It's finally the day we've all been looking forward to for months now – and I am so stressed out, as maid of honour – I have a lot of duties that need to be performed today, such as: helping Vera get ready, coordinate the guests and keep them informed of what is happening, make sure the bride doesn't drink too much pre-vows (that's an important one) and then there's my big moment of the day – where I deliver a speech about the bride and groom – can't say I'm really looking forward to that.
"Hey babe, when are you leaving for Vera's? Will's in the spare room – I think he's nervous, he just keeps pacing back and forth, mumbling to himself." Franky says, approaching me as I get my dress and other necessities ready to take around to Vera's so we can get ready together with Maura.
"Oh hi, umm well I should have left fifthteen minutes ago, but Olivia has picked today of all days to cry constantly, I don't know what's wrong with her Franky – I've tried everything I can think of but she won't "stop." I let out a defeated sigh, turning to look at my wife.
"Where is she anyway?" Franky asks.
"In her bouncer, she's stopped wailing, but she's still not happy." I point over to the other side of the room, Franky follows my finger and I can see the expression on her face fall when she sees our daughter's tear stained face.
"Oh my poor little baby." She says, striding over to Olivia and swiftly picking her up, planting kisses over her face and tickling her – making her laugh a little.
"Oh – Gidge, come here." Franky says, I walk over to them immediately.
"What is it Franky?" I ask as my wife seems to be inspecting our daughters mouth.
"Well, it appears we've reached another milestone – one that definitely explains why little Olivia here hasn't been too happy." I look at Franky, expectantly waiting for her to continue.
"Just look here." She says, opening Olivia's little mouth wider with her fingers. That's when I see it.
"Oh our little girl is in pain Franky – I knew those cries today were different." I say, looking at the offending part.
"Calm down babe – she's just cutting her first tooth, she'll be fine. We bought those chew ring things for her last month so I'll give her one and see if that helps, if not I'll run to the pharmacy and get some of that numbing gel we can put on it, okay?"
"You always know what to do Franky." I say, leaning up slightly to kiss her cheek.
"I'm learning just like you – I think the secret is to stay calm though, I mean, she's not the first baby to be teething so it's all okay." I give her a smile at this.
"You're right – well I should be going now, can you put Olivia in the car for me while I load everything else?"
"Why don't I get her ready here? You have so much to do already, Will and I will take no time to get ready and then if need be I'll stop by a pharmacy on the way to the church. What you think?"
"I think I love you. Thank you baby, that'll make my life a lot easier, especially now with the whole tooth thing – can you honestly believe that happened today?" I say in disbelief at the timing.
"I know – it's crazy bad luck. Anyway, go – Vera will be freaking out – and Maura is probably being no help at all, all she can talk about recently is Erica and babies!" Franky says with an eye roll.
"She's just excited – but yes you're right, I'll get going before Vera can kill her." I laugh, give Franky and Olivia a kiss goodbye and head to the car with all of my stuff in tow.
Franky POV
"Change of plan Will, we're taking Olivia with us, she's getting her first tooth – and Bridget will be far too busy to deal with her, and your soon-to-be wife." I say, walking into the guest room where Will is still pacing.
"Aw poor Olivia – will she be okay for today? Vera and I would understand if you decided to leave her with someone." Will says, coming over and taking my daughter from me, settling her in his strong, muscular arms. I can't help but smile at the sight, and at his protectiveness of her.
"Thanks Will, but she should be okay – if she gets any worse I'll drop by the pharmacy and get some of that numbing gel for her."
"Okay – you know what's best." He says, giving me a grin, before getting to caught up in making a fuss over Olivia again.
"Well if you watch her for like half an hour – I'll get myself ready – then we can swap, that okay?" I ask, already knowing what his answer will be.
"Yep, that's fine – we'll be okay won't we Olivia?" he coos at her, as I say my thanks and leave the room to get ready for the big day.
True to my word, thirty minutes later I return – only to find them both fast asleep – Olivia laying on top of Will's chest – him with a protective hand on her back, holding her in place. I can't resist taking a photo of them, it's far too cute not to.
"Will, hey – wakey wakey – go get ready now, we have a wedding to attend." I say, picking Olivia up and holding her in both my arms as she continues to nap.
"What's the time?" he asks, sleepily.
"It's 11.30am, still have an hour before we need to leave." He gets up to retrieve his tux, which is hanging in the closet.
"Okay, shouldn't take me long."
"Well I need to get Olivia ready anyway so no rush." I say, walking out the door and heading towards the nursery.
Twenty minutes later, and much to my surprise – Olivia is still fast asleep as I change her nappy and put on her dress, she really must have tired herself out earlier with all that crying.
Once I'm finished she's still snoozing so I put her in her stroller – still something we don't use often, but I think it will be necessary today so we can put her down for regular naps.
"Right Franky, that's me ready – you got the rings yeah?" I tap my tux pocket to emphasise that I have them, then we make our way to the car, where I detach the car seat from the stroller, securing Olivia as Will puts her stuff in the boot.
"You ready then Will?" I ask as we begin to drive to the church.
"As I'll ever be I guess – a bit nervous, but excited too." I just smile at him as we make our way down the streets, before we know it we've arrived – and thirty minutes early.
Bridget POV
When I arrived to help Vera an hour ago, she was already in meltdown – and Maura, as I suspected, had done nothing to help calm her down. Thankfully now the three of us are ready and we can finally relax a bit. The car to take us to the church is outside and waiting, we're just making sure we have everything before leaving. The drive only takes ten minutes from here so we have plenty of time.
"Is that us ready then? Car is waiting outside." I say, as we move towards the front door.
"Yeah, let's go – I'm nervous as well, but that's only normal." Vera says, as the three of us walk to the car. I help her get in, being careful not to mess up her dress.
Just like I thought, ten minutes later we are pulling up outside, I spot mine and Franky's Mercedes immediately, indicating the groom and my family have already arrived.
"Let's get this show on the road then." Maura says, getting out of the car, as Vera and I follow.
"Hello ladies, you all look lovely." Franky says, approaching us with Olivia in her arms.
"Oh she's so cute! I'm so happy we picked this dress." I say to Vera and Maura.
"She looks adorable." Vera adds.
"Right – so we ready then? Maura – you're walking down first with Alex, Will's rugby friend – he will try and hit on you, just a warning – tell him you're a lesbian and you should be safe." Franky says with a wink in Maura's direction.
"Then it's you and me babe – oh and not forgetting the little show stealer here. You can carry her down, and Erica will be waiting in the second row on the left to take her." I nod my head in acknowledgement.
"That leaves you Vera – you'll then walk down after us, where you'll be met at the alter by your groom, who is drying to see you by the way." Franky says as we make our way inside. She hands Olivia to me, who is barely awake from her nap. Music starts and that is our cue to move. Alex joins us, immediately taking Maura's arm and looping it through his own.
"You look super-hot." Is the only thing we hear him say as they begin to walk, Franky and I both share a laugh, then before we know it, it's our turn to start walking. With Franky in her tux and me in a dress, it feels like our big day all over again – except ours was on a beach, and the baby that is currently in my arms was definitely not present. We quickly reach the end of the aisle, I pass Olivia to Erica and take my position next to Maura, Franky stands behind Will, next to Alex.
The music then changes and Vera appears, making her descent down the aisle to the alter. I look over at Will, who has a huge grin on his face and tears in his eyes as he watches his bride get closer. He puts his hand out towards her when she's close enough and she gladly accepts his help up the three steps.
"You look gorgeous." I hear him whisper to Vera.
"You look so handsome." She replies, tears in her own eyes.
The entire ceremony is a blur, it is over before we know it and soon we're making our way out of the church, and on our way to the hotel for the reception. I spot Erica standing outside, Olivia once again asleep in her arms as she waits for us.
"Hi Erica – thanks so much for looking after her, hope she wasn't too fussy, not sure if Franky told you but she's getting her first tooth in." I say, as Erica moves Olivia over to me, careful not to wake her.
"She was fine Bridget, very good considering she's teething." Erica replies, as Maura and Franky join us.
"They're planning on doing photos at the hotel, apparently it has a really nice garden – so I'm driving us there, Vera and Will are taking the Rolls Royce." My wife says, as we start to make our way to where the car is parked.
"Only about a twenty-minute journey in case anyone wondered." Franky adds, we nod our heads as I strap Olivia into her car seat and we then set off to the next location.
After all the photos are taken, the meal is finished and the cake is cut, it's time for the speeches, my palms are getting sweaty and my mouth dry as I look out into the crowd of roughly 100 people. Franky takes my hand in her own and gives it a reassuring squeeze, I look into her eyes and feel myself instantly calm.
"You'll be fine Gidge – I'm going first anyway, and you know how bad I am at writing this sort of thing." She says, kissing me, while moving her fingers in a soothing motion across my knuckles.
"Yeah, but it's you Franky – Jesus, you'd stand up here naked and give your speech if Will dared you." We both laugh then she gives me a serious look.
"Gidge – if me being naked doing my speech would help and calm you, I'd do it in an instant." The way she's looking at me, I genuinely don't think she's joking.
"Well babe – I think if you were naked right now it would work me up, more than calm me down. Thanks for the kind offer though – might take you up on your nakedness later on." I say, leaning in to give her a kiss.
"Anything for you baby – I love you." She says sincerely.
"I love you too."
Soon enough – too soon really, it's the speeches, Franky goes first and I'm curious to hear what she's written, she never shared it with me.
"Hello everyone – my name is Franky and I've been given the honour by Will of being his 'best man'. As many of you probably know, I did not meet the bride and groom in the most traditional of ways, however, over the last few years we have become great friends – they are both an extension to my family. I remember, way back in the day, I always thought you two were suited to one another, so it didn't come as much of a surprise when you first told us you were dating, and then subsequently became engaged. I would like to say how gorgeous you look today Vera, and Will – you don't scrub up too bad yourself! Also, a big thank you to the lovely bridesmaids for all the hard work they've put in to toady. Lastly, if we could all stand and raise our glasses to the happy couple – and for the first time, let me introduce to you, Mr and Mrs Jackson." 'How the hell am I supposed to follow that?' I think as everyone once again sits down, all eyes are now on me, waiting for me to begin. I stand up and look around the room, still feeling very nervous, as if she senses my apprehension, Franky grabs onto my hand, much like she did earlier.
"Good evening everyone, well firstly I would like to say a huge thank you to my wife, the 'best man' for that lovely speech she just delivered – I feel like there may be a slight competition happening now to see who gets the bigger applause!" the room laughs at this as I take a few seconds to further compose myself.
"What can I say really, congratulations to the happy couple, you two are meant to be together and there's no doubt in my mind you will have a lifetime of happiness in your future. If we can once again raise our glasses in a toast to the bride and groom, Mr and Mrs Jackson." I say as champagne flutes are thrusted in the air again.
"You did great baby, I'm proud of you." Franky whispers in my ear once I sit back down.
"Thank you darling – but isn't that my line?" I say, turning to kiss her.
"One of the first things you told me when I got out, just before you said 'I love you' for the first time."
"You remembered?" I say, eyebrows raised.
"Of course, I remember everything you've ever said to me."
"Aww, my mushy, cute wife." She just rolls her eyes then kisses me again.
"Just don't tell anyone, I need to try and keep up my bad ass persona." Franky says and I just laugh.
"Darling, I think that went out the window the first time you held Olivia – everyone knows, hate to tell you it's no secret."
"Yeah, yeah whatever – where is our daughter anyway? Don't tell me Maura and Erica are off with her again – I know they said they want a baby, but they can't have Olivia – we already have claim to her."
"Franky! They just like being with her, and I'm not complaining – however, right now I think we should find her and check on that tooth." I say, Franky agrees and we go and look for her.
"Bridget, Franky – over here!" we hear Vera call us before we can properly look for Olivia.
"Hey Vera – where's the husband?" Franky asks with a wink.
"He's mingling with the guests – that's what you're supposed to do at your wedding Franky." Vera retorts – I look to my wife and the great Franky Doyle is actually blushing!
"Umm – well yeah – we did come back…after – you know-"
"Yes Franky – much to my delight I think all of our guest know what we were up to when we disappeared for almost an hour." I interrupt.
"Hey – no one can blame me, you were just incredible that day, I couldn't wait to get that dress of you!"
"Aww thanks baby!" I kiss Franky on the lips and then we hear Vera cough loudly.
"Yes?" Franky says to her.
"Can I umm – borrow Bridget for a minute?"
"Why?" Franky asks instantly, not liking to be left out of what's going on.
"Well, my garter belt seems to have loosened and my stocking are falling down, I can't see with this dress on to fix it and put them back on."
"Okay, seems legit – she's all yours. Oh, just a heads up though, my wife is usually better at removing pieces of clothing, not putting them back on." Franky gives me a wink and it's my turn to blush. I just grab Vera's arm and head towards the toilets, turning before I'm out of sight to find my wife almost doubled over laughing.
Franky POV
"Jesus, what's so funny over here?" Will approaches asking.
"Nothing much mate – so, how's the day then? Had a good time?" I ask, as we walk over to the bar to buy him a scotch.
"It's been great, I'm so happy Franky – and everyone's here so yeah a good day." I smile widely at him as I hand him his drink.
"Good, hey have you seen Olivia anywhere? We literally have no clue where our own daughter is! How ridiculous is that?" I laugh, but more out of disbelief.
"Oh yeah Erica was holding her – or should I say showing her off. Her and Maura are going to make great parents." Will says.
"We thought that's where she'd be – they're obsessed with her, but it's cute. They really will when the time comes, and speaking of, what about you and Vera, any plans like that?" I ask, genuinely interested.
"If it happens, it happens – we'd both like it I guess – spoke about it so I guess now is when we go for it and see."
"Good, I'm glad to hear, because you'd make such a wonderful dad Will. I'm so glad Olivia has a strong man like you in her life as a role model." I say, just then we are joined by Vera and Bridget.
"Well, we'll leave the bride and groom to have some alone time, we'll probably head home soon with Olivia so if we don't see you again, congratulations once more and thanks for having us involved in such a great and memorable day." Bridget says as we leave them to it, and go and find our daughter.
Ten minutes later we finally locate her – fast asleep in her stroller with Erica and Maura by her side.
"Hi, thanks so much for looking after her most of the day, that was really great Erica – we appreciate it." I say as we step closer to them, my wife of course leaning into the stroller to check on the sleeping baby.
"It was no problem – you guys had far too much going on, plus it was great practice for me." Erica says as Maura leans up to kiss her on the cheek.
"Well thank you regardless – we're just going to head home now and get Olivia to bed, it's been a long and busy day and I know that her tooth will be bothering her." Bridget says, and with final goodbyes, my wife and I each hold onto the stroller and start pushing it to the car, excited to just get home and into bed after such a hectic day.