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Chapter 49
Miller watched as Bellamy entered the shop, his gaze sweeping to the empty office before moving to the black luxury car.
"Morning, Boss."
"Morning, Miller", Bellamy said as he came to lean over the engine.
"Where's Clarke?"
"She and my sister went dress shopping."
Miller chuckled at the look of resignation on his friend's features.
"I take it you weren't invited?"
"Nope, something about bad luck to see the dress before the wedding", the Rebel grumbled.
"The wedding's only, what… Three days away. Soon you'll have her all to yourself."
"Thanks for reminding me, Miller", Bellamy grinned, "Speaking of the wedding, I'm still in need of a best man. Know anyone who might be interested in the job?"
"Hmm, I don't know. It'd have to be someone you've known for a while- someone who's had to listen to you moan and groan over Clarke Griffin for most of your life", Miller smirked.
"Well, I only know one person who fits that description. What do you say? Will you stand up there with me in a monkey suit and give the toast of a lifetime at the reception?"
Miller smiled, clapping Bellamy on the back. "I wouldn't miss it for the world, Boss."
"Thanks, Miller. Not just for this, but for everything you do around here and everything you've done for my family", Bellamy said sincerely.
Nate smiled, "Anytime Boss."
As Bellamy walked to the office, his mind wandered to all the hours he'd spent with Nathan Miller over the years. His friend had helped him through some tight spots, especially where Clarke was concerned.
Bellamy stormed into the shop one late afternoon, his features darkened by an angry scowl. He stomped to a red pickup, flinging the hood up and beating around on the engine.
He felt a presence beside him, turning to find Nate staring at him with an expectant frown.
"What's she done now", he asked.
Bellamy threw his hands in the air, pacing back and forth in frustration.
"She's dating that jerk, Roger Culpeper", Bellamy seethed.
"And you don't approve", Miller filled in as he leaned against the truck.
"No I don't approve! I told her no, and what does she do? She goes out with him!"
"I take it you let her know you weren't happy about her choice in jocks", Miller grinned.
"You bet I did! We got into the worst disagreement we've had in about three years. Thought I was going to blow my top, but I was a good big brother and I just let her go."
"Bell, you're not her brother", Nate answered gently.
He watched as his friend's pacing ceased and he ran a frustrated hand through his hair.
"I know", Bellamy said with a defeated sigh.
"You have to let Clarke make her own decisions. You can't just dictate whom she will or won't be allowed to see because that's not your job. Your job, as the Princess' best friend, is to be there when the jerk breaks her heart. It will happen, and you'll be the one there to help pick up the pieces."
Bellamy stared at his friend, a slow smile curving his lips.
"When did you get to be so smart, Nate?"
"As many times as you come in here storming about something the Princess has done, I should be getting paid to be your therapist", Miller said dryly.
"Thanks for listening, buddy. I'll apologize to her when I get home."
Bellamy finished his workday then headed home with Miller's words echoing in his ears. He pulled up to the house to find Clarke and Roger having a screaming match on the front lawn.
"See here he comes to the rescue! You're crazy if you expect me to believe that there's nothing going on between you two", Roger yelled angrily.
"He's just getting home from work", Clarke said in exasperation, "I'm wouldn't need you if I had a man like Bellamy Blake to come home to!"
Bellamy's eyes widened, and his lips quirked at Clarke's very loud insult. However, the smirk quickly fell from his lips as Roger advanced on the blonde, his fists clenched at his sides.
"Whoa there", Bellamy said grabbing the young man by the back of his collar, "You'd better think long about what you were about to do because I guarantee you it would be the last thing you did."
Roger looked up at the older man, fear congealing in his gut. Every man in his right mind was scared of Bellamy Blake, but he'd thought he could handle the Rebel. Turns out Clarke Griffin wasn't worth the broken bones he was sure he was about to get.
"Look man, you let me go and you'll never see my face again", Roger whined.
Bellamy let him go with more force than necessary and watched as the little rat scampered to his car. He made sure he was long gone before turning back to Clarke.
"I know, you told me so", the blonde said tiredly.
"That wasn't what I was going to say", Bellamy said quietly, "You deserve better, Princess."
He watched her blue eyes widen, and her mouth open in shock. Then she stepped closer, her small hands fisting in his jacket as she went on tiptoe to kiss him on the cheek.
"Thanks, Bell", she whispered against his skin.
"You're welcome, Princess", he answered.
Bellamy spent the rest of the day immersed in his work, waiting for quitting time. When he finally got to leave, it was if a weight lifted from his shoulders. He sprinted to his truck, racing home and jumping in the shower.
After he was clean and dressed in a nice pair of jeans and the long sleeve button down Clarke had bought him for his birthday a few months back, he was out the door again.
He parked in the parking garage near Clarke and O's apartment, practically running inside the tall building and skidding into the elevator. He rode in silence, listening to the jolly instrumental music that twinkled in the background.
When the lift finally stopped, he got out and made his way to number 305. He knocked lightly, the door opening to reveal his Princess with a huge smile on her face. She dragged him in, plopping down on the couch and hauling him with her.
"You'll never believe the dress I found, babe! It's gorgeous", she gushed.
"Oh really, and how much did this gorgeous creation cost me", Bellamy asked with a chuckle.
"Oh, not over ten thousand", Clarke said.
Bellamy coughed, his eyes widening and then the little blonde laughed.
"Bell, if only you could have seen the look on your face! But really it was only five hundred", she finished with a smirk.
The dark haired man grinned, pulling his love to him for a quick kiss.
"I told you money was no object."
"I know, but I wanted to save our money for things we might actually use more than one day in our entire lives."
"Well, I'm glad you find the ONE, Princess", he said placing a light kiss on her forehead.
"I can't wait for you to see it", Clarke smiled.
"And I can't wait to see it, but what say we get away from all of the wedding bustle and go to that art gallery?"
"Sounds good to me."
They yelled a quick goodbye to O, and then were on their way. They had a great time at the art exhibit, Clarke pointing out different styles and artists she liked. She told him stories behind the paintings, her features animated and her voice filled colored with excitement.
Bellamy, however, was more focused on the beautiful blonde beside him than any of the paintings that lined the walls. They way her blue eyes shone as she spoke set his heart aflutter, and he couldn't help but smile as her hands gestured wildly trying to keep up with her enthusiasm.
Afterwards they went back to Bellamy's, ordered pizza, and watched a special the History Channel was showing on Julius Caesar.
He sat with his arm around her, heat from her body seeping into his side. Her legs were thrown over his lap, and a cute little frown of concentration marred her features. Her tongue darted out every now and again to moisten her lips, and he couldn't help but feel that his future wife was perfect in every way.
Later, he drove her home, her voice echoing in the cab of his truck as she sang along to their favorite station. She would glance at him, a smile curving her lips as she belted out the lyrics.
He walked her to her door, stopping just short of opening the portal when she placed a gentle hand on his arm.
"Thanks for tonight, Bell", Clarke said, "I'll be so happy when your home is also my home."
"You and me both, Princess", he answered before giving her a quick kiss.
He watched her enter the dim apartment, her smile still in place. After the door closed, he walked away, mentally counting down the hours until he finally got to marry the woman who'd become his best friend and so much more.
Thanks for reading! Please review and tell me your thoughts! :) Coming up next are the Bachelor and Bachelorette parties!
Wright: Thanks for the review! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and the flashback! I would imagine planning a wedding in that amount of time would be crazy stressful, so I wanted to bring that out. I also thought Clarke needing to hear Bell's voice would be adorable. I'm going to be sad to wrap this thing up! It's by far my longest story, but it's also my favorite! I have a little surprise though after I finish this that I hope you will all enjoy! :)