Chapter 4

Stacie sighed happily as she began to wake up and felt Aubrey pressed into her side. She wasn't ready to wake up quite yet and buried her face into her fiancée's hair, but something was off. She wasn't met with the sweet smell of Aubrey's peach shampoo or the smell of her favorite body spray. The smell was floral, not fruity. She lazily ran her hands over Aubrey's back like she had done millions of times, but again, it felt off. Her hips weren't as curvaceous and she felt bonier. Stacie frowned as she slowly opened her eyes and let out a shriek when she saw Lilly in her arms.

"What the hell," screamed Stacie as she bolted up. Peals of laughter made her look up over the edge of the couch and she glared at the rest of the Bellas and her fiancée as they watched her from the kitchen.

"Morning, sunshine," teased Cynthia Rose and Stacie glared at Aubrey.

"Seriously, you just let Lilly molest me," she asked as she pushed Lilly off of the couch and away from her. Aubrey giggled as she walked over to her and leaned against the couch.

"I just got up and Lilly thought it would be funny."

"Do I look amused," shrieked Stacie, but she laughed when Aubrey cuddled back into her arms and showered her with kisses.

"My poor baby, how can I make it up to you?" Stacie gazed lovingly into her eyes and smiled.

"Marry me," she whispered and Aubrey happily nodded.

"How about today?"

"Deal," giggled Stacie before nuzzling her neck. They both shrieked when they looked up to see Lilly watching them from the head of the couch.

"That's it. First order of business today, get Lilly a bell," announced Stacie and Aubrey nodded in agreement as the rest of their friends laughed.

Aubrey smiled down at her phone as she read the text message she received from Stacie. They were both at the Conrad House with Stacie getting ready in her loft and Aubrey waiting for her makeup to be done in the master bedroom in the east wing of the home. The two promised not to send each other pictures, wanting to keep their wedding day looks a surprise until they saw each other at the altar, but it didn't stop them from texting one another.

"Chloe is right. You really do have the biggest smile on your face right now," said Aubrey's aunt, Liza, as she entered the bedroom. Aubrey hugged her and giggled.

"Stacie keeps sending me songs to listen to. She says they remind her of me."

"You two are so adorable. I remember when you told me about her. You were trying to downplay how much she meant to you, but I could tell by the way you spoke about her. When I finally got to meet her, I knew she was it for you just by the way you looked at her. Stacie has always hung the moon for you."

"She was really nervous to meet you that night for dinner. She was so worried you wouldn't like her."

"Really?"

"I think she knew that since she would never be able to meet my mom, you were the closest she would get. It made me really happy how well you two got along that night."

"She is an amazing young woman and I am so happy for both of you. Speaking of your mother, I have something for you, something that was once hers," said Liza as she handed her a black box. Aubrey gasped when she opened it to reveal a silver bridal hair comb with diamante and pearls designed in the shape of flowers. Tears filled her eyes and Liza wrapped an arm around her.

"She wore it on her wedding day. After she passed, I asked your father if I could have it for safe keeping. You had to move so much when you were younger and I was afraid it would get misplaced or lost. I always knew it would be perfect for your wedding day. You look so much like her, so beautiful and elegant, and I was hoping you could fit it into whatever hairstyle you chose for the day." Aubrey tearfully nodded as she hugged her aunt.

"Of course, thank you so much for keeping this safe all these years." Chloe knocked and poked her head into the room.

"Are you ready for your hair and makeup to be done? Everyone is here," informed Chloe and Aubrey smiled even more.

"Yes, let's get started," said Aubrey before sending another message to Stacie.

I love you and cannot wait to meet you at the altar.

Stacie was not one to be anxious. She thrived in high pressure situations and loved the rush of adrenaline she felt in those moments, but this was different. This reminded her of the first time she walked up to Aubrey's front door for their first date, the first time they made love, and when they had to sit down to talk about their future before Stacie graduated all rolled up into one moment. As she stared at her reflection in the mirror, dressed in her custom-made designer grown with hair and makeup finally finished, another wave of emotion washed over her. She was about to marry Aubrey. There were times in their relationship when it didn't seem likely, especially at the beginning when Aubrey struggled to come to terms with her sexuality, but they made it to their wedding day.

"Wow, you look absolutely stunning, just like a princess," said her father as he entered the loft and she blushed.

"Thank you, dad. Have you seen Aubrey?" He chuckled and nodded.

"Let's just say you two are a match made in heaven and are going to look amazing in the wedding pictures. I'll do my best to not bring down the aesthetics," he teased and she smirked.

"You know I don't just get my good looks from mom," she teased back and he winked at her.

"I know. I'm just always fishing for a compliment," he said as she straightened his bowtie.

"You look quite dapper, old man," she assured and he kissed her cheek. Stacie gasped when her mother entered the loft in her elegant gown that was a deep shade of champagne.

"Mom, you look amazing," said Stacie and Helen kissed her daughter's cheeks.

"Nowhere near as exquisite as you, my love. You look breathtaking, just like I knew you would today. Are you ready?"

"Definitely."

"Good, but before we get into our positions, your father and I wanted to give you something," she informed and Stacie frowned in confusion when her father handed her a key.

"What is this to," she questioned.

"A privately owned villa on Tokoriki Island, we know you booked a bungalow at the resort, but this will give you a bit more privacy," explained her mother.

"But when we checked, they said everything was booked. It is one of the busiest seasons there."

"Then it is a good thing you have parents with connections, your mother and I made some calls and it turns out Amir knows a few people from the island. The owners of the resort have a private villa they are not using at the moment and were gracious enough to let us reserve it for you. You will have access to the best chefs, tour guides, and staff the island has to offer, while being able to remain hidden away if you choose," explained her father and Stacie hugged them both.

"Thank you so much. You didn't have to do this, but thank you. Bree is already excited we get to take one of the jets, so she is going to love this," said Stacie and Helen winked at her.

"You two deserve nothing but the very best in life," assured Helen. Eric smiled proudly at the two of them.

"Are you ready to become Stacie Conrad-Posen," asked Eric and Stacie happily nodded.

"I have been ready for years, dad," assured Stacie.

Aubrey felt herself getting nervous as she peeked out the window at the guests taking their seats. She was floored by how picturesque the backyard and garden were with evergreens in the backdrop. The first time Stacie brought her to Portland, she fell in love with the landscape, so it was fitting for their wedding to be inspired by the whimsical forest and trees of the Pacific Northwest. Twinkling white lights glowed throughout the trees and streaming lights flowed around the perimeter. Vines, branches, and wildflowers were bundled with moss and leaves around trees and poles, while white silk was draped and connected above the aisles. The sun was setting in the background, making the lights give off a golden glow. It was a mix of rustic charm and refined elegance. The rows of wooden chairs were full of guests chatting as they waited for the ceremony to begin and Aubrey took in a shaky breath. She was surprised when her father wrapped a comforting arm around her.

"Take a deep breath and relax, Aubrey. This is your day. Everyone is here to see you because they love and support you and Stacie. You have nothing to be nervous about," he assured and she nodded.

"You're right. I am about to marry the love of my life. Life is pretty good right now," she agreed and he offered his arm to her. She linked arms with him as he led her out of the bedroom.

"You look stunning, by the way. I never said it enough when you were younger, but you look just like your mother, so much like her," he said and she was surprised by the emotion in his voice. She swallowed thickly to keep her composure as he kissed her temple. He led her down the stairs and she smiled at the way Camron was grinning at her.

"Wow, boss, you look phenomenal. Stacie is a lucky woman," complimented Camron.

"Thank you, is everyone ready, is Stacie ready," asked Aubrey and Camron nodded.

"Ready when you are," said Camron. Aubrey glanced up at her father and he gave her a brave smile. She looked him over in his blue mess dress uniform that he only wore on special, formal occasions.

"You look great, dad. I am really happy you are here to walk me down the aisle." He nodded.

"Me too," he agreed as they took their positions by the back door leading down the stairs and toward the garden. She smiled at all of the Bellas in their bridesmaid dresses of all different designs, but the same deep red. They all whistled and catcalled when they saw her in her A-Line elegant, floor length dress with delicate white lace and beading. She shushed them and tried not to blush at the attention.

"You look beautiful, Aubrey," said Flo and she blushed even more as the rest of the Bellas showered her with praise. She took in a deep breath.

"Thank you, now let's get this show on the road so I can finally see my beautiful bride," said Aubrey and Camron cued the string quartet to begin. One by one, the Bellas filed out into the backyard with their bouquets. Beca and Chloe were the last to go and Beca whispered into Aubrey's ear as she handed her a slip of paper.

"She can't wait to see you," said Beca with a wink before heading down the stairs. Aubrey opened the piece of paper and couldn't help but giggle at the note scrolled in Stacie's handwriting.

Because you're amazing just the way you are.

She shook her head in amusement as tears of happiness filled her eyes and her father looked at her curiously.

"It's an inside joke that started in college," she said as she neatly folded the note and tucked it into her bodice before tightening her hold on her father's arm. The music shifted and the guests stood up as Aubrey and her father walked down the aisle. She was suddenly very glad she requested to be the first to walk down the aisle. She was barely keeping it together as it was and couldn't imagine if she had to wait any longer. She sighed in relief when she stood in front of Beca's father at the altar, which was laced with white flowers and silk. Her father kissed her cheek and gave her a smile of encouragement before taking his seat. Aubrey handed her bouquet to Chloe as the music changed again and all the guests looked back toward the beginning of the aisle. Her heart was racing and body was buzzing with anticipation. The moment she'd been waiting for was there and she wasn't sure if her body could handle it, but the moment she saw Stacie, all her nerves and anxiety melted away.

Stacie was in a gown made of intricate lace and sheer mesh over the neckline. It was specially designed to flow over every curve of her body and Chloe had to nudge Aubrey to remind her to breathe. She let out a shaky breath and couldn't help but to smile as Stacie grinned from ear to ear. Their eyes locked and everything else faded away as they took in their first sights of one another. The moment Stacie reached her, she tenderly kissed Aubrey. Their guests giggled and Stacie smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry, I couldn't help it. You are so beautiful, Bree," whispered Stacie and Aubrey cupped her cheek.

"I am so lucky to have you," whispered Aubrey and Stacie wiped a stray tear from Aubrey's cheek. Stacie's father smiled proudly at them.

"I know you two are going to have a life of happiness together," he said before kissing their cheeks and sitting down beside his wife. Aubrey laced her fingers with Stacie's as they faced Beca's father and he began the ceremony.

"Please be seated and thank you for coming. Today, we celebrate the union of Aubrey Elizabeth Posen and Anastacia Marie Conrad. I have known Aubrey and Stacie for seven years and have watched them grow as individuals and as a couple. I watched them go from young adults in college trying to figure out who they wanted to be in life to successful women determined to make the most of their opportunities together, so when they asked me to officiate their ceremony, I was honored. Aubrey and Stacie wrote their own vows to share with one another. Aubrey," said Ben and she took in a deep breath. Stacie smiled adoringly at her and gave her hand a squeeze, sensing her nervousness.

"I have recited these vows in my head for months. They were the easiest words I have ever written because they are about you and you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I never expected you, Stace. Saying that you were a surprise is an understatement. There aren't enough words to explain how important you are to me. The only thing you have ever asked of me is to be myself and the truth is that was hard for me because I never thought I deserved you. I thought you would see the real me and run, but you never did. You are the most beautiful, intelligent, and without a doubt most amazing woman I have ever met and somehow you chose me. I promise to spend the rest of my life making you happy because every day I am with you is the happiest day of my life. I love you, Stacie," she said as she wiped a tear from Stacie's cheek.

"I love you too," whispered Stacie and Ben smiled at them.

"Stacie," he said and Stacie cleared her throat.

"I knew the moment I saw you. I know that sounds cheesy and unrealistic, but I did and at first it scared me. I knew the moment I saw you that you would be special to me. I have spent my whole life thinking logically, thinking about science and facts and evidence-based research and yet all that went out the window the moment I saw you. I didn't know how or what or when, I just knew that you and I belonged together. And yes, it took time and there were times when I was afraid that it couldn't work. We were in different stages of our lives and sometimes it scared me how much I loved you. I never thought I could love someone as much as I love you, Bree. You are everything I have ever wanted and even things I didn't know I needed. I am so happy I get to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you." Aubrey hugged her and Stacie kissed her cheek as they both giggled and wiped tears from each other's cheeks.

"Do we have the rings," asked Ben and Beca and Chloe smiled as they handed the rings to Stacie and Aubrey.

"Do you, Aubrey Elizabeth Posen, take Anastacia Maria Conrad as your lawfully wedded wife?" Aubrey slipped the ring on Stacie's finger and gazed lovingly into her eyes.

"I do," she said with a smile.

"Do you, Anastacia Marie Conrad, take Aubrey Elizabeth Posen as your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do," she said as she slipped the ring on Aubrey's finger.

"Aubrey and Stacie, you have shared with us your words of love, your vows and promises to one another, and have exchanged the rings that bind you to one another forever. It is my honor and great pleasure to now pronounce you wife and wife. You may now kiss your bride," announced Ben and everyone cheered and applauded as Stacie pulled Aubrey into her arms for a tender kiss. Aubrey deepened the kiss before turning to face their guests and they beamed with happiness as they walked down the aisle together.

The reception was the lively party Stacie and Aubrey wanted it to be. It was a beautiful, clear night for the wedding reception and everyone was in a celebratory mood. The reception was held outside on the east side of the main house where tents were set up and decorated with streaming lights and flowers. Aubrey and Stacie were sitting closely together, stealing quick kisses, and whispering to one another. Chloe nudged Beca and she took in a deep breath as she stood up. She clinked her glass with her spoon to get the attention of all the guests and Camron handed her a microphone as she gave an awkward wave at everyone.

"Hi, um, I am Beca, Stacie's maid of honor and best friend. I have known Stacie and Aubrey for almost eight years and they are two of the most important people in my life. As a couple that has been attached at the hip for so long, it seems fitting that they both approached me about a wedding song weeks after they decided to get married. They don't know this, but while they were each giving me ideas for a song, I was secretly using their suggestions to write a song for both of them. Stacie, Aubrey, this song is inspired by the words you have said about one another to me and what I have seen and learned from you as a couple over the years. I hope you like it," said Beca and everyone clapped as she headed for the stage. She sat down at the piano and Aubrey kissed Stacie's hands.

"You asked her to write something too," she asked and Stacie nodded.

"Yea, it just made sense. Beca is amazing at showing how people feel through music and I wanted you to know how I feel about you."

"That's why I asked her too," giggled Aubrey before sweetly kissing her. Beca began playing the piano and Stacie and Aubrey smiled at the soft, melodic way she tickled the keys. The words brought tears to their eyes as they held each other close.

"I've waited a hundred years, but I'd wait a million more for you. Nothing prepared me for what the privilege of being yours would do. If I had only felt the warmth within your touch. If I had only seen how you smile when you blush. Or how you curl your lip when you concentrate enough, well I would have known what I was waiting for all along. What I've been waiting for. Your love is my turning page where only the sweetest words remain. Every kiss is a cursive line. Every touch is a redefining phrase. I surrender who I've been for who you are. Nothing makes me stronger than your fragile heart. If I had only felt how it feels to be yours, well I would have known what I've been waiting for all along," she sang and Stacie nuzzled Aubrey's neck as they embraced. The moment the song finished, they walked over to hug Beca and thank her. It was the perfect way to express what they meant to each other and they felt lucky to have such a talented friend to do just that.

AN: This chapter was inspired by Sleep at Last's "Turning Page."