Chapter 143: Chapter 143

Amelia's POV

I woke up to a series of knocks on our door. Who could it be so early in the morning? I couldn't get up because of Tristan's arm around my chest and his head in the crook of my neck. We had overslept and now the whole family might be at our door. We needed to first get dressed before opening the door but with Tristan weighing me down, it seemed like an impossible task. However, he seemed oblivious to the noises.

I shook him, "Jay, wake up, someone's at the door," I whispered, shaking him. He nodded in his sleep and tightened his hold upon me. I panicked as the knocks grew louder but Tristan seemed to be in his own dreamland. I shook him roughly.

"Who's got a death wish now?" He growled as he opened his eyes and looked for his clothes. Putting on his tracks and tee he looked at me. I was already dressed in my pyjamas and sitting on the bed.

He opened the door to a crack and peered out. Anna and Claire stood with knowing grins on their faces. They pushed past him and entered our room. "What took you so long?" Anna asked, wiggling her eyes. Tristan closed the door and walked in looking at them with a displeased look on his face.

"Don't tell me you were at it now?" Claire said with eyes like saucers.

"No dumb, we were sleeping. Why are you here so early in the morning? Can't a guy sleep in peace? It's a long day ahead," Tristan said and then stretched his tired muscles.

"Mom wants Amelia to come for breakfast and her luxurious bath, to get ready for the wedding," Claire said as Tristan made a face.

"The wedding ceremony is in the afternoon. Why does she need to go now at 7 o'clock in the morning?" Tristan asked impatiently.

Please, Jay. Don't create a scene today. It's a special day for us and I don't want to start it with negativity. Don't fight with your mom today. I don't mind doing what she wants," I told her. Thankfully Tristan nodded.

"I'll just freshen up and be there in 15 minutes," I told them. Anna walked over to the door to leave while Claire stuck out her tongue at Tristan before leaving. I could hear them giggling outside as Tristan closed the door after them.

Tristan pulled me to him, "Go get ready, love. I want you to take a luxurious bath so that you will be invigorated and refreshed. I want you to relax and enjoy the day with me. It's a long day ahead, eat well and don't stress. Everything will be fine. You'll be the most beautiful bride in the whole world. "Do you know why? Because you're my bride. I love you," he whispered in my ear. I was overwhelmed by his words. They gave me a lot of courage to face the day. I clung to him for a moment.

"Thank you, Jay. We wouldn't be seeing each other only at the altar now. So be happy and stop stressing unnecessarily. Everything that you said to me is also applicable to you," I told him. He grinned and nodded.

"Gather your strength. You'll need it tonight," he winked, releasing me. I chuckled.

"So would you," I said cheekily, making him laugh.

"Interesting indeed. I'll look forward to it," he said, making me blush a little.

"Meet you at the altar, Mr Henderson," I teased.

"See you too, Mrs Henderson," he chuckled as I kissed him and went to the washroom to freshen up. Tristan was having coffee with Caleb at our deck. I didn't disturb them and went to the dining hall to meet mom and my bridesmaids. Buffet breakfast was served and I just served myself generously.

"At last, Tris allowed you to escape him?" chuckled Anna. I smiled at her and started eating. Mom came over to check whether I was eating properly.

"Eat well, Amy. You won't get anything after this for the next few hours," said mom. I nodded at her.

"Yes, mom," I said. Mom left and the girls started their gossip around me.

"Tristan has declined the first look. He doesn't want Amy to take so much stress," said Cassandra. Amelia smiled warmly. She didn't know that!

"Are you sure that he has declined because of the stress factor?" giggled Anna. I rolled my eyes at their dirty minds.

I think he declined because he wouldn't be able to control himself if he saw how beautiful she looked," said Claire. They all agreed and giggled more. I smiled and continued to eat. My brothers and their wives too came to sit with me. We all had breakfast together.

"After breakfast, they ushered me to the bridal room where I was supposed to get ready. An attendant was waiting to help me with my bath. I was feeling fresh and rejuvenated, being pampered like a queen for the first time in my life. I wondered what Tristan was doing at this time. I had already started missing him and it was just the start of the day.

After a luxurious bath, my hair was done by attendants as instructed by Claire. When my makeup was done, I slipped on the dress that I had designed for myself. It was a beautiful and classic off-shoulder, ivory, A-line tulle gown with a beaded, embroidered v-shaped neckline, a draped chiffon bodice and a circular-cut chiffon skirt, with a chapel train. I looked into the mirror unable to recognize my own reflection. Was the glowing and radiant bride in the mirror really me? I had seen blushing brides all my life but today, I was really on cloud nine seeing my dreams come true. I missed my mom today on my wedding day. She had blessed me and had given me her approval just before her death. She would have been so happy to see me in my bridal attire.

My hair was tied in a bun at the top with a strand of jewelled braid coiled around it. Soft tendrils framed my face giving it a soft look paired with the natural makeup. Leo gave me my mom's jewellery chest. I chose a pair of diamond-studded pearl drop earrings that was my mom's, to wear with my wedding gown. She wanted me to have her jewellery chest on my wedding day.

Anna adjusted the veil that gran and Tristan's mom gave me. There was a knock on my door and dad cleared his throat. "All decent? Can I come in?" he asked.

"Yes, dad," we chorused.

Mom and dad came in along with my brothers, Leo and Brandon, all of them had warm smiles on their faces. "You're looking amazing, Amy. Chin up, don't worry, everything will be fine, " said mom. I nodded as I looked at my two brothers. They would walk me down the aisle and give me away to Tristan, all except Caleb who was Tristan's best man.

"Yes, mom," I whispered.

"Amy's missing her mom," said Azura, looking sad. She knew the feeling so well. Dad came forward and gave me a hug.

"She's surely watching you from heaven and I'm sure that she's feeling extremely happy seeing you finally settling down," he comforted. I nodded, as I gulped down the tears in my eyes. Dad released me and Leo came forward to hug me. I was jittery and emotional.

"Cheer up, little one. Someone's eagerly waiting for you at the venue," said Leo teasingly.

"Yeah, let's get going," said Claire. Dad chuckled and left when Caleb stormed inside.

"My best friend's going crazy there. How long are you gonna take?" he asked impatiently.

"We're on our way," said Brandon.

"By the way, why is Amy looking so grown up?" asked a bewildered Caleb. Claire grinned and started to explain to him how girls mature and become a woman when they get married. They all covered their ears while the bridal party walked toward the venue. Anna handed me my bridal bouquet and handled my veil as I walked toward the beach. I hadn't seen the setup where our ceremony would be held and a strange excitement filled me. I wanted to see how Tristan would look as a groom. He hadn't shown me his tuxedo and I had no idea what he was wearing.

I gasped seeing the majestic structure that was constructed on the private beach overlooking the lake. It was such a tranquil and romantic setup, the sound of birds swooping down for fish, swans flapping their wings, the cry of eagles far away from the Adirondack mountains, parrots screeching now and then, the sound of the soft breeze rustling the pine trees, the tingling smell of pine cones, and the floral decorations used to decorate the altar, all adding to the natural beauty, calming my senses as I waited with my family to walk down the aisle.