Hey everyone,

Hope January is treating you well so far. And I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Much Love,

Chelsea x


A W Raven Designs first came onto Mia's radar when she began looking for designers of more bohemian style dresses, to suit her very particular tastes. She had used them before to get several of my dresses too, including my favourite light blue tea dress, so when she suggested using them for my wedding dress, I was intrigued to see what they could come up.

While part of me wanted something along the more traditional route, I still wanted to wear something I felt comfortable in and actually wanted to spend all day in. Who wants to look back at their wedding photographs and cringe at the sight of themselves? Not me, that's for sure.

Ally, the head designer, was as eccentric as I thought she might be, but jumped at the chance to draw up some designs after an initial chat about what I was looking for. Although the brand had never designed wedding dresses before, she was more than up for the challenge. She pitched four or five options and we ended up merging several together until we got 'The One'.

She started making the dress weeks ago and I arrived today for another fitting. I was also here to pick up Sophie's and Harriet's dresses.

Kate, Mia and Grace were busy with work, but Ray agreed to come with me to the appointment.

Ray was adamant he wanted to pay for my dress, despite my many protests. I never expected him to financially contribute to the wedding, but he insisted. He said it was a father's right to at least buy his daughter's dress.

"You never went to prom," he had reminded me. "So, please, let me have this, Annie."

With that, I caved.

Ally eased me into the dress behind the heavy white drapes that separated the seating area and the mirrors. As she buttoned me up at the back, I stared at myself in the mirror ahead and marvelled at the mix of satin and lace.

"Oh my god," I breathed, shaking my head. I ran my hands along my hips. "It's beautiful… It's everything I wanted."

I had chosen a flared style dress, a cross between a classic A-line and mermaid fit, with just enough cinching around my waist to prevent the dress from drowning me, but loose enough around the hips and legs to stop me feeling trapped and unable to move.

The underskirt was made of cool satin, a champagne hue to the fabric, which then had an intricate lace overlay skimming over the top. The design began with the sleeves, which wrapped all the way around my arms, then wove across the bodice and down the skirt. When Ally had asked what kind of lace design I wanted, I knew instantly that I wanted to incorporate images of stars, the moon, and various constellations, in honour of Christian proposing under the night sky.

"You look absolutely stunning," she smiled up at me, grinning through her bright purple lipstick. "You ready for the father of the bride to take a peek?"

I nodded and adjusted my position on the platform I was standing on, turning to face the drapes. She swung open the curtains and I grinned at Ray, who was sat on the velvet couch.

I had never heard my father gasp before. He was always so stoic. But his mouth fell open and his eyes widened.

He didn't speak.

"Well?" I murmured. "What do you think?"

His throat bobbed and he slowly nodded his head. Tears clouded his eyes.

"You look absolutely gorgeous, baby girl," he choked. "You've never looked more radiant."

He stood up and rushed over to me, throwing his arms open and hugging me tight. His tall frame meant he was almost level with me, despite the foot high platform.

"I am gonna be so god damn proud to walk you down the aisle," he mumbled, pecking my cheek loudly. He sniffed hard and pulled back, lifting his face from mine. "I never thought I'd feel this way, but dang… seeing you… you look like an angel."

I blinked back my own tears as Ally stepped forward, armed with all of her essentials, ready to start tweaking the dress. Ray stepped back, giving her room. He hovered a few feet away.

"I'll take in the sleeves a little, especially around your wrists," she said. "Are you happy with the train?"

"Yes," I nodded. I pressed my lips together and looked down at myself. I turned my head towards her and lowered my voice. "I think you may need to let it out, though."

She looked me in the eye, then dropped her gaze to my stomach.

"Are you…?" she whispered.

I nodded again.

"And how far along will you be on the day?"

"Erm, about 12 weeks by then," I explained. "I might have a little bump…"

"Okay," she hummed. "Firstly, congrats, that's amazing news. Secondly, it's no problem. I can let it out around the back and I can alter the waist line, if you don't want to emphasise any bump."

"We're not telling anyone until after the wedding," I explained.

"No problem at all," she grinned. "I'll book you in for a couple more fittings closer to the day, just to make sure we're good to go."

"Thank you so much," I sighed, relieved.

Ray cleared his throat and drew my focus back to him. I smiled, but he was staring at me with a confused look on his face.

"You okay?" I checked. "Still feeling overwhelmed?"

"Did I hear that right?" he frowned.

"Hear what?" I mumbled.

I had kept my voice as low as possible… he couldn't have heard…

"You need the dress letting out," he said. "And you said… you said you'll be twelve weeks?"

I inhaled a sharp breath.

I hate lying. Especially to Ray.

"Dad…" I gulped. His eyes pleaded for the truth. "I'm pregnant."

"Jesus –"

He gasped for the second time and brought his hand to his mouth.

"You're pregnant? For real?" he muttered. "Oh my good god."

He launched forward again and pulled me into his arms, cradling me tight.

"My baby's having a baby," he breathed deep. He started laughing. "Oh my god, my daughter's having a baby."

"We didn't plan it," I rushed to explain, for some reason feeling the need to tell him that. "It just happened… We were being careful, Dad."

"These things happen," he shrugged, pressing his large hands into my back. "Are you happy about it?"

"Yes," I wept, his emotion wearing off on me. "We both are… Christian was so shocked when we found out, but he can hardly stop smiling."

"Here –" Ally appeared at our sides, holding a box of tissues. "Help yourselves."

"Thanks," Ray and I laughed, accepting the tissues. We giggled at each other blubbering.

"When are you due?" Ray asked.

"July next year," I said. "We've already had a scan. I have a picture of it on my phone, I can show you it later. It's kinda amazing. I mean, there isn't that much to see, it looks like a blob right now but…"

"I get it," he smirked. "You're having a baby. I can't believe it."

"You're going to be a grandfather," I told him.

"Shit," he blew out his cheeks. "Grandfather, wow… How many people know?"

"Just you," I said. "We're waiting until after the wedding to start telling people. It'll be safer then."

"I won't tell a soul," he promised, marking a cross over his heart. "I'm so happy for you, Annie!"

"Me too," I giggled. "I'm still in shock, but I'm over the moon. Never felt happier."

"You are going to make an amazing mother."

"You're gonna be the best grandpa."

"Don't tell Christian's father that," he winked at me. "I think this little one will be spoilt for choice in the grandparent stakes."

"One grandmother and two grandfathers," I said, subtly acknowledging the elephant in the room called Carla. That woman will never be a part of my child's life.

"And aunts and uncles," Ray nodded. "One very lucky little bubba."

"Very lucky indeed," I smiled, my hands moving to my stomach. "Although, I think I'm the most lucky. Dream job, amazing family, marrying my soulmate and having a baby… I really do have it all."

"That you do, baby girl."

"And I'm not taking any of it for granted," I shook my head.

"Just enjoy it," Ray urged. "Every second. Because time passes quicker the older you get. Before you know it, you'll be the wrong side of fifty and wondering what happened."

"Good job you're not fifty yet then, huh?" I winked at him.

"I bloody wish," he rolled his eyes. "But as my mother used to say, mature wines are the most sought after."

I grinned. I had never met Ray's mother, or his father for that matter, but I wished they were here to enjoy all of this with us. For Ray's benefit, more than my own. My father is the best and deserves so much more than the cards he has been dealt previously.