It's not the years
in your life that count.
It's the life
in your years
-
Abraham Lincoln

______________

"Stop crying, you're going to spoil your makeup," Hope tells, throwing a glare at her.

Why are you crying?

I roll my eyes. She isn't talking about me.

I turn towards Cassy who has tears in her eyes. "I should have been the maid of honor. You stole it from me, traitor," Cassy accused Hope as she stole her boyfriend.

I ignore both of them as I take a sip from my coffee. Ashley frowns at me, her green eyes sparkling. "Aren't you nervous? It's your wedding," she says, sitting beside me on the couch.

"Why will I be nervous?" I ask, taking another sip from the coffee. Ashley shrugs, pursing her lips.

"Stop drinking that coffee, you're going to spoil your lipstick," Hope says to me in between consoling Cassy. She turns towards her. "Stop crying, idiot. You're going to spoil everything," Hope snaps, standing up, her hands on her hips. "Don't blame me when you look like a ghost throughout the wedding."

Today is my wedding day. The day I'm going to tie the knot.

Congratulations Allison.

Shut up.

Cassy frowns, grabbing tissues and wiping her tears. "Will you give me an extra piece of cake?"

Hope smiles widely before nodding her head. "Take as much as you want but spare at least one piece for the bride and groom," Hope gushes, letting her hands fall to her sides. Cassy nods before moving towards the mirror to recheck her makeup. All the girls are wearing burgundy color off-shoulder gown with a light grey fur shawl wrapped around their shoulders and hair tied into a messy bun. They all look exactly the same.

I turn my head towards the door when it opens wide, revealing Phoenix and Angel. Angel's eyes widen. "What are you sitting there looking like that?" Angel shouts, walking towards me.

"What?" I ask, taking another sip from my coffee.

"You got to be kidding me," she mutters, her eyes widens.

Phenoix glares at me. "Why are you in your pyjamas when you should be the one to be dressed up? It's your wedding, did you forget?"

I shake my head. "I know. I was going to change my dress but their fighting is so interesting to miss it out," I tell as I rise to my feet. I pass my cup to Ashley as I move towards the dresssing room.

"Hurry up, girl. You have just two hours," Angel yell, throwing daggers at Hope and Cassy who took the responsibility to dress me up but unfortunately they caught up in a fight. Pheonix follows me to the dressing room to help me with the hair and makeup.

After one hour, I walk out of the room wearing my wedding dress. I stand in front of my friends, my hands on my hips and a wide grin on my lips.

They have wide eyes when they catch the sight of me. Hope is the first one to recover from the shock and respond, "Jesus.. you look gorgeous," she shouts, walking towards me. "Perfect, just perfect," she mutters, her eyes roaming all over me. I didn't let them see my wedding dress until this moment so I can understand the surprise.

My wedding dress is a sexy floral dress, it is the pinnacle of lush garden-inspired style. A bouquet of large-scale floral laces are placed throughout the gown, highlighted with an abundance of leaves, sprigs and vine-like structures that grow about the figure and along the organic hem. A skinny plunge neckline highlights the strapless bodice, drawing the eye in toward the waist to define the shape. The fitted silhouette is cut thin in front and gradually widens toward the back into a fully flourishing shaped train for an awe-striking statement-while the sheer illusion back detail shows off floating hand-placed laces over illusion tulle. A slight ruching effect on the booty adds a touch of sexiness to the wedding dress, topped with fabric-covered buttons and a zip enclosure. I choose a white beads stiletto heels to go with it.

Coming to the accessories, I wore an organic pair of chandeliers with crystals that are handcrafted into dainty floral wreaths, a matching delicate rose gold backdrop necklace and a delicate bracelet featuring tiny cubic zirconia leaves encrusted in it and decorating the letter 'D.' My hair was styled into a messy bun with a pearl hair piece decorating it and few strands tickling me at the side of my face.

"Ashley, grab that fur shawl," Phoenix instructs as she stands beside me. Ashley passes the beige shawl to Phoenix, she wraps it around me, covering my bare shoulders.

"Your mother will kill me before the end of day," Angel mutters, passing me my bouquet which is decorated with vendela roses, anemone, eucalyptus, cymbidium orchid and other silver white decorations.

"All the arrangements are the exact opposite of what she wanted."

I stare at her. "Forget about my mom. Just tell me who told you to arrange the food and bar list."

Angel smiles widely. "I got a paper in which all your favorite was written. Everything is done according to what was written on the paper."

Paper? Which paper? My mind goes back to the time when I wrote a list of things that are must for my dream wedding and gave it to Judge. Did he do it?

I turn towards the door when I hear the knocking. Ashley opens the door revealing none other than the mighty Judge. He's wearing a black suit which makes him look dashing. He stares at me for a second before muttering, "You don't look ugly." Which means that I look beautiful in his language. Afterall, Judge never compliments me.

I turn towards Hope. "Post my photo in the social media when the ceremony is done. Give some cheesy caption but don't mention the name of Daniel and make sure it's just my photo." Hope nods.

"Now, everyone out. I need to have a word with Judge."

When everyone walks out leaving me and Hope with Judge, I move towards him. "Are you the one who gave that paper to Angel? The paper in which I wrote about my dream wedding."

Judge scowls. "I would never do something that can make you happy. I gave the paper to Daniel when he came to my house to see you after your cake selection."

I freeze. Daniel did this? Just like I wanted?

"He looked upset when you didn't reply to his message," Hope comments.

"Hmm," I hum, smiling.

I grab a sheet of paper and starts writing.

Don't try to runaway hubby, I'm on my way and by the way I already forgive you. So stop apologising and look hot as always. I'm waiting to kiss that lips of yours and seal the deal. And thank you for making my dream wedding come true.

Yours lovingly,
Allison

I give the paper to Hope after folding it, instructing her to pass it to Daniel. She gives me a nod before walking out of the room.

"What?"

"Why did you come? You told me that neither you would come to the wedding nor you would walk me down the aisle," I state as I step towards him.

"I came because I had nothing better to do," he snarls. "Don't make me regret this."

"Just admit that you love me, Judge," I tease, grinning at him.

Judge rolls his eyes. "I'm leaving," he mutters, turning to leave but I stop him by wrapping my arms around his and hugging him.

Tears pricks at the corner of my eyes. "Thank you, Papa," I whisper, hugging him tight. He freezes for few seconds and slowly his arms come around me, holding me close to him. I snuggle against him, taking the comfort he is giving me. He's the father figure I never had, the only one who pushed me further and helped me become who I'm today.

Judge pulls away from me. "Don't you dare cry, girl. I paid a lot for this suit, I'm not going to let you ruin it."

I chuckle. "You look handsome. Want me to find a partner for you?" I ask as I step away from him.

"Don't try your matchmaking skills on me. It's not going to work. Now, shut up and come with me. Don't be late for your wedding," he orders, glaring at me. "And probably the last," he mutters under his breathe.

"Fine, let's go."

You still have time. Let's run.

No!

Arghh!

I smile when I see the arrangements. At the entrance, there's a huge board with our name written on it beautifully. 'Welcome to the beginning of Daniel and Allison,' is written on the board with flowers and lanterns decorating it. I grin widely when I see the snow all over the place.

"Wait," Angel instructs, walking towards me. "When the music starts, be ready," she tells, patting my shoulder.

I nod my head as my eyes scan the whole area. There is a wooden pathway from the dressing house to the ceremony area, it's decorated with white roses and leaves. There are small mason jars hanged on some of the trees with flowers in them. I stand on my toes to see the other side of the bridge where I see a glass board which contains the table number and the name of the guests who are to seated written under it. It's placed near the wooden house where you can get the favors.

"You're going to fall on your head," Judge comments as he pulls my hand. I stick out my tongue at him. "You look like twenty and acts like ten," he comments, glaring at me.

The music starts and Angel giggles in excitement. According to the list she has given me, the processional starts after the arrival of the officiant. After few seconds, the beat changes indicating the arrival of the groom's parents and changes again for the arrival of my parents. The beat changes again and this time it must be the groom who's walking down the aisle.

I rest my head against Judge's shoulder who mutters how irritating I am. "Why can't they make it a bit fast?" I ask, groaning.

Hope rolls her eyes. The beat changes again indicating the time for the entry of the wedding party. First, Adam and Pheonix starts walking, followed by Ben with Angel and then Marco with Ashley.

"Start walking once I move but wait until the music changes to enter. Got it?" I nod my head. "Don't be nervous."

I grin. "Do I look nervous?" I ask her.

Hope shakes her head. "Right. You don't know what is nervousness so all the best," she tells before standing beside Ryan who's the best man. He scowl at me causing me to glare at him. They start walking down the wooden bridge and Judge moves forward, pulling me along with him.

We cross the bridge and enter the small wooden house where I get a clear view of the guest list and backets placed near it which contains the wedding favor that is the fur blanket. Opposite to this is the place where the gifts are placed and there is a small board with 'please sign our guestbook' written on it with cards and boxes placed near them.

I find small pines placed near the entrance decorating the way. I chuckle when I notice the small Christmas tree decorated with lights and snow placed near the entrance. The beat changes again indicating us to the enter the ceremony area. I hold Judge arm tight as I step inside. I couldn't help but smile when I see the arrangements.

The whole sitting arrangement is ready with guests already seated on the wooden chairs. Everyone have the blankets wrapped around them and I sense their eyes on me. I hear gasps from the crowd probably after seeing the sight of the great Judge walking me down the aisle or maybe they're stunned by my beauty.

Oh please.

What? I'm beautiful.

You never stop praising yourself.

There are lantern and flowers everywhere, decorating the whole area. I find the officiant standing near the wedding arch which is beautifully decorated with white flowers and leaves but what catches my attention is the groom.

Obviously!

My breathe hitches when I reach near him. As usual he is stunning. His hair was coiffed to perfection. His eyes had the same cold emotions which cannot be expressed. His mountain peak cheekbones appeared chiselled into shape by a master craftsman. They were of such sharp contours, it looked as if they were sculpted and paired to perfection. He wore a black suit which fit him perfectly. His blue eyes held mine. He had a dashing personality and an earthly scent swirled around him.

The throat clearing from Judge pulls me away from my thoughts. I turn towards Judge to glare at him but stops when I see the concern on his face. I smile up at him. "I'm okay," I whisper.

He glares at me. "I don't care."

I chuckle. "I know."

His expression softens again, he leans in and kisses the top of my head. "Keep shining," he whispers before giving my hand to Daniel. Daniel takes it, smiling at Judge. Judge nods his head at him before stepping away from us and taking his seat.

I lean in towards Daniel. "I didn't miss you," I whisper in his ears, standing on my toes. He stares at me for few seconds and then his lips twitches. "Did you get my letter?" I ask, smiling at him.

"Yes. I didn't me-"

"Stop. I already forgive you and it's done. Anyway, you look hot. Can skip this part and get to the kissing part," I suggest only to get a glare from him.

"Are you both ready?" The officiant asks, getting our attention.

Daniel nods his head while I raise my hand in objection. "No," I reply , giving the officiant a serious look. "Is there any way to run? I'm not exactly happy with the idea of marriage," I inform him.

Gasps escape from the guests. "So you're against this marriage?" The officiant asks and I nod my head immediately.

"I'm against marriage not just this marriage. Tell me Mister, what is the bloody need to put two rings in each other's hand? What about these vows? Most importantly, what is the bloody need to wear a white long dress? Can't I come here in jeans and top though I prefer pyjamas." The officiant blinks at me.

You're enjoying this, ain't you?

Yes!

I give him my best smile. "Did you ever tried a dress?"

Hope glares at me. "I knew your screws were loose but I didn't expect them to fall," Hope mutters under her breathe.

Officiant shakes his head in denial. "I'm afraid but I never found need to do that."

"Don't be afraid, I can borrow you few of my dresses though I want extra charges along with the original price of the dress. My mother never had any work other than shopping. I'm sure she would be happy to go shopping for you too." I wave my hand in front of him. "Actually the point is, do you know how to wear this dress? It's damn difficult to wear this. It has so many layers which causes you a lot of trouble to go to bathroom. Do you think this is justice?" The officiant looks like he might faint. "Are you okay, you look quite unwell. I can help you if you want but I'll be a bit slow in walking since I'm wearing this dress," I inform him as I move forward towards the officiant but a hand stops me.

I turn to see Daniel holding my hand, he pulls me towards him. "Shut that mouth of yours for few minutes," he whispers in my right ear.

"Don't you da-" He cut me off by nibbling my earlobe. Dammit!

"I'm sorry sir, she just has wedding jitters. That's it, she's fine. She's a queen in sarcasm," Daniel tells the officiant who nods his head thoughtfully.

"I actually mea-" I stop again when I feel Daniel's lips on the corner of my neck.

He's really has the remote controller of your mouth.

Shut up.

Officiant looks at me and I glare at him. I'm gonna cut your balls you foolish man made of bones.

As a matter of fact, everyone has bones.

Silence.

"So let's start," The officiant says and my heart starts beating faster.

"We're gathered here to unite Daniel Avery and Allison Hart in marriage. Their decision to marry has not been entered into lightly and today they publicly declare their private devotion to each other. The essence of this commitment is the acceptance of each other in entirety, as lover, companion, and friend. A good and balanced relationship is one in which neither person is overpowered nor absorbed by the other, one
in which neither person is possessive of the other, one in which both give their love freely and without.. " I roll my eyes. This is a huge speech. Why can't they cut it off a little?

The officiant carries on with his speech and I turn towards my fiance. "Aren't you excited for our wedding night?" I ask Daniel, he glares at me again.

"Not really," he whispers and I lean against him. "Allison, stand properly. There are people around you."

"I don't care, I'm tired and you'll hold me," I reply as I lean my head against his shoulder. "Let me dream about my wedding night. That is the only part I'm interested of this whole wedding." The officiant pulls me out of my thoughts.

"And now, Daniel and Allison will recite their vows together," The officiant steps back and Daniel takes both of my hands in his.

I chuckle before telling my vows. I planned this last night while I was staring at his photo in my laptop.

Seriously?

You can't blame me. He's hot.

"I stand before you as a woman who's ready to be yours. I promise in front of these people, our friends and family, and under God, that I will be a faithful and loving wife to you for all time," I pause, grinning wide. Daniel raises his brows. "I promise to make you cook food for me. I also promise to take you to ER when you dare eat the food prepared by me."

I hear giggles and laughing from the crowd but my focus is on Daniel who smirks at me. "I promise to hit you everytime you do something wrong and to let you think straight. I promise to give you the last piece of my favorite cake and then taste it by kissing you." Daniel smiles wide, pulling me closer to him. "I promise to be at your side with or without beard. I love your smile, your dimples and your laugh. I promise to bring happiness in your life and not let anyone hurt you. I love the thought of fighting with you everyday from this moment until the end of time," I finish, winking at me Daniel grins, his dimples smiling at me.

Daniel takes a deep breathe and then starts his vows, "I promise to cook you food everyday and watch you eat them. I promise not to throw your teddy away." My eyes widens. How did he know that? I have a habit of cuddling with my teddy. I turn towards Hope who gives me a sheepish look before muttering a sorry.

"I vow to respect you and stand by you to support your decisions. I promise that you will be as important to me as coffee, and my job. I promise to let you wear different hats everytime we go out," he pauses, his hold tightening.

"I promise to respect you as a whole person with your own interests, desires, and needs, and to realize that those are sometimes different, but no less important than my own. I promise to keep myself open to you, to let you into my innermost fears and feelings, secrets, and dreams. I promise to grow along with you, to be willing to face change as we both change, keeping our relationship alive and exciting. And finally, I promise to love you in good times and in bad, with all I have to give and all that I am, in the only way I know how-completely and forever."

Oh my God!

My eyes widens in shock. He means it. He meant every word he said including to stay with me forever, I can see it in his eyes.

"Daniel Avery, do you take Allison Hart to be your wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her and to cherish her all the days of your life?" The officiant asks and I look at Daniel. What will he say?

"I do," he says and stares at me. His blue eyes staring into mine.

"Allison Hart, do you take Daniel Avery to be your husband? Do you promise to be faithful to him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love him and to cherish him all the days of your life?"

Your last chance to escape from this.

"I do," I reply, a smile on my lips.

Done.

The officiant then placed the wedding rings on our palms.

"Daniel and Allison will now exchange rings as a symbol of love and commitment to each other. Rings are a precious metal; they are also made precious by you wearing them. Your wedding rings are special; they enhance who you are. They mark the beginning of your long journey together. Your wedding ring is a circle-a symbol of love never ending. It is the seal of the vows you have just taken to love each other without end.

"Daniel, please place the ring on Allison's left hand and repeat after me: As a sign of my love."

"As a sign of my love."

"That I have chosen you."

"That I have chosen you."

"Above all else."

"Above all else."

"With this ring, I thee wed."

"With this ring, I thee wed," Daniel says as he slides the ring onto my finger, next to my engagement ring.

"And Allison, please place the ring on Daniel's left hand and repeat after me: As a sign of my love."

"As a sign of my love."

"That I have chosen you."

"That I have chosen you."

"Above all else."

"Above all else."

"With this ring, I thee wed."

"With this ring, I thee we'd," I say as I slide the ring onto his finger.

Nooooo!

"Daniel and Allison, we have heard the sincerity in your promise to share your lives in marriage. We recognize your love and support your decision to build a home together. By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife." The crowd applaud causing me to smile.

"Now you may kiss the bride," the officiant says and I stand there dumbfounded.

Lucky me!

I grin at Daniel as he steps towards me. He leans in causing me to close my eyes. I feel a small peck on my lips and I hear the crowd's applause.

Damn him!

He then moves away from me and stares at the officiant.

"Allow me to present Mr and Mrs. Daniel Avery," the officiant announces and the crowd applauded again.

It's done. Welcome, Mrs. Avery.

I'm married.

"Bye Mister, we can meet for the next marriage," I tell the officiant with a grin who looks as if he has seen a zombie.

"Can we skip the reception part and move towards the wedding night?" I ask Daniel who shakes his head at me.

"Shut up," he mutters and I frown at me.

"I'm sure you're not very good in that area. You don't even know to kiss me then how the bloody hell can you put your sm-" he cuts me off again but this time in a very different away. He scoops me up in his arms and the crowd applause.

Why're they so happy when this guy is trying to kidnap me?

"You blo-" He cuts me off again and this time using another method.

He presses his lips on mine and kisses me hard. Without wasting another second, I kiss him back as he moves towards the exit carrying me.

He pulls away from the kiss and stares at me with his beautiful blue orbs. "You look gorgeous," he whispers, chills runs through my spine and happiness bursts in my veins. I smile. A heart warming smile. I wink at him as I snuggle against his chest.

The actual journey begins now.

Hey, guys!

Finally, the wedding is done. In the first book, I got so many requests to write about their wedding but I couldn't do that in that book so I decided to work it out in this version. I have uploaded a video of Allison's and Daniel's wedding in my Instagram account (@allisonash66). Feel free to check it out and don't forget to vote and comment. Stay safe, guys.

Allison