Chapter 27

Jon had to leave Thursday night, catching the red eye to the east coast around 11 pm. Those red eye flights were a setback but he loved Vegas and the climate too much, so we would have to deal with this.

Jon and I had gotten a credit care for me today. He had put 50.000 USD on the account and when I started to protest he had made it 100.000 USD and had told me the longer I would argue the more money he would put into the account. He put the card in both our names, because we would need the documentation for the USCIS to prove that we married because we loved each other and not because to get me a green card.

So I stayed behind to furnish our place and to start looking for a place where I wanted to marry. He left that solely to me, big or small, drive through chapel; he didn't care as long as we were married in the end.

I picked the only possible date, May 10th. The guys had a break that weekend which would allow Joe and Colby to attend the wedding. It was awfully short notice though but I found a place where the guests could stay the night and it had a nice terrace and a little ballroom located a bit outside of town.

One night Jon and I talked about the guest list. It was a small list with only good friends, a circle where we would both feel comfortable.

"Jon, I hate to bring this up, but what about your mother?" He looked at me. "What about her?"

"Don't play dumb on me. Maybe you should invite her to the wedding. She is your mother after all."

Jon pushed a hand through his hair and sighed. "She is the woman who gave birth to me. Nothing more, nothing less. I don't want to have her with me on the best day of my life, because she would surely find a way to ruin that day. I appreciate the thought, Sam, but I will not invite her. I will not let her know about the wedding and that is the end of it."

"Okay, but I had to ask, you know." I mumbled and he cupped my chin in his big hand. "I know, and I love you for it. However, that day is special to me. I want it to be just really good friends; and my lovely wife! That's all I need." He kissed me and I was glad we had at least talked about it.

Leighla came over for a weekend to buy a wedding dress with me.

She had heard about a little shop in town which was kinda famous. The owner was a gypsy and she was known to pick the perfect dress for every bride.

I was nervous but Leighla was exited. I secretly asked myself why Colby hadn't popped the question by now, because they were together for 6 years.

We entered the shop and it was empty. A middle aged, dark haired woman came up to us. She looked between Leighla and me and smiled finally, grabbing my hand. "Hello, I am Elena. How can I help you today?"

Okay, she was good. Leighla was the one smiling and I was the one with the doubtful expression which made me look not like a bride.

"I am going to marry in like 4 weeks. I am looking for a dress. Nothing fancy. A simple one."

Elena nodded and walked away, motioning us to follow her.

"What are your names?" she asked, browsing through her dresses.

"My name is Samantha, that's Leighla my maid of honor."

"Well, Samantha, try on this one."

She pulled out a white dress, simple yet elegant. Wow. I was in love...with a stupid dress for that matter!

I tried it on and it fit me well. Wow. I almost started to cry.

Leighla was overwhelmed as well and had to brush away a tear. "You look gorgeous Sam."

"Thanks." I said looking at myself in the mirror.

"Why don't you look at the bridesmaid dresses I have over there while I customize the dress a little. It is almost perfect but it needs some finishing touches."

Leighla walked off and Elena looked at me.

"It's a big step for you Samantha. This marriage. You left a lot behind." I glanced at her skeptical.

"Oh, they haven't told you about my other gift? I sometimes see the future." "Really?" I asked, still skeptical.

"Really!" She smiled. "Give me your hand."

I was reluctant but finally I placed my hand in hers and it was like an instant connection.

"Marriage is a big step for every bride. They all have doubts. You already made a big sacrifice for your fiancé but sometimes you have to swim through unknown waters to find something better. You have to have faith to make that journey. I can tell you that your man loves you. He is faithful to you because he never had the kind of loyalty you show to him every day. I see no kids in the future..." She looked at me but not to check my reaction but to smile at me gently. "Don't be afraid. Kids are not for everyone, not for every couple. That doesn't mean your marriage will be less fulfilling. You will face some bumps along the way. There will be a time when your man has to face some old demons, and that's when he will need you by his side more than ever. You will overcome that time if you stay strong and if you have faith in him. He will repay that favor when you need him someday. That's all I see for now. The future is too unsure. Choices to make, roads to take. That counts for every couple. But your marriage will be a good one, if you stay strong. You will spend a lot of time together. Which is good for him, he needs that. And you do, too. You like to be alone, but you like to be with him more."

I didn't say anything for a long while; Elena kept quiet while pinching the dress with needles.

"You are right about a lot of the stuff you said. And you see that about us, yes?" "I see a future, it's no exact science. I see possibilities."

"What are those demons you talked about? When will it happen? What will happen?"

"Sam, it is not for me to tell. I can just push you gently in the right way. Your dress is done. It fits you perfectly now. Take a look."

I looked in the mirror and she was right. The dress hugged every curve, it was simple yet elegant and it was just perfect.

"Leighla, come look!" I called out and when Leighla reached us she started to cry. "Wow, Sam, this is, wow." She took a shaky picture and excused herself.

"One could think it is her marriage." I pointed out and Elena smiled. "She is not there yet, but one day she will be." Elena promised and we wrapped the thing up. She assured me that the dress would be ready two weeks before the weddings.