My alarm went off; the blasting repeated buzzing caused my eyes to unwillingly open. I winced as I pull Wade's arm over my hip. I slapped my hand on the top of the alarm to turn it off. I laid my head back on the pillow as I sighed; reeling in all the errands I had to do today. I had to be Bethany's maid of honour years ago, but Adele was far less demanding but still I had a lot to do. I turned my head to face Wade, he was snoring away. I smiled at him and then got out of bed.
As I rushed downstairs, I found Katherine and Harold downstairs eating breakfast. Wow, they get up early. I quickly made myself a cup of tea and stood in the corner of the kitchen sipping the warm drink. Molly took their plates and placed them in the sink. Her mood was very happy, she was grinning from ear to ear and I could only know why. I raised my eyebrow at her, "You look cheerful this morning, Molly" I said.
She beamed, her cheeks blushed. She sent a wink my way and it confirmed everything to me. Everyone was overjoyed to see Katherine go. I grabbed my bag and car keys and then walked toward my in laws; one who was lovely and the other not so much. "Well I guess I'll be going…" I spoke, "I won't see you guys leave so this is goodbye."
Harold stood up quickly and hugged me tenderly. He pulled me away as he still held onto my shoulders, "It was such an honour to meet the lovely woman who my son is absolutely smitten by. Please visit us in England one day" he said so warmly.
My eyes grew glossy. I was really going to miss Harold. He was so sweet and very kind to me, I was very grateful that we got along so well. "Thank you for the invitation, Sir. I'd love to see you again Harold. It was such an honour to meet you. I'll miss you very much."
He smiled, his eyes crinkled just like Wade's. "The invitation is always there. I'll miss your pretty face very much."
"Please tell me how Mr McIntyre liked the paintings in his home" I said.
Harold grinned, "I will." My eyes fell to Katherine; she was sitting at the table. I knew that saying goodbye was definitely not going to sting her.
"Goodbye Katherine. I hope you have a safe flight home" I spoke. I waited about three seconds to see if she wanted to say anything back to me. She didn't of course. Harold held a disappointed look. I shrug my shoulders at him as much as I wanted; she and I just couldn't get along. I waved at Harold and then stepped toward the front door.
"Lea… Lea wait" she spoke. Her elegant British accent sounding mystical, her voice was yielding.
I turned around and smirked, "Yes Katherine."
She sighed not liking that I was smirking. "You are a great fit to my family. I was wrong to think otherwise. Goodbye Lea."
I thought to hug her but I think that would have been too much. I nodded respectfully, "Goodbye Katherine."
Katherine turned back to the sit at the dining table. Harold pecked her lips and Katherine smiled. I believe this was the first time I had seen the two show any affection toward each other and a smile from Katherine. That was remarkable. I pulled the door behind them left.
…
I walked into work, my winter wedged boots stamped against the wooden floor. Layla poked her head as she heard me come in. We weren't open yet. Adele's wedding dress was supposed to be delivered here. "Morning Lea" said Layla as she spotted me, "The dress is here."
I squirmed with excitement and so did Layla. She held onto my hand as lead me to one of the back rooms. My mouth dropped to the ground at the sight of it. As it hung on a large silver hanger, the dress was an original design from Adele's friend, Asuka Kazama – an eccentric fashion designer from Toronto. The dress was breathtaking. The sheath silhouette was perfect for Adele's slim figure. The dress had a mix of chiffon and satin fabric and had a square neckline that was embellished with sparkles as well as around the waistband. The elegant embellished cap sleeves were beautiful. Adele was going to look absolutely beautiful. I clasped my hands together as I marvelled at the dresses beauty as it stood encased in clear plastic.
"She really is going to look gorgeous" spoke Layla as she gazed at it. I nodded in agreement. I suddenly spotted the time. Shit.
"I better get this dress to her" I said as I carefully took it off the rack and held it up highly. "I'm glad I have you here."
Layla gleamed then her smile turned grim, "Say hi to Sheamus for me."
My heart fell into my throat. Oh no. I had completely forgotten that Layla and Sheamus had become friendly. But the whole time he was hoping to get more from me. "Did anything else happen between you two?" I asked.
She shook her head, "He was lovely. He dropped me home and I thought there was something there between us but I could just tell that he just didn't feel the same way."
I don't even understand why he didn't just move on to a beautiful person like Layla. She is unbelievably gorgeous and loveable. Why did I ask her about him? I've just upset her. I smiled at her, "Don't worry about him. He's leaving soon anyway – he definitely missed out on a perfect girl like you."
She shrugged her shoulder and her lips curved, "Thanks Lea."
I've stalled again. "Alright I'm leaving now. Call me if you need anything."
"It's alright, enjoy yourself" she said as she waved at me. I gave her a warm wave before leaving her. All I thought was 'Stupid Sheamus for hurting her'.
…
Finally I was at Adele's place. The dress was very heavy and I grew tired from holding it and frankly I was tired of going from place to place. I sighed as I laid my back against the wall as I tried to calm down. I wiped my forehead with the back of my hand and then knocked on the wooden, white door as I heaved a sigh. I blinked rapidly as I got a look at who opened the door. Sheamus stood with his face low as we both couldn't look at each other. SO AWKWARD. I decided to speak first, "Hello Sheamus."
"Hello" he said softly. Adele came from behind him and pushed him out of the way. Adele was dressed in her pink pyjamas that are covered with owls. Her mouth drops almost identical to mine when she spots what is in my hand. Sheamus rolled his eyes at her and walked into the kitchen.
"Oh my god… it's beautiful" she said as she stood in front of me in awe.
"Well can 'the dress' and I come in?" I asked. I was tired from carrying the heavy dress.
She blushed in embarrassment and moved aside, "Sorry… just I'm suddenly feeling happy and excited."
I walked straight through her apartment and to her bedroom then placed the dress on a rack in her room. "That's great that you're excited" I said as I felt the ease of my hands carrying no more weight.
She nodded as she brushed her hand against her opposite shoulder. "I miss Phil… a lot."
"Tomorrow- you'll be together forever" I said, smiling at her.
Adele gleamed, "I really can't wait. We've been living together for a while but knowing that he's all mine and I am his…" she swayed her head to stare out the window. Her eyes squinted and a grin formed on her lips, "My mum is here!"
I leapt in excitement just like her. Adele's mother – I call her Donna. Donna Gardner, (Gardner being her maiden name) is a very sweet and lively woman. She shares Adele's beauty as well as her firm grasp of life. I'd met her a few times and I always found her very endearing. While she was hurt from her divorce with her former husband and Adele and Sheamus's father, she still got on with her life and has been very successful in her cosmetics company in San Francisco.
Adele runs to the door in glee as Stephen and I wait around in the living room. "Mum!" she cries as she opens the door. Donna looks amazing, she has aged very beautifully but I'm sure there have been a few Botox injections here and there.
Donna hugs Adele's lovingly; they hadn't seen each other in months. It makes me feel a little jealous. Donna pulls from Adele, her hands still placed on her shoulders. "My beautiful Adele is getting married, I just couldn't be happier."
Tears brim between both women but both choose to be stubborn and conceal any emotions inside. "I'm glad to have you here, Mum" said Adele as she grabbed her mother's hand and led her inside. Sheamus took Donna's luggage after watching the mother and daughter reunion.
Donna looked in surprise at the sight of him. "My goodness Sheamus" said Donna as she placed her hand on her chest. "Is that you? Well you've grown up so much."
Sheamus blushed, "I was just a wee lad when my mother and you were having a good bitch about Dad."
Donna smirked as she remembered, "How is your mother?"
"She got re-married, she and her husband are very happy" he said before placing her luggage in another room. He then returned, "I moved into the town, but I still see her every now and then."
"Have you got a lass?" Donna joked. "You've grown up so handsome. You look nothing like you're father."
Her question made me feel incredibly awkward. Sheamus chuckled, "No one yet."
Adele slapped her hand against his back, "Don't worry I'm sure you'll get someone easily." Sheamus shrug his shoulders.
Donna's eyes then fell to me and she beamed. "Lea"
"Hello Donna" I said as I gave her a hug and a kiss.
She placed both her hands in mine and got a look at me, her light brown eyes were warm. "You look very beautiful sweetie. You're glowing."
I blushed in embarrassment, "It must be from Adele's excitement." I glanced at Adele who was sitting beside me with glee.
Donna shook her head slowly, "That husband of yours must be fantastic. I can't wait to meet him."
Sheamus rolled his eyes and huffed as he left the women and went into his bedroom. I felt incredibly embarrassed and at the same time guilty. Adele could sense it to, "He's just tired because I made him wake up early today."
Donna looked disapproving to Adele, "You shouldn't be too mean to your brother. He has come from such a long way."
"Oh Mum, you know we are just joking around" said Adele. Her face then turned sly, "He's fine. He really loves it here, right Lea." She winked at me and from that evil grin on her face I knew immediately what she meant. That wicked woman! Sheamus must have told her everything.
"I don't think he likes it as much as he says" I said as I glared at her. I turned back to Donna and smirked as I thought of something vindictive to get back at Adele, "Anyway Donna, you must meet my husband, he'd just love to meet one of his employee's mother. Oh the stories he'd tell you about her. You know Adele is probably his favourite employee." I turned back to see a look of fear on Adele's expression. She was far from Wade's favourite employee, since they've known each other – she's been giving him grief so Wade would definitely enjoy this opportunity to spill the beans about Adele to her mother.
Adele gritted her teeth, "You know what… she doesn't have to meet Wade. He doesn't have to talk at all."
"Why not?" asked Donna, "I really want to meet him."
Adele bit her lip. Would she really want her mother to know everything embarrassing that has ever happened to her at work or in life in general? Wade and Adele were friends but there has always been this spiteful tone between them for reasons no one knows. Wade would finally have the upper hand and he wouldn't give a second thought to not revealing everything to Donna. Adele had done some crazy things and none to Wade's approval. From when Adele called up sick from Las Vegas to when she and Phil arrived to a meeting late because they were being 'intimate' in Phil's office. That was the problem with having your boss in your circle of friends. "Yay…" she said with no enthusiasm.
Donna grinned as she leaned over to pat Adele's leg, "I'm going to catch up with my stepson, alright. I'll be back to talk some more."
I nodded to her and we watched as she disappeared into Sheamus's room. I then quickly turned to Adele, "You know about Sheamus liking me?" I spat.
"He told me yesterday" she said, "I just couldn't help but to make a joke about it." She giggled to herself then she looked serious. "And what was that about Wade talking to my Mum about me? He wouldn't complain to her, would he?"
I grinned, "Of course he wouldn't if I asked him not to, but you know how he is."
She rolled her eyes, "That I do."
"But come on; think about how awkward it is now with your brother and me. I mean you heard how he left as soon as your mother mentioned my husband."
"I know you don't have feelings for him but I have to say this because I am his sister that I hope you do care for his feelings. They were genuine and even though he knew that you were married he just couldn't move those feelings aside" she said.
I sat up and placed my hand on my chest, "Of course I care about him. He's my best friend's brother. Sure he's very a sweet and kind man – we get along really well but I wouldn't give up Wade for the world."
Adele smiled, "I knew you wouldn't. I just have to look out for my brother – he's been here for me so I have to do the same."
"I know that this kind of puts you in a difficult position" I said, "But I mean it when I say that I care for him and of course I empathise with his feelings but as a married woman I'm promised to my husband, that's it."
Her bright brown eyes blinked. "Like I'll be tomorrow" she spoke.
I nodded, "Yes. I hope you can make Sheamus understand that I hold my vowels true as I hope you will to Phil."
Her eyes looked to be filled with love after I spoke her fiancé's name. "I will."
….
Donna walked into Sheamus's room, she found him lying on his bed watching television. "Is everything alright, Sheamus?" she asked.
"Everything's fine" he said softly, "I just wanted to leave you ladies alone to catch up."
She sat on the bed beside him, "I know I'm not your mother in anyway but I have to say that I've always thought of you as my own just like with Adele. You two are so close and makes me very proud to know that you'll walk her down the aisle tomorrow."
"I wouldn't miss it for anything, Donna" he said as a small smile appeared. "I respect you a lot; it's funny how Dad seemed to bring you and my Mum together."
Donna chuckled, "Well when you have an idiot for a husband then us sort of become connected. I wonder what other poor woman your father is ruining as we speak."
Sheamus glanced up at Donna; he opened his mouth then closed it as he figured what to say. She rolled her eyes, "Yes Sheamus I think you should stay away from Lea."
He winced, "What?"
"I can see how you stormed off once I mentioned about her husband. You should forget about her- she's married and clearly from what I've heard. She is happy. Let her go" lectured Donna. "You don't want to be the other person in anyone's marriage. I should know better than anyone" her eyes flickered down in disappointment.
Sheamus sat up, "It was a long time ago Donna and you had no idea what Dad was doing. Mum doesn't think it's your fault at all – she was very unhappy with Dad."
"But you don't want to break up a family, dear" she said, "Adele told me that Wade has a daughter who adores Lea as her new mother. Adele also told me that Lea hopes to get pregnant one day. If you really love her – you won't destroy that for her."
Sheamus lowered his head. "Yeah… you're right. She doesn't want me anyway. She told me yesterday."
Donna felt this surge of empathy, "Oh dear- I'm sorry, but that's just how life is. She's just not the one for you."
Sheamus nodded and then lay back on the bed. Donna let herself out.
….
After Donna and I made sure everything was ready for tomorrow – every last annoying detail. Adele finally went to sleep. Donna watched her, she slowly grew emotional. It made me feel jealous not to have had a mother watch over me like that.
I placed my hand on her shoulder, "You did a wonderful job, Donna."
She nodded and quickly wiped away any sign of grief, "You should go Lea, you must be exhausted. You're a very good friend to my daughter."
I gleamed, "I'll be here early in the morning for the big day tomorrow."
Donna nodded and hugged me; I left her to watch over Adele. I sighed as I walked past Sheamus's door; I glanced at the bottom and knew that his light was still on. I hadn't seen much of him today – he had kept to himself in his room or would only talk to Adele and Donna. I knocked on his door, "Sheamus? I'm leaving now. I just wanted to say bye."
I waited outside for what felt like ages and finally. "Bye" he muttered. There seemed to be no feeling at all in his voice. I didn't blame him; I knew he must have been angry with me so I just left.
I reached home and after feeling what it was like to be a part of Adele's family, I just wanted to be with my own. As I walked in I noticed a suitcase in the living room. Was someone leaving or arriving? I placed my handbag on the table and walked into the living room where a loud chorus of deep laughter and yelling was echoing through. Harold and Wade were watching the soccer together. I suddenly cringed at the thought that Katherine might still be here. "Harold?" I spoke in surprise.
Harold grinned cheekily like 12 year old boy who had done something he wasn't supposed. Wade shared the same expression.
"Katherine left to go home, but Wade asked me to stay so I did" said Harold. "I hope that's alright."
I gleamed as I hugged him, "Of course it's alright. You can stay as long as you like." I took a seat next to Wade and he stole a kiss from me. I moved my lips close to his ear, "I'm glad you made your father stay."
Wade grinned then he whispered to me, "I'm glad that you got my mother to love you."
My eyes widened as I stared at him questionably. "Love me?"
He nodded, "She told me before she left for the airport that she loves you."
I wasn't sure if this was genuine or a part of my agreement with Katherine but I could see that it had meant a lot to Wade so I chose to leave it. "I'm moved."
Wade's focus then returned to his father and their game on the television. I chose to go to bed, but before that I had to check on my daughter. She was sleeping peacefully like an angel. I started thinking about the day when she gets married and I felt my eyes burn. "What's wrong?" spoke a deep whisper in my ear.
I felt Wade's hand grab to my side and I turned to face him, "I was just thinking about when our daughter gets married."
"She won't be getting married anytime soon and when the dating years come I'll have my gun ready – that boy would have to be perfect to even get to speak to my daughter" he said sternly.
I rolled my eyes, "Perfect? Like you?"
He smirked, his green eyes glimmering with mischief, "Well no one can meet my standards but he'd have to be pretty close."
I nodded and covered my mouth as I yawned. Wade watched on in concern, "What did that woman make you do today? Let's get you to bed."
I shook my head, "I am happy to do it. She's my best friend." Wade grew annoyed and then placed his hand in mine and pulled me along to our bedroom. Once my head hit the pillow I was asleep.
…
Adele woke up at the sound of a tapping. She checked her phone and saw that it was 2am in the morning. It was her wedding day. She opened her bedroom door and heard the tapping grow louder it was coming from the front door. She turned the lights on and then opened the door. Her eyes grew wide in surprise as she spotted a drunk, Scotsman at her door. "Drew? What are you doing here?"
"I've come to take you away" he spoke; he kept stumbling like legs were made of jelly. "You were the only normal woman I ever went out with, the only good one. I've made so many crazy mistakes but you weren't one. I think you should quit your marriage and come away with me."
Adele rolled her eyes, "I don't have time for this Drew, good bye." She slammed the door on him and spun around to go back in her bedroom proudly. She felt that she finally got that piece of revenge on him for dumping her.
Sheamus popped his head out of his room, "Who was that?"
"Drew" she said with disgust, "He thought I was going to bail out of the wedding and go away with him. Go to bed."
Sheamus waited for her to close her bedroom door and then walked over to the front door and then opened it. Drew was still stumbling in the hallway. Sheamus walked behind him and threw Drew's arm over his neck, "Take it easy, Fella – I'll call you a cab."
Drew smiled and then fell asleep. Sheamus shook his head as they went downstairs in the elevator. Sheamus quickly signalled to a cab driver and tossed Drew in. "Thanks lad!" yelled Drew, "You're awesome!"
Sheamus ignored him and then gave the cab driver some money. "Whatever he tells you to go, keep the change." Sheamus then glared at Drew, "You annoy my sister again and I won't be so nice."
Drew sunk into the seat as he gulped. Sheamus gave him a wink and then the cab drove off.
Sheamus sighed as he watched on, "What is wrong with all of these people?"
….
