Chapter 15
I didn't want to rush the wedding so it is spilt into two chapters the second will be posted later on tonight!
"Breathe"
Lauren woke up unusually early for her. Reaching out to cuddle close to Joey, her hand found his side of the bed empty. Confused she sat up studying the room, before it hit her. It was her wedding day.
Flopping back down on the bed trying to regain a normal breathing pattern, she let a few insecure thoughts scatter through her brain.
What if he doesn't show?
What if Lucy shows up?
Trying to calm herself down, knowing full well she was being stupid, she walked into the bathroom splashing her tired face with water.
"Calm down, its going to be perfect" she whispered to herself, laughing at her perfect comment. Since when was anything in her life panned out perfect. Walking downstairs and into the kitchen, she found Tanya, Abi and Alice grinning.
"What are you all grinning at?" running her hands through her hair.
"You.. Lauren Branning is getting married today" Abi replied before they all burst into laughter.
"Hey leave it out" crossing her arms trying very hard not to laugh along with them.
It was true thought, rather shocking that she was getting married. Someone who had been so against marriage and weddings was now attending her own. It just felt different, the phobia wasn't there anymore because she knew the person who would be waiting at the end of the aisle was her forever.
"Right time to do the make up" squealed a very excited Tanya breaking Lauren from her thoughts.
"Okay, but don't go mad mum, I'm not a pink girly girly so that doesn't change only because it's my wedding" she replied sitting down in front of her mum and a huge make up bag.
Abi and Alice couldn't help but snigger at a sarcastic Lauren. The doorbell went as poppy arrived to do the bridesmaids make-up and hair taking the responsibility and time from Tanya, who was just as focused on getting herself ready.
After what seemed like hours of sitting like a statue in the kitchen, Laurens make-up and hair was finally completed. She picture up the mirror dreading what her appearance looked like to be surprisingly shocked. Tanya had worked her magic on Lauren, creating a masterpiece to her daughters taste.
"Mum" her voice breaking slightly as she tried to keep check of her emotions.
"You look beautiful honey" placing a soft kiss on her daughters cheek before starting on her own appearance.
The girls had just finished having their hair and face done. Both looked absolutely stunning. Their hair curled loosely with a silver comb placed at the back, makeup soft and subtle finished off with a light pink gloss on their lips.
The dresses Lauren had chosen were simply yet beautiful. Shaded with a light blue colouring and structured with a halter neck style, the dress hugged both their figures perfectly and finished at floor length covering the silver strappy heels.
"Oh my god you two look gorgeous" making the girls twirl showing off the whole outfit, Lauren reaching out to hug them both closely.
"I have a small present for both of you" she said pulling out two small Tiffany & Co boxes " you both mean the world to me and Joey, we love you unconditionally" handing over the presents both of the girls gasping at the packaging.
Lifting the lids on the boxes revealing a charm bracelet each, with one charm of the letter A already attached.
"Thank you so much" Alice leaning forward grabbing Lauren into a tight hug.
"And thank you for loving my brother so much" she whispered into her ear making Lauren smile ecstatically.
"Thanks Loz" Abi slightly welling up and her older sister pulled her into a cuddle with Alice.
"Right time for the dress" Tanya announced breaking the silence, bringing in Laurens dress bag.
Slipping into her white dress, Lauren gazed at her appearance. For once she thought she looked beautiful and it would probably be the only time she thought that of herself.
"Oh baby, look at you" Max entered the living room taking in the sight of his daughter.
"How do I look dad?" Max reaching for her hands.
"You look beautiful" pulling her into a swift hug, "Oh and also Joey has given me this to give to you" handing her a small box.
Lauren wrapped the box, opening it to find a silver chain with two love hearts joint in the middle. It wasn't till she looked closer she noticed the letters J & L in between the hearts. She gasped studying this perfect piece of jewellery, it was perfect she wouldn't of picked something better herself.
"Fasten it dad" she turned around as her dad placed the necklace on, completing her outfit.
"Time to go honey, you ready?" linking his arm with his daughters.
"Ready as I'll ever be" taking a large deep breathe, taking her bouquet following Abi and Alice out to the wedding cars.
Sliding in next to her dad grasping his hand in her own as the cars pulled away from the square towards the church.
Joey had arrived at the church early with his best man Fatboy. If you had asked Joey who his best man would of have been a few months ago he certainly wouldn't of said Fatboy, but recently the two had become great friends. Fatboy accepted Lauren and Joeys relationship from the word Go. He was just as excited as the couple themselves when the engagement was announced.
"Chill bro, she will be here" nudging his mate jokingly.
Joey took a deep breath straightening out his tux, fiddling with the cuffs on his jacket.
"Got the rings?" a sense of panic rising within his voice.
"Of course mate what do you take me for?" Fatboy replied whipping out the ring box flashing them to a nervous Joey.
The guest starting arriving all in their wedding finery.
Whitney, Tyler and poppy all heading towards the front smiling at Joey. Soon afterwards the rest of the Brannings and residents of the square began taking their sits in the church, Joey flashing glances to his Uncle Jack and Aunt Carol all giving their reassuring smiles towards him.
The car pulled up with Lauren and the bridesmaids. The two girls hoping out of their car first straightening out their dresses standing at the entrance of the church as Tanya waked straight Through with Oscar to take their seats at the front.
"Breathe Honey" Max whispered to her linking her arm with his as the doors opened and the music began playing.