Chapter 18

The day before the wedding...

Isabelle was getting really nervous about the wedding. Not the ceremony in itself, but the wedding night. Her mother had never really told her what to expect, and she was nervous.

She was sitting in her old room. She did not believe in superstitions, but still thought it best to sleep in separate rooms the day before. She wished her parents could see her now. Although she believed her mother wouldn't have approved of her marrying a man without a rank, her father would have fully supported her and would have enjoyed Erik.

Erik was extremely nervous about marrying Isabelle. He truly did love her, he still could not believe Isabelle could return the love like she had. He had been so used to rejection in his life, and did not know how to handle acceptance like this.

Erik never believed in superstitions, but he understood Isabelle's idea. They both agreed to sleeping in their own beds until the wedding night. Erik was even more nervous about that night more than anything. Most woman refused to even touch his hand for fear of his deformity. Isabelle would reach out for his hands and affection, it gave Erik a comforting feeling in the pit of his stomach.

Gertie was helping Isabelle into her wedding dress. It was a simple white gown with a low neckline. She wore a pearl necklace her mother had given her when she was sixteen. Her hair was pinned up in a curly mass on the top of her head, with a white rose in it.

She was shaking from her nerves, but very excited, this was her pledge to Erik's love officially. Gertie could sense her nerves as well,

"Are you nervous?"

"Yes," Isabelle replied, "But I am also excited." Gertie nodded as they went towards the chapel. Once the doors opened, Isabelle's throat ran dry. Erik was dressed in a tuxedo, looking quite dashing, and his green gaze fixed intently on her.

Erik was waiting impatiently for Isabelle to come out the doors and begin the ceremony. When the doors finally opened, Erik's breath hitched in his throat. He had never seen a more stunning woman in his life. The fact that she was going to be his own wife made Erik's heart clench with emotion. Once she caught his eye she smiled, Erik smiled back, his thoughts were a whirlwind of different emotions.

Before Erik knew it, Isabelle had come to stand beside him and he pulled her veil back to reveal her beautiful, smiling face. He took her hands in his and the ceremony began.

The ceremony had been a blur to Erik, the only part he could remember is when they both said "I do" and they exchanged rings. Erik looked down at his ring in awe. The three words on it were the words he had so longed to hear and now finally he is familiar with them. He then stared at Isabelle next to him in the carriage, she was smiling as she stared out the window and fiddling with her own wedding band.

He gently brushed a piece of hair behind her ear and she turned to him, smiling still,

"I've never been so happy in my life," she said resting her head on his shoulder and reaching for his hand. He kissed the top of her head and agreed.

Only with that kiss just then had Isabelle realized what lie ahead for tonight. They reached the manor and Erik had helped Isabelle out of the carriage. Her nerves suddenly catching up to her, she stumbled out of the carriage and followed Erik to their bedroom.

"Erik?" Isabelle asked hesitantly. He looked at her and noticed her fears.

"Yes?" He responded.

"I.. I have never.. I am still a virgin," she blurted, her cheeks staining crimson.

"It's okay Isabelle," Erik said, smiling gently, "We shall learn together." Isabelle let out a breath relieved as Erik helped her out of her gown. Tonight would be a new adventure for the both of them.

R/R please! Thank you to those who do!