Adani's POV
Butterflies were forming in the pit of my stomach as it sink in.
I was going to be a mom and my mom was the first I called to tell her the wonderful news. She became more ecstatic than I was and insisted I get enough rest and vitamins.
Returning back home, Ricardo led me upstairs with the utmost care.
"Sweetie, I'm not dying. I'm only having a baby," I protested when he arranged the pillows on the bed and put my feet on top of one for elevation.
"I know that you're not dying but Dr. Patel said you should get some rest today and you have a new diet to follow. Is there anything you need from the kitchen?"
"A glass of water and an apple will do for now," I answered.
"Coming right up. I'll inform Beth on the changes," he responded. He kissed me before leaving for the kitchen.
I smiled to myself as I reached for my handbag and pulled out my cellphone.
"Hi Rockett," I greeted when she answered.
"Darling, how are you?"
"I'm fine. I'm calling about the dress. Can I still have it?" I asked. Rockett gasped.
"Is the wedding going to happen this time?" she asked.
"Yes," I confidently answered.
"I have it delivered immediately."
"Thank you."
I hung up just as Ricardo came back into the room.
"Have you told anyone about the baby?" I asked him.
"No. Not yet. Should I start making some calls?"
"No no. Let's make the announcement at the wedding. Our wedding. As we planned. I told mom to keep the news to herself."
"Baby, you do realize that that would be three days away, right?"
"Can you make it happen?" I asked.
"For you, I'll move the world."
He made several phone calls to the wedding planner who immediately accepted the task and her generous payment.
~
An hour later, the dress arrived in a neatly packaged box. Ricardo bought it up to the bedroom.
"Adani, you should be in bed," he alarmed when he noticed me up and combing my hair.
"An I also have to be active or else the baby would be lazy," I said back.
"Haha. This package came for you," he said and handed me the luxurious looking box tied in a bow. I glanced inside and my eyes already fell in love with what I saw.
"Please leave the room," I said to Ricardo with a smile.
"Can I see what's in it?" he asked.
"No. You cannot. Not yet," I said.
"Okay, mama," he said and we laughed at the teasing, "I'll be in my office." He kissed me before leaving the room and I forgot about braiding my hair and giving the package my full attention.
I striped and stood in front of the long body mirror with the dress against me.
"Lord, I'm praying, don't let me already be gaining weight." I stepped into the dress and did the zipper as best I could have making certain it could have gone all the way up.
"Perfect fit," I squealed with excitement. I took in the details. Every gem and pearl were secured. The sowing was neatly done and the dress complimented my body. I peered into the box again when I noticed there was a smaller package with a card attached to it
'I hope this isn't too forward but I saw this in a boutique and it screamed your name. -Rockett'
I opened it and saw a sexy lingerie.
"Ah, Rockett. If I wasn't already pregnant, it was bound to happen in this," I said to myself.
Taking a deep breath, I managed to get out of it without a hitch and secured it away from prying eyes in my closet.
I didn't believe in those superficial phrases as 'It's bad luck to see the dress before the wedding' but I wasn't going to take any chances.
~
The next day, everyone's invitations were delivered to them and the wedding planner found the time to still ask for my input on the cake, decorations and flowers.
~
The Wedding Day
It came faster than I anticipated but I was ready to marry the man I was in love with.
Mom, Adonna, Mavielle and the professional makeup artist surrounded me in the bedroom.
"Go for a natural look. She's beautiful as is so you don't need to cake on that foundation," Adonna said to the makeup artist.
"Leave her be. She's a professional and Adani knows what she wants," Mavielle inputted.
"How are you feeling, Adani?" mom asked next.
"I'm nervous but excited," I described.
The chattering went on until the makeup application was done and my hair was styled.
"You're ready," mom said. I stood up from the chair I've been in for over an hour and looked at reflection.
"You're so beautiful," Adonna said.
"Indeed," mom agreed.
"Most beautiful bride I've seen," Mavielle complimented.
"Don't make me cry now," I told them.
~
We were in the limousine for the hour long drive, heading towards the beachside location where I knew the groom was already awaiting my arrival.
Reaching there, I got into the elevator and went upwards. I stepped out and took in the beautiful scenery around me. Instead of having the wedding on the beach, it was being held by a very large pool in a hotel, overlooking the sea.
The aisle itself was enough but the decorations were just as I pictured.
"Beautiful," a voice said behind me. I turned and noticed Tim was standing there.
"Thank you," I replied.
"Adani, I may not be worthy enough but it would hurt me if I didn't ask to walk you down the aisle," he said with hopeful eyes.
"Mom is already going to walk me," I told him.
"I understand."
"Why don't we both, if Adani's okay with that, I'm willing to put aside our differences for today," mom told him.
They looked at me now.
"Sure," I said. He was still my father.
"Congratulations. I must say, you do make a beautiful bride," another voice came. I didn't have to look in her direction to know it was her.
"Corrine, I promise you, if you as so much as sneeze too loudly, your ass is going to be underneath the water, do you understand me?" my mom told her.
"I wouldn't ruin anyone's day. I know how to conduct myself," she replied then slithered away to her seat.
In a matter of minutes, the music began and everyone stood up and looked back at the tinted door I was able to see out of.
Little Ricci stood next to his father with the rings. Derick was Ricardo's batman and several loyal employees stood behind Derick as groom's men.
Adonna was my maid of honor. Because of her, I was able to realize my strengths. Mavielle, Rockett and Dr. Milan were my bridesmaids.
I took a deep breath, exhaled slowly and my smile came on naturally as the doors opened and I stepped out.
"Beautiful. Oh my God, I love the dress," people complimented softly as I walked on by.
Ricardo's eyes watered with admiration as he looked at me. He held his hand out as I stood on the opposite side of him.
"I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too," I mouthed back.
The officiant began as everyone took their seats again. Then it was time for the vows.
"Adani, you mean everything and more to me. The day we met, I wasn't expecting you to make such an impact and change in my life but you did. Your smile is my motivation and your words are my strength. Not having you around is a nightmare so I promise I'll love you, I'll be there for you, I'll commit to you and only you and I will be the best husband I can be. I love you," Ricardo vowed and inserted my wedding band.
"Ricardo, you saved me, physically, mentally and emotionally. You're the most generous and kindest person I've ever met. Honest, kind, considerate and loving. I'm so blessed to have found you and I'm dare not going to let you go. I will be a honest, trustworthy, compassion and loving partner because I love you," I vowed and inserted his band onto his finger.
"And if anyone is against this beautiful couple getting married, speak now or forever hold you peace and tongue," the officiant said.
Ricardo and I looked towards his mother who was silent as a lamb.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you Mr and Mrs. Ricardo Parriston. You may kiss your bride!"
Our lips met and cheers and applaused rung out from the on-lookers. They congratulated us as we headed into the wedding reception hall for the feast.
Songs played and people danced and laughed and mingled with each other. Mrs. Parriston was all smiles when she walked up to Ricardo and me.
"Speaking from an honest part of me, I want to say congratulations and I wish you nothing but happiness," she said.
"Thank you, Mrs. Parriston," I said.
"I think I'm going to go back to my maiden name. You're the one and only Mrs. Parriston," she said again. She winked at us and disappeared from our view.
"Toast! Toast! Toast!" a chant sounded as Adonna stood up with a glass. Everyone's attention on her.
"As the maid of honor, I want to say that I'm happy to see my best friend and my sister happy as well. I know what it feels like to be disappointed and hurt by someone but when you find your smile again and your heart wants to love again, you went for it and you found it. I wish you and your husband the greatest life, health and happiness. I love you sis," Adonna announced.
I stood up from where I was sitting and pulled her into an embrace as tears of happiness filled my eyes.
"Thank you and I love you too," I replied.
The mic was handed over to Ricardo. He took my hand to join his side.
"My wife and I have an announcement," he said.
"We're Pregnant!" we said at the same time and more cheers erupted than ever before.
"Yes! I'm going to be a big brother," little Ricci said with joy and hugged his dad and I around our legs.
~
After the bride-and-groom dances and the cutting of the cake and the flutes of champagne, the event winded down to an end.
Ricardo and I took our leave to the surprise honeymoon he had in store for us.
_______________________
A/N
The book ends at Chapter 70
(2 chapters remaining)
The image below is how I pictured the aisle and the decorations. (I don't have or own the rights to this image.
It's for viewing purposes only to help you my readers paint the picture of the wedding in this chapter)