"Tonight?" Christina asks, dazed. I can hear how overwhelmed she is right now. Just this afternoon she was thinking he was cheating on her and now he's wanting to get married … tonight, no more waiting. He gets up off his knee and pulls her close to him. All eyes in the cafeteria are on them wondering what Christina is going to say. To tell the truth, I'm wondering that myself.
"You've been so stressed lately," he says taking Liam out of her arms so she can sit down. He kneels down in front of her again. "I want to take some of that stress away. It seems like every time we talk wedding details, it dissolves into a fight. The wedding isn't what's important, Christina. What's important is the marriage, and I can't wait for you to be Mrs. William Drake. Please say yes. I've been working hard on this for a while now. Be my wife." She stares at him dumbfounded for a moment before she starts slowly nodding her consent. She throws her arms around his neck, mindful of the sleeping infant in his arms, and kisses him passionately. The cafeteria erupts in typical Dauntless celebration. Our table gives a rousing round of applause to the happy couple.
"Yes, I'll marry you tonight," she says, emotion thick in her voice. "But how? Where? What about my mom and sister and … your mom and sister."
"I've planned every detail. Everyone we love will be there," he says then he looks up at all of us. "I hope none of you have plans set in stone because we want all of you to be there. Four, Tris, we need our best man and matron of honor, and if you wouldn't mind we could also use a ring bearer and flower girl."
"We'd be delighted," I say. "What should we wear?"
"I have everything you'll need," he says. "If you guys will come with me, we'll get everything underway. For the rest of you, I will send the directions for the wedding and reception. Don't eat. There will be a meal and of course cake."
"I can't believe we're doing this," Christina says, obviously in shock. "I thought you didn't want me anymore. I thought you were …"
"Sshh," Will says, sadness replacing his previous jubilant tone. "I figured you thought I was seeing someone else. That would never happen. I love you too much. Alicia has been helping me with all the details. I couldn't have done it without her. As a matter of fact, because of her, I haven't seen your wedding dress yet. I told her what I envisioned, and she did the rest."
"You didn't cheat?" she says so low that I'm sure the rest of the table doesn't hear.
"No, baby," he says, emphatically. "I would never disrespect you in that way. I love you and our son too much. You and Liam are everything to me. Why would I want to throw that away?"
"I'm so sorry for thinking the worst of you. I believe you, and I should have talked to you instead of stewing for so long," she says. "Let's go! I want to get married. Tris, can you believe this?" She wraps her arms around my neck in a hug, nearly cutting my airway off.
"Of course, I can," I say. "I told you everything would work out. Now let's go get you married." I put Tessa in her carrier and Tobias picks her up. I wipe the excess cheese off of Tyler's face then take his hand, and we walk with Will, Christina, and Liam to the garage.
"Here's the directions on how to get there in case we get separated," Will says typing furiously on his phone just before Tobias' sounds, telling us he has a message. We put the kids in the car and closely follow behind Will and Christina to the family park in the center of the city but instead of turning into the familiar entrance that leads to Tyler's favorite playground, we drive around to the other end of the park. It's a good thing that he's asleep or I'm sure he'd be begging for us to take him to the play area so he can slide. Luckily he wore himself out in the pool today.
We park in a large gravel parking lot next to Will and Christina adjacent to a rustic-looking dark wood log cabin with a large pavilion built off the right side, which is obviously set up for a wedding reception. Tobias and I get the kids out of the car and meet Will and Christina in front of theirs. She's beaming from ear to ear and bouncing up and down like a certain 2-year-old I know.
"I came across this place when I was researching wedding venues for you, Tris," she says unable to hide her giddiness.
"I remembered you talking about the Amity farm and this place," Will says. "I knew we didn't have enough time to go all the way to Amity so I chose to have the wedding here." He waves at our surroundings. "After the ceremony, we'll have the reception up front here in the pavilion. Tastes of Italy is carting the meal, and they also made the wedding cake. Out behind the main cabin are two smaller ones we can use to get ready. Four and I will use the one closest to the gazebo. We'll have the ceremony there."
"Wait until you two see the gazebo," she excitedly says. "It's located at the end of a long winding pea gravel path in a grove of ancient oak trees. It's the perfect place to get married. Thank you for doing this, Will." She throws her arms around his neck and kisses him fiercely. I turn away from them, embarrassed, and look up at Tobias and Tyler who has his eyes covered. They break away from each other, flushed, and laugh at Tyler.
"I have dresses, shoes, and accessories for you, Tris, and Tessa and suits and shoes for our little man, Four, and Tyler," Will says mainly to Christina but looking at all of us from time to time. "Everything is in the cabins already. Like I said, Alicia helped with all the details. She packed everything she thought you would need. I will stay out front and greet our guests. As soon as your mom gets here, I'll send her back to you. Tris, will you come find me when she's ready, and we'll get this show on the road?"
"Of course," I say.
"It will take us a little while to get ready," Christina says.
"Take your time," he says. "I don't want you to feel rushed. I didn't tell the others to be here until 7:30. I've always wanted a late evening wedding."
"Thank you, Will," she says. "You don't know how much this means to me."
"Hey, no tears," he says. "This is supposed to be one of the happiest days of our lives. So no more tears, baby. I love you."
"I love you, too," she says. I give Tobias a tender kiss and kiss Tyler's cheek and tell them both I love them while Will and Christina share another passionate kiss.
"Come on, Christina," I say. "You're never going to get married if you don't let go of him."
"I remember a certain someone sneaking off the night before her wedding to be with her fiancé," she says begrudgingly. Her arms still wrapped around Will.
"And I remember a certain someone giving me the silent treatment most of the next day," I sigh. "Christina Louise! I have a little lady who is wanting to be fed. We need to go."
"Alright," she says, finally acquiescing. "Liam will need fed soon also, Will."
"I have a few bottles with me. Don't worry, I'll take care of our son. You go get ready," he says, picking up Liam's carrier. "Say bye to Mommy." Christina kisses her boys one final time then we walk behind the large cabin and down the path about 10 feet to a smaller cabin nestled in between two large trees. When we step inside I'm surprised with how spacious it actually is on the inside. It looks tiny from the outside. There are three various-sized garment bags hanging on a hook on the wall next to a vanity full of styling products and several boxes on a small table against the far wall.
"I wasn't lying about this one needing her supper," I say after sitting down in the chair in the corner. I put her to my breast and she suckles ravenously. "My poor girl. I made you wait too long. Mommy's sorry."
"Look at this?" Christina says holding up a sleeveless black taffeta dress with multi-sized grey polka dots embroidered on a bridal quality organza overlay and a matching gray taffeta sash that ties into a bow in the back for Tessa. My little one's going to look like a princess in that lavish dress.
"Oh, it's so cute," I say. "Do you think that is the color scheme?"
"More than likely it's black, off white, and silver or grey," she says. "In case you haven't figured it out, I've talked about what I wanted my wedding to be like since the minute he asked. I thought he wasn't listening. I feel like such a fool." She flops down in the vanity chair and buries her face in her hands.
"Don't beat yourself up," I say. "You're getting married tonight." She rubs her eyes then looks at me.
"How did I get so lucky to have such a great friend like you?"
"I'm the lucky one," I say. "I never had a real friend before you. I'm happy to be sharing this day with you."
"Me too," she says. "I'm going to do my hair and makeup, and then I'll look at my dress." I relax in the chair, continuing to nurse Tessa, watching Christina perfect her makeup. She chatters excitedly about how wonderful Will is, and I smile and agree when appropriate. It's amazing what the difference a few hours can make. When Tessa finishes, I sit her in her carrier that Tobias dropped off.
"What can I help you with?" I ask as she's struggling to run a tiny curling iron through the back of her hair.
"You can help me with this," she says handing me the implement. When she sees me hesitate she says, "You can do this. Just follow my natural curls. It'll be fine."
"Okay," I say. I'm glad she has confidence in me. I sense her eyes on me, and I look up and meet her reflection in the mirror. "What?"
"I'm having sex tonight," she states matter-of-factly, yet excitedly.
"O … kay," I slowly say.
"We haven't…" she says drifting off.
"You still haven't?" I murmur, knowing what she means. It's been over five weeks since Liam was born.
"Isobel gave us the go ahead earlier this week but I haven't exactly been in the mood," she says with melancholy in her voice but she quickly shakes it off. "But I sure as hell am now. I might have to take him into the woods after the ceremony."
"I felt that way on my wedding day," I say. "I think all brides do." A knock on the door interrupts our conversation and Christina's mom, Stephanie, sticks her head into the room. I take the curling iron out of her hair, and she immediately gets up and moves into her mother's outstretched arms.
"Hi, Mom," she says. "I'm so glad you're here."
"Of course, I'm here," she says. "Where else would I be. Hello, Tris."
"Hello, Mrs. Misner," I say.
"Please call me Stephanie, dear," she says. "Is this your little one? She's absolutely adorable. Can I hold her?"
"Of course," I say. She bends down and picks up Tessa as I go back to fixing Christina's hair.
"She's precious," she says.
"Thank you. I'm done, Christina," I say. She picks up a handheld mirror and turns around and admires all her curls in the vanity mirror.
"I was serious about you doing this for a living if you ever get tired of being a leader," she says with a bright smile. "I'm going to spray my hair. Will you take Tessa outside for a while, Mom?"
"Go ahead," I say when she looks my way for permission. She steps outside with my daughter, and I immediately wish I would have went with them. Christina's quick but thorough in spraying her hair, creating a thick fog in the enclosed space.
"Sit, I'm going to do your hair," she says. "Something simple." She eyes my hair for a minute then proceeds to give me soft waves all over my head. Then I swear she uses the other half of the can of hairspray on me.
"Shall we check out the dresses?" I ask, beginning to get just as excited as Christina. She unzips the next bag to reveal a short-sleeved, shimmering dark gray metallic, knee length dress. It has a double ruffle at the bottom, a wrap bodice design, and a gathered princess waistline that will let the fabric skim over my protruding abdomen.
"Wow," we say at the same time and then start giggling. I slip out of my tank top, yoga pants, and tennis shoes, thankful that I wore light gray lingerie this morning and into the luxurious dress.
"Well?" I ask.
"I love it!" she says. "I swear I would have picked the same kind of dress for you. Will and Alicia did a wonderful job with everything." She starts rifling through the boxes on the table and picks up a pair of shoes. "I'm sure these are yours." She holds up a pair of 3-inch metallic gray slingback strappy sandals with buckle closures, which match my dress perfectly. I slip into them and admire myself in the full-length mirror behind the door. I look good if I don't say so myself.
"Shall we look at your dress now?" I ask and she excitedly bobs her head up and down. She reaches for the zipper with trembling fingers and can't seem to grasp it. "Here let me." I unzip the garment bag and gasp. Wow! It's a beautiful black, strapless, floor-length, lace-covered silk mermaid gown with a sweetheart neckline and a silk sash with a lace rose sitting off center. "Don't cry! You're going to ruin your makeup." She wipes away the tears and smiles.
"I guess that's why there's new strapless lingerie in this sack." She quickly strips out of her casual clothes and undergarments then changes into the very sexy lingerie.
"I think someone else has sex on the brain for tonight," I say and she smirks at me. I shrug my shoulders but blush anyway, embarrassed. "Let's get you into this dress." I help her into her dress the same way she helped me on my wedding day. It takes a full minute to button her into the spectacular gown. She smoothes the fabric down over her stomach and hips, staring at herself in the mirror. She looks beyond beautiful. She looks picturesque. I see what I assume are her shoes sticking out of a box and pick them up and sit them in front of her. I hold my hand out, and she tightly grasps it as she steps into the elegant 2-inch open-toe black satin heels with an open instep unlike I've ever seen before and a diamond rosette detail on the center. Will really has done a wonderful job.
"We better get Tessa ready," she says. "I'll go through the remaining boxes and see what else we have here."
"Okay," I say. "Do you want me to send anyone in?"
"Mom and Rose," she says. "Thank you so much, Tris."
"You're welcome." I step out of the cabin and go in search of Stephanie and Tessa. I head toward the sound of voices and find several guests milling around. "Hi, Stephanie. Christina would like to see you and Rose. Where's Tessa?"
"I have her, love," Tobias says from behind me. I turn around, and the sight of him in a crisp black suit that matches Will's take my breath away. "Wow, Tris." The look on his face makes me blush. "God, you are beautiful. I love the dress."
"Thank you," I say. "Come to Mommy." I take Tessa out of his arms and give her a kiss. "Where's Tyler?"
"He's with Uriah looking at the cake," Tobias says with a chuckle. "I told them both there would be no sampling before the wedding."
"Tris," Will says, gaining my attention. "Will you do something for me? The dress looks good. It's very becoming."
"Thanks," I say. "See you soon, baby." I lean up and give him a soft chaste kiss. "What can I do for you, Will?"
"Will you give this to Christina for me?" he says, handing me an oblong box wrapped in silver foil with a black paisley print. "I'd give it to her myself but I don't want to see her in her gown before the ceremony. How is she doing?"
"We're almost ready," I say. "We have to dress this little one then you'll see your bride. She's quite stunning. Everything you've done for her today is so romantic. You're a great guy, Will."
"She's been so distant lately," he says with a sigh. "I know what she thought, and I should have reassured her but I wanted all of this to be a surprise."
"I know and it was quite a surprise. I better get back to her."
"Thanks, Tris," he says.
"I'll come find you when we're all ready," I say then turn and walk back to the cabin. I knock and Stephanie sticks her head out the door.
"Why are you knocking? Come in."
"I didn't want to interrupt," I say as I step into the now crowded room.
"You're not interrupting," Christina says.
"I'm going to go see if my gorgeous grandson is awake," Stephanie says and ushers Rose out of the room. Christina is sitting at the vanity touching up her makeup, and I notice that she's put four small ivory roses in her hair, pulling the curls on the left side of her head off her face. It's elegant in an understated way.
"Will asked me to give this to you," I say as I hand her the present. "I'm going to get Tessa ready." I want to give her time with what I assume is a wedding gift from her soon-to-be husband and turn my attention to Tessa. I take her out of her little romper, change her into a dry diaper, and dress her in the pretty dress then put on the shiny metallic dark gray headband with a black taffeta rose on it and black patent leather Mary Jane shoes with a crystal design on the top. I definitely need a picture of her in this outfit. As a matter of fact, I'm going to need a family picture.
"Can you help me with this?" she asks, interrupting my reverie. I turn to her, and she's holding up a beautiful pearl and diamond necklace. I sit Tessa in her carrier and take the delicate piece of jewelry from her and fasten it around her neck. She runs her fingertips over the three strands of pearls that converge on the left side of her chest in a simple diamond floral design. Wow, Will's gone above and beyond tonight. "See what else he gave me?" She holds out her right wrist and on it is a matching five-strand pearl and diamond rosette cuff bracelet. "It's the first jewelry he's ever given me, except for my engagement ring. I'm kind of excited to see what our wedding bands will look like. Hell, I'm excited about everything." She picks up our matching bouquets, which largely consist of soft ivory roses. In between those are smaller black roses with silver beading and crystal accents. "He's thought of everything. He even gave me a note as to what to say when we exchange rings. I can't believe we're doing this tonight and that I didn't have to lift a finger."
"That's how I felt thanks to you," I say. "Will's just returning the favor." She gets up and hugs me tightly. "You're not crying are you?"
"No," she says, releasing me. Her eyes are wide and awed, and she has an overwhelmed smile on her face. "I'm too happy and excited right now for tears."
"I need to touch up my makeup then I'll go talk to Will." I sit at the vanity and quickly put on some new dark grey eyeliner, mascara, and light pink blush and lip stain that complements what I'm wearing. "Okay. Let's get this show on the road." I pick up Tessa who is wide awake and smiling at nothing and carry her outside. I find Will, Tobias, Tyler, and a man I've never seen before standing behind the cabin.
"Judge Baxter, this is my wife and daughter, Tris and Tessa," Tobias says, introducing me to the stranger. I'm surprised he's a Jude already, he's so young.
"Hi," I say. "It's nice to meet you."
"Hello," he says.
"Is she ready?" Will asks expectantly.
"Yes, she is," I say then I look toward the judge. "What do I need to tell her to do?"
"The groom, best man, and ring bearer will wait at the end of the path at the gazebo," he says. I look down at Tyler, and he smiles up at me. He looks so handsome and grown up in a pair of black dress pants and matching vest, a light grey shirt, and a black, light gray, and silver diagonally striped tie. "When the music starts, you will walk first with the flower girl in your arms, and the bride will follow after completion of the first chorus. Will tells me she's familiar with the song so she shouldn't have a problem with it but he's not telling her what it is. He wants her to be surprised."
"Here are the rings," Will says handing Tobias a wedding band with close to 20 small diamonds on it, which he puts in his vest pocket. He then hands me a plain platinum wedding band, and I slide it on my thumb and clutch my hand tightly shut to make sure I don't lose it. "Do you have your bouquets?"
"Yes, they're in the cabin," I say. "Maybe you guys should head on up and I'll get Christina."
"Okay," Will says, leaning in and giving me a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks for being such a good friend not only to Christina but to me."
"You're welcome, Will. Congratulations," I say then I turn toward my guys. "Give me a kiss." I lean down and give Tyler a quick peck then give Tobias a soft, loving kiss. "I love you both." When I walk back into the cabin, Christina is sitting at the vanity with her eyes closed taking deep calming breaths. I place my free hand on her shoulder, and she looks up at me. "Are you ready?" She nods. "Will is playing a song for you to walk down the aisle to but it's a surprise, and he wouldn't tell me what it was. I have to walk when it starts and you are to start walking just as the first chorus ends. He's confident you'll know when that is. Don't forget your bouquet. Let's get you married!"