifer was stressed to the max, and running around like a hurricane trying to get it all finished.
Jonathan couldn't remember when he had ever seen her so on edge.
He got home around 4, and found her in the living room.
"Hi beautiful".
"Hi handsome". She leaned up and kissed him.
"You're home just in time. Tonight, we have to finalize our programs and then print them, and figure out the details of the ceremony, and we need to schedule you a haircut, me a nail appointment, and start packing our honeymoon luggage".
She had printed out two different options for him for the program.
"Which one do you like best?"
He looked over both of them and then chose the more modern one.
"So we have confirmed that 300 people will be attending. So, we should probably print about 400 of these, just in case".
"Put them in a file folder, and I'll have Deanne do it tomorrow at the office".
"Color copies. Great idea, darling".
She got everything set for him to take it to the office, and then sat back down and started putting the favors together.
They had decided to go with shot glasses etched with their wedding date, initials and "Take a shot, we tied the knot", plus a miniature bottle of tequila.
Jonathan tried to help her, but it was no use. She was a machine.
She finally stopped at 10, and they got ready for bed.
"Baby, are you coming to bed?"
"Yeah, I'll be there in a minute".
She finished washing her face and then came and got in bed with him.
He wrapped his arms around her and held her.
"I love you, and it's all going to come together. What if I send you someone from the office tomorrow to help you finish things up?"
"Aside from making the copies and taking things to the venue, there isn't anything that has to be done, except for what we have to do ourselves".
"How about a day date tomorrow afternoon? It will be our last one before the wedding".
"Sure".
"Perfect. I'll come pick you up at 11:45, and I'll make all the arrangements".
She fell asleep on his chest, and he happily held her all night long.
"I can't wait to marry you, darling. I love you".
***4 days later***
Jennifer had spent the night in a hotel room at the hotel where the wedding was being held. She woke up when the phone rang, at 8 a.m.
"Hello?"
"Good morning"
"Hi. Good morning".
"Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, I did. How about you?"
"It was lonely without you. Max just doesn't snuggle like you do".
She started laughing.
"I'll bet not".
"I ordered you breakfast, and there's enough for the ladies as well."
"Thank you, darling. They should be here soon".
"I just want to tell you that no matter how today goes and whatever happens, that I love you with all my heart and that will never ever change".
"You are going to make me cry, Mr. Hart. I love you too, no matter what".
"I'll see you at the altar, Miss Edwards".
"I can't wait, Mr. Hart".
She blew him a kiss and then hung up the phone.
She was just about to jump into the shower when there was a knock at the door.
It was Mandy.
"Hi, come on in. I'm about to take a shower. Jonathan ordered us breakfast, and the other ladies aren't here yet. So if you don't mind listening for the door".
"I got it."
They shared a quick hug and then Jennifer headed for the shower.
When she got out, the bridesmaids and their breakfast was there.
"Hello, hello".
"What a lovely room you have".
"Thank you. I love it".
"Are you and Jonathan staying here tonight?"
"No, I don't think so. The honeymoon is a surprise for me, and he planned it. I have my suspicions though".
She got out some bags for them.
"Ok, here are your official bridesmaids and maid of honor gifts. I couldn't do any of this without you all, and I just want to say thank you and I really appreciate you all standing up there with me today".
"We love you, of course we will stand up there with you".
They opened their gifts to find robes that had their monograms on them. Mandy's robe was light pink, just like her dress. Susan's, Laura's, and Vanessa's robes were all turquoise, like their dresses. She had also gotten them all personalized water bottles in the wedding colors of silver, pink, and turquoise.
They all enjoyed mimosas and breakfast plates before they had to get ready. Pretty soon, the hair and makeup people were there to get them ready for the day.
Jennifer stepped into the bathroom and put on her wedding underwear, and then came out in her robe.
"Ok, so I'm going to need all of you to help me with my dress. And it's not going to work unless you guys see me naked, so no offense".
She dropped her robe and they were all in awe of her toned body.
"Jonathan is a lucky, lucky man".
"If only I had your ab muscles".
They got her dress on, while the photographer snapped some discreet shots of all of them, and then it was time to head down the hall.
"Let's do this".
The wedding coordinator came and told her that everything was set up. She had taken pictures of everything and was showing them to Jennifer.
"I love that! Thank you so much".
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
"Is my daughter here?"
"Hi Pa!"
"Sweetheart, you look so incredibly beautiful. Your mother would be so proud".
"Thank you, Pa".
They discussed a few things, and he assured her that it was all in place.
"I just saw Jonathan. He wanted me to give you this".
He handed her a package.
She opened it carefully, and found a set of glasses, that said "His and Hers" and had their wedding day on them.
She opened the card and started to read it.
Darling, my favorite part of today is knowing that I get to wake up next to you every morning for the rest of my life. So tonight, and every night, when we go to bed, and we get our glass of water to take to bed with us, let's use these glasses and never forget this day. I love you more than anything in the world. Jonathan.
She teared up and dabbed at her eyes with a Kleenex.
"He's so creative and sweet".
She went to her suitcase and got a package for him.
"Pa, can you take this to him? And tell him I love him".
"Certainly".
"Mr. Edwards, we will meet you down the hall in room 1A".
"Got it".
The ladies helped Jennifer get her shoes on, and then they started to make their way down the hall towards the elevators.
"Here we go".
***Two hours later***
Jennifer and the ladies had just taken several photographs outside, and some inside. Jennifer had toured the reception room and made a few changes, but loved everything else overall.
Her father finally came and found her in room 1A.
"Hi sweetheart. I had to take pictures with Jonathan and the groomsmen."
"How did he like his gift?"
"He loved it. He showed some real emotions".
"Jennifer, what did you give him?"
"I framed one of our engagement photos, and I had our engagement date and our wedding date engraved at the bottom. I also wrote a sweet note to him, telling him I have loved him for almost 200 days, and that they have been the best 200 days of my life, and that until now, I have been in the role of stranger, acquaintance, friend, secret girlfriend, ex-girlfriend, public girlfriend, fiancée, and roommate, and now I can't wait to take on my final role, as his wife, in his life".
"That's so adorable".
Before they knew it, the wedding planner was there to get them all lined up.
"Ok, Maid of Honor and bridesmaids, let's go. Jennifer, you and your dad will wait here. I'll come get you in a few minutes".
Jennifer was adamant that Jonathan wasn't going to see her until she walked down the aisle.
They passed out their flowers, and everyone thought Jennifer's bouquet was the prettiest wedding bouquet they'd ever seen.
"It's sentimental. Jonathan sends me flowers a lot. I usually take pictures of them, or try to make them last as long as possible. These are the same type of flowers he sent me the first time".
The music started, and they all started to file out of the room.
The minister that was performing the ceremony walked down the aisle, followed by Jonathan and then Max and Jack, and then the groomsmen.
Then, it was Mandy's turn, followed by Susan, Laura and Vanessa.
Everyone stood up when the bridal song played, and the doors at the back opened.
Jonathan teared up when he saw her.
Jennifer's gown was strapless, sparkly, and had such a full skirt that she barely fit in the aisle. She had foregone a veil, and instead chosen an updo of messy curls and a sparkly clip. She had on her mother's diamond necklace, and the diamond earrings that her father had given her for her 21st birthday. Walter escorted her on one side, and Stephen escorted her on the other.
The photographer was snapping tons of pictures as they walked down the aisle.
"Dearly beloved…."
Jennifer zoned out a little and stared at Jonathan.
He is so handsome. I am so lucky that I get to marry him and spend my life with him.
The altar was covered in pink and plum colored flowers, filled with white filler and greenery.
Jonathan was staring at Jennifer too.
She is the best thing that ever happened to me. I hope to make her half as happy as she makes me every day.
"Jonathan and Jennifer, is it your intention to marry each other today, to share every facet of your lives together, and to spend all the rest of your days loving and caring for one another?"
"It is", they answered in unison.
"In that case, who gives this woman to this man to be married?"
"Her mother and I", answered Stephen.
"And all of those who love her", answered Walter.
Walter leaned over and kissed her cheek, and Stephen did the same, before placing her hand in Jonathan's.
"Jennifer and Jonathan have elected to write their own vows. Jonathan, when you're ready".
"In less than a year, you have come into my life, and absolutely turned it upside down. You have completely and totally opened my heart and filled it with so much joy. You were like a missing puzzle piece, and once I put you into place, everything else made so much sense. In the beginning, I wanted to keep our relationship a secret, because I was convinced that you and I were just too good to be true. You helped me see that you deserve to be put on a pedestal, to be admired, and while it was fun for us to secretly date, it has been so much more fun to publicly be together. I promise that for the rest of our lives, you will never want for anything. Your happiness will always come first, no matter what. I promise that you will always be protected, you will always know you are loved, and you will always have me in your corner no matter what. I cannot promise you that I will be by your side and love you everyday for the rest of your life, but I can promise you that I will be by your side and love you every day for the rest of mine".
Jennifer dabbed at her eyes with a Kleenex, and then handed Mandy her flowers. Mandy handed her the vows she had written.
"Jonathan-when I was a little girl, my mom and dad would always put me to bed at night with a bedtime story. And at the end of each one, my mom would say "Someday, you will find your prince and you will own the world". I may not own the world, but 10 months ago, at the Christmas party, I found my prince, even if I didn't realize it at the time. And ever since we decided to throw caution to the wind and risk it all to be together, I have felt like a princess every single day that I have spent with you. You never cease to make me feel special, or taken care of, or loved, and I hope that I do the same for you. I promise to always scratch your back when it itches, I promise to always kiss you goodnight and to always hold your hand in the car. You are the person I trust more than anything, the one I was looking for but didn't know it, and the one who makes everything make sense. I love you more with every second, and I hope to make you as happy as you make me".
"May I have the rings please?"
Max handed over the rings and the minister held them out.
"Jonathan, place Jennifer's ring on the third finger of her left hand, and repeat after me. I give you this ring as a symbol of my undying love and faithfulness".
He slid her thin diamond band into place and then held her fingers.
"I give you this ring as a symbol of my undying love and faithfulness".
"Jennifer, place Jonathan's ring on the third finger of his left hand and repeat after me. I give you this ring as a symbol of my undying love and faithfulness".
She slid his ring onto his finger and then held his hand.
"I give you this ring as a symbol of my undying love and faithfulness".
"By the powers vested in me, by the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Jonathan, you may kiss your bride".
Jennifer stepped forward and Jonathan wrapped his arms around her and kissed her while everyone cheered for them.
Mandy handed her flowers back to her, and then they turned.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Hart".
They made their way down the aisle as everyone clapped and cheered.
"Please join us in the Crystal Ballroom at the end of this hall for a reception to honor the newlyweds".
Jonathan and Jennifer headed inside to the bridal suite.
"Happy wedding day, Mrs. Hart".
"Happy wedding day, Mr. Hart".
She kissed him a few times.
The wedding party came and joined her and so did Walter and her father.
For the next half hour, they took pictures as a newly wedded couple and with the wedding party, and then finally, it was time to head to the wedding reception. Jonathan and Jennifer had opted to dance as soon as they came in, and then have a sit-down dinner before they did all the other wedding stuff.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Hart".
They came in and took their place on the dance floor, and danced their first dance. It was incredibly romantic and sentimental.
After they ate, it was time for Jennifer to dance with her father. She danced with Walter too, and he was incredibly touched.
For the next few hours, Jennifer and Jonathan hit the dance floor and hardly stopped. They finally stopped to do the garter, bouquet toss and cutting of the wedding cake.
Their wedding cake was almost too pretty to eat. It was 5 tiers, vanilla with strawberry filling. The outside was spectacular-smooth icing with a pink fondant band on the 2nd and 4th tiers, and ruffled pink icing on the 3rd and 5th tiers. The top tier had white fondant flower petals all along the sides, and the topper was silver and said "Mr. and Mrs." In cursive.
Finally, Jonathan took Jennifer's hand and led her to the dance floor and took the microphone.
"Ok, my lovely bride and I would like to thank all of you for coming. My wife wants me to tell you to please take a favor on your way out and please help us with the wedding toss. And if I may, I would like to tell my wife that we will be spending our next ten days in the Dominican Republic, at the Secrets resort".
She smiled really big and then kissed him.
"Ok, so the wedding party is going to share one last dance, and then the bride and groom are going to have their final dance, and then we will do the wedding toss".
Max and her father and Walter were getting their luggage loaded into the car and the car pulled around.
Jennifer noticed that Mandy and Jack looked very smitten with each other.
"So, has our wedding been what you wanted it to be?"
"It was perfect. I got to marry you, and that's all I really wanted".
"I couldn't agree more".
"I cannot wait to fall into bed with you tonight, Mr. Hart".
"That can definitely be arranged, Mrs. Hart".
She ran her fingers through his hair and gazed into his eyes as they danced.
"What do you say you and I pick up some Chinese food and take it to the hotel with us?"
"That sounds great. What hotel are we staying at?"
"We have the honeymoon suite at the Onyx".
"Swanky, Mr. Hart".
"Only the best for you, Mrs. Hart".
"So, tomorrow, at some point before we leave, we need to go back to the house".
"We can, but why are we?"
"Because, I found the brochure that you had on the desk in the study for Switzerland, and I thought that's where we were going on our honeymoon. And I packed the wrong kind of clothes".
"It was between Switzerland and the Dominican. I couldn't get us a booking in Switzerland".
"You're wonderful".
After their dances were over, they headed to the elevator to go downstairs for the wedding toss.
Everyone held up sparklers as they walked towards the car.
"Max, we will be at the house tomorrow around 1, and then if you could drive us to the airport after that, we'd appreciate it".
"No problem, Mr. H. Welcome to the family, Mrs. H."
"Thank you, Max". She leaned forward and kissed his cheek.
"Have fun you two! I'll talk to you when you get back".
"Thanks, Pa. I love you".
She turned and hugged Walter next.
"I'm so glad you could make it".
"I wouldn't have missed seeing my only daughter get married for anything in the world".
They shared a warm hug and he shook Jonathan's hand, and then Jonathan helped her into the car.
The groomsmen had decorated the car and filled it with beach balls and packing peanuts and had drawn on the windows. They even had a "Just Married" banner hanging off the trunk.
They drove off into the night, with Jennifer holding Jonathan's hand as they drove.
***14 months later***
Jennifer was growing impatient. She and Jonathan had some appointment that he wouldn't tell her about, and he was late picking her up.
She checked her watch for the fourth time in ten minutes, and heaved a sigh of relief as she heard him pull into the driveway.
"Hi darling".
"Hi, I was getting worried".
She leaned up and kissed him.
"I'm sorry. There was an accident on the freeway".
He hugged her for a moment and then they headed out.
"Where are we going?"
"Well, exactly 2 years ago, you and I got engaged. So, I bought you something".
She took a sip of her water and squeezed his hand.
They pulled into an exclusive neighborhood, Sunset Canyon.
He slowed down, and turned them into a private driveway, and then punched in a code. The gate opened and they pulled through.
"We are meeting a realtor here. If you like this house, we get to sign the papers today, and move in as soon as we want to".
Jennifer was flabbergasted.
The house was gated, set back from the road quite a bit, with a pond and the cutest little wooden bench in front of a walkway. The house itself was 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, with a living room, private dining room, study, and eat-in kitchen. The backyard had a pool, pool house, private guesthouse, and a large yard. There was even a 6-car garage and circle driveway. It had everything that Jennifer and Jonathan were looking for.
"Darling, I thought we decided to stay in your house for a little longer, till we found what we wanted".
"We did. And then I found it".
He took her hand and helped her out of the car, and they walked inside.
The realtor was waiting for them.
"Hi Leslie. This is my wife, Jennifer".
"Hi, it's lovely to meet you".
She started to show them the features of the house.
"This house has two master bedrooms, one up and one down. Two guestrooms upstairs with an adjoining bathroom plus a library with a separate staircase. All new appliances in the kitchen, and the homeowner also just installed this intercom system, so that you don't have to leave the gate open all the time and you can control who comes in and out. The air ducts and ventilation are all new, and the kitchen and all the bathrooms all have new floors as well. Take a look around and then let me know what you think".
Jonathan and Jennifer slowly walked from room to room.
"We could use this room as an office. Your desk over there, and mine over here".
"Yeah, we could. And we can also put another desk in the living room or one in our bedroom".
"You know me so well".
They made their way through the house and then came back downstairs.
"So, what do you think?"
"Well, if we get it, I want to repaint. Not all the rooms, but a few of them. And I think we would need some new furniture, what we have isn't going to fill this room".
"We can paint and purchase whatever you want, I promise".
"Let's do it".
He kissed her and hugged her and then they signed the papers.
"Ok, here are your keys. You can move in, whenever."
"Thank you!'
"Thank you!"
They walked out to the driveway and Jonathan opened the door for Jennifer when she suddenly stopped.
"What is it?"
"Would you mind if we went somewhere else on the way home?"
"Where do you want to go?"
"Susan and Drew's house. My water just broke".