Alright, this is the last chapter! Thank you all so much
for sticking with this story! I hope you enjoy the final
installment to my little melodrama :) As always, please leave me
a note letting me know what you think! Thank you to my kind and
loyal readers! I couldn't have done it without you!
Jenna felt someone nudge her, she cracked an eye open and saw Kim standing above her hands on her hips scowling. She groaned, sitting up rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She looked at the little alarm clock sighing when she saw it was only 8:30. They had been up late the night before gossiping with her mother and sister.
"What do you want Kim? It's early"
"The hairdresser is here"
Jenna shot out of bed "What! She's not supposed to be here until 10!"
Kim gave her a weird look "Jen, its 10:07"
She ran her hands through her hair "Oh my god! I'm running late on my wedding day!"
Kim laughed, taking Jenna by the shoulders "Go shower real quick, I'll stall the hairdresser, I'll have her do your mother and sister first so take your time and relax in the shower okay?"
Jenna took a few breaths to calm down "Okay, oh! Find Erik and tell him his Tux is hanging on the right side of his closet near the front."
Kim rolled her eyes but nodded "Alright, go shower, relax!" she shooed Jenna into the bathroom and shut the door. She sighed as she walked out of the room and jumped back in surprise when she ran right into Erik.
"Sorry! I didn't see you there" she said apologetically.
Erik smirked "Think nothing of it" he glanced behind her to the closed bedroom door where Jenna was showering. "Goodness, it's past 10 is she just getting up now?"
Kim grinned and nodded "Sleeping Beauty overslept, she was kind of freaking out too"
"Hmm, I bet. She doesn't like it when things don't go according to plan."
"Yeah, tell me about it." She sighed "Oh, she wanted me to tell you that your tux is hanging in the front of the closet on the right hand side"
Erik nodded "I did find it, but thank you for relaying the message"
They looked at each other a bit uncomfortably before Kim broke the silence "Nervous?"
"No" was his simple reply.
Kim's eyes widened briefly but she said nothing. "Well, as best friend to the bride I'm obligated to say this. I like you Erik; I think you're good for her. But if you hurt her I will have to kill you"
Erik smiled "I appreciate your concern for Jenna, and it is duly noted. But I would never do anything to harm her" he said softly.
Kim put a hand on his arm and squeezed "I know" she took a breath "Well I have to find the hairdresser and get her started on the mother and brat of the bride" she took off down the hall, Erik stepped back into his suite to begin his preparations as well.
She found Rebecca and Alyssa already being fussed over by the two hairdressers. "The bride! Is she coming!" the older hairdresser asked.
"She's in the shower, she had to take some time to distress before her head exploded. She'll be here soon" the lady made an anxious gesture with her hand but continued on. Kim walked over and fingered the glorious wedding gown that had arrived that morning with Babette arriving later to help Jenna get into the gown.
Half an hour later Jenna arrived downstairs, visibly more relaxed. She had pulled on a pair of yoga pants and a button down shirt, she realized how ridiculous she looked but didn't care. Kim handed her a cup of coffee as she sat down in the chair next to her mother, who smiled at her. "Big day sweetie, you ready for it?"
"I am…I thought I would be more nervous but I'm ready for this."
Rebecca smiled at her daughter "I know you are baby. I think you are going to be very happy"
Jenna leaned back in the chair, smiling as she looked over at her wedding gown. She didn't realize anyone was talking to her until someone shook her. "Earth to Jenna! They're waiting for you!" her sister said irritably. Jenna shook her head "Sorry…I was daydreaming. What?"
"The hairdressers, they're ready for you now" Alyssa said, her hands on her hips.
Jenna got up and sat down where the younger hairdresser indicated. Giselle smiled at her and began to work. An hour and a half later with hair and makeup done Jenna stood up smiling when she heard Babette enter the room. The older lady kissed both cheeks, grinning at her. "You look beautiful my dear!"
Half an hour after that Jenna was in her gown, veil secured on her head, shoes on bouquet sitting on the table beside her. Alyssa, Kim and Rebecca were all looking at Jenna with tears in their eyes. "You look…" but Kim couldn't find the words to describe how transformed Jenna looked. She was no longer the artistic, intelligent and kindhearted young lady they had known. She was different, standing there in her wedding finery waiting to walk down the aisle. She was queen. Jenna ran a hand down the skirt and bodice of her gown, feeling the silk and organza under her fingers. She looked at her family, with tears in her own eyes. Her mother rushed forward and embraced her, kissing her cheek.
"Time for you to get married" she said softly.
Someone in the back of the room cleared their throat, all four women turned. David stood in the back of the room, watching his little girl get ready to get married. She looked absolutely perfect. He walked over to her and took her hand "Lookin good baby!"
She smiled, blushing "Thanks Dad. You ready for this?"
"As ready as you are"
Kim handed her the huge bouquet of white roses and lilies before picking up her own. "Lets not keep him waiting," she said.
The five of them made their way through the manor to the glass doors that led to the rose gardens outside. Jenna had managed to turn the entire garden into an Eden. Aside from the many many roses that surrounded each side, there were white roses, lilies and daisies and orchids lining the stone walkway. At the end was an arch of roses and ivy, under that was the priest and a tall dark figure. Jenna's breath caught in her throat, her nerves finally catching up to her. Rebecca and Alyssa walked outside, down the walkway to their seats in the front. Jenna saw the staff seated there as well, all dressed up. Bernard stood next to Erik, serving as his best man. Jenna gripped her dad's arm as they proceeded down the aisle.
Erik had never been more scared in his entire life. He was so afraid she wouldn't go through with the wedding. He waited, anxiously outside with the priest and Bernard. The only sign of his anxiety was the slight tremble of his hands. He heard a few startled gasps and jerked his head up. At first he didn't see her, he saw her mother, sister and Kim. All three women looked beautiful, his heart started beating faster when he saw her. She looked in a word radiant. He had never seen an angel from above until that moment, he prayed that this wasn't an illusion and he was going to wake up. Seeing her walk down that aisle towards him, with nothing but love and acceptance in her eyes brought tears to his own.
Her gown was strapless, made of silk and chiffon with an organza overlay that bunched, leaving layers down the side of the skirt. Beading wound around the edge of the skirt, up the skirt to the bodice. She had a tiara on her head, her veil trailing down her back. She was the most glorious creature he had ever seen. He hardly believed it when her hand touched his. David shook his hand before kissing her cheek and stepping back. Jenna handed her bouquet to Kim before taking both of his hands in her own.
He hardly heard anything, until they came to their vows. "Do you Erik Charles take Jenna Christine to be your wife, to have and hold through good times and bad until you are parted by death?"
"I do," he breathed reverently.
Jenna smiled, tears gathering in her eyes. "And do you Jenna Christine take Erik Charles to be your husband, to have and hold through good times and bad until you are parted by death"
"Yes, I do"
They exchanged rings, though neither one of them would remember it clearly. They were so wrapped up in each other that the entire world dissolved around them until they were brought back to reality by one declaration. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your wife"
Jenna smiled up at Erik "We did it" she whispered. Erik bent down and kissed her ever so gently on the lips as though he was afraid she would disappear. Jenna wrapped her arms around his neck, holding herself to him. When he broke the kiss she wiped away the tears that had managed to escape. "No more tears Erik, I love you and I will always love you," she whispered her own voice thick with unshed tears.
"May I introduce Mr. and Mrs. Erik Deveraux" Jenna and Erik walked back down the aisle arm in arm while their guests threw rice at them. They made a hasty retreat indoors, laughing as they brushed each other off.
"Why would you throw food at someone after they are married?" he mused as he picked out a few pieces from her hair. She giggled; "I don't know" she looked up at him once they had removed all offending pieces of rice from each other. "So what does it feel like?"
"What does what feel like my love?"
"To be a man with a wife and family?"
His breath hitched at the word family, he looked down into her sapphire depths and took a breath before answering. "It feels like a dream come true," he answered finally.
Jenna kissed him lightly "Then I hope neither of us ever wakes up"
Erik nodded, unable to say anything. Jenna looked beyond him "I think our guests have been corralled into the dining room for dinner. Shall we?" He nodded taking her arm and leading her to the dining room, which erupted in applause when they appeared in the doorway. They sat down and Jenna started talking to her sister while David started a conversation with Erik.
After dinner they milled around in the music room, the staff had departed save Henri. Bernard and his wife had gone home so it was just the Deveraux's and Marcuses. Erik was conversing with Kim while Alyssa and Rebecca and Jenna sat talking. All had changed out of their formalwear and were in more relaxed clothes. Erik couldn't take his eyes off his wife. He knew how very lucky he was to have her. Kim saw the look in his eyes and knew he wasn't paying attention. She yawned behind her hand and looked pointedly at Alyssa and her parents. They took the hint and bade the newlywed's goodnight.
Jenna smiled as Erik took her hand and led her to the sofa and collapsed on it with her. "I can't believe it's over." She exclaimed.
"Are you disappointed?"
"Not in the least! I think today went wonderfully, we should have the pictures in about two weeks he said." She looked down studying their matching white gold bands "I just can't believe it happened. I mean it felt like it would never happen when I was planning it."
"You did a marvelous job." He paused "And I don't know it I told you how absolutely breathtaking you looked today"
She grinned, "Yeah, you have but I won't get tired of hearing it."
He laughed, pulling her to him kissing the top of her head. "I do love you so," he said softly. She looked up at him "I know, I love you too" she said before kissing him. She snuggled up next to him, as he rested his cheek on her head. "I never thought this could ever happen"
"What could happen? Getting married?"
"Well yes, but…this."
She looked up at him, confused. "A new life for myself. I never thought I would ever be happy."
She nodded in understanding and rested her head on his shoulder once more. "Everyone deserves happiness and second chances."
"Even Ghosts?" he asked, looking down at her.
She smiled up at him "Even Ghosts. Welcome to your new life Erik" she said softly before kissing him.
Fini
