Chapter 123: Chapter 123
Amelia's POV
After a hectic morning, the bridal party got ready at the resort's private salon helped by the attendants. Then we went to Anna's room to get her ready.
Since Cassandra and I were the bridesmaids, we dressed in identical coral off-shoulder crepe lace gowns paired with crepe back satin belts, all designed by me. Claire, as maid of honor, wore the same dress as us but her dress was light peach in color. Arielle looked angelic in the ball gown I designed for her in blush pink with a heart cut-out back, a lovely lace bodice, and a full tulle skirt, paired with a blush pink tiara for her hair. Cassandra got her ready, while Claire and I got Anna ready.
Dad came in while I was arranging Anna's veil, he nodded at us in appreciation, "You look lovely, my dear." He said kissing Anna's forehead, "Everyone's waiting, let's go," he said as he offered her his arm to take. We proceeded towards the outdoor area, where the whole family was waiting for us. Seeing them, I started dreaming of my wedding with Tristan. Would it be the same?
Rose petals were strewn across the never-ending aisle when we reached the garden where the gazebo was built. There were seating arrangements on either side of the aisle. The front seats were occupied by gran, Azura holding baby Alexander, Kayla who was Anna's best friend, Beth who was Arielle's nanny, Martha their trusted housekeeper, and nurse Ellie. There were spare seats reserved for mom and dad too.
Arielle as a flower girl started the procession followed by Claire and then us along with the groomsmen and finally Anna led by dad.
I felt Tristan's hot gaze on me throughout the wedding ceremony, as if he wanted to communicate something. I was torn between my responsibilities at my shop and my love for Tristan. I couldn't stay alive without him for the two weeks that he would be away. I wanted so many things with him, I wanted a wedding just like this with him. I wanted him to make love to me just like he wanted to, I wanted to be his forever just like Anna was Stefan's. I wanted to tell him that I still loved him, although he knows in his heart that I do.
The wedding ceremony went by in a daze, lost in my own thoughts. Suddenly I was brought out to reality when Claire nudged me. The wedding ceremony was over and we had to escort Anna and Stefan for the photography session. It would be held in a secluded picturesque corner of the resort with a gurgling artificially created wall waterfall on one side and a golf course on the other side. It was the perfect backdrop for a perfect wedding photograph. The whole family took turns having their photographs clicked with Stefan and Anna amidst lots of fun and teasing. Jason and Claire even pushed me and Tristan together for a picture, which I personally wanted to be framed and put up in our apartment.
After the photography session, we ushered the wedded couple into the grand banquet hall, with the DJ playing 'Marry You' by Bruno Mars. All guests remained seated while Anna and Stefan had their first dance to Elvis's everlasting golden number, "Can't help falling in love with you." Afterward, the speeches were completed one by one ending with dad's 'thank you' speech to all the guests when we were seated for lunch. I had just taken the seat beside Tristan, when mom's sister, aunt Emily asked mom innocently, "Where are you organizing Tristan and Amelia's wedding, Audi? I'm really looking forward to it. This time I'll stay a month and help in your planning," She smiled at me. I smiled back at her. What else could I do? She was very sweet and I didn't want to offend her.
Mom glanced at Tristan and said, "We haven't decided the venue and date yet, Emmy. Once we finalize everything, we'll inform you. You can stay as long as you want," said mom with a warm smile. Aunt Emily seemed to love the idea immensely.
"Yes, that would be great. Amelia's a wonderful girl, I approve of your choice, Tris." She smiled at me as I blushed a little at the attention.
Tristan grinned at me. "Thanks, Aunt Emmy," he said but I noted the slight color on his cheeks. Was he really blushing?
For the rest of the dinner, Tristan put his hand on my thigh and drew hearts over the thin satin material with his index finger, sending goosebumps all over me. I tried to stop him, but he wouldn't, stubborn as he is. A silly grin was pasted on our lips knowing what we were up to under the table. I knew I would miss his silly and naughty antics when he was gone. How will u stay without him? I'd die of heartbreak.
After dinner, finally, it was time for the bouquet and garter toss. I stood with Azura and Cassandra and Tristan's other single cousins as Anna got ready to throw her bouquet. Cassandra nudged me. My eyes widened when the bouquet made of red, white, and pink roses interspersed with calla lilies which Anna threw my way, came flying towards me. I clumsily caught it and looked at Tristan, who had a smug smile on his face. I smiled at him shyly. What did it all mean? Would I really get married next? A warm flush crept all over me as everyone started teasing me.
Anna sat down and put up her wedding gown while Stefan pulled her garter down with his teeth. The boys cheered and jumped at the back, eager to catch it. As Stefan tossed Anna's garter, Tristan leaped and dived in front of Julian and caught it like a trophy amidst loud cheers. Oh my gosh! Now he will put it on my leg in front of everyone. How embarrassing could it get?
Cassandra and Claire pushed me onto a seat as Tristan came, dancing all the way smirking at Adrian and Julian's jealous stares. I covered my face in embarrassment as he opened my shoe in slow motion and placed my leg on his knee. Placing the garter around my leg, he released my leg and helped me wear my shoe. Then he kissed my forehead and helped me to my feet. It was more tender than anything else.
"Aww," gasped Eliana, who was his cousin. I didn't feel embarrassed when Tristan placed the garter around my calf instead of further up. He made it look so innocent instead of naughty!