Page 48 of Black Wedding

All the bridesmaids are ready and looking absolutely stunning in their deep purple silk dresses that fall off their bodies like a dark waterfall and look absolutely beautiful. I’m genuinely scared that there’s no way I will stand out with those next to me. Once the bridesmaids and Von are all ready to go, a car arrives to take them to the venue. I want my dresses to be a surprise, only my mother has seen them, which is why she stays behind to help me dress.

Yes, I did say dresses, as in plural. Another compromise with my mother. I had an idea of what I wanted, and she had an idea of what she wanted. So, I will be wearing a different dress for each ceremony before changing into my party dress for the evening. After watching several bridal shows on TV, I thought I had a clear idea of what I wanted and was sure my appointment would be easy, but it wasn’t. I thought I wanted a ballgown, to look like a princess, but as soon as I walked into the shop, I knew which was my dress. A beautiful ivory lace fabric that clung to my body perfectly. The straps and curved bust line hung perfectly and made my boobs look amazing, but it was the back that I fell in love with. The fabric scooped down my spine, exposing my back in the same way that the dress I wore for my engagement party did. Then the material trailed down and behind me, giving the dress a large lace train. I fell in love with it as soon as I tried it on, and I knew Liam would love it too.

I knew I would have to cover up for the more traditional wedding in the chapel, but this was our ceremony. My mother agreed that this part of the wedding could be done however we wanted. So, we even went as far as agreeing to write our own vows. I literally spent hours on them. But as I stood there, staring at myself in the mirror, I knew exactly what I wanted to say to Liam. I wanted to tell him that I love him. I can’t believe I still haven’t told him. I came close so many times, but the moment never seemed perfect enough. I should never have chickened out of telling him on the Ferris Wheel.

I look over at my mum and see her trying to blot away the tears threatening to fall and ruin her perfectly crafted face. She stares at me with the proudest look I have ever seen, and I can’t help but take another look at myself in the mirror. My long red hair had been pulled back off my face and twisted into a half-up and half-down style. The curls are adorned with beautiful diamante and pearls from the hair accessories that have been delicately placed in the small plait that trails down. Over my hair, slid into the hair design is the beautiful veil made from the same lace on the dress, and it trails down to sit with the train. The dress hugs me in all the right places, and the ivory colour compliments my skin perfectly.

My heart is racing, and I can feel tears threatening to make an appearance, but I blink them back. I have never felt so incredibly beautiful as I do in this moment. My mother, not always someone who shows me affection, reaches forward as though to hug me, which I oblige.

“Brianna...I don’t have the right words. I can’t even begin to tell you how beautiful you look. I’m so incredibly proud of the woman you’ve grown to be. When I gave birth to a little girl, it was like a deflated moment for everyone around me. They were all hoping for the next heir, a boy. But not me. I looked down at the beautiful little angel I held in my arms, and I knew you could be whoever you wanted. From the minute you gripped onto my finger, refusing to let go, I knew how tough you would be. I’m not going to lie and say I wouldn’t prefer you to be in my world instead of your father’s. The idea that you will be a target and that your life will constantly be in danger, it physically hurts my heart, but I know it’s who you are supposed to be. I am so incredibly proud of you, Angel. I know we never really talked about something old, new, borrowed, and blue, but I wanted to give you this. This necklace has been in my family for generations. It is always worn by the women of the family and passed down to the eldest daughter. I wore it on my wedding day, and I would love it if this could be your ‘something borrowed’.”

Mum hands over a blue velvet box, and as soon as I open it, I release a breath I didn’t realise I’d been holding. Laying on the velvet jewellery pad is the most beautiful, delicate white gold chain. Hanging off it in the centre is a single large pearl that has been shaped to look like a teardrop, with diamonds dotted around the metal frame of the pearl. The glistening white orb looks perfect and knowing the necklace’s history, I’m instantly overcome with emotion. I hand it to my mother to put on me, and as I look in the mirror, we both start to well up once more.

“Thank you, Mum. This looks so gorgeous. I love it. I guess my dress can be something new. Now I just need something blue and borrowed,” I add with a chuckle. Trust me not to have given the most obvious tradition any thought at all.

“Oh yes, that reminds me. The girls told me to give you this gift box when you are dressed. I am supposed to leave the room when I have given it to you. But please be quick, Angel. We only have about ten minutes until Jimmy will be here.” My mother’s firm, bossy tone has returned, and she hands me the box before going back into the living room.

Sitting on the bed, I open the box to find two smaller boxes and two cards, along with an extensive instruction page. It states very clearly I’m to open the bigger gift and the smaller card first, making sure to start with the present. Picking up the package, I can’t help but admire the beautiful black wrapping paper, but I quickly tear that off, desperate to get inside. There’s a gift box, and as I lift the lid, I find the most beautiful blue and white lace garter, the outer edge dotted with tiny ivory pearls.

Opening the card, I see the scribbly handwriting that belongs to Mia.

Dear Bree,

We are so incredibly honoured to stand by your side and watch you marry the man of your dreams. Your relationship may not have started in the most traditional way, but there is no denying your feelings for each other now. You were made for each other, and we just wanted you to know how much we support you both.

Since you don’t have anything blue, we got together and designed this garter for you. I sewed it together, and I really hope that you like it and that it fits. I have never wondered how big your thigh is before.

Anyway, thank you for asking us to stand by your side and watch you marry your soulmate. We love you.

Oh, and Ryleigh would like to state for the record that if she hears any stories, let alone has to watch her brother take that off your thigh with his teeth, you will be responsible for paying the therapist bill.

We all love you both so much. Happy wedding day, Bree!!!

Love, Mia, Freya, Ryleigh, and the most beautiful flower girl, Hallie xxx

My breath hitchesas I reread the letter, laughing at Ryleigh and her typical teenage attitude. I slide the garter up my thigh as best I can, given all the fabric. I have to admit that it makes me feel incredibly sensuous, combined with my sexy white lingerie. I can’t wait for Liam to see me in this.

As soon as I’ve calmed down enough, I pick up the instructions again. This time I am supposed to open the card. There is no writing on the front, so I have no idea who it is from. As soon as I see the front of the card, I know it’s from Liam. The card reads, ‘To my beautiful penguin’ and there’s a picture of two macaroni penguins who look like they are kissing.

It’s an ongoing joke between us that we are like penguins. They have only one soulmate, and they mate for life. Still, they are different to most other animals in that the male stays behind to care for and nurture the egg, while the female is the one who goes off to hunt for the food. It’s a little like us, I am the hunter who brings home the food, and Liam just does whatever I need from him. We work together like we were made for each other. My breath is already hitched, and I bite my lip in a desperate attempt to stop the tears from flowing just by looking at the cover. Whatever is inside the box stands a good chance of causing my make-up to run.

Bree, My Princess,

I can’t believe this day has arrived so quickly. Time seems to have flown by, yet I feel as though I have known you forever. I didn’t realise I was walking around with a hole in my heart until you came along and filled it. You are the most fantastic person I have ever met, and I am so honoured that I get to stand by your side as your husband. I can’t wait to watch you conquer the world and show everyone exactly what you are capable of.

I was told it was my job to get you ‘something new’ and ‘something borrowed.’ The box in the white wrapping paper is from my mum, and if you like it, you are welcome to use it as your ‘something borrowed.’ She said she wore it on her wedding day. Let’s hope it brings us a happier marriage than they fucking have.

The bigger box is from me and is your ‘something new.’ I hope you like it, Princess. Now, get your ass ready and come and meet me at the end of the aisle. I will be the one in a suit looking very nervous. Can’t wait to see your pretty face.

Love, Your Penguin Liam xx

I openthe first package as instructed, and in black silk coating sits the most beautiful bracelet. It’s white gold with D shaped rings slotted together into such a delicate chain. Then hanging from one is a larger shaped D with a large diamond sat in the lower curve of the letter. D for Doughty, and I guess I was about to become a Doughty. The bracelet is beautiful, and I set it to the side to get mum to help me put it on. It’s the present from Liam that I am desperate to open.

Tearing at the paper, the box is larger than the others, which confuses me as my brain whirls with all the possibilities of what he could have bought me. Opening the beautiful black leather box, my breath hitches as I take in the most stunning, elegant tiara. It’s small, and there is only one point where several tiny pearls and diamonds hang elegantly. I never even considered wearing a tiara, but knowing that to Liam, I’m his Princess, I want to be who he sees.

Placing the tiara on my head and standing up to look in the mirror, I can’t help the tears that appear. I thought I looked perfect before, but the delicate, little, white gold diadem sits beautifully in my red curls and looks like it belongs there.

Looking over my shoulder, I see Mum, Dad, and Jimmy standing behind me. Mum is almost sobbing, talking about how much of a princess I look like. Even my father looks a bit odd, almost sad. As soon as he catches me looking, he schools his face and plasters on a fake smile. I guess he has never come around to the idea of me marrying Liam. I quickly ask mum to put on the Doughty family bracelet, and she looks at it longingly. She always has admired a beautiful piece of jewellery. Once that is on securely, the tears start welling in my mothers eyes again. Then, without acknowledging me or telling me I look nice, Vernon pulls my mother away. The photographer who has been silently watching us interact directs us into poses by the car. Fairly quickly, my father shoos her off and insists he is leaving with my mother. Maybe he is really unhappy that I am getting married?

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