"Spare no expense," Julien had said to Annie as she excitedly planned her dream wedding.

Without any further hesitation, Julien and Annie's family started the preparations. Charlotte hired the same wedding coordinator she was acquainted with and started the planning. They talked about the color scheme it would need to create the look of a icy atmosphere. Colors were picked, designs were created, flowers were chosen and the creation slowly started to come to life outside the two acre worth of land outside the Taverron home.

The hired contractor started to set up the tent made of the finest silk. It hovered above them like a shrouded cloud of ivory. Crystal chandeliers were scattered and hung along the ceiling, as the electricians worked endlessly to set them up and make them come to life.

The tables and chairs started to pile in. A dance floor was coming together as the workers hauled the woodwork, putting the pieces together. The sounds of drilling ripped and echoed all day, nearly everyday for the past few weeks.

Glancing one last time at the wedding tent, Annie turned away only to collide with a rock hard chest.  Almost losing her balance, a pair of strong arms grasped her waist and steadied her. 

"I'll always be around to catch you, love."  She heard Julien say smoothly with his faint accent and a mischievous grin as she looked up flustered.  Her heart beat unusually fast from the impact and the full force of his devilishly handsome face. 

Ever since he proposed she and Julien have been inseparable.  He was even more attentive then before the accident.  They traveled to work together in the mornings and left together afterwards.  The only time they separated was when they left to their offices respectively. 

It never stopped Julien from seeing though.  He made sure to take her out for lunch, insisting she eat and regain all the weight she lost which she eventually did thanks to three full meals a day. 

"Hi. You didn't tell me you were coming." She replied, smiling and crossing her arms around his neck. Julien tightened his hold on her waist pulling her close and kissing behind her ear.

"I thought to surprise you," he murmured while nipping at the skin on her neck, inhaling the rich smell of her perfume which always managed to dull his senses. "My meeting ended early. The contractor contacted me, he needs us to inspect the last of the renovations. I came to fetch you so we would be able to view the changes together."

The pleasure his simple touch and simple kisses made a rush of desire spread like a wildfire beneath her skin. "What are you waiting for?" She moaned and closed her eyes as he nipped the skin of her neck. "Finding ways to distract yourself?"

"Indeed."
******
Julien and Annie entered their future home, hand in hand, as workers worked non-stop finalizing the final touches to the nearly complete remodel. "Come, he said to meet us in the master suite." Julien said leading up the marble staircase to the second floor.

Julien and Annie decided to buy the home he suggested they view right after his proposal, immediately loving it. It had a beautiful Mediterranean style with stucco siding and a large front circular entrance that afforded a generous private driveway. It was not too big nor too small with five bedrooms, high ceilings, over sized great room, large living room, a grand formal dining room, very spacious kitchen, a library, theater room, swimming pool and various balcony's stemming from some of the bedrooms. All it needed was a simple remodel to replace the outdated look.

Julien quickly closed on the house within that very week and the remodeling started the very next day when the agent delivered the keys in their hands.

They began with the floors. Beige marble floors were installed throughout most of the house while the bedrooms, which previously had a old brown shaggy carpet, was now replaced with a flat detailed velvety texture. The counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms were changed throughout the entire house with granite. Crown molding was added to several rooms, all the doors and hinges were replaced. The paint interior was changed from white to tan. Light fixtures were also changed, Chandeliers hung from the dining room, living room and master suite. The foyer was large and spacious, a magnificent three-hundred pound crystal chandelier descended from the ceiling.

They added a large five tier fountain to the middle of the circular driveway. The landscaping in the large backyard, once dried up with weeds and dying plants, was replenished with green bushes, roses, hydrangeas, and Camilla flowering scrubs. Small palm trees replaced the decaying ones around the estate—they one day will stand tall and high.

As Annie kept meeting with the landscaper to go over designs Julien accompanied her and insisted on one specific plant be included—Jasmine.  "I want lots and lots of Jasmine scattered along the estate."

Annie didn't give it much thought but had to ask why nonetheless. He quickly explained that it reminded him of her scent.  "It's an attractive fragrance that reminds me of you. Whenever you would pass by me the smell of your jasmine perfume brushed me like a welcoming breeze.  It's potent richness and sweetness is something I insist I have around at all times." 

It warmed Annie's soul to hear him say how affected he was by the preferred-signature jasmine-scented perfume she always dabbed behind her ears and wrists.  She was so desensitized by the smell she couldn't smell it on herself anymore. And what so appealing was Julien didn't realize how dashing and charming he was to her. The compliments flowed from his lips so naturally and it made her fall even deeper in love with him.

Annie trailed her gaze joyfully as he led her, catching quick glimpses of the completed work.  She wanted to jump up and down like a child and clap in glee.  It was every girls dream to want to have a house of her own and marry the man of her dreams and it was coming true for her right before her very eyes.

Julien kept pulling her along as she stopped briefly to soak it all in.  But she halted her steps and snatched her hand away from his.

"I want to really look, Julien.  Give me a second!"  She complained with slight irritation, turning her back and folding her arms across her chest.  She hadn't been allowed to see the progress for the last two weeks.  Julien insisted it had been too dangerous with all the equipment laying around and the painters took over five days to complete the top and bottom level. 

"Sorry love, I don't want to rush you but the man called me while I was in my meeting, he's been waiting for an hour."  Standing behind her kissing the top of her head.  "I promise we'll take a full tour."

She sighed and eventually allowed him to drag her with him.  They walked towards the very end of the hall to the mater bedroom. Opening the double doors, they entered to find Richard their contractor waiting for them.

The master suite was the last to be finalized. Annie added a large jacuzzi tub to the bathroom, and changed the vanities. It was large with countless cabinets to hold towels and personal hygiene products. The suite itself was huge, six-hundred square feet, with a small  sitting area which could easily accommodate a sofa and two chairs. Against the wall was a gas fireplace with a custom hand carved mantle.

She instantly released Julien's hand and entered the spacious closet which looked more like a personal fitting room, with a gasp. Annie stood and turned in a circle slowly accessing the completed work.

It was originally too small,  much smaller than the current one she had at her parent's home. In order for it to accommodate her clothing and Julien's, Annie suggested they break down some walls to extend it.

It was better than she imagined. The carpet was a rich beautiful soft beige color, it was serene and peaceful giving the room a tranquil vibe. Shelf after shelf outlined the walls, customized rods, shelves, and drawers were installed while up above them, fifteen feet high, small chandeliers hung down brightening the large room. A circular sofa stood alone in the middle which Annie could easily imagine herself sitting on to slip on her shoes. 

"Wow." She whispered. Julien came up behind her and kissed her neck lovingly.

"Is this how you imagined everything to turn out?"  He asked.

"Even better."  She murmured. 

"Good."  He says and glances down at his watch.  It was late afternoon and they still needed to complete the banquet dinner menu.  "Would you like to have lunch?  We can go to the Lebanese restaurant we are going to have cater for the wedding and since we will be there, you can go over the last of the preparations with the owner."

"Sounds wonderful."  She said starring at the large wall mirror in the corner.  Taking a deep breath Annie turned in Julien's arms pondering everything that has changed in just three weeks.

"What is it, love? You seem preoccupied."  He observed kissing her forehead.  Laying her head against his chest, Julien wrapped his arms around her.  Annie watched from the mirror feeling the warm tingles of happiness spread throughout her body.

"Everything has been moving along in such a blur.  It's hard to process this is all happening so fast. I feel like I'm in disbelief."  Lifting her head up to look at him, Julien bent his neck and kissed her sensually, brushing her lips against his. Annie stood on her tip toes and wrapped her arms around his neck dragging herself against him deepening the kiss.

They always fought for control. Which one was to surrender to the others mercy to take the lead. It was a battle they enjoyed. The kisses they shared were always heated and rough. Most of the times Annie relented and let him take control.

Two alphas.  One being.

"I assure you this is all very real.  In seven days time it will be complete.  You and I finally together as husband and wife."  He whispered against her hair, squeezing her possessively against his length. 

****
Entering the Al Amir restaurant they were greeted by the owner himself, Moe. After completing the dinner menu they finally sat at a private table made for two and quickly ordered some of their favorites.  Hummus, baba janouge, meat pies, spinach pies, chicken and meat kabobs, tabouli and grape leaves eventually laid spread in front of them.

They ate in silence as they enjoyed their meal listening to the Arabic music playing softly in the background.  Julien dabbed his mouth and cleared his throat.  Annie looked up at him and smiled.  He stared at her expectantly as if wanting to say something.  She put down her fork and adjusted the napkin that lay on her lap giving him her undivided attention. 

"We need to discuss something before the wedding night..."  He began. It was going to be a sensitive subject and he needed to know what she expected.  Annie nodded for him to continue, blushing slightly and shifting in her seat.  "We've never spoken about children.  How soon would you like to start a family?  Would you like to wait?" 

Annie felt the heat rush up her cheeks.  Although the subject was expected to arise eventually the thought never crossed her mind.  They had been so busy with the wedding in the last few weeks, Annie never thought about what was to come afterward.  Maybe it was time to inform him of her dream.  It automatically made her abdomen tingle just thinking about it, remembering the feeling of a child moving inside of her. 

"Of course I would like children."  She replied blushing a deeper red.  "I-I have something to tell you before...I had a vivid dream months ago...about the two of us."  Taking a deep breath to calm down her nerves, she continued. "I was wearing a white dress and laying on our bed.  I was pregnant with our child.  I saw your hand stroking my very pregnant belly and it was a dream I hoped would come true sooner rather than later."

Julien's eyebrows rose in surprise. Intrigued with the new information.   "Tell me were we together yet?"  He asked grinning, the amusement evident in his eyes. 

"Yes and No.  It was the day before the trip to Hawaii.  It felt so real Julien.  I could feel him moving inside of me.  It was one of the most mind blowing experiences I have ever felt."  Unconsciously her hands wrapped around her middle. 

"Him?  It was a boy?"  Eyeing her closely. 

She nodded.

"Well I am more then obliged to make that dream come true, love."  Giving her a wicked wink.  "I am to understand then,  we will be not needing any preventative action in that department?" 

Annie turned her face in embarrassment groaning internally. She brought her hands up to her cheeks to relieve some of the heat.    "I don't think it will happen right away. Ugh, I don't even want to say this to you out loud." Biting her lip. Annie toned down her voice. "I will have my period a week after the wedding.  I won't be able to conceive until afterwards."  She uttered the last part, watching him carefully. 

"Plenty of time to practice." Pulling his back and laughing at her incorrigible expression. Annie glared at him playfully, gripping the napkin that lay over her lap making her knuckles turn white. She had the urge to throw it at him and wipe that smug expression off his face.

"This is the most uncomfortable discussion I have ever had." She declared in a hushed tone.

A waiter approached their table and started clearing the various dishes they completed. "Here is the hookah menu, if you care for one."  Placing it on the table between them.  "Would you care for dessert?" He asked mindless of the discomfort in the air between them.

Reaching for it and scanning over the small menu quickly Annie ordered for the both of them. "Yes, please. Baklava and Turkish coffee...as for the hookah, we'll have the peachy fuzz delight,  Thank you." Annie replied. The waiter nodded and finished clearing the table.

When the waiter disappeared, Julien leaned back in his chair casually watching his fiancée's stiff posture and the disapproval evident in her features. "I will be your husband very soon. I need to know these things before we consummated the marriage, love. This conversation went better than I expected. It's one dream I am determined make come true for you. I cannot wait." He was ever bold and overly self-confident. His deep silver eyes bore into her blue orbs and trailed down her upper torso.

"Stop looking at me like that!" She whispered feeling the desire clench her middle.

"More than talking will be occurring between us love, as you've experienced. You must accustom yourself to the more intimate moments we will share."

"Must we speak of our intimate moments in public!" She replied hotly in embarrassment searching the small restaurant. It was quickly filling up as the dinner hour approached. "Someone passing by might hear us."

"No one will hear. I assure." Julien smiled mischievously, laying his hand atop the table, palm facing her.  Annie timidly crossed the small distance and clasped his hand.  He brought it up to his lips and kissed her knuckles tenderly, twisting the engagement ring and watching it sparkle in the light.  "I love you, and you know that.  I apologize if I was having a little fun at your expense.  I love seeing the innocence in you, it's indulging."

Annie could not help but feel warmed by his words. "I love you." 

A moment later the waiter reappeared with their coffee and desserts.  Another young man followed him holding the hookah they were to share and placing it gently on the floor.  The rich aroma of the finely ground coffee swarmed around them as the waiter poured into the small little round white cups.  "Enjoy."  He said and left them. 

"Thank you." Julien and Annie murmured in unison.

The young man put three charcoals on the top of the dish where the tobacco lay and handed Julien the hose and departed. 

"How are the dress fittings coming along?"  Julien asked after taking a small sip of coffee and starting the hookah. 

"They are nearly completed.  One more final fitting is scheduled tomorrow.  Hopefully it will be the last.  The seamstress needed to tighten the bust again.  It it fits properly I get to take it home tomorrow.  They had to custom make the veil to match the dress as well and should be completed by tomorrow as well."  Annie replied as she took a bite of her baklava. 

"Excellent.  That's very good news, I'm sure you will look the queen that you are."  Julien could not wait for the well anticipated day of their wedding.  Taking a few more puffs, he handed her the hose to smoke from. 

When she tried on the dress for the very first time it felt like a dream come true.  She could not believe how the dress looked on her when she first tried it on.  It was a one-of-a-kind.  Learning from the employees it was one of ten distributed across the world.  Ordering it would have been impossible.  Luckily the dress was a size larger than what she normally wore.  The seamstress informed her that not much needed to be taken in. 

The bodice was so delicate and intricately designed it was glowing and sparkling in the bright lights in the highly lite boutique.  The skirt was ball gown puffy if not more.  It shrouded around her like a cloud.  The train was Annie's favorite part.  It was so long, so regal, so elegant it took her breath away.  She could very well imagine herself looking like a true queen, it certainly felt like it to her.

The veil had to be hand stitched to match the detailing of her dress, flowing down her back and was as long as the dress itself.  For the final touch, Annie choose a beautiful custom made Swarovski crystal crown, a special gift from her mother and father. 

"There's one more fine detail we must conclude.  The honeymoon. Where would you like to go?"  Julien asked finishing his dessert and pushing back his plate. 

"Maybe somewhere we both have never visited. Some place different.  A new experience. Someplace we can make new memories of our very own."  She replied shrugging a shoulder. 

"Alright.  That sounds appealing.  Somewhere warm perhaps?"  Julien asked, taking turns with the hookah once more.  Annie nodded in agreement.  "Exotic?"  Smiling at her eyes widening.  Julien looked at the hookah then back at Annie.  "Traditional?"  She frowned slightly.  
"How about...Dubai?"

Annie eyes lit up.  "I've always wanted to visit that place.  I would love to go there.  My family and I have been to Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt but never deeper east to the Emirates.  From what I've heard it's beautiful.  That sounds like a wonderful idea!" 

"It's settled then, to the United Arab Emirates we shall go. I'll book it tonight.  Let me know where you would like to stay-."

"Burj Al Arab, it's on an island and I've heard it's an amazing experience."  Annie blurted out excitedly, folding her elbows on the table as she sat on the edge of her seat.

"Well then, that was easy.  Like I said, I'll make the arrangements tonight.  Make sure to pack appropriately, it's rather humid."  Eyeing the love of his life appreciatively.  "You look as excited as I feel, love.  Do think two weeks will suffice?"

"Yes, that's more than enough!  I can't wait...Thank You!"  Annie stood, moved around the hookah and with outstretched arms she grasped his face and gave his mouth a big hard kiss.  Julien spread his legs and sat her down on his lap and urged her lips apart and deepened it.  He made a despondent hungry sound as he pulled her closer still and wrapping his arms around her having no disregard for the restaurants customers.  It was as if the world stood still until they broke apart gasping for air. 

"No my love, thank you.  I hope I keep that sweet precious smile on your face for the rest of my life."
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Thanks for reading! 

Thanks to those who've added this story to their reading lists (I receive updates whenever somebody does), the more this story is shared, voted on, commented, the higher up the charts it goes on the romance list, helping it get the exposure I'm hoping it receives.   Please do what you can and help make this reach up the charts. Even if you hadn't voted on previous chapters this far you can always go back and cast in your votes!

A deep heart felt thank you to my voters (past, present, future).  I cannot express how grateful I am to you for your unwavering loyalty. 

This chapter is dedicated to all of you, my readers. Thought you all needed to feel the love between Annie and Julien, especially after everything they went through.  The relationship needed some TLC (tender, loving, care).

Don't forget to vote, share and comment.

Thanks, Shaz