Upon arriving home, a warm and cheerful scene awaited me – Emily graced in a delicate lace champagne dress, and my mother observing her with an affectionate gaze. "You look stunning, princess." I complimented, capturing their attention. Their smiles widened as they turned towards me.
"Thank you, dear brother, but I'm already quite beautiful." Emily confidently replied, and I couldn't help but smile and nod.
"I hope both of you have packed your things." I mentioned, sinking into the sofa and loosening my tie.
"Yes, my love."
"Your tuxedo is ready in your room as well," Emily added. I nodded, accepting a glass of water from a helper nearby.
As we settled, a somber atmosphere replaced the previous merry moment. Tears welled up in my mother's eyes, and she whispered, "I wish your father were still with us. He would have been so happy." Her words invoked a pang of grief within me, but I pushed it aside and embraced my mother.
"He's always watching over us, keeping us safe." I reassured her in a hushed tone.
I beckoned for Emily, who was now teary-eyed, to join us, wrapping my arms around them both.
"You truly are the best son a mother could dream of." My mom managed to say, wiping her tears and offering me a faint smile.
"And the best brother." Emily chimed in.
Leaving soft kisses on their foreheads, I eventually retreated to my room. After changing and sharing dinner, I lay on my bed, my gaze lingering on my wedding suit.
I hope everything turns out just fine.
With that thought, I surrendered to sleep.
NEXT MORNING
Dressed in casual blue denim jeans, a white t-shirt, and accessorized with sneakers and a denim jacket, I descended the stairs. To my surprise, Emily had chosen a denim outfit, creating an unintentional twinning effect.
"Ready to depart ?" I inquired as I approached them.
"Absolutely." They responded with enthusiasm. Our small convoy consisted of two separate cars, with the driver taking them to the airport, while I drove towards Amelia's residence.
As I arrived at her door and knocked, she opened it, revealing herself in a stunning ensemble that momentarily left me in awe. I had seen her in various dresses before – cocktails, gowns, pencil dresses – but her appearance in dark blue high-waisted jeans paired with a pristine white jersey shirt was captivating. Her loose hair framed her face, adding an air of elegance to her.
"It seems like everyone is twinning with me in their own way." A thought crossed my mind.
Amelia's gaze met mine, and I offered a faint smile that caused her to shyly look away. "You look... different, but amazing." She stammered, genuine surprise lacing her voice at seeing me in something other than formal attire.
"You look absolutely gorgeous." I responded, eliciting a smile from her before she invited me inside.
"Hello, Lucas." Greeted Alex, occupied with his sandwich.
"Are you both ready ?" I inquired. Amelia nodded, and they gathered their bags, with me taking one and her handling the other.
"Let's get going." I instructed, and she settled into the passenger seat while Alex occupied the back.
Soon, we reached the airport where my mother and Emily were already waiting for us. Amelia greeted my mom, and her formal approach was met with a warm response. "Enough with the formalities, dear. You're going to be my son's wife – call me 'mom' already." My mother insisted. Amelia glanced at me for approval. I subtly nodded, and she smiled in agreement.
Emily and Alex struck up a conversation, and as their laughter rang out, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of happiness and concern. While I was pleased to see Alex possibly finding a sense of normalcy, my worries for Emily's emotional attachment surfaced. She tended to form connections quickly, which sometimes led to pain. However, I knew I'd be there for both of them.
"Shall we ?" Amelia's voice drew me from my thoughts, and I followed her onto the plane. As they settled into their plush seats, I reached for my laptop, ready to work, and noticed Amelia doing the same.
"Mr. Reed contacted me." I informed her. She raised her head, our gazes meeting. Her eyes held a certain innocence that I found endearing.
"What did he say ?" She inquired softly.
"He mentioned that his son, Axel Reed, will oversee the deal. Axel is currently visiting his offices across the country and the continent and will return in about a month."
"Okay. I hope he is just like his father." She responded, and I nodded in understanding. Just then, Emily's voice interrupted us.
"Seriously, you two have no life. This isn't a business trip, you know." She teased, shaking her head as if exhausted by our seriousness; or maybe she was.
"My apologies," Amelia responded with a gentle smile.
"I'll let it slide this time." Emily said, feigning annoyance. Amelia nodded, and I rolled my eyes, setting my laptop aside. Emily grinned and resumed her seat.
"They have such lively spirits." Amelia whispered, observing my mother, Emily, and Alex engaged in conversation and laughter.
"They certainly do." I agreed.
"It's been a while since Alex and I went anywhere. Seeing him so happy is heartwarming."
"A step towards a normal life." I added, and she turned her gaze toward me, a hopeful smile playing on her lips.
After the flight landed, two awaiting cars transported us to the house where I had spent my childhood. Nestled in a secluded area, the two-story house stood tall, embraced by an expansive garden. Memories flooded my mind upon arrival, and as I glanced at my mother and Emily, their expressions mirrored my sentiment.
"Such a beautiful place." Amelia whispered, a touch of amusement in her voice.
"Their dad always valued privacy, which is why he built our home away from the city's chaos. Lucas later renovated it." Mom explained.
"Shall we head inside ?" Amelia nodded in agreement, following me as we entered. Her expressions of wonder and amazement reflected as she surveyed the interiors.
"Alex, let Emily show you to your room. It's adjacent to hers. If you need anything, reach out to her first." I instructed Alex, receiving a nod from him. Emily led him away, and my mother retired to her room.
"Come with me" I invited Amelia, leading her through a set of stairs to the first floor, where two rooms stood opposite each other.
"This is your room." I indicated one of them. "And if you require anything, feel free to come to me." I gestured toward my room.
"Thank you. I'll go rest for a bit." Amelia whispered, and I acknowledged her with a nod before retiring to my own room.
Standing on the balcony, memories of playing with my father in the garden and enjoying barbecues together washed over me. Life was so easy back then.
In just four days, our wedding would take place. The notion of sharing my room, my personal space, with someone – especially a woman who would have parts right over it was a new experience.
A chuckle escaped me as I contemplated my own thoughts before deciding to freshen up and join everyone for supper.
___________________________________________
Wedding is gonna be taking place this Friday.
And you all are invited !!!
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