Playlist :
Beautiful In White - Westlife
Alison
It was a hot summer day. The kids were with me at home because of the holidays and I was home because I had to say something to Ian but Ian was leaving for his office to attend an important business meeting.
"Come home early," I said while giving his tie a final tug. "Of course. My family is home today. I'll come back as soon as I finish this meeting." He smiled at me and patted my cheek. It's been three years since he started acting like him and me as his, to win my trust back and in those three years, he never touched me without my permission. I never knew he was waiting for one until I saw his hands balled up into fists and were shoved into his pockets with a grim look on his face. When I asked why was he behaving like this, he said he wanted to hug me but was restraining himself. That day I hugged him myself and gave him the permission to satisfy his heart but still, we never kissed. Many occasions passed where I knew he wanted to kiss me and me, him but we didn't, honestly, I'm glad we didn't.
Suddenly I remembered the Christmas Eve when Ian and I unknowingly stood under a mistletoe and all of our family members chanted us to kiss. The thing Ian did really touch my heart, he grabbed Raine and pulled my hand down so we were crouched on either side of her and he kissed Raine's cheek. I smiled and kissed Raine's other cheek.
And that was our mistletoe kiss.
"Bye Dad!" The kids yelled and waved at Ian enthusiastically as he drove away. Ian honked in reply making the kids laugh.
"Okay kids, seems like it's just you and me now," I said.
"Ma, can you bake choco chip cookies for us?" My nine-year-old son, Nathan asked. "Of course baby, you guys can go and play in the backyard," I said. They ran away even before I can finish the last word. I chuckled and went to the kitchen to bake them some cookies. Then an idea struck me. I started preparing some more food. I had to pause in between when Steven called me to talk something about the sites he's visiting to build our dream hotel. I learned that Steven had a dream of building his own restaurant, just like me so I asked him to be my partner when I decided that I'm ready to build it.
Another person that called me was Emily who couldn't shut up about how Siana was being a pain in her arse. I told her that she can drop Siana and Seth here and go off with Drake for a break. It was like she knew I was going to say that because thirty minutes later she was knocking on my door with the kids and two huge suitcases in her hand while Drake waited in the car. The amusing thing was her house is an hour of driving distance away from mine.
Jake and Caleb were married and spending their honeymoon in Hawaii, well they have been there for two months now so I have no idea of it's still considered as 'honeymoon'.
Marie, on the other hand, is in France, bonding with her actual granddaughter. Will, Ian's father is also in France with her. Things were heated when Ian met Will after the incidence and till today they are not on talking terms. Ian didn't blame him for what happened but he was angry for what he did to Samara's mother. He should've been more responsible.
Samara, she was found dead after six months of the incidence. She killed herself because she couldn't survive out there with the police searching for her on every street of Chicago. They even had tabs on the transportation that led outside of Chicago. All the doors were locked for her, she had no choice but to surrender which she wasn't going to.
I shook my head and shoved all those thoughts out of my mind and focused on the surprise I was planning for him. Ian called in and informed that he won't be able to make it by noon and the first time I was happy that work kept him. It was six by the time I finished everything.
Scented candles were lit around the hall. I kept the lights dim to have the natural light of the candles. I made all Ian's favorite dishes and decorated the table with rose petals. I fed the kids and sent them to their rooms before I began getting ready. I wore a plain black dress with sleeves till my elbow and tied my hair up in a messy ponytail. I applied minimal makeup and waited for him to come home.
"Wow! What's the occasion?" Ian asked as soon as I welcomed him into our house. "Just something. You hungry? Dinner is ready." I said. Although I had planned out everything now I was getting a little nervous. What if he says no? But he made it clear with his actions that he truly loves me and action speak louder than words.
"Okay. I'll be right back." Ian said and started walking towards his room but suddenly he stopped. He stayed frozen that way for a long time. Confused me called out his name "Ian?" He didn't reply. I was about to call his name again then I heard him ask "Is this what I think it is?"
"What?" I asked still confused. He slowly turned around and looked at me with tons of emotions swirling in his eyes. "You looking so beautiful, the house lit up with scented candles, the absence of kids, the food, is this all because of the reason I'm thinking?" He asked with an unsure look. I exhaled deeply before smiling at him. "Yes, It's because of the reason you think it is," I said. Ian cleared the distance between us in two large steps and scooped me up in his arms. I couldn't help but laugh as he twirled me around. "I'm so happy right now." He yelled. "Shh! The kids are sleeping." I scolded and hit his shoulder lightly. Ian stopped and gently brought me down but still kept me close to his body with his arm securely around my waist. "Sorry!" He whispered and looked into my eyes with so much love and warmth that it made my heart flutter with joy. Ian tucked my hair behind my ear and caressed my cheek lovingly. "I missed touching you." He said in a low whisper. I too missed the warmth that his touch brought me but I couldn't say it. Instead, I closed my eyes and leaned into his touch.
"I love you." He whispered and kissed my nose gently. His hot breath fanned my face as he moved to kiss my closed eyes. I had to say this now before things go any further. "Marry me?" My voice was barely above a whisper. I was afraid that he didn't hear it that when his lips were no longer on my skin I knew he did. My heart was thudding so loudly in my chest right now. Butterflies assaulted my stomach adding to my nervousness. Instead of opening my eyes and looking at him I shut my eyes tightly anticipating his answer.
"Mom! Dad!" Ryker's voice yelled making me open my eyes immediately and scoot away from Ian. I looked at the direction from where his voice came and my mouth dropped open in disbelief. I thought these people were sleeping. "Why are you all covered in mud?" I asked and looked at them all and by all I mean Nate, Raine, Ryker, and Siana. "And what's that behind you, Sia?" I asked Emily's daughter. The wagging whitetail was visible even though she tried to hide it. Nobody made any move to answer so I looked at the only person who will answer me truthfully. "Nate? Tell me." I asked him with a stern look.
"Ma, we were sleeping on our beds and suddenly we heard whining sounds from the backyard so we went through the back door to see what the sound was and found him." He said with a guilty look and looked at Siana who brought forward a white lab-retriever covered in dirt. "He was stuck in the hole of our fence so we had to help him. Can we keep him? Please!" Sia looked at me with puppy dog eyes. Everyone else too followed her lead and started looking at me with puppy eyes chanting a 'please'. I looked at Ian for some help but he was busy covering his mouth to stop himself from laughing.
"Okay! We can keep him." I sighed, a smile making its way on my face when the kids yelled happily and ran to hug me. The dog knew something was up because he too started barking. Well, I just have to get used to the barking now. "Let's go and have a bath," I said and picked up the lab in my arms. I took them to my bathroom given I had a bigger tub then them. I told the kids to go change into a bathing suit, I too changed into an oversized t-shirt and shorts as my dress was already matted with mud. "There goes my date," I mumbled to my reflection while tying my hair in a bun which earned a bark from my bathroom. "Yeah! Coming!" I called back before a laugh escaped my lips.
I entered the bathroom and was greeted by a white lab sitting in my tub and looking at me with a furiously wagging tail. The kids ran into my room and quickly rushed inside the bathtub. Unfortunately, all four couldn't fit in there so I made Nathan and Raine sit on the edge of the tub and I started the handheld shower hose.
In the end, I too got drenched in water because of the fuzz the lab was making and so were the kids but we did have fun. After a long time bathing was a fun activity.
"Ali have you seen my black -" Ian started as he entered the bathroom but when he saw the mess he stopped mid-sentence. The kids grew silent because they thought Ian was going to scold them and honestly I thought that too until his next sentence. "What? You guys are having fun without me?" The kids grinned along with me and the fun resumed but this time with Ian.
Somehow all four kids squeezed themselves in the tub with a clean lab on Raine's lap.
"We should name him something," Siana said. "We should. Any thoughts?" I asked while washing away the dirt on Ryker's arm. "Bruno?" Siana suggested. "Snowy?" Ryker suggested. "Bailey?" Nathan piped in.
Raine giggled when Ian turned the hose towards her suddenly. "Daddy! I love it." She said with a grin. The lab barked in response. Raine looked at him with a frown and repeated "Love?" He barked again causing Raine to smile. "Love! We'll name him love." She picked the puppy and showered him with kisses. Ian and I looked at the kids playing with the pup with a soft smile on our faces.
"Yes!" Ian said suddenly making me jerk my head to look at him. "Yes!" He repeated again before looking at me with love in his blue eyes, oh how I love them. The kids started yelling happily because they thought Ian said yes for the name but I knew what was it for. Ian kept his hand over mine that rested on the edge of the tub and caressed my ring finger where 'soon' the wedding ring will rest.
"Ma! I'll be right back." My eleven-year-old son Nathan said and closed the door behind him. I would've replied him but I was too busy looking at my reflection in the mirror. The 'soon' turned out to be a wait of two years as my dreams came in between. After the proposal, Steven, who was looking for sites at that moment, called me and said that I have to fly to Texas, which was the site I liked and finalized. I have to go there and finalize everything immediately because the owner was moving away to Alaska. After getting the plot I had to stay there to build everything I want the way I want. It took two years to bring up my dream hotel to what it is today. 'Forks and Knives' finally started to get the recognition that it deserved. Everyone was proud of me that day but when I saw the pride in Ian's eyes when his friends praised my restaurant and food, it made me happy more than the day I saw my dreams coming alive.
Ian was understanding the whole situation. In Fact, he himself suggested that we can get married when my dream was achieved. He took care of the kids in my absence and I know he did a good work at it.
My hands brushed on the white fabric that was wrapped around my body shaped into the dress I asked the designer to make it. The gown was simple, just the way I imagined myself in. It was an off-shoulder dress with a sweetheart neckline. The dress formed a small puddle under my feet and caped behind me. I loved the back though. It was designed with a vintage look but I didn't need people pulling strings behind me, it was just a design to give it the look I desired. There was also a thin white belt around my waist secured with a bow on my belly.
I decided to go with a simple makeup look but the makeup artist simply didn't understand the meaning on simple but nevertheless, I looked pretty. My hair was tied in a bridal up-do and in middle rested the diamond clip dad gifted me on my first wedding. My heart clenched when I thought of my dad.
The doors opened behind me, making me look in the mirror. Ashley stared back at me with a warm smile on her face. "You look pretty," I commented while glancing at her peach bridesmaid dress. "I always do." She said cockily making me roll my eyes.
"You look beautiful," Ashley said making me smile in reply. She walked towards the washroom in the corner of the room and I went back to look at myself in the mirror.
"Missing dad?" She asked while walking back into the room. I turned around and looked at her in confusion. "You are touching the clip continuously." She said with a small smile and walked behind me with the long veil. I sighed heavily in reply. "He always wanted to see me happy and now that I am he is not here to see," I said. Ashley began securing the veil beneath the clip.
"Ali! Dad is always with you in your heart and right now he must be sitting on a couch with his arm around your mom and watching you getting married with the love of your life with a huge smile on his face." She said. I couldn't help but imagine the scenario. My dad and mom finally living together in a small cottage and watching down on me. It made me smile, it made me happy.
"You know how to make me happy," I said whilst wearing my silver heels. Suddenly Ashley began to laugh. I looked at her with a raised brow but all she did was shake her head at me. "Last time when you were getting married you threw a fit while wearing heels and today you are wearing them naturally," Ashley explained. That memory made me laugh too.
"Let's go, it's time," Ashley said after we finished laughing. "Oh! Wait. I almost forgot." I mumbled and walked towards the drawer. I removed the blue file and walked back to Ashley and handed it to her. "What's this?" She asked.
"Now that you've finished your designing course Ian and I decided to hire you for designing the new company we are building in Italy," I answered with a smile. Her eyes widened a bit before she started flipping through the file. "You're not kidding." She mumbled after she read the contract. "Nope! We have a business friend there, Demetri Sarmentio. He'll help you out so you can design it the way you want." I added.
"Is he hot?" Ashley asked with a teasing look. "Trust me, he is!" I replied and chuckled when a particular memory stood out. Until this day whenever his name is mentioned Ian's mood sours. It's really fun to watch.
"Then I'll definitely do this but for now you have a wedding to do and I have to take you. Let's go." Ashley kept the file on the bed and took my arm before walking out the doors. "Ali! Thanks." Ashley mumbled lowly. "Anything for you Ash," I replied. "Wait here!" She said and left me standing behind the double doors. I tried to call her out but she already disappeared.
I looked straight ahead at the door, suddenly becoming aware of my erratically thumping heart. Even though I've been married before I was still nervous. Can't blame me though my last experience was not too thrilling.
Everything was the same. The venue, the guests, the decorations, everything is as it was all those twelve years ago. Ian said that he wanted to start with a clean slate but also remake those memories. I still can't believe it's been twelve years. I always wanted a love story like a fairytale so I can narrate it to my children who'll be fascinated by it but never did I imagine my love story to be this long and... thrilling?
Unfortunately, my children grew up but I still have hopes of narrating it to my grandchildren.
"What are you thinking?" Marie's voice asked me as she joined me behind this closed doors. "Everything that'll keep me distracted," I answered which earned me a chuckle from her. Suddenly Here Comes the Sun by Beatles started echoing throughout the halls. If possible my erratic beating heart started beating more faster.
I looked to my side, expecting Ashley to be standing there to walk me down the aisle but instead found Marie a couple steps behind me, looking at me with a warm smile. "Where is Ashley?" I asked. "I'm here." answered her voice. I was about to scold her but words died on my tongue when I found my sons walking behind her.
"Ryker? Nate? What are you guys doing here?" I asked. They just grinned at me and extended their hands in front of me. "They will walk you down the aisle Ali," Ashley answered. "Are you insane?" I couldn't help but scowl. Nate and Ryker scowled in return and grasped my hand in theirs and turned me around forcefully. "Seems like you have no choice." Marie mused behind me, just before the doors could open. The sudden brightness blinded me momentarily. I blinked my eyes a few times to adjust to the lighting and when I did I was hit with a sense of deja-vu.
It was a fall evening. The sun was all ready to wrap up his day and return home. The slight darkness was lit by jasmine scented candles hanging from the branches giving the atmosphere a jasmine scent. The leaves broke free from the tree and gently flew in the air before resting on the trimmed grass. Chairs draped in white cloth was placed on either side of me with a stage like an aisle in the front. The aisle was beautifully decorated with fake leaves and fake scented flowers. I looked at the people standing there to welcome me with a warm smile on their faces. All the faces were familiar, well we only invited close friends and family to attend our matrimony.
I didn't realize I was frozen to my spot until Ashley gave me a push from behind, not so gently may I add. I turned around and scowled at her to which she just rolled her eyes at me. I was about to start walking but Ashley yelled a 'wait'. "Now what?" I asked slightly irritated. "Your flowers." She said handing me the bunch of white flowers I don't know the name of, tied in a ribbon. I held it and asked Ryker and Nate to hold my gown instead.
"Ma!" Nathan called my name, grabbing my attention. "Let's go" Ryker added making me sigh. I walked down the two steps and the path covered in white petals. "We are totally butchering the ritual," I mumbled under me breathe while glancing at my sons.
No matter how much I tried I couldn't ignore the tickling sensation in my tummy as we continued to walk. I was hella nervous because all I could think was the last time I walked down the aisle. It gave me nothing but heartbreaks but I knew this time it's not going to be like that. I just need to look at Ian to be sure that what I knew is correct but it felt like my eyes were glued to the ground.
"Come on Alison! You are 35 for Pete's sake. Get your shit together and look up." I scolded myself internally. Before I could change my mind I tore my gaze from the ground and looked into his blue eyes.
There he was, standing on the aisle dressed in a tux with glistening eyes and a happy smile lightening his face easing my nervousness a little but then my eyes landed on the lack of his necktie, soon my attention was captured by the necktie he was holding in his hand, waiting for me to go there and tie it. I couldn't help but chuckle at that and look back at him in amusement. Understanding my expression he shrugged shoulder in a sheepish way before grinning at me.
Finally, we reached the aisle, Ian took me from our sons before leaning down and receiving their kisses. Nate and Ryker quickly ran down and stood beside Raine who was standing with Love, our grown-up Lab retriever. I handed the bundle of flowers to Emily before holding Ian's hand.
Ian helped me up the remaining distance before standing in front of me and giving me the necktie. Laughter erupted from the crowd as I took the tie from him and rounded it around his neck. "You couldn't do it for one day, could you?" I asked. "No! I've gone through six years without someone doing it for me just because I didn't have you but now I have you so nobody else has the right to do it." He answered, his warm breath hitting my forehead. I couldn't help but shake my head at him. "And besides how would I've seen that smile on your face? I knew you were going to be nervous." He added. I looked up at him and that's when all my doubts vanished. His eyes held so much love, adoration and that unsaid promise of being by my side until the day I take my last breath.
"Shall we get started?" The priest asked, breaking our eye contact making me blush. I nodded before stepping behind with Ian still holding my hands. "Finally they are getting married. I thought I have to be the maid of honor with a walker in my hand." Emily commented making the crowd erupt in laughter. I turned around and glared at her to which she rolled her eyes. Why is everyone rolling their eyes at me?
"Today we have gathered here to witness..." the priest began with a high voice and slowly began to lower it when he was sure he had everyone's attention. Ian and I were back to staring at each other the entire time our priest was reading from the bible. With our hands joined together, happy smiles on our faces and love in our eyes we said 'I do.'
"You may now kiss the bride." The priest announced. Ian wasted no time to lean forward and capture my lips with his. His soft lips moved gently against mine, the feeling of euphoria burst through my being. It was our first real kiss. Last time Ian kissed me was in my bedroom when he was drunk but today he is standing in front of me on an aisle as my husband, kissing me with all his senses. What felt like forever later he pulled away to breathe but rested his forehead against mine. "I love you." He whispered only for me to hear. "I love you too," I whispered back over the cheer of our friends.
Soon we found ourselves on the dance floor under the starry sky swaying in each other arms as the beautiful song played in the background. My head rested on Ian's chest, listening to his soft heartbeat which was more melodic than the music while he rested his chin on my head and held me securely by my waist.
He sighed again.
I couldn't take it anymore, so I pulled my head up and looked at him "Why are you sighing? Is everything alright?" He looked at me and lifted his hand to tuck a loose piece of hair behind my ear. "After twelve years you are in my arms. It just feels..." He sighed again. "Surreal?" I offered to which he nodded.
"Dad!" Our daughter, Raine called popping our love bubble. "Yes?" Ian asked loosening his hold on me before looking down at her. That's when I noticed that Ian's tie has been loosened. I moved to fix it but Raine pulled him down on his knees so they could be at an eye level. "What's wrong princess?" He asked. "Your tie dad, it's loose." Raine giggled before fixing the tie herself. Ian looked at his tie before chuckling.
Seeing this exchange made me realize one thing. My Husband's Girl was no longer Ashley but our daughter and this time it didn't hurt but swelled my heart in happiness.
The End
Beautiful banner and cover by ChocoFillsandberry thank you so much.