Saturday starts early with all of the women heading out to the hotel where they will get ready for the wedding. With a quick good morning and goodbye kiss Daphne and Chris are separated for the next few hours.
Chris POV
I can't help but chuckle as I watch Daphne follow the rest of the Jeffries women. She's shuffling behind them with her hair in a messy bun, hoodie and sweat pants covering her body. Oh mercy, she still has on her slippers. She's not a morning person. I already knew that information to an extent but seeing it first hand this week is a different story. Working the differing shifts I do doesn't allow me to not be a morning person. I guess one could say we balance each other out.
Heading into the kitchen I realize I'm the only male awake. Glancing at the clock I see it's just 6:30 am. I could lay back down for a bit, but let's face it, I won't be able to fall asleep. Cup of coffee it is then. I decide to take it out to the back porch where I've been enjoying the sunrise. No need for a blanket today but I am missing my little heater snuggled in next to me.
Daphne and I haven't spoken since last night when I told her that my future is with her. I'm not sure if she's there with me or not. Maybe continuing to guard her heart due to previous heartache. I told her I'd wait, and I meant it. But I want her to know that I am serious and not just saying what she wants to hear.
Just then the back door creaks open and Daphne's dad comes out. "Mind if I join you," he asks me.
"Not at all," I say motioning to the seat in front of me.
"It's so peaceful up here. Great place to gather your thoughts," Adam says as he sits down across from Chris at the table.
I nod in agreement. I'm sure he has no idea how many realizations I've had since we arrived Wednesday. "Thank you for letting me stay here with all of you."
"There was plenty of room. Just didn't make sense for you to stay elsewhere," Adam tells him.
"I'd like to pay for my share though," I let him know. "I can do cash or a check whichever you'd prefer."
It's his turn to shake his head. "No son, that's not necessary. I think we'll be the ones owing you for years to come."
I know that he's referring to the accident again so I let him know, again, that I was just doing my job.
"That's not all, Chris. It's been many years since I've seen the smile that covers Daphne's face when you're around. I'd do anything to keep my baby girl happy that way."
I shuffle around in my seat. Nerves are kicking in as I begin to contemplate how to have the discussion I want to have. I lean forward placing my forearms on the picnic table in front of me. Taking a deep breath I bite the bullet and start. "Mr. Jeffries, (I choose not to go with calling him Adam for this conversation as an extra sign of respect) I love Daphne very much. She has filled a void within me that had been missing for quite some time. I know that my future is with her. I'm not going to rush anything but I'd like to know if I would have your blessing to eventually ask her to marry me?" I'm holding my breath at this point, unsure of his response. I'm watching his face as I notice a change in his expression. He looks me in the eye. "Son, if you wanted to ask her tomorrow, Laura and I would both be fine with it. You are exactly what we've prayed for in a future husband for our Daphne."
I let out the breath I was holding. I can feel myself starting to get choked up so I swallow hard to try and push it down. "Thank you, sir," I tell him. Just then we are interrupted by Oliver and James asking if we're ready to go grab breakfast. Adam tells them sure and we'll meet them in fifteen. "If you don't mind, I'd like to keep this between us as much as possible," I ask him. He agrees and offers me his hand. I shake it as a wave of relief encompasses me.
Daphne POV
After a second cup of coffee and a plate of eggs and bacon I'm finally starting to feel myself wake up. I wanted to throw my phone across the room when the alarm went off this morning. Thankfully my family has learned to leave me be until the coffee takes hold in my veins.
Glancing around the hotel suite I notice that Rene's make-up is almost done and my mom's hair is finished. Next I'll be in the make up chair and Rene will move to hair. Mom won't let anyone else do her make up so after hair she's essentially done for a bit.
"You're up Daph," Rene tells me. I head to the make up chair with a bottle of water in hand. "Ya know we only have one more wedding after this," she continues.
"Oh, that's right!" Hazel exclaims from her seat on the couch.
I'm not going to willingly walk into this conversation. "Really? I thought this was it?"
I get a double eye roll from both my sister-in-law and sister-in-law to be. "You're telling me you've not thought about it?" Rene asks me.
"You don't have to answer that, baby," says my mom placing her hand on my shoulder. I give her a grateful smile but know that I need to say something to appease the girls. "Of course I've thought about it. I think sage would be a beautiful color, maybe with blush or peach thrown in," I reply even though I know that's not what they're asking about.
I can see Hazel on the couch, tight lipped, giving me a look. "Well," she starts, "I think Chris is the epitome of perfection for you. And he's not bad to look at." She throws me a wink.
"Listen, Bride to Be, keep your eyes off my man," I sass back to her.
"Seriously though Daphne, please tell us you recognize how perfect you are together," Rene asks.
No words are needed as the smile on my face answers their question, and if that wasn't enough the deep blush will rat me out as well.
Over the course of another two hours our faces are all painted and hair all fluffed and flounced. Rene and I get dressed first so we can help Hazel into her dress.
My dress is very different for me. I don't normally wear items that are so form fitting but it was Hazel's request. She's lucky I love her.
Hazel looks amazing in her lace covered dress. Once everyone double checks each other we are ready to head to the venue. It's only about a ten minute drive and thankfully traffic is on our side. Mom calls dad to make sure Oliver is no where near the hall because Hazel wants to look at the space now that it's all decorated. Once she's given the go ahead we help her into the area. It's gorgeous.
Chris POV
The doors to the reception hall open and I've forgotten how to breathe. It's not the woman in white that stops my breath but the woman holding the train of her dress. I run my hand over my beard as I struggle to form words. She hasn't noticed me yet, which is a good thing because I can't help but let my eyes scan up and down her body.
Adam and James walk forward to greet them and help them with their bags. I need to help them and yet I can't move my feet. Suddenly I hear her laughter and see her smile at her brother and I'm pulled back to the present. "Here, let me help," I say as I take the bag from Daphne.
She gives me a look of shyness as I take her bag from her. It reminds me of the look I got when I had to lift her out of my truck. Is she embarrassed?
I watch as Hazel looks over all of the details before she gives the coordinator a thumbs up. Daphne finally walks over to me. "Hazel and Ollie are going to do a first look with the photographers. They want it be private so I'm all yours for a bit."
I take both of her hands in mine and lean back enough to give her a long look. I want her to see how much I'm admiring her. I find myself even biting my lip as I take in her curves. She notices the look of admiration on my face and tries to cover her face with her hands again. Luckily, I don't let go of her. "No ma'am. You're not hiding from me right now." I turn her into a twirl. "Daphne, you look amazing." I can tell my looking is making her squirm, maybe even uncomfortable, but I told her I was going to change her mind on things and her body is definitely one of them.
"Do I get to have the same long look over you, Christopher?" She asks me. "Take it all in, my love," I tell her as I do a turn of my own. "There's not many reasons that can get me into a suit. But again, it's worth that smile.
"Dashing as ever," she compliments me as I pull her further into my arms.
Our tender moment is cut short by the coordinator coming to get Daphne and the rest of the family. "I'll see you out there," she tells me as she walks away.
~~~ Back to 3rd Person POV
Chris takes his seat on the second row of the groom's side, directly behind where Laura and Adam will be sitting. He unbuttons his suit jacket and sits back.
The music starts and in walks the grandparents, then the mothers. Next is Oliver and James along with another groomsman. The music has a slight key change and in walks Rene holding baby Ellie. Sweet Sarah walks next to her tossing out her rose petals. Now, it's Daphne's turn. She's not use to being center of attention, it's obvious when she's looking more at the ground than straight ahead. But in a quick glance up she sees Chris, smiling back at her. She holds his gaze for a few seconds until she turns to find her place on the stage. Another key change and the crowd stands. Walking down the aisle is a beautiful Hazel holding on to her father. Daphne glances at Ollie to see a huge smile over take his face.
The ceremony seems quick but it covers all of the usuals. Do you? I do? Do you? I do? Rings? And before they know it the pastor is pronouncing the husband and wife.
Each participant takes their walk back down the aisle. As Adam and Laura begin their trek she mentions how she can't believe another of her babies is married. Adam squeezes her hand thinking the last one will be married soon as well.