I open my eyes and look around. I am confused for a moment when I realize that I am not in my own bed.
And then it hits me. I am getting married today and I slept at Soñador for one last night. Ben will come here for the wedding. But we wanted it to be traditional, the bride and groom not sleeping together the night before the wedding. I had a hard time falling asleep without Ben next to me.
I look at the clock. It’s already eight in the morning.
A soft knock on the door makes me rush out of bed. “Coming, coming.” I say and open the door. Lea, Sara, Erica and Carlotta stand in front of my bedroom door. They are still in their pajamas, with huge smiles on their faces. “You are getting married today.” Lea cheers.
“No, really? Was that today? I guess I forgot.” I say, voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Lets make you a beautiful bride.” Sara cheers and claps her hands.
“Hmm. Did you bring your make-up kit?” I grumble. “I am barely awake.”
“It will be okay. You are looking at a master make-up girl.” Carlotta points at herself. I think I just need to give in.
The girls push me into the bathroom to take a shower. The nerves are creeping up. I shut off the faucets and dry myself quickly. I need to sit down to dry my feet with my big belly being in the way.
I slip into my new, white underwear and walk back to the room.
" We have plenty of time. Let's have some breakfast." Erica says and I frown at her. "I am not really hungry right now." I tell her. The butterflies are fluttering through my stomach and I am afraid I will throw up if I eat something.
I finally manage to eat a thin slice of toast and drink a cup of tea.
"Now sit down and let me do your hair." Carlotta commands. I sit and let her blow dry my hair and fix it the way she thinks it should be. I am not allowed to look into the mirror until I am completely done.
"Make-up." Carlotta holds out her hand and Erica hands her what she needs. I see lots of pink and light brown shades.
I close my eyes and let Carlotta work on my make-up. "Are you done yet?" I ask. "Almost." She says. It takes her two more minutes to finish. The girls still will not let me look in the mirror.
I stand up and turn around to Erica. She is holding my dress. It's even more beautiful than I remember. The girls help me into the dress and it still fits perfectly.
The girls help me into my shoes too. They are the perfect white heels to go with my dress. But I can't get them on by myself because of my big belly.
I stand up and look at the girls. They are all smiling. I think I might see a tear or two also. "Well?" I ask.
"Come, see for yourself. You can look in the mirror now." Erica says.
I turn and look into the mirror and put my hands to my face. Oh my, I look like a princess.
My hair is pinned up with many tiny white roses woven through it. There are little tendrils of hair curling around my face. My make-up is natural and hardly visible, making my eyes look even more blue. The dress wraps perfectly around my big belly and the halter top makes my breasts look great.
"Don’t cry, don't cry.!" All the girls say at once. "You'll ruin your make-up." Carlotta says, laughing.
I have to bite my lip to keep from crying. "Thank you, all of you, for making me so beautiful." I whisper.
I keep staring at the clock. Time has never passed so slow.
Erica rushes outside to welcome all the guests.
My parents arrived late yesterday. I haven’t had the chance to speak to them yet.
I see my sister sitting next to my parents and on the other side I see Joanne and David with their two sons Daniel and Neil. I didn’t know they had flown in too.
Bens’ friends. My friends. They are all united in my favorite olive grove. My heart nearly bounces out of my chest with happiness. I look again and see Aña sitting between my friends, guarded by Alfonso.
Bens’ car appears in the distance. There he is!
I want to run outside but Sara is holding me back. “No. You have to wait for your cue.” She laughs and squeezes my hand. “Oh and don’t forget your bouquet.” Sara hands me a cream bouquet of lilies and roses.
My dad gets up from his chair and rushes inside to me. “I am supposed to give you away today.” He says. I smile and nod. “I am proud of you my dearest Lynn. How you’ve turned your life around. How you’ve dealt with all the things in your life. I am proud to give you away to a good man today.” He says with teary eyes.
I hug him. “Thank you daddy.” I whisper.
I look through the blinds and see Ben standing in front of our unprofessionally build altar. I giggle.
Sara and Lea open the door and I hear the beginning notes of the bridal march. I hook my arm through my dads’ arm and we walk behind Sara and Lea to the altar.
My heart is pounding and I am about to faint when I see Ben smiling at me. He looks so handsome in his dark blue suit.
I am glad my dad is holding me firmly. Otherwise I would have been running by now.
I take a deep breath. My dad gives me a kiss on my forehead and waits for the officiant to speak. “Who gives this woman to this man in marriage?” He asks. “Her mother and I do.” My dad replies and takes his seat next to my mother.
My heart is about to jump out of my chest when Ben reaches for my hands and squeezes them gently.
The officiant starts talking.
“Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the joining of Benjamin Orion Graupner and Lynn van der Beek in marriage. With love and commitment, they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife.”
I find myself looking at Bens’ face more than listening to the speech.
The official continues talking and I do my best to stay focused on what he is saying.
Then it’s finally time.
"Do you Benjamin Graupner take Lynn van der Beek to be your lawfully wedded wife, promising to love and cherish, through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and all challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?"
Ben smiles widely. “I do!” He says with a little nod. I giggle softly.
"Do you Lynn van der Beek take Benjamin Orion Graupner to be your lawfully wedded husband, promising to love and cherish, through joy and sorrow, sickness and health and all challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?"
“I do!” I say loudly with a smile.
People behind me chuckle.
Ben Johnson steps forward to hand us the rings.
We spoke about this for such a long time. Would we just slide the ring on each others finger? Or say something too.
I didn’t want to say anything. I am not really a big fan of talking in front of people.
Ben holds the ring and reaches for my hand. He softly slides the ring onto my finger and smiles. "I give you this ring, as I give to you all that I am, and accept from you, all that you are."
I stare at him, not knowing what to do. I can’t speak in front of all these people. My thoughts are running and I look at Ben. I don’t know what to do or what to say. And then my mouth starts to speak before I think about it.
“I welcome you into my heart and my soul as I give you my heart and soul for not only as long as we walk on this earth, but for as long as our souls fly free.” I slide the ring on Bens’ finger. He is staring at me a little shocked.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Ben leans down and kisses me softly. Then looks at me a little teary eyed. “I had no idea you were so poetic, Mrs. Graupner. Thank you”
I giggle a little. “I had no idea I was either, Mr. Graupner.”
Ben laughs and kisses me again. Then we turn to face our friends and family and walk back down the isle.
We look at our friends and family. My mom is crying and even my dad is wiping a tear away. They get up and hug both Ben and I. “Congratulations.” My dad pats Ben on the shoulder.
My sister hugs Ben while introducing herself.
I finally get to meet Bens’ mom and step dad. Their plane was delayed so they arrived here early this morning. “Nice to meet you.” Tammy tells me and I smile. “Nice to meet you too.”
I am so thankful for all the love and kindness from our family and friends. I don’t think life can get any better than this.
We are having a big dinner party at Soñador for all the friends and family. Erica, Joanne and my mom go to the kitchen to finish preparing dinner. Ben and I sneak off and hide behind an olive tree. He pins me against it and kisses me on my lips. “So, Mrs. Graupner. Are you enjoying yourself?” He asks. I rest my forehead against his’ and I nod slowly. “I am. And you?”
“Yes, I am.” He replies.
He grabs my hand and brings it up to his lips to softly press a kiss on it.
I grab his cheeks and pull his face towards me for another kiss. I open my mouth to let his tongue in. I hook my leg around his and pull him closer to me. “I love you Mr. Graupner.” I mumble against his mouth. “I love you too, Mrs. Graupner.” He replies.
A soft thump against my leg makes me look down. “Theo!” I say. “I think we need to go.” I say and pull away from Ben.
Ben, Theo and I walk back to Soñador. People see us walking back hand in hand. Will cheers. “Where have you been. Naughty people.” He laughs and I glare at him. “For a walk with Theo.” I reply with a straight face.
Will shuts up.
The tables are filled up with food and people are taking their seats. I end up between Ben and his brother Daniel. I sigh. This could be fun.
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