Wedding Bells

Chapter 9

I lay in bed that night. Watching the ceiling as my heart races. Methodically tempting me to stay awake. I should have been asleep hours ago. I needed to do whatever I could to just ignore what was going on and allow my body to get the sleep it needed.

I couldn't get over my mother's cough though. It had shaken me to my bones. Leaving me worried and filled with so much concern that she was truly sick. I shook my head rolling over in the warm bed. The snow was falling out the window and I knew a winter wedding was what I had always dreamed of, but for some reason the more it snowed the more I found myself sinking into my despair.

I was too focused on my mother to allow myself to relax. I wasn't worried about the wedding anymore. I wasn't worried about my dress, or the photos not turning out okay. Hell I wasn't even worried about messing up my makeup. Tomorrow I'd have to make my mother promise me that she would go to the doctor. She would get her cough checked out. Only shoulders. promised me then I would be able to get married.

A few hours later the sleep finally took over my body. Rocking me into a wave of dreams before the alarm started blaring next to the bed. Today was the big day, and though I hadn't slept as well as I would have liked, I woke up ready to get the day started. I would have to hold off on my makeup for a few hours, allowing the sleep to wash away from my face.

I glanced at the clock. I was getting married early this afternoon, but first thing first I needed to talk to my mother.

I finally pull myself out of bed. Allowing my feet to plant firmly on the cold wooden floor below. Pulling the sheets back to a somewhat manageable state I left the room and head towards the kitchen. My mother was already up. She was cooking breakfast like she normally did when I stayed over. I couldn't help but smile as I stand in the doorway, watching the beautiful woman still act like she was a thirty year old woman.

"Good morning, my sweet girl." She whispered as she turned around placing the eggs on a few plates. I chuckled walking to grab the one closest to me. She swats my hand away before pointing towards the chair.

"Go sit down, I'm not ready for you yet." She smiles as she grabs a few grapes placing them on the other side of the plate while pouring me a glass of orange juice.

I waited patiently for the food. But my stomach wasn't as happy about it. A louder than I had expected growl emits from my stomach, leaving me clenching it in hopes that it would settle itself. My mother looked up from the toaster as she begins to snicker.

"Didn't get enough Chinese last night?" I shook my head ignoring her question. Everyone knew Chinese filled you up, but left you starving a few hours later. I rolled my head reaching for a few of the grapes on my plate. She swatted my hand away once again.

"You are just so handsy today," She chuckled once again sneaking me a few almonds.

"I'm the bride, I should get to do whatever I want," I teased thankfully taking the almonds and popping a few in my mouth. My mother smiled before placing  a couple pieces of toast on my plate and handing the finished breakfast to me.

"Eat up missy," She waived her finger at me like I was a child. I rolled my eyes. My thoughts of last night kept coming back to me. I needed to ask her about her cough.

"Mother..." I paused for a moment waiting for her to join me. It took her a few moments as she needed to finish her very own plate of breakfast. But she looked up at me as if she was ready for whatever question I was going to ask.

Suddenly a lump was growing in my throat. I wasn't sure how I was supposed to bring it up. I wanted her to take care of herself but I didn't want to push her towards a verdict. If she really wasn't ready, or felt like she was fine then I should leave it be, but something in the back of my mind told me I needed to get her in to see a doctor as soon as possible.

"What is it Erin?" She looked at me like I was a ghost, her face slightly paler than I was used to. I shook my head before turning to her, grabbing a piece of toast and taking a quick bite.

"Are you sure you are okay?" I knew she would know what I meant. She was a smart woman. I'd heard her coughing a bit more once we had said our good nights and gone to bed. It had kept me up for a few moments, but really all it did was start my mind racing on everything that could be wrong with her.

"I'm  fine, Erin... I really wish you wouldn't worry about it honey, you need to focus on you and Carter today. It is your wedding day after all and you don't want to ruin it by paying so much attention to me that you miss out on the memories of your very special day." She had a point. Her words hitting me harder than I had expected them too. I shook my head.

"No, I need you to take care of yourself. I need you to go see a doctor. Take tomorrow off, Clara can cover the shop. You get yourself into a doctor and then we will go from there. Carter and I will head to the airport only after we have heard news from you," I folded my arms trying to show my mother that I meant business.

"Nope. Sweetie that is not how this is going to happen. I will go to the doctor, if that will really make you happy but you will not miss your flight for me. If it's not tomorrow then I'm sorry, but you are not stopping your life for me to get a check up on something as simple as a cough," My mother was getting annoyed and the more I spoke the more I could feel the tension was growing. I guess it was better I didn't push it, because at least she said she would go to the doctor. She would get it checked out.

"You promise mother?" I question allowing my muscles to relax a little before grabbing the toast once again, taking a few quick bites.

"Yes I promise, I will go as soon as reasonable," She did her best to smile, but I could tell underneath she was just as worried about it as I was. Which is probably the reason she hasn't gone to get it checked out yet. My mother always lived by the philosophy of Ignorance is bliss. Though I would agree with her in most cases, your health should never be that way. I shook my head finishing my breakfast. We would have to head to the venue soon where we would meet Clara and David.

I realized I should probably grab my phone to see if she got him from the airport okay. Maybe Carter was awake and he was trying to message me. I realized I had ignored the rest of the world this morning. I was in such a hurry to get out here and talk to my mother that I'd forgotten to check in with everyone else. After I had finished my breakfast I rushed back to the room I had stayed in to see that there were only a few text messages.

Carter's name was on the screen with a simple good morning and I love you. Clara had sent a few messages, mostly just updates on David's flight before sending me a selfie with him once she had picked him up. So far it seemed like everything else was going perfectly. I quickly answered all the messages before heading towards the shower. I'd need to wash my hair and get ready for the day soon.

Once I was out of the shower, the warm water still on my skin, I managed to take a few deep breaths before pulling the towel even tighter around myself. I stare at my reflection in the mirror. My long blonde hair wrapping around my shoulders, slicked back to show how round my face truly was. I glance over my eyes, taking in the shape and color. I found I was overanalyzing ever portion of my face.

I needed to do  my makeup, but I found I was always better at it later in the day. So I opted to let my skin breathe for a few hours before I covered it in all the makeup in my bag. I’d done a few test runs, practicing until things would be perfect. I was going to stick with a simple look. Making sure to allow my natural beauty to shine through.

This was beneficial since Clara and I had planned on getting ready at the venue, doing our hair and makeup together. She was my maid of honor, and my bridesmaids all lumped into one. The wedding was going to be rather small. I couldn't imagine inviting too many people. Mostly just family and a few friends.

I could feel the nerves building up in my stomach. I couldn’t believe it was finally my wedding day. I entered the room I slept in last night, pulling the blinds away from the glass. Searching the sky for any sign of rain or bad weather. A fresh layer of snow was laying on the atmosphere outside. My mother lived far enough away from the big city that only a few footsteps messed up the freshness of the pretty white blanket.

I felt ready.

I gathered the things I would need before heading back out of the room. My mother waited patiently, her body slumped on the couch as she scrolls through her phone. Today was just as important to me as it was to her.

We had opted out of having her walk me down the aisle, we mostly just wanted her to sit back and enjoy the day.

“You are so beautiful,” I could see the tears forming in her eyes as she looks over my body. I rolled my eyes knowing I was in just in my pajamas--still it was all so special. The way she looked at me as if I made her the most proud woman on this earth.

“Thank you,” I whispered, trying my best to keep my voice clear. My thoughts were elsewhere, especially since I was trying my best not to cry.

“Let's get you to the venue, I'm sure Clara is waiting…” My mother's voice trailed off as she stifled a cough. My heart jumped in my throat once more but I decided to just ignore it. Things would work themselves out soon enough and my mother would be fine.

A few hours later I couldn't believe my appearance. My makeup was done, my hair curled, and Clara sat behind me with her hands gently placed on the zipper of my dress. Clara was beaming in her rose gold dress, her long curls hanging over her shoulders.

Both of us were more stunning than we had ever been before. In less than an hour, i'd be walking down the aisle to marry my best friend, with my other best friend by my side.

“It time girls, we need to get you to the walkway…” my mother rushed into the room in a frenzy before turning to run out, her words trailing with her as she left, “t-minus ten minutes now, places...places,”

I chuckled, shooting a look towards Clara.

“Let's do this,” I reached towards her, grabbing her hand to pull her towards me. She nodded her head, releasing my hand. I took one last glance in the mirror before heading towards the door.

This was it.

I could hear the music playing. Guests were chatting as they take their seats. A quick text to my mother to tell her we were finally ready.

Clara and I stood in line, waiting to walk down the aisle. David was on her side, her arm looped through his. He held her close to his body, kissing her cheek.

Butterflies flutter in my chest, threatening to break my bones. Taking a deep breath to calm myself down. Letting it out slowly as the doors open in front of us.

The room was decorated perfectly, as fairy lights hung from the ceiling meshing with the chandeliers. My heart flutters. Clara and David take their first steps onto the aisle. I stretched my neck, trying to peek above them.

I wanted to catch a glimpse of my future husband. The urge to bite my lip took over as I attempted to calm my nerves. Clara and David were halfway down the aisle by this point. My ears listening for the wedding march. For the priest to announce my entrance.

Time had slowed down, it felt like things were taking forever. The longer I stood there, the more I wanted to scream. To rush down the aisle to the man that was waiting for me.

Then I heard it, the music shifted, the priest spoke...it was time.

My feet knew what they needed to do and before my brain could process what was going on I was walking.

My eyes caught Carter first. Drifting over every detail of his suit. Loving every part of his body. His hair was perfectly done, his teeth so bright as his lips curved upwards, showing those dimples I fell in love with years ago.

I fell more in love with him in this very second. My eyes never leaving his as I walk. What felt like ages later I finally reached him. Taking his hand in mine, stepping up onto the pedestal.

It took me a moment to catch myself, I felt like I was floating. I searched the crowd looking at the smiling faces of all those that had come to celebrate us. Cousins I hadn't seen in ages, aunts, uncles, grandparents, people in Carter's family I hadn't talked to since high school. All of the bridal shop had shown up, dressed in their nicest clothes.

There was hardly a dry eye in the whole room.

The priest begins speaking, my mind missing every word he said. Carter whispers an 'I love you,’ squeezing my hands tighter.

My heart panicked as I realize we wrote our own vows.  Soon I'll be proclaiming my love for Carter in front of the whole room. I knew whatever I said wouldn't be good enough for him though.

My head was still spinning when the priest looks at me, before turning back to Carter. It was time.

“Erin Rose, you are the love of my life. The woman I want to raise my children. You are the most empowered and sometimes difficult woman i've ever met and I wouldn't have it any other way. You challenge me, you help me grow, you are the most responsible woman I've ever met. You're dedicated, honest, and pure. I knew I loved you years ago but was too scared to say anything and that was dumb of me. Especially if it meant i'd be here sooner. I would have married you years ago. The first day I met you, when we were just kids I knew it. My mother knew it too. She was disappointed in me for leaving for medical college. Bless her heart, cause she knew what I was leaving. I wish I would have listened,”

Carter looked towards his mother for a moment. My heart was racing in my chest, the tears forming in my eyes.

“Erin, if I would have known years ago what the true meaning of life was, this would have happened sooner because you are it,” he squeezed my hand before continuing, “Just please remember I would die for you, today...and forever. I love you,” he stuttered, as if he was going to kiss me realizing he couldn't yet.

“Easy there,” the priest shot Carter a half look, smiling as the crowd begin to laugh.

But then it was my turn to speak.

“You are so mean,” I sputtered, pulling my hand away to wipe the tears from my eyes. “I love you more than the air itself, more than the water I drink, more than life itself. And you just had to be way too good for me. I didn't want to cry, but I'm just so happy, and speechless. Carter i've never been so lucky in my life to deserve somebody as good as you. I love you,”

My voice caught in my throat and I just knew I had to be done. Carter's smile grew so wide.

“Well with nothing left to do here, I guess it's time. I wish you both the best of luck, and by the power vested in me, and the state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your bride.” The priest raised his hands as the crowd cheers.

Carter leaps forward pulling me close to him as he leans me backwards planting his lips on mine. The fire between us growing as everything else drowned away. My body tingles as we continue to hold each other. The love only growing stronger. When Carter finally pulled away we turned to look at the audience all standing, clapping for our union.

And suddenly we were married. But not so suddenly at the same time, because this very moment was years in the making.

Carter was now my husband.