Thank you Hollie for your lovely reviews! A quick turnaround for the bumper wedding chapter, just for you! Enjoy!
The eighteenth of November dawned dark and windy. Not a good omen for a wedding day. Jess stretched slowly, working out her muscles. She patted Callum's side of the bed, but it was empty and cold. She sat up quickly, heart rate rising, looking around the dark bedroom. As she got out of bed, wrapping her dressing gown tightly round her body, she remembered the events of last night. She checked the clock as she left the room; it was only six in the morning.
She padded down the hall- she could hear running water. Light from the bathroom filtered through into the dark hallway. Jess stopped outside the door, listening for any movement before she gently pushed the door open. Callum was stood still in the shower, the water cascading over his tanned body. Jess covered her mouth as she saw his scars. His back was red, and although it looked so much better than it had done, it looked incredibly sore still. Jess peeled off her dressing gown, letting it pool around her feet on the floor. She opened the door to the shower, and gently touched her cool hands to his back, before wrapping her arms around him. He jumped at her touch, and turned to look at her over his shoulder, a gentle smile on his face. The warm water washed over them, and they stood for a few minutes in silence before Callum turned to Jess, pressing a kiss against her now wet hair.
"Morning beautiful." he said quietly. He turned the shower off, wrapping a towel around Jess and himself before getting out of the shower.
"Morning. How're you feeling?" Jess asked, sitting next to him on the lip of the bath, her hands in his.
"Happy, so happy." Callum said, this time with a big grin. Jess smiled back, but she knew that his smile wouldn't last with her next question.
"Are you sure we should be getting married today?" she asked softly. Callum's whole body tensed.
"What? Why shouldn't we?" Callum demanded.
"Last night...I've never seen you so scared and hurt before." Jess began, not knowing how to phrase it right, "Did you see a counsellor in hospital?"
"Of course I did. I'm fine Jess, I just have nightmares sometimes, like everyone else." Callum said, defending himself.
"I know, but I've never seen a nightmare reduce a strong man to tears before, especially you." Jess said carefully, placing her hand on his shoulder. His hand covered hers, his head bowed.
Callum paused, taking a shaky breath, "I have never cried like that before. Not when my dad died, or when my mum left. The thought of losing you, the thought that you could have died in that factory because of my stupidity is going to haunt me for a long time Jess. I deserve the nightmares." Callum said truthfully, finally meeting her worried eyes.
"Callum no, don't say that, don't even think it. You do not deserve the nightmares. You didn't set the factory on fire, Neville did. You saved me, I would be dead had you not protected me." Jess paused, her brows furrowed in concern, "I'm worried about you."
"I know you are. I promise you I will see the doctor, a counsellor, whoever I need to see if it means you won't worry anymore. I don't want you to worry. It's my job to worry." Callum said with a small smile.
"I don't want you to do it just for me, I want you to do it for you too. We're a partnership Callum, soon to be man and wife, the responsibility is not just on you to worry. Please, do it for you as well as me ok? I will do whatever you need me to to help you through. If you want me to come with you to the doctor or to therapy please, say the word and I'll be there. I owe you my life, never forget that." Jess said, trying to hold back the emotion threatening to spill.
Callum pulled Jess until she was stood between his legs, his hands gripping hers, his thumbs rubbing circles on the backs of her hands, "What I need is for you to trust me. What I need, Jessica Hunter, is for you to do me the honour of becoming my wife today. That's what I need."
Jess bent until her forehead was pressed against his, shutting her eyes. Her hands came up to rest on his cheeks, bracketing his face, "Ok. I can do that."
"I know you can. But Jess, are you ok? You've been so strong and supportive since this whole thing, but you were there too in that warehouse. You felt the heat and the fear the same as me. Why is it I'm the one having breakdowns but you're not? Not that I want you too of course, but I don't want you to be locking all these feelings up. I know you darlin'; you feel deeply." Callum said gently.
Jess paused, considering her answer, "I spoke to someone in the hospital, while you were in a coma. I've been seeing a counsellor since I was discharged, every week, just to keep on top of it. Because you're right, I do feel deeply, and seeing you in the ICU took me right back to Luke and the dark place I was in when he was poorly, and then when he died. I didn't want to be there again, and I needed to be ok so that I could fully be here for you. The counsellor put me on sleeping tablets initially; I couldn't sleep without you here. I stayed at Sally's a few times as well, and she stayed here. Don't get me wrong, I was so scared, to the point I couldn't breathe sometimes, because my mind was constantly playing the worst case scenario in my head - you dying. But, with Sally's help, and seeing the counsellor, and then you coming home to me in one piece, I've managed to stay afloat."
Callum took her in for a minute, this superwoman of his, brushing away a rogue tear that slipped over her cheek, "I had no idea. Why didn't you tell me any of that?"
"Because you needed to focus on yourself and your own healing. I knew if I told you all that you'd be so focused on me that you'd forget about your own recovery, and you know that's the truth. And I really need you whole and healthy Callum."
Callum smiled, kissing her softly, "I'm getting there darlin', thanks to you. Ok then, now we've both got all that off our chest, let's get married."
Jess laughed quietly, feeling more reassured than she had been last night, "Stand up and turn around, let me put your oil on. Then I suppose I'll head to Sally's."
Callum stood, turning so his back was facing her, "I'm ok darlin', I really am. Please don't worry, let's enjoy this day." He felt Jess gently start to rub the oil into his burns, catching her eye in the mirror and smiling. She smiled back. "Now, as I've been getting massages from you, it's only fair you get one. I've booked you into the spa across town with Sally for nine, for a full body massage. And after that you'll come back and get ready here, I'll be going to Smithy's."
Jess stood on tiptoe to press a tender kiss to his non burnt shoulder, "Thank you. I love you Callum, did you know that?"
Callum shook his head and laughed, "I had no idea. Now come on, get yourself ready to go and be pampered."
Once the couple had eaten their breakfast, Callum had gathered all his stuff and placed it in his car, ready to drive to Smithy's. Jess was sat in the living room wearing her comfiest grey tracksuit bottoms and a black vest top with a pale blue hoodie over it. She had quickly brushed her hair and tied it in a loose ponytail, not really caring how she looked right now.
Callum walked in through the front door after placing the last of his stuff in the car. A gust of cold air followed him in, raising goose bumps on Jess' arms. Callum stood in the doorframe, just looking at her for a moment. He opened his arms.
"Come here you." he said with a smile. Jess got off the sofa, walking slowly into his arms. He held her tight; she fit snugly in his arms. He brushed the top of her head with his lips, inhaling her intoxicating smell. "Now, enjoy yourself at the spa, relax. Have a good gossip with Sally. And then come back here and make yourself look even more beautiful than you already are, if that's possible of course."
"Yes sir." Jess said cheekily. "Please don't let Smithy lose the rings. You can tell him that if he does, I will personally make sure that he never sees the outside of a cell again."
"Threat noted and ready to tell Smithy. I better get going, Sally will be here in a minute." Callum murmured.
Jess shook her head against Callum's chest, "No, stay here a bit longer."
Callum laughed and gently disentangled himself from Jess, "Sorry, no can do. I'll see you at the Church in about eight hours."
"I'll be the one in the white dress." Jess said with a laugh, kissing Callum deeply.
"I'll be on the lookout then. I love you." Callum said with a wink as he left the house.
"I love you too!" she called after him, shutting the door before heading to the living room to wait for Sally.
Jess and Sally arrived at the beauty spa and booked themselves in. They were led through to a candlelit room which had two masseuse tables in the middle. Music was playing quietly and the women felt immediately relaxed. They undressed and put on the towels and got onto the tables. The tension in their bodies was kneaded out, all the stress left them, leaving them feeling tranquil and calm.
Jess had nearly fallen asleep when the technician quietly announced that the treatment was finished. Jess slowly opened her eyes and smiled when she saw that Sally too had been on the cusp of sleep. The women thanked the technicians and put their clothes back on, leaving the spa and heading for home. As they drove back to the house, Jess checked her watch. It was nearly eleven, which meant it was nearly six hours until she became Mrs Stone. Her stomach churned excitedly, and she couldn't help the smile that appeared on her face. And then another thought entered her head.
"Sal, can we make a quick detour?" Jess asked suddenly.
Sally gave her a quick look before returning her gaze to the road, "Sure, where to?"
"The cemetery." Jess answered.
Sally nodded and smiled in understanding, "Of course."
They pulled into an empty space and started the short walk across the graveyard to Dan and Luke's graves. Jess squatted down in front of Luke's grave, noting that someone had laid some fresh flowers. Sally kept a respectable distance back.
"Hey baby, mama's here. I thought I'd come see how you're doing, I feel like I haven't seen you in so long. And it has been a long time. You'd be coming up to four soon! We'd be looking at schools for you to go to, isn't that crazy!" Jess smiled at the thought of her son in a school uniform; he would have looked adorable, "I wanted to come and see you before I went home. I'm sure you already know that me and Callum are getting married today, and I hope you're ok with that. You would have liked Callum. I hope you'll be with me today in that Church, I need you there Luke. It wouldn't be the same without you. I love you baby." Jess gently touched the headstone for a few seconds before standing upright. She glanced at Dan's grave and inclined her head slightly before turning to Sally.
"You ok?" Sally asked.
Jess smiled, "Yeah, I'm ok."
"Let's go and get ready for your wedding then." Sally said excitedly, following Jess out of the cemetery.
Sally and Jess pulled up to the house just as Michelle, Jess' mum, got out of the taxi. Jess laughed.
"What's funny?" Sally asked, parking in a space right in front of the house.
"My mum. Just you wait." Jess said with a smile as she got out of the car. Michelle turned and walked towards the house, suddenly catching a glimpse of Jess.
"Jessica! My beautiful girl! Come here and give your mum a hug." Michelle squealed, hurrying to her daughter. She grasped Jess tight, pulling her into a soft hug.
"Hi mum. Good journey down?" Jess asked once she was released.
"Yes, very good actually. Andrew drove a bit fast, but other than that, barely any traffic. The hotel is lovely as well, Callum has good taste. Me and your dad walked to the Church this morning, and I must say it's very beautiful for a London Church! In fact, as I said to your father, you wouldn't have guessed that we were in the middle of London!" Michelle said quickly, talking as if there was no tomorrow.
"It is beautiful isn't it. Anyway mum, this is Sally, my best friend and maid of honour. Sally, this is my mum Michelle." Jess said, introducing the pair as she unlocked the front door. They had met briefly during Luke's funeral, but it was good to meet properly in nicer circumstances. Michelle pulled a startled Sally into a hug.
"Good to meet you Sally. Jess has told me a lot about you, how you helped her settle into the city. Thank you for being there for her." Michelle said gratefully as she walked through the front door. She took in the house room by room, nodding her head appraisingly. "This is lovely! Bigger than your old house, such beautiful features!"
"That's why we picked it! It's hard to find something like this round here. I thought you'd like it." Jess said with a smile as she flicked the kettle on.
"I'll give Beth a ring, see where she is." Sally said helpfully.
"Thanks Sal, I'll make you a coffee. Mum, do you want a tea?" Jess asked as Michelle sat at the kitchen table.
"That would be nice darling. I'm so excited! I can't believe you're getting married." Michelle said wistfully.
"It's not the first time I've been married though, is it." Jess said gently.
Michelle paused before answering, "No it isn't, but the first time didn't count because Daniel didn't love you like Callum does, and you didn't love Daniel half as much as you love Callum. You, my darling, belong with Callum Stone, and that's that."
Jess passed her mum her tea before hugging her, "Thanks mum."
"Me and your father went to see Luke today, we laid some flowers." Michelle said carefully.
"Oh that was you? I went to see him on the way back from the spa. I told him that I couldn't make it through today unless he was with me. I hope he heard." Jess said quietly.
"He would have darling. Luke wouldn't miss this for the world. Me and your father spoke to him for a little while. It's been hard, hasn't it. I bought a card for his third birthday and had written it all out ready to send before your father noticed and reminded me that Luke wouldn't be able to read it." Michelle said, her voice wobbling. Jess sat opposite her mum, grasping her mother's hands in her own.
"He would have read it mum, he knew that you were thinking of him. I bought him a birthday present, a bear. It's in the spare room, ready for him, but even though I know he will never come and get it, I don't want to get rid of it. It's been so long mum, and God I miss him. I still have this huge hole in my heart from where he should be, and he's not there." Jess said, tears dripping off her face.
Michelle started to cry as well, and the two women embraced, thinking of their lost son and grandson, trying to hold the other together. "Jess my darling, I've got something for you, from Luke."
Jess sniffed, wiping her eyes and passing her mum a tissues, "From Luke?"
Michelle nodded, reaching into her handbag and pulling out an envelope. On the front was one word, Mummy, written in Michelle's neat writing. Jess glanced at Michelle before taking the envelope. "Open it my darling."
Jess slid her finger under the flap, slowly opening it. She tipped the envelope until something fell into her hand. A locket, with a pin attached. She turned it over in her hand, immediately crying again as the cheeky smile of Luke looked up at her. "It attaches to your bouquet. So he'll be with you, walking down the aisle."
Jess didn't know what to say. She gently stroked the photo, placing the locket gently on the table before launching herself into her mum's waiting arms. Michelle stroked Jess' back, like she used to when Jess was small, just holding her through her tears. "This is the most beautiful gift I have ever received mum, thank you so much. I love you, I don't know what I'd do without you."
Michelle held Jess tight, "You don't have to thank me darling, Luke wouldn't miss his mummy getting married to the love of her life. You deserve happiness, no one deserves it more than you."
"Jess, Beth and the hairdresser are here!" Sally shouted from the living room twenty minutes later. Jess and Michelle had stopped crying, and instead had laughed over some of their lighter memories of Luke, like the time he had accidentally trapped Robert, Jess' father, in his shed.
"Ok, can you let them in please?" Jess called back.
"This is it then, let's go and make you over into a blushing bride." Michelle said with a kind smile, pulling Jess to her feet. "I'm just going to get my dress and jacket out my bag and hang it up in the spare room. I won't be a minute." Michelle kissed Jess on the cheek as she passed. Jess walked down the hall into the living room where she could hear laughter.
"The bride I presume?" Beth said with a smile as Jess walked in. Beth hugged her friend, handing Jess some flowers. "These are for you."
"Beth you shouldn't have! But thank you anyway." Jess said gratefully, placing the flowers in a vase on the fireplace. She turned to the hairdresser who was opening up all her different cases on the sofa. "Hi Liv, nice to see you again."
The hairdresser was a middle aged woman with short black hair and a bright red lipstick. She smiled widely at Jess, introducing herself to Beth and Sally, "Good morning my lovely! Right, so doing what we did at your trial yeah?"
Jess nodded, "Gently tousled hair, and then place it in a loose bun high on my head?"
"Yep, perfect. And what are you two ladies having done?" Liv asked, turning to Sally and Beth.
"Loose chignons please." Sally said with a smile.
"Oh, Beth, Sally, here. These are for you, as thanks from me for being my bridesmaids. I'm so grateful that you agreed to be with me today, and I just wanted to say that I love you two as if you were my sisters." Jess said, meaning every word she said. She handed the two women small boxes. They opened them, and identical looks of shock appeared on each of their faces.
"Wow Jess! These are beautiful!" Sally said in shock. Jess had bought them some diamond clips to secure their hair, with matching diamond earrings.
"Oh Jess, thank you!" Beth said earnestly, hugging Jess.
"Would you be able to secure their chignons with these?" Jess asked Liv.
"Oh yes, they'll look beautiful. Lovely choice!" Liv said complimentary. "Right then, could you two ladies take a seat, I'll do you first, and then the mother of the bride, and then finally, Jess, I'll do you. Have you got a make-up artist coming as well?"
"Yes, she should be here soon. I'll bring some drinks in a minute, let me just go get my mum." Jess said, smiling as Beth and Sally took seats, ready to be worked on by Liv.
"Mum?" Jess called as she got upstairs.
"In here darling." Michelle called back from the spare room. Jess walked down the hallway and entered the spare room. Michelle stood in the middle with a package in her arms.
"What's that?" Jess asked curiously.
"It's for you. My mother was given it to her by my grandmother on her wedding day, and then on my wedding day, she gave it to me. And now, my darling girl, I'm giving it to you." Michelle said with a smile.
"Mum, seriously, is this going to make me cry again?" she said suspiciously, earning a laugh from her mum, "Why didn't you give it to me when I married Dan?" Jess asked, taking the package from her mother.
Her mum's eyes twinkled, "I knew that he wasn't the right one, so I waited for the right one to come along and sweep you off your feet. And now he's here and I can give it to you. Open it up."
Jess slid her finger under the tape that held the wrapping on. She pulled the paper off gently, and finally saw what was inside. Her mouth opened in awe, "Mum it's beautiful!"
Jess placed the package on the desk so she could lift what was inside it out. She held the veil up, seeing it better. The veil itself was very simple, just a plain white veil with scalloped sewn edging, but it was what attached the veil that was beautiful. An ornate diamond clip set with small sapphires glinted in the light of the room. Jess marveled at it. "Thank you so much mum."
Michelle smiled and hugged her daughter.
"I thought it also ticks off your something old and something blue. It will fit in with your hairstyle won't it?" Michelle asked worriedly.
"Yes mum, it will go perfectly. Let's go downstairs and get our hair and make-up done." Jess said with a huge smile.
Sally and Beth were nearly ready, all they had to do now was to put their dresses on. Their hair looked beautiful in the chignons with the diamond clips, and Bree, the make-up artist had made their skin radiant. They had on pale pink lipstick and subtle gold eyes, framed with natural looking lash extensions.
Both had put in their earrings from Jess, and they were sitting down painting each other's nails a pale pink while Jess and Michelle had their hair and make-up done. Liv gently curled Michelle's pale blonde hair, spraying it with hair spray to get it to stay in place in the wind. Once Michelle's was done, Bree then went to work on her make-up while Liv did Jess' hair. Jess' hair was first sprayed with some high shine spray, and then Liv started to tousle it. Once that was done, she began to gently place it into a bun like Jess had asked, with strands coming loose and hanging delicately around Jess' face. Once the bun was secured with lots of clips and hairspray, Jess got up and gently picked up the veil from its place on the sofa.
"Would you be able to secure this for me once I have my dress on?" Jess asked.
"Wow, that is gorgeous! It will look perfect with your hair." Liv replied with a nod. "Right, all you ladies are done, except for your veil. So, I shall go get the champagne!"
"Jess, can you take a seat and I'll do your make-up for you." Bree said, signalling for Jess to take a seat and be made over.
It was half past four, the car would arrive in fifteen minutes to take them to the church. Beth and Sally were sitting on the sofa in their midnight blue dresses. Their bouquets were lying next to them, their shoes ready to put on. Michelle had on her pale green dress with the matching jacket over the top, and her cream hat lay on the sofa arm. Jess and Liv were upstairs; Liv placing the veil carefully in Jess' hair.
"Ladies, the bride is ready!" Liv called down the stairs, and Beth, Sally and Michelle hurried into the hall to watch Jess descend down the staircase.
She had never looked so radiant in her life. Her light blonde hair was expertly styled in a loose, high bun, delicate strands of hair framing her face. Her skin glowed with good foundation and radiance, her eyes made up with gold eye make-up to frame her green eyes, topped with fanned lashes. Her lips were a pinky nude, the perfect natural shade for her. But it was her dress that really made her look radiant.
It was a classic off the shoulder fit and flare wedding dress. The off white satin seemed to glow in the light, and it fitted Jess like a glove. Fitted to her bust, nipping in her waist, skimming her hips to her knees, before flaring out. Buttons down the back of the dress added that little bit more detail. As she stepped down the last few steps, the navy satin of her wedding shoes peeped out, Manolo Blahnik's, her dream wedding shoes. She got to the bottom of the stairs, giving a twirl for the women, the veil with the diamonds and sapphires in the clip catching the light, making her sparkle. Michelle sniffed, and smiled gratefully at Bree as she was handed a tissue.
"My beautiful baby girl." Michelle said tearfully.
"Oh mum, don't cry, we've done enough of that already!" Jess begged, laughing while fanning her face to keep the tears at bay.
"I can't help it! You look so beautiful, but even beautiful is an understatement!" Michelle cried.
"Callum is not going to know what's hit him." Sally said, smiling at Jess.
"Agreed." Beth said with a laugh. A car beeped outside. Beth looked at Sally and Jess then smiled. "Showtime."
The secret car that Callum had hired to take them to the church was a 50's Ford anglia, which was the old police cars. It was a pale powder blue and white, and Jess couldn't help but laugh as her father got out of the car and helped her down the steps and into the car. Once she was settled, Michelle got in next to her, while Sally and Beth got into Sally's car and followed the bridal car to the Church.
Callum discreetly checked his watch. Again. The car would have got to the house by now, and he smiled while thinking of Jess' expression as she saw it.
"Callum, she'll be here, stop checking your watch." Will whispered to him.
"I wasn't checking my watch." Callum hissed back. Will rolled his eyes in a "Whatever" kind of expression. Callum turned to Smithy, "You sure you got the rings?"
Smithy sighed, "The next time you ask me that Stone, I swear..." Smithy didn't get to finish his threat however, as the Church doors opened and the music began to play.
Everyone turned to the back of the Church to watch Michelle walk down the aisle first. Then came Sally and Beth, who were looked up and down very thoroughly by Nate and Max respectively.
"My girlfriend, what a knockout!" Nate whispered loudly for the whole Church to hear. Sally giggled and threw him a flirty look as she walked past, taking her position with Beth at the altar.
The music changed, indicating that the bride was about to walk down the aisle. Callum held his breath, watching intently for Jess to walk through the door. And then she appeared, a vision in white satin. Callum was knocked off his feet, she looked like an angel, a beautiful, gorgeous angel. Everyone was silent as Jess walked slowly down the aisle, her arm tightly through her fathers.
Jess beamed at Callum as Robert took her hand and placed it in Callum's in the age old tradition, kissing Jess on the cheek and patting Callum on the back of his shoulder before going to sit with Michelle.
"You were panicking weren't you." Jess whispered as the congregation sat down.
"No, of course not. I knew you would be here." Callum whispered back. "By the way, you look stunning, and even that is an understatement. I have never wanted you more than I do now."
Jess held back her laugh as the priest began to talk.
Father Thomas smiled at the happy couple in front of them. This was a couple who was deeply in love, and who would remain together for eternity. This was his favourite part of the job, alongside baptisms.
"Now, Jessica and Callum have written their own vows. So Callum, if you would like to make your vow to Jessica?" the Father said kindly.
Callum smiled at Father Thomas before turning his gaze onto the vision in front of him; taking a deep breath, he began to recite his vows. "I Callum Stone, make a vow to you, Jessica Grace Hunter. I promise you my deepest love, my fullest devotion, my tenderest care, through the pressures of the present and the uncertainties of the future. I promise to be faithful to you. I promise to love you, to commit to you, and support you. I pledge to lend you strength for all your hopes and dreams. You have shown me what true and unconditional love feels like and for that I thank you. You are everything I need and could ever want, and I know that all of my dreams have come true in you. I promise to be here forever and always; from this day forward, you will never walk alone. My heart will be your shelter and my arms will be your home. As I have given you my hand to hold, I give you my life to keep."
Jess' heart stopped as he slid the gold ring onto her finger, the ring set with tiny diamonds around the band, matching her engagement ring. She blinked rapidly, trying to stop the tears, but one managed to escape. Callum gently cupped Jess' cheek, wiping the tear away with the pad of his thumb.
"Thank you Callum. And now you, Jessica?" Father Thomas said to Jess. Jess cleared her throat and recited her vows, grasping Callum's hands tightly.
"What can I say to you that I haven't already said. What can I give you that I haven't already given. Is there anything of me that isn't yours already? My body, my mind, my heart, even my soul. Everything that is me belonged to you long before this day. And it shall be yours long after this. I will follow you anywhere and everywhere you lead. Hand in hand and heart in heart. Callum, I love you so much, and this is my vow to you, forever and always." Jess said clearly, her voice ringing out through the Church, sliding the thick gold band onto Callum's finger.
"Thank you Jessica. And now, with the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. May I present Callum and Jessica Stone!" Father Thomas announced. "You may kiss the bride."
The Church erupted into claps and cheers as Callum gently pulled Jess to him, his lips capturing hers, before spinning her into a dip, the laughs and cheers of their loved ones echoing around the Church. This time though, it was different. Because this time, Jess was now his and only his; his wife.
The wedding party arrived at Frank's; Frank himself was stood outside the front doors to greet everyone, looking dapper in his shirt, waistcoat and suit trousers. The front seated area had been transformed, with fairy lights strung above the tables, and small centrepieces of the bridal bouquet arranged in old liquor bottles dotted across the tables. The forget me nots, white roses, blue hydrangeas and eucalyptus were lit up with the flickering of the tea lights, scattered around the bottles.
Inside, the sofas had been pushed against the walls to allow for a long head table to be set up in front of the fireplace. It was covered in a midnight blue tablecloth, and as with the small tables, was lit with small tealights and floral centrepieces. The cake was arranged beautifully on the end of the bar; a three tiered cake covered in white icing, and on each tier, blue forget-me-nots had been placed.
The stairs leading up to the pool tables and dart boards had been decorated with more fairy lights, and small swags of the wedding flowers led to the upper entertainment area. A band was setting up in front of the balcony overlooking the ground floor, where Frank had made a dance floor, complete with disco ball set up above it. Everything was perfect.
The wedding party quickly settled at their tables, and the waiters came round with their food. Once all three courses had been demolished, the obligatory best man's speech came, and once Smithy had sat down, Callum presented both Smithy and Will with sterling silver cufflinks and matching ties as thanks. And then it was time for Callum and Jess' first dance as husband and wife.
They took to the dance floor accompanied by a rowdy applause from their friends and loved ones.
Callum pulled Jess to him gently, and she laid her head on his shoulder, one hand laid flat on his chest, the other hand holding Callum's tightly by his shoulder. They began to gently sway as the band played I Only Have Eyes For You by the Flamingos. The singer's voice was soft, caressing each word as he sang it. The wedding party seemed to melt away as Callum and Jess became completely lost in the moment and in each other. It was the perfect moment, the perfect wedding, the perfect couple. As the song drew to a close, the guests were silent; the couple was oblivious to it all. Callum bent down, whispering in Jess' ear, causing her to blush. Then he kissed her, slowly at first, but then more passionately. Everyone began to clap, and the flushed couple turned to face their guests and invited everyone to join them on the dance floor.
Their wedding evening was slowly drawing to an end. Callum was inside with Will, Nate and Smithy, all of them laughing their heads off at something Nate had just said.
Jess was standing outside alone in the front seating area, leaning against the railing looking down the dark and quiet street, her head cradled in her hands. A smile was playing on her lips and wouldn't seem to leave. She sighed contentedly. Nothing could have gone better than it had. She shut her eyes, listening to the music drifting from inside, the laughter and talk of her friends and family, of the cars miles away. Perfect. Warm hands were on her waist, a familiar voice whispering in her ear.
"Are you alright Mrs Stone?" he whispered to her, kissing her on the neck. She leaned backwards into his arms, and they both looked back in to where their loved ones were partying.
"I'm perfect Mr Stone, just cooling down." she whispered in absolute bliss.
"Yes, you are perfect." Callum whispered back. They stood there in silence, enjoying each other's company and the atmosphere. Callum began to nuzzle her neck, turning her so that her front was pressed against his. She gently slipped her arms around his neck, forcing his lips onto hers. "I must say, kisses are so much better ever since you became Mrs Stone." Callum murmured. Jess pulled away, a smile on her face, a dreamy look in her eyes.
"Say it again." she said, resting her head on his chest, listening to his heart beating.
He laughed quietly, "Mrs Stone. Mrs Jessica Grace Stone."