The wedding is coming VERY SOON folks! Now it's time for the bachelor/bachelorette parties...

Zed.

We touched down in New York and I smiled. I should have known. They hadn't needed to blindfold me onto the flight, but they had insisted. And first class too? Wonderful. I sat with all but one brother, plus my dad, Rob and Simon. Yves was missing. I should have known.

'Lads on tour!' Xav whooped, putting on a fake British accent.

'Never do that again.' I frowned.

'Party pooper.'

We all piled into the familiar yellow cabs and headed into the city. I wouldn't admit it to my brothers, but I loved the view of New York from Long Island, just as you headed over the bridge towards Manhattan. The Empire State building and the Chrysler building seemed to glow in the afternoon light. The city of gold. Or was it dreams? I couldn't remember. Either way, I was going to miss Sky. I knew she was busy writing songs and recording covers for her 'cover a week' Youtube thing she had started. She had loads of followers already, even though it was just over a week since she had been on that talkshow.

We checked into a hotel I'd not heard of before, in the Korea part of Manhattan. But it was one block from the Empire State so I couldn't complain. The rooms were pretty large, considering it was New York and each room contained two very comfy queen-sized beds. I ended up sharing with Xav, which may have been drawing the short straw. On the bright side though, it was closer to the rooftop bar. After 'unpacking'/throwing our clothes into the closest, we met downstairs in the lobby.

'Hey groomie!' Yves bellowed, walking into the reception area.

I cringed. 'Thanks for that.'

'I brought t-shirts!' He called in a sing-song voice.

'You're all so lame.' I shook my head in disbelief. Like I was going to wear a t-shirt. Were they serious?

'Lame?' Will mocked being offended.

'We have to be lame, it's your bachelor party.' Trace smirked.

'And as the groom, you'll get loads of abuse.' Victor added.

'And as our brother you'll get the usual amount.' Uriel continued.

I sighed as I looked at the idiots, my dad, Rob and my soon to be father-in-law in front of me. This was going to be an interesting weekend away.

That Friday night, we grabbed dinner and then had some beers on the rooftop bar, overlooking the Empire State Building which towered above us. It was a simple night and we ended up going to bed at a reasonable time. I wanted to complain about the earliness of it all, but then I realised it could have been worse; we could have gone out in matching t-shirts.

'Are you telling me we are going to see the New York Yankees this afternoon?!'

'Yes.' My dad replied over breakfast.

'Now that is pretty cool.' I said, impressed and feeling slightly better about the situation. I'd even spoken to Sky whilst waiting for Xavier to get the hell out of the shower; that had definitely lifted my spirits. A little.

My dad picked up his bag and threw me across a plastic bag. I opened it up and found myself looking at a Yankees official t-shirt. 'Thanks dad.' I smiled.

'Baseball is for wimps.' Xav shook his head and my dad frowned at him.

'Just because you'd rather go swimming in your speedos.' I replied with a wink.

'And this is why I don't come home too often.' Will sighed, tucking into his pancakes.

'So what time's the game?'

'Three.' Uriel replied. 'It's an early one, but gives us time to grab food before we head out later.'

'Later? Where are we going later?'

'Never you mind.'

I frowned in frustration. 'You know how I am about surprises.'

'I know the feeling.' Simon said, trying to reassure me.

The next day, I woke up trying to piece together what had happened on that Saturday. I remembered getting into a hummer with my dad, Simon, brothers and Ed Sheeran. But the rest seemed a huge blur.

xx-xx-xx

Ed.

'Mate!' Zed called out, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. The Yankees had just won and Zed and Xav had drank far too much for a Saturday afternoon. 'Did I ever tell you how much I love her?'

'Sky?' It was a silly question really.

'Yeah man.' He grinned like a child who had just been given a lolly. 'I really do love her and she's my soulfiner, ya know? I hope you find that special girl. She'll be kind and pretty and funny.'

I already had found her. And she was about to marry the huge guy with his arm around my shoulder. But she was his soulfinder. 'Yeah, I'm sure she will Zed.' I replied, keeping a poker face. 'Man, you are heavy.'

'I appreciate everything you've done for her, you know? It's about time she stopped being afraid of things. Everyone deserves to see how talented she is.' He slurred, patting me on the back a little too hard.

'Yeah, yeah they do.'

'And she couldn't have done that without you. I'm so grateful. We're so grateful. You're a decent guy, Ed Sheeran.'

And he was a decent guy too. Which is why I felt guilty everytime I thought about brushing a strand of hair of Sky's face or holding her tight when she was afraid. God damn it.

'Are you lovers ready to go?!' Xav called from the end of the row of bleachers.

I sighed. Looks like I had a new best friend for the evening. Oh, man.

Having dinner seemed to sober up Zed and Xav a bit, and I think Saul was relieved. He had helped me drag Zed into the hotel room and get him changed into our 'Z-man's Stag do' t-shirts. Apparently Zed hadn't wanted to wear them sober, so it was probably good he had some drink in him.

Zed finished a beer and tucked into a steak bigger than his face. I looked at my giant burger and wondered how anyone ate something bigger than their face. I loved American food, but it was huge. Why would anyone order a large? They'd have to be insane.

'So what's the plan after this?' I asked Rob, as he was sat next to me.

'We're going to some bars, maybe a club.' Rob replied, casually. He seemed to be as sober as me.

'Sweet.'

'There was one that sounded pretty awesome but you have to be on the guestlist.'

'Oh?'

'Yeah Avenue.' Yves said, joining in with our conversation. 'Pretty sweet music and Fergie is DJ-ing later.'

'You got the number?'

I phoned ahead and managed to get us all in. I decided that we might as well go somewhere decent for a night out in New York. Taylor had told me about it before, but I'd never actually been. The line was stupidy long when we arrived and I was glad to have called ahead; we were in, even with our ridiculous t-shirts on.

We walked into a chilled out bar area, with comfy seats against each side of the room, small square tables in between and then comfy, cream leather stools. On the other side of the room, there was slightly more private seating with brown couches and comfy arm chairs, the decor including mirrors, candle sticks and cages. Downstairs was crazy busy. The dancefloor was packed with people dancing under giant disco balls and nights. Onstage, girls were dancing in leotards and corsets/lingerie, and I could spot Fergie in the DJ booth.

'This is frickin' awesome!' Xav hooted, sipping at the beer we had grabbed on the way in.

I nodded in response. I was seeing more than just the colour of the disco lights.

'SHOTS!' Yves called, hurrying over to us with two shots each.

Down they went, far too quickly.

'I'm so glad you're helping Sky with the music.' Simon complimented me. The second flattering compliment of the day.

'It's no problem.' I replied. 'She's a great girl.'

'She really is.' He smiled, proudly. 'I just hope Zed doesn't screw her about again.'

'Hmm?' I swigged at the beer in my hand.

'Well you know, they've broken up a few times now. He cheated, he's gotten her into all kinds of trouble. She's happy with him, but I just want her to be safe. You know?'

'Sure.'

'Simon, I might ask Sky to go on tour with me. What do you think?'

'You need to look after her.' He frowned as he slurred.

'Of course, I'd never let anything happen to her.'

'Good. Then you're a better man than I am.'

xx-xx-xx

Zed.

After forgetting the whole of our night, I spent the morning nursing my hangover and looking at photographs to remind me. Most of them consisted of me looking like an idiot in my t-shirt. Who had let us go out like that? Simon looked like he was having great fun with dad and Ed. Rob and Xav were getting on great. There was a picture with me with a scandily clad girl. I deleted it, not wanting to upset Sky. Oh and one with me and Kim Kardashian. That was staying. Perks of knowing people who were famous I guess.

xx-xx-xx

Sky.

'You are taking me to Palm Springs?!' I gasped, staring at the airport departures board in disbelief.

It was two weeks after my big performance on live television, and we were stood at the airport ready for my four-day-long bachelorette party. We were flying out on the Friday and flying back to Vancouver Tuesday afternoon. Zed had been to New York for his bachelor party, paid for by Yves. They'd partied every night and seen the sights in the day. Poor Simon was still recovering. It had worked out well for Ed too, as he had been invited and he had been for magazine and talkshow interviews whilst he was there.

'Yes we are.' Jenni beamed beside me.

'It's going to be so nice to get away.' Sally smiled from the other side of me.

It was just the three of us flying out, with the other 'hens'/'bachelorettes' meeting us there. That was the problem with having friends and family in different continents. For us, the flight took four and a half hours. We had flown in economy, which was fine by me, and luckily no one had even recognised me without my make-up on.

As the taxi drove us to the hotel, I soaked up my surroundings. Palm Springs was beautiful. A desert city, surrounded by rocky mountains and hot springs. The grass was a lush green and the hotels were large with spas. We drove along Palm Canyon Drive and I watched as we passed boutiques and interior design shops, some vintage. The taxi passed a sign for 'Indian Wells' and we turned off into a gated entrance marked 'Monte Resort and Spa.' I admired the four golden stars next to it.

The gate opened and the driver drove up the long driveway, passing lush green palm trees and grass. He pulled up outside a large cream and stone building with terracotta roof tiles. The driver took our suitcases out of the trunk as we stood in awe. Sally quickly paid him and he drove off.

'This place looks pricey.' I commented, taking it all in.

'We got a good deal, don't worry.' Jenni explained. 'Plus we had a little help.'

She led us into the building and I looked over at Sally, who was open-mouthed. That was when I spotted the rest of my hens.

'Sky!' They chorused.

I hurried over and hugged Phee, Crystal, Diamond, Marty, Nina, Karla and... Taylor Swift!

'Thank you all so much for being here.' I smiled.

'We wouldn't miss it. Have you seen the pool for this place? It's incredible!' Nina grinned.

We checked in and sorted out who was sharing a room with who. Marty and Nina had opted to share the double room together, and then we had two rooms with two double beds. I was sharing with Jenni, Phee and Taylor. Sally was to share with Karla, Crystal and Diamond. The rooms matched the swanky hotel perfectly. The beds were huge and comfortable, with Egyptian cotton white sheets and goose feather pillows. There was a dresser, walk-in closet and a large flatscreen television. There was a small desk and an area with a couch which led out onto a juliet balcony with a view of the Santa Rosa Mountains.

'This is perfect.' I whispered, looking out at the view.

'I know, right?' Taylor said from beside me. 'I come here with my best friend Abigail sometimes. It's such a great place to relax.'

'Told you we had help.' Jenni laughed from beside me.

'Guys, why are you still stood looking out of the window? It's almost four. Let's get down to that pool and in that sunshine!' Phee called from next to the bathroom. We did as we were told.

We spent the rest of the day lounging by the pool on our sunbeds, occassionally jumping in when we got too hot. We then got changed, had dinner and headed to bed; apparently we had a busy schedule the next day.

I was first to wake up in the morning. I'd shared a bed with Taylor and she was still fast asleep in a 'running' pose. I looked over at Jenni and Phee who were both sleeping with their mouths wide open. I resisted the urge to take a photograph. I had a quick shower and slipped into my red strapless bikini, throwing on a black sundress over the top, and then I tiptoed out onto the balcony with a glass of water and my songbook. Despite only being eight, the sun was out and the sky was completely clear of clouds. I snapped a photograph on my phone and posted it on Instagram and Facebook:

Away in paradise with the girls. What an incredible view. #blessed

I laughed as the likes and comments on my Instagram started to roll in, now that I was getting around one hundred new followers a day. I looked back at the song I had started to write recently, wondering what should go next.

Before I fall, too fast

Kiss me quick but make it last

So I can see how badly this will hurt me

When you say goodbye

I drummed my pencil against my notebook and sang to myself.

'Keep it sweet, keep it slow

Let the future pass but don't let go

But tonight I could fall too soon under this beautiful moonlight.'

'New song? Sounds good.' Taylor's voice interrupted my thoughts and I turned to face her.

'Yeah.' I smiled.

'You're not supposed to have brought work away with you.' She laughed. 'Wait til I tell Ed.'

'He'll tell me off.' I pouted. 'Please don't.'

'Then quickly scribble down those new lyrics and put those things away.' She commanded, making me smile. I did what she said. 'Good. How long have you been awake?'

'Not too long.' I replied. 'Are the others awake?'

'Just about. I think we're going to head down to breakfast in a bit. Your mom knocked on the door.'

'What's the plan today?'

'You'll find out soon enough.'

And I did. After breakfast, I was ordered to get changed. Into a white, sequinned bikini.

'I've never worn a white bikini ever! Don't they go see-through?!' I cried out to my friends.

'I bought it from Macy's, it'll be fine.' Phee replied from the other side of the door.

I walked out of the bathroom, feeling exposed. My friends and family were stood there in black shorts and 'Sky's Bachelorette Party' black tank tops, which made me laugh. We were really doing this. Phee threw me a black pair of short shorts, which I gratefully slipped on, and a white t-shirt which said 'Bride to Be' on it in sequins. Very coordinated.

We took a minibus to a nearby Beach Club called Hacienda and as soon as we arrived, I knew why it had been chosen. The DJ, the beach balls flying across the pool, the hanging red lanterns. It was a beach party. Taylor and I automatically put our sunglasses on before walking through the gates. We were given 'VIP' wristbands and we were shown to our private poolside cabana. It contained two white corner sofas, a table and ten cream sunbeds just outside, each decorated with a rolled-up blue towel.

'So this has to be the poshest bachelorette party I've ever been to!' Nina beamed, taking off her vest top and shorts to reveal a red polka dot bikini. Everyone else followed suite and the I cracked up. Everyone in our 'party' was wearing red polka dot swimsuits. Marty was wearing red polka dot swimming trunks, Karla and Sally were wearing red polka dot all-in-one swimsuits and everyone else was wearing a red, polka-dot bikini.

'You guys are hilarious!'

'We thought it would be funny.' Sally smiled. 'And we knew you'd find it funny.'

I took off my shorts and vest top, revealing my obviously bridal bikini. 'Well at least it means we can't lose each other.'

'Hello, I'm Jordan and I'll be your waitor. What can I get you from the open bar?' A muscular guy with dark hair, wearing a black vest top and black shorts, said, walking over to us.

'Open bar! Yes!' Marty whooped, pumping his fist in the air.

'And someone to get us drinks from the open bar.' Nina added with a smile.

We placed our orders and lounged on the sun loungers, content and comfy in the sunshine. After we had eaten some of the Mexican buffet for lunch, the DJ changed to a new one and I felt the need to be dancing. I didn't need to ask anyone to join me. Jenni pulled me to my feet and we headed to the dancefloor, Crystal, Phee and Taylor closely behind us. I looked over at Sally, Karla and Diamond and felt guilty for a moment, but they seemed happy talking and laughing. Marty and Nina, meanwhile, had disappeared off on the pull and had been gone for quite a long time.

'When I need motivation

My one solution is my queen

Cause she stay strong

Yeah, yeah

She is always in my corner

Right there when I want her

All these other girls are tempting

But I'm empty when you're gone

And they say

Do you need me?

Do you think I'm pretty?

Do I make you feel like cheating?

And I'm like no, not really 'cause.'

We sang the chorus and danced amongst the crowd, getting lost in the music.

'Oh, I think that I've found myself a cheerleader

She is always right there when I need her

Oh, I think that I've found myself a cheerleader

She is always right there when I need her.'

'Okay games!' Phee announced, clapping her hands together after lots of dancing and cocktails. It was becoming later in the afternoon, but people were still dancing away. Some had paired off, although Nina and Marty had come back disappointed and empty-handed.

'Is this going to be embarassing?' I asked as I rubbed more sun lotion onto my shoulders.

'Quite possibly.' Jenni answered on Phee's behalf.

'Thanks girls!' I replied, sarcastically.

I swung my legs around so I was sat up, making more space for my 'hens' to sit around me.

'Okay, time for a bit of truth or dare.' Phee smiled, wickedly.

'Yikes!' Diamond replied, adjusting her sunglasses on her nose. 'Sounds dangerous.'

'Oh I do love a bit of truth or dare.' Marty beamed.

I took a deep breath, not sure I would.

'We'll start with the bride to be.' Jenni said and I shot her 'daggers' in response. 'Truth or dare?'

I took the safer option... maybe. 'Truth.'

'Okay...' Phee thought for a second. 'Which part of you does Zed find the most attractive?'

'Uhm... eyes...'

She made an incorrect answer. 'He finds all of you attractive.'

Everyone let out a sickly 'awh' in unison.

'I'll do the next one.' Jenni said.

Phee turned to face her. 'Truth or dare?'

'Dare.'

'I dare you to go and hug the DJ.'

And so she did.