No Strings Attached

Part 19 : No Strings Attached

"What's this?" She questioned

Kassiana smiled, "From the Mr. Alonso himself."

Kimberley opened it and read its contents:

To my darling, beautiful wife,

I love you with all of my heart and I couldn't bear to think what life would be like without you. We've been through a lot in the past 2 years. We went from lift companions, (now we have a story to tell the grandkids!) to colleagues, to friends, to partners and now I can finally say that at the end of this day you will be my wife. I want to let you know that you are beautiful in every way and I am a lucky man to have you in my life.

I love you Kimberley Rae Scott. Don't ever change.

With Love from your future husband,

Rick. Xxx

Kimberley wiped the solitary tear away from her eye as she placed the paper inside the envelope. Today was the day. She could put all of it behind her once she was Riccardo's wife, once that ring glistened on her finger, it would be a symbol of their lifelong commitment to one another. Rick wouldn't devalue, debase that - surely? The beautifully penned letter didn't seem to suggest so, in fact it affirmed Kimberley's knowledge that Riccardo Carlosito Alonso was completely and utterly head over heels for her.

"What did he say?" Alex enquired

She dabbed at her eyes with a tissue, "It's nothing."

They smiled empathetically, somehow knowing it was something kind and romantic.

"Miss Scott. We have arrived at the venue." Jeremy smiled, "You look fantastic, Miss Scott, if I do say so myself. Although I guess I shouldn't call you Miss Scott for much longer, ma'am."

"Thank you Jeremy," Kimberley replied, " That means a lot to me. And for the record, it's Kimberley, okay? Let's ditch the formalities and start afresh. I appreciate everything."

She gave him one final wave as she got out of the car.

As she entered the venue, the beautifully ornate church, she spotted her father standing in the right hand corner. He gasped, embracing his daughter,

"Oh Kim...." tears began to well up in his eyes, "Kimberley... you look absolutely beautiful."

"Thank you Daddy," she smiled, "I'm getting married!" she laughed, "I'm getting married!"

"I know honey!" he smiled, "Nice fellow you've picked there. Seems to have his head screwed firmly on his shoulders and such manners! Very gentlemanly as I expect he treats you as such."

"I know Dad," she grinned, "That's why I'm marrying him... it's not because I love him or anything..."

Her father laughed, "Come on then, let's get married."

She gasped, "Father, so now you are practising incest?!"

He chuckled, "You know what I mean."

The wedding march began and Kimberley and her father walked down the aisle towards the wedding party.

Kimberley could spot his dark chocolate hair which slightly brushed his crisp white collar, slightly exposing the tanned skin beneath. The suit, she could tell, was Armani - Riccardo had previously said he would die in Armani - and tailored to his body like a tightly fitting glove. Fitted by an Italian tailor obviously. He was suave, sophisticated and exuded an aura of power and presence, even with his head facing away from her. This was the Rick she knew, the pompous, chauvinistic, over confident yet extremely loving, caring, down-to-earth, charming man who had managed to sweep her off her Louboutins.