AN: Ok so this chapter has completely just ran wild from me and its up to 19 pages. Because of that, I'm going to make it into two parts. What's sad is how much I've cut out! I was going to make it short and not give a lot of details but I figured you all deserve it. It has turned into one big sappy funny mess but, I love it. I feel like the one time you're allowed to be as sappy as possible is your wedding so why not? I hope you all enjoy it and If I don't post part 2 tonight, it will definitely be up within a day or so. It's almost complete now.
Standing in front of the mirror, my jaw dropped and tears welled up. The dress Lissa made me went just a little beneath my knees. It had a sweetheart neckline that plunged just a little to show off my boobs. Pregnancy had definitely helped them with filling out the dress. She made it really classy by adding a see through lace layer above that, it had a v that flared out and wrapped around the outsides of my shoulders. The lace pattern kept it semi-tight almost to my hips but not tight enough to show my pregnancy belly. It tapered off towards the sides, where it flowed into a circle skirt. There were slits on the sides that went up to mid-thigh but with the flowy-ness of the dress you couldn't see it unless I moved a certain way. It had a plunging back that went a little more than halfway down my back. My favorite part though was, she'd added two layers of lace that peaked out from the bottom of the dress. The first layer was a bright sunflower yellow and the second layer was a brilliant Burgundy color. The colors of my wedding apparently. I loved it. It was classy and traditional with a pop of color just like me. My hair was pulled up in an up down with curls framing my face. Lissa had done my make up in a natural-ish brown smoky eye. She had contoured my face so I looked like I was glowing. Then she finished it with a matte dark pink lipstick.
"Wow! I look amazing! You did great Lissa!" I told her staring at myself. Somewhere behind me I heard a clicking noise of the camera from the photographer who'd shown up a little bit ago.
"You always look beautiful, I just accentuated it to show it off a little," she smiled proudly.
"Hot damn!" Vika said leaving the bathroom. She had just finished getting ready. Her dress was a burgundy strapless dress that was similar in mine where it was tight around the chest then flowed down. Hers had a sunflower yellow sash that wrapped around her waist accenting her curves. She also had a layer of Sunflower yellow peeking out from under the dress. Lissa hadn't changed yet but she was about to. She'd had her hair curled at the salon so all she had to do was her make-up and get dressed.
"Wow Vik! That dress looks gorgeous on you!" I told her.
"Girl, It's nothing compared to you. I bet Dimitri cries," she laughs. "He's such a sap for you. I mean who else decided to not propose but plan an entire wedding instead?"
"Little cocky if you ask me," I teased.
"Language Rosemarie!" My mother scolded coming into the room. She stopped and her jaw dropped when she took me in. "Wow. You look absolutely beautiful."
"I'm going to go see if they need any last minute help," Vika said before coming over and hugging me. "I can't wait for you to be my official sister. You look stunning."
"Thank you," I whispered back. She turned and made her way out as Lissa gathered her dress.
"I'm going to go change and give you two a minute," she smiled. She grabbed her bag and the garment bag and walked out.
"You really are radiant," My mother said walking towards me and grabbing my hands.
"Thank you," I told her honestly.
"I know I failed you growing up, and I will regret that for the rest of my life but, I hope you will continue to let me make it up to you and to this beautiful grandchild of mine," she said tears welling up in her eyes. That of course made tears well up in my eyes. I laughed as I swiped at them careful to not mess up my make-up.
"I forgive you. I know I've been stubborn about it but, I realize you did what you thought was best at the time. Life is short so, if you're willing to try and make amends, so am I."
"Thank you, Rosemarie," she said hugging me.
"Stop calling me Rosemarie," I laughed knowing it was useless.
"It's a beautiful name for a beautiful woman," she said standing back. "When Dimitri asked Ibrahim and I for our blessing, I was so excited. He's been there for you through all these years when I should have been or where your father should have been. He's always protected and took care of you and I knew that he always would. He's so good for you."
"He really is," I smiled. "He asked you for your blessing?"
"He did. Before he even left the hospital. He told us he didn't have it planned yet but that he knew he would be asking for your hand soon and wanted our blessing first. It was actually cute because he told us both that he knew he didn't need it but that he respected us and you enough to ask anyway."
"Ah, that's the southern in him," I laughed.
"Before I go back out and take my seat, I want to give you something, it can be your something old," she said handing me a jewelry box. I opened it to reveal a pair of earrings, they were rubies surrounded by diamonds.
"Mom these are beautiful," I gasped.
"Your father bought them for me when we were together in turkey. It's only fitting you wear them today. Who knows, maybe you'll have a daughter you can pass them down to."
"Thank you," I told her pulling one out and putting it in as she grabbed the other one and helped me with it.
"Knock, knock," Olena said peeking her head in.
"Ah perfect timing," Janine said pulling me in for another hug. "I'm going to go find my seat. Your dad will be back here in a few minutes."
"You look stunning Roza," Olena said tears welling up as Janine stepped out and I turned towards her.
"Mama Belikova, don't cry or you're going to make me cry," I laughed. "I hate being pregnant. I cry way too much."
"You're glowing though," she smiled coming over and wrapping me in a hug. "I'm so excited! I've been waiting on this day for way too long!"
"Tell me about it. I thought it would've happened four years ago!" I joked.
"It's happening right on time. It wasn't right then. Now it is," she said pulling back. "I have something for you too. I'll need it back though for when the girls get married. It's your something borrowed."
She pulled back and handed me another jewelry box, this one bigger than the last one. I opened it up to reveal a beautiful teardrop necklace that had a pearl in the middle of it.
"It's beautiful."
"I wore it on my wedding day and I want all my girls to wear it on theirs," She said pulling it out.
"Are you sure you want me to wear it?" I asked hesitantly.
"I've told you over and over again, you're one of my girls and you always will be. Today just makes it official. You've always been a part of this family and always will be," She said walking behind me and putting it on.
"Thank you," I told her as a tear slipped down my cheek. I laughed. "Gah! Again!"
"It's your wedding day, I'm sure it will happen a few more times," she laughed.
"Thank god for waterproof make-up!" Lissa said popping back in the room. She was dressed and had finished her make-up. Her dress was the opposite of Vika's in color. Hers was sunflower yellow with the burgundy sash and burgundy tool underneath. Where Viktoria's had been strapless accentuating her boobs, Lissa's had a halter top that gave her a more elegant tone. She made the dresses perfectly to fit their personalities and their coloring. Her and Viktoria both had their hair pulled back, half up and half down.
"You look beautiful. Seriously these dresses are fantastic. I'm so glad you were the one to create and make them," I told her. Abe came in after her.
"It's about time kiz," He said.
"I'm going to go take my seat," Olena smiled hugging me again. She walked out as Lissa handed me a bouquet of sunflowers and maroon and burgundy flowers, not one rose. I absolutely loved it.
"No roses?" I smiled.
"I know you hate them," she smirked. "You won't find a single rose here today besides you. I also tied them with a blue ribbon for your something blue," she laughed. Vika walked in.
"Are y'all ready yet?" she smiled.
"We're coming now," I laughed. Viktoria had two smaller bouquets that were similar to mine. She handed one to Lissa.
"Zoya's waiting with Karo outside," she told us. "she's your flower girl."
"Perfect!" I smiled. "Let's go."
I went ahead and wrapped my hand around Abe's arm as we made our way outside and down the gravel path. They covered my eyes when we passed the back yard but let them go when we got back on the path. Once we got close to the end, a burgundy ribbon was tied around a tree.
"This is where we stop until it's our turn."
"Aunty Roza! Look at me!" Zoya exclaimed when she saw me. She had the traditional burgundy flower girl dress with a princess skirt. She had a sunflower crown on and a sunflower yellow sash that came around and tied in a pretty bow behind her. "I flower girl!"
"You look like a beautiful princess!" I exclaimed squatting down and hugging her.
"Mama, I princess!" she exclaimed turning towards Karolina.
"Yes you are!" she laughed. "You look beautiful. So do you Roza. You're radiant."
"Thank you," I blushed.
"Ready?" Lissa asked me. when I smiled and nodded she peaked around the corner and a few seconds later the music started. The photographer that had been silently following us and taking pictures walked out towards the crowd, I'm assuming so she could tak pictures of us going down the aisle and the groom/groomsman…if there were any.
"Alright Vika, that's your cue," she said stepping back and letting Vika march down the aisle. "Ok Karo, Zoya, Wait 10 seconds after I start and you can start walking. Rose once Zoya gets down the aisle, the music will change and you can go."
"Got it," I nodded. She smiled and walked out into the clearing.
"Ready princess? It's your turn," Karo smiled down at Zoya. "Remember you're walking all the way to Uncle Dimka and aunty Lissa ok?"
"Yes mommy!" she smiled and started walking.
I watched Zoya leave the trail and make her way towards the alter and smiled at her enthusiasm as Karo walked a beside her but several feet away to make sure she went the right way.
"Ready Kizim?" Abe asked. "Not too late to run you know."
"I'm ready," I laughed. "No running for me. Let's get hitched."
"I'm proud of you Kiz. You've turned into such a beautiful, strong young woman. I know Dimitri is going to have his hands full with you but, you couldn't have picked a better man," he smiled. In an uncharacteristic show he leaned down and kissed the crown of my head.
"Thank you baba. I know this is all still new but I've always felt a fatherly vibe from you since the first day. I'm glad you actually are my dad. I couldn't imagine anyone else here with me." I tried out as I sniffled already feeling the tears. I had googled the Turkish word for father since he always used Turkish for me. Plus, it felt easier than calling him dad. He hugged me tightly. "You're going to make me cry."
"Can't have that," he laughed. He pulled back and the music for us started. I wrapped my hand around his elbow as we exited the trail. As we got into the full view I gasped. The twinkle lights were still up giving everything a serene glow, the sun was not quite setting but giving off that pre-set glow giving everything an almost unreal effect. There were white foldable chairs draped in burgundy and sunflower yellow ribbons. Lanterns with twinkle lights hug throughout. There was a white aisle making its way up to an archway that was beautifully draped in that white gauzy material that I could never remember the name of. Zoya had done a great job scattering petals down the aisle giving the perfect pop of color. With the Lake and fall trees in the back ground it almost all seemed unreal. It was better than anything I could have ever imagined. My eyes were already watering by the time my eyes found Dimitri. He was standing at the top of the aisle with the most beautiful smile on his face. He was wearing a white button up with a gray vest and gray dress pants with a burgundy tie and sunflower yellow pocket square that matched the bridesmaids dresses. If I wasn't mistaken, his eyes were even a little red. I looked beside him and laughed as I saw Paul standing as his best man and Mason standing on the other side of Paul. My eyes didn't stay away from Dimitri for long though as I turned back to him. By the time we finally got to the front, it dawned on me who our minister was. I laughed as I realized it was Adrian standing there. Abe grabbed my hand from his elbow and passed it over to Dimitri as he grabbed my hand. The two men nodded at each other before Abe turned to go sit, Dimitri lead me to the place in front of Adrian.
"We are gathered here today to celebrate Dimitri and Rose and the fact they finally made it here," Adrian quipped. I rolled my eyes but smiled, Dimitri looked like he already regretted letting Adrian be our minister. "Now, I have been threatened with bodily harm if I make any inappropriate jokes, innuendos, or don't get to the point fast enough so I promise to be on my best behavior up here. Even if it's my perfect opportunity for a roast."
"Adrian," Dimitri mumbled. I just smiled loving it.
"Kidding, kidding. No roast. I'll save that for my toast later," he winked before turning serious. "No but seriously. I never knew when I walked into Studio B all those months ago, this is where we would end up. You both have become great friends to me and I've loved watching your love re-new and re-grow into something beautiful. Even if it needed some pushing and prodding sometimes. I knew as soon as Rose told me about Dimitri that they needed to get back together immediately. Though I had no idea she had the same ideas about Sydney and I. I made it my mission to flirt with Rose as much as I could around Dimitri because it made him jealous and her smile. You could see even back then no matter how much they denied it, the love and passion was still there. Now today, we're here to celebrate that as you two become husband and wife. Now, Dimitri has planned some vows. So, take it away."
I faced Dimitri completely as he grabbed both of my hands in his.
"Roza, the day you walked into my life, everything was forever changed. I would have never guessed scaring off some bullies would lead to me getting yelled at and argued with," he laughed.
"I could take care of myself," I smiled remembering that day on the playground.
"You could, you can. Somehow that lead to my best friend and eventually the love of my life, even if it took you yelling at me and storming off before state championships before realizing it. I told you that day that you were the one I wanted standing beside me when all my dreams came true. Only then I didn't realize how wrong I was. I made some mistakes and ended up living out all of my career dreams, only to realize that wasn't what I wanted. See, where I messed up in saying that I wanted you by my side when all my dreams came true was that, you are my dream come true. As much as I love making and producing music, if I never did it again, I would be just fine as long as I have you and our little miracle by my side. Today, I stand here in front of our family and friends and vow to you that I will love you for the rest of my life. That I won't ever try to decide what's best for you again but approach things with you as a team. I promise to always make sure you and our family is always safe, protected, and loved. You always could and always will be able to take care of yourself but if you'll let me, I plan to spend the rest of our lives taking care of you like you deserve. Sharing in the joys, the burdens, the fear, the happiness and, the coaching. Because despite your best arguments, you don't get to be our kids baseball coach. I'll let you assist me though," he teased. He lifted my hand up and kissed my knuckles as he said the last line. "Ya lyublyu tebya moya dusha. Now and always."
"Rose, your turn," Adrian said softly. I was already crying at his speech, especially when he said I love you my soul in Russian again. He reached up and wiped my cheeks with his thumbs before grabbing my hands again.
"Well this isn't fair. I just found out about this wedding two hours ago and now I have to follow that," I laughed. He grinned at me. "You had much more time to plan. I did think about writing some out earlier but, I decided I wanted to just go with whatever my heart tells me to when I came up here…I've always been headstrong, argumentative-"
"Stubborn," Dimitri laughed.
"Hush, my turn," I smiled. "But, yes stubborn. I always insisted I never needed anyone. That I was fine on my own. If I didn't let people in, they couldn't see that I was lonely and weak because I always associated emotions with weakness. Even back when I just a little girl in pigtails on a playground. Then I met you and somehow, even when we were just friends you were the one that always got around my defenses. No matter how hard I tried, you always saw through me and were always there for me. Even if it was something as small as me pretending it didn't hurt that some Russian oaf broke my ankle, you stood there letting me squeeze your hand knowing I would never admit the pain. That argument before the game and the kiss in the rain is, as Mia would say, an epic romance novel worthy story. It was but, for other reasons. That day, something clicked in place inside of me. Even if I didn't realize it. We both have made mistakes and our road hasn't been easy but we've grown and learned so much that we're stronger than ever and I love you more than I thought possible. You laugh at my movie quotes but it's tradition so, in one of my favorite movies, Practical Magic, she states love is like spinning in circles. It makes your heart race and turns your world upside down and that if you don't find something stable to focus on, you can get lost. You've always been my something stable. You're my calm in the storm, my missing piece, and other half. I vow to you that I won't let my fears get in our way again. I promise to always turn to you in the good times and the bad. I promise to love you and be by your side forever. I may even consider letting you be the head coach. We'll see, " I teased back as the crowd laughed. "Ya lyblyu tebya moya dusha. Now and always."
By that point I had a steady stream of tears coming down my face. Lissa nudged my shoulder and handed me a Kleenex. I wiped my tears off my cheeks and dotted under my eyes.
"Dang pregnancy," I smiled softly.
"How dare Rose Hathaway cry," he quipped back like he always does when I get aggravated about crying. Though when I looked up at him his eyes were pretty red themselves. He grabbed the Kleenex when I wadded it into my hand and put it in his pocket.
"Good thing I didn't blow my nose in it," I teased. He shrugged with a smile grabbing my hands again.
"Wouldn't be the first time," he laughed.
Adrian instructed us to grab the rings. Paul excitedly passed them to Dimitri making me smile. He looked so handsome and like a mini Dimitri standing there with the proudest look on his face. We turned our attention back to Adrian. Honestly, I was only half paying attention to what he said at this point. He instructed us with what we were supposed to say and when we were supposed to put the rings on.
"You may now kiss the bride," Adrian finally said. Maybe it's because we were just talking about it or what but instead of jumping straight into the kiss, we both smiled at each other and somehow reading the others mind, turned to Viktoria. At first, she looked confused before laughing.
"So, kiss already!" she exclaimed throwing her hands out mimicking "Two of a Kind" just like she had before our first kiss. We both laughed as we turned back to each other.
"Full circle," Dimitri said softly cupping my cheek with one and the other coming to rest on my hip pulling me closer to him. One of my hands went to his bicep and the other went to his side. I stood on my toes and met him in a breathtaking kiss. Before I knew what was happening, he leaned me back in a dip. I laughed against his lips at the unexpectedness of it. The crowd cheered as we stood back up and parted reluctantly. We turned towards the crowd and raised our clasped hands in the air towards all of our friends and family.
"Ladies and gentlemen may I present for the first time ever, Mr. and Mrs. Dimitri Belikov," Adrian announced as everyone cheered. We made our way down the aisle as husband and wife.
We did the normal pictures of the bridal party, groomsmen, couple photos and family shots. Since it was pretty much just friends and family, a good chunk of the guests stayed back to do photos also. By the time we were done, we made our way over to the 'reception area' aka, the back yard. We let everyone else go first while we took a few more solo photos.
"How was it?" He asked wrapping his hands around my lower back.
"Perfect. Better than I could have ever imagined," I smiled looking up at him. "Adrian as the minister? That was genius."
"He begged and I figured you would appreciate it," he said like he was reluctant but I knew Adrian had grown on him.
"How do you feel right now Mr. Belikov?" I asked leaning up and kissing his chin softly.
"Extremely happy, Mrs. Belikova," he smiled kissing me softly. He gently pulled back and placed his hand on my baby bump while his other hand gently ran against the back of my neck where my tattoo for Connor was. I smiled at that.
"I'd like to think he's smiling down on us today," I told him softly.
"Of course he is. He's definitely here with us today," Dimitri said softly leaning his forehead down against mine.
"Rose, can you lay your head down on Dimitri's shoulder?" The photographer asked. I laughed as I'd forgotten she was even there. "Dimitri keep your hand on her stomach."
I followed his instructions and laid my head on Dimitri's chest. I closed my eyes and inhaled, smiling at the familiar scent and embrace before opening my eyes again. The photographer gave a few more directions for a few other poses before finishing up.
"Ready to head to our party my beautiful wife?" He asked with a smile.
"Let's do it my gorgeous husband," I smiled grabbing his hand.
"You really are stunning. I think you are beautiful all the time but, tonight you're radiating happiness and it's taking my breath away," he said honestly. I couldn't compete with that so I grabbed him and pulled him into a kiss.
"I'm the luckiest woman in the world," I said breathlessly pulling away.
"No, I'm the luckiest man in the world but, I'll let you believe that for now," he smiled.
"Well, then I guess let's go celebrate our luck with our friends and family," I told him. he grabbed my hand and led me down the path back towards the house. When we made it through to the other side of the path, I was shocked to find everyone lined up and cheering like they do when the bride and groom leave. As we walked through the archway of people, they threw birdseed in the air while some blew bubbles. I laughed as we quickly ran through the shower of birdseed and bubbles.
"We are already home and staying the night here so, Lissa decided to do this instead of a send off," Dimitri explained. I just laughed as I took in our surroundings. I was shocked to see the backyard completely transformed.
I was once again surprised at how much detail and how beautiful it was. There were long tables set up with Burgundy table cloths with sunflower yellow table runners, mason jars with tiny versions of our bouquets acted as center pieces. In the center a dancefloor had been set up with speakers and a sound system beside it. They had strung up more twinkle lights everywhere. There was a long buffet table set up with all sorts of food and a beautiful 3 tiered white cake decorated with tiny sunflowers and burgundy flowers.
Everyone cheered when we entered as we raised our clasped hands in the air again. We made our way in and greeted everyone. It was all of our family, Mason, his mom, Mark and Oksana, Mia and Eddie, Dr. O, and they'd invited Nick and Alberta from the studio, plus one or two people that Dimitri had worked with over the years and became friends with. Of course, we also had Butch, Chuck, and Stephanie. There were more security people but they stayed off to the sides where I could easily forget them and Butch and Chuck were off duty. We made our way through the crowd exchanging pleasantries and hugs. Eventually we were able to escape to the food table and able to grab some food. As we sat and ate, Lissa, Adrian, Mason, and Vika made some speeches. When we finished eating Dimitri and I made our way to the dance floor for our first dance. Dimitri had the song he'd written and sang to me on our date the other night play as our song.
"This is perfect. You and Lissa blew any expectations I might have had out of the water. I thin y'all could have a future career in wedding planning," I smiled looking up at Dimitri as we danced.
"I'll keep that in mind," he chuckled. "You were expecting a proposal so I had to surprise you. Plus, we talked about it enough in high school that between Lissa and I, we knew what you'd want."
"I don't think I could have even imagined this," I smiled as I laid my head on his chest as we danced. We were silent for a bit before I spoke up again. "I honestly can't remember a time where I've been this happy. I'm sad Connor isn't here but, I know he's smiling down on us. I'm in your arms. We have the twins growing and healthy. Our family and friends are here. No media. No threats. Just us and those we love. It's perfect."
"It is, you know what I think would be more perfect?" he said quietly into my hair.
"What?" I asked softly.
"I thought since we have everyone here, now would be a good time to announce the twins and genders," Dimitri said.
"Is Lissa prepared to do it?" I asked pulling back to look at him.
"I already asked her, she's ready," he grinned.
"Then let's do it. I think now would be a perfect time," I told him with a smile as the song ended.
"I love you," he said kissing my forehead.
"I love when you do that," I smiled closing my eyes.
"I know," he smiled softly pulling back. "Let's go find Lissa."
We found her quickly and pulled her to the side.
"I told Roza about the reveal," he said as Lissa grinned.
"I think that's a great idea. What's that smile for though?" I asked laughing at Lissa's face.
"Well I haven't discussed my idea with Dimitri. I do have a back up plan but, I think you will love this idea. How do you feel about getting that dress and tux a little dirty?"