Chapter 64: Chapter 64

Annabelle's POV

I looked out of the car window to see that we had left New York City and headed towards the outskirts. "Where exactly are we going?" I finally asked Stefan.

"Cocoon," said Arielle and I looked at her with surprise. Stefan laughed hearing it.

"Where's Cocoon?" I asked with surprise.

"Callicoon," laughed Stefan, making my eyes go wide with surprise. So we would be having our wedding in Callicoon? I'd never been there but I had heard of the beauty of the place, the rolling hills, the lakes, and vast meadows. So my dream of having a lakeside wedding was finally coming true!

"Wow! Why didn't you tell me before?" I gasped, staring at the picturesque views all around.

Stefan drove into a sprawling property that seemed like a wedding resort, The Springwell Golf Club and Resorts. I realized from the name that this belonged to Stefan. The whole property overlooked their 18-hole golf course and Callicoon's rolling hills. The sprawling resort was breath-taking with vast expanses of golf turf, and lush green lawns that rolled down to the water's edge of the huge private lake. Paddleboats floated near the edge and beautiful swans, and geese waddled about and swam serenely. The area gave a fresh, natural vibe and I was happy to inhale the fresh air. Hand in hand, Stefan, Arielle, and I strolled along exploring the entire resort. Arielle loved to run after the ducklings.

"You see that gazebo? Our wedding ceremony will be held there," said Stefan pointing towards the gazebo built in the center of the garden. White tulle drapes and flowers in different shades of pink decorated the archway giving the whole area a romantic, classic vibe. The workers were busy decorating and fixing the gazebo, lighting was being installed in every nook and corner. Floral decorations were being made and fixed.

"It's so beautiful. More than I ever dreamed of," I gasped. Two more cars arrived and Julian and Cassandra along with Stefan's parents and gran arrived. The manager from the resort rushed to welcome us. After a grand welcome, we were ushered to the private deck of the grand executive suite. Finger foods and appetizers were served along with some aperitifs. There were lots to choose from, Prosciutto-wrapped halloumi sticks, cheesy chicken parm balls, smoked salmon rolls, blueberry tarts, mixed tomato canapes, strawberry swirl pavlovas. There were adequate seating arrangements and everyone chatted and laughed together. Soon everyone else joined us too. The food was good and later we looked at our rooms. I was to sleep with gran till the wedding! Stefan wasn't at all happy with this arrangement and I knew that he was counting the days we were apart. I would have to make it up to him later.

I couldn't argue with gran and mom even if I didn't want to stay away from Stefan. As for Stefan, he looked so dejected that my heart went out to him. We spent the whole day with each other while the others went to play golf. Stefan didn't wish to go to play golf, he stayed back with me. With the rest of his extended family and friends arriving tomorrow, we were thankful to get some time to ourselves. Jason and Claire took Alexander and Arielle to see the ducks and swans. Stefan, seeing his chance, pulled me towards his room.

"Stefan, not now, please. Someone will catch us," I whispered but he wasn't in a mood to listen.

"I can't wait till our wedding night. I'll go crazy by then," said Stefan. It was true actually. We had grown so used to being with each other that staying away from one another was actually a punishment for us.

He closed the door and locked it well. He turned around and approached me with his eyes dark with desire. I was already too eager to surrender, so I simply wrapped my arms around his neck and crashed my lips on his. He pulled me closer and deepened the kiss, making my body burn with desire. We were soon lost in the throes of passion, surrendering to one another completely. He positioned above my throbbing wetness and plunged into me in a single thrust. For the next few minutes, we were in heaven, completely surrendering to each other.

"I think we should wear our clothes," said Stefan afterward. The sun was a little set and the whole place looked so breathtakingly beautiful that I didn't have words to describe it. Stefan and I wore our clothes and went towards the balcony to see the beautiful sunset. We could see our family returning back to the resort from the golf course. Stefan and I shared a look. What would have happened if we had gone for round two?

The next morning, we had a delicious breakfast and went out to explore, play golf, go swimming at the heart-shaped pool, catch fish at the private lake, go boating, play throw ball, and much more. It was really fun. The resort started filling in with more guests and extended family members. I didn't know them, so I kept to our family. Sometimes mom introduced us and we were paraded around like prizes.

"This is so embarrassing," said Cassandra.

"I hate to face relatives. They're always so curious about you," said Azura.

"I know. They're all asking whether I'm next," said Amelia, who was Tristan's girl.

"When's your bachelorette party, Anna?" asked one of Stefan's aunts. Stefan and I didn't want a bachelorette party, so we just wanted to settle for a huge dinner together, with lots of fun games and dancing.

"We're not having it, aunt Emily. We'll go for a family dinner instead," I told her.

"These days girls love a bachelorette pool party with lots of booze. It's the most happening thing now," said Eliana, Stefan's cousin.

"Anna isn't like the other girls and I'm glad," said mom defending me. We smiled at one another.

"Oh," said Eliana, looking disappointed.

"Be ready tonight for the barbecue and bonfire in the evening," said mom.

"You're so lucky, Audi, you've got such beautiful girls as your daughter-in-law," said aunt Kathy, who was dad's sister.

"Amelia dear, are you planning to get married next or Cassandra is? Audi, this time, inform us at least two weeks ahead," said Aunt Sally, mom's youngest sister.

"Yeah, sure," said mom, ignoring the rest of her question as dad called her and she left.

We couldn't be more excited. We looked forward to the bonfire. The girls were planning a dance and forced me into it as well.

"Please Anna. Let's do something different," coaxed Claire.

"Fine, let's practice with easy-to-do steps," I said. We all we to my room and we danced to our heart's content.

"We'll wear floral maxis, boho style," said Cassandra excitedly.

So while we were gearing up to bowl the men over with our performance, the guys were up to their own planning. We waited eagerly to see what they would be up to.