Thank you so much RachelBaker976 , Giggles_s And May_LH for your comments on Chapter Fifty Nine 😍💚💙💜 I LOVE hearing from my readers! It truly does help to keep me motivated!
Blayze
Setting my phone's alarm had been pointless.
I'd woken up all on my own at a little after 5:30AM.
I seem to revert back to my old body clock on the odd day's I don't sleep alongside Bailey.
Standing on the stone porch of the second good place that I'd thought of as Home, gently steaming coffee mug in hand, while the sunrise slowly began to brighten and warm the land, I took a minute to let my walls down.
Was I nervous about today?
Of course I was!
There couldn't seriously be a bloke in the history of the world who wasn't nervous when his Wedding was looming in front of him.
Especially in this day and age.
These days there was so much pressure about how much cash had been spent and how epic the Groom's Suit and the Bride's dress were.
And let's not forget what the Cake looked like!
Family was a prick of an issue.
Thankfully Bailey didn't have to worry about it.
Her Family had their shit together and had done for a long time.
They loved her for for what she was and everything that she could be.
My Family was a lot more of a problem.
I'd of course invited Grandpa and Grandma Rowan.
But when I'd told Mum and Madison not to come, I'd received a crying phone call from Grandma.
They wanted me to have my Mother and long lost Sister at the Wedding.
I'd been positive they wouldn't come, because I'd refused to re-invite my so called Mother and Sister.
But last night I'd had a call from Grandpa - they'd arrived at the Riverston Hotel and would see me Today.
Aunt Sadie had been invited from the get go and had said of course she would be here and I'd not heard anything different since I'd told Mum and Madison they couldn't come anymore.
Jax hadn't told me his Mum wasn't coming, so I assumed she still was.
I'd hedged on inviting Uncle Tony and Aunt Alice.
While I had good memories of weekends and School Holidays with them when I was a Kid, Heath's relationship with them had turned upside down when he'd learnt Tony wasn't his Dad and my Father was.
He'd told me I should invite them.
They'd R.S.V.P'd as coming.
Ashton and Kellie, Benjie and Cassie, Kade and his new Girlfriend Amy, Ethan, Peyton and Nick were already in Town.
I'd sure as hell not sent my Father an invite.
He could hear about it from his Brother, if they were even talking since the new's of Heath came out.
Breathing in deeply, I focused on the land around me, instead of my fucked up Family.
The only Family I had to focus on now, was Bailey and our Boy's.
I'd moved into this Cottage at eighteen year's old.
It was hard to believe that an entire decade had passed since Isaiah and Grace had trusted me to live in my own space.
I was for damn sure lucky that just over twelve years ago, Isaiah had made me the offer to meet them at the petrol station and grab a ride to a roof over my head and three square meals a day, plus snacks.
And that somehow, I'd been smart enough to accept.
Yeah, I'd still raised my fair share of hell in the years that followed.
But the Harley Family had proven to the doubtful and broken hearted Teenaged and young adult me, that they were a Family who didn't give up on the people they carec about.
And now...
Now Isaiah, Grace, Kylie and Lukas were trusting me to love and provide for their cherished Granddaughter, Daughter and Niece, from here on out.
The Cottage door opened behind me.
I looked over my shoulder bexaise there was two options about who it could he, to find Heath stepping out of the little House, Tatum tucked securely in his arm, wrapped in a pink blanket.
He was certainly handling this whole Single Dad thing better than I ever would!
"Hey."
My Little Brother greeted me, managing to close the door behind him even while holding a Baby and a coffee mug.
"Ya learn to multitask no matter how awkward it looks, don't ya!"
I remarked.
"Touché."
Heath muttered, coming forward to join me at the edge of the porch.
"Tatum wake ya?"
I guessed.
He shot me a sideways glance.
"Always."
"Yeah, but when they're your own... ya don't even mind, do ya."
I mused, staring out at the slowly climbing Sun.
"As weird as it is... you're right."
Heath agreed.
We both fell silent while we took in the calm of the late May morning.
It was hard to believe that two entire years ago, I'd finally manned the fuck up and asked Bailey to be official with me.
I still didn't understand why it all had to be official.
Wasn't it obvious when we were hanging out at any spare moment we could grab?
When I asked her to Marry me, regardless of the fact that I was damn near shitting my pants that she might say no?
When we set the date to be Married?
But her glittering eyes, flushed cheeks and ear to ear grin on that night when we's been away at the Bed And Breakfast in Port Jackson had been worth every uncomfortably girlie word.
"So... you're gettin' Married."
Heath stated.
My heart gave the same slightly out of beat thump that it always seemed to when somebody said those words to me, or I said them to myself.
"I am."
I agreed, feeling my smile grow.
"Does it feel good, or fucken scary?"
Heath asked, twisting so that he more or less faced me.
"Marrying Her doesn't scare me in the slightest."
I denied.
"The Ceremony?"
I tried hard not to shudder.
"I'm fucken shittin' my pants."
I muttered.
Heath laughed!
So much for my Brother's support...
"If Marrying Her doesn't scare you at all, then why does the Wedding itself worry ya?"
Heath asked.
"What if I forget my lines?"
I voiced.
"Or drop the ring when I'm supposed to put it on her finger? Step on her toes when we have to dance in front of everyone?!"
There was a lot of fucking pressure on me to be perfect today!
And I generally don't succeed at perfect.
I can fuck up with the Horses that I work with and they'll willingly let me try again.
My Dog's couldn't care less when I make a mistake.
Heath's blue eyes sparkled with obvious amusement as he grinned at me!
"Well ya know we'll all just laugh if ya do any of those!"
Gee thanks Little Bro!
"And you know Bailey won't hold any of them against ya."
Heath stated, voice and expression uncharacteristically completely serious.
He was probably right.
I didn't give a fuck about what the rest of the Town thought.
Bailey was my only concern.
And she would no doubt just giggle.
Heath slipped his coffee mug into the hand of his arm that was supporting Tatum and reached out with his now free left hand to clap my back.
"You got this."
He encouraged me.
"We're all here with ya."
He promised.
"And you know that I've never seen you happier than since you and Bails have been together."
That was true.
In the dark night sky, she was the moon lighting my way.
In a raging storm, she was my verandah roof.
On a cold winter's night, she was my warm blanket.
"I can't wait to call her my Wife."
I whispered.
"That's only..."
Heath checked his watch.
"In about six hour's and forty five minutes. Well... it's that long 'till the Ceremony is meant to start, anyway."
He shrugged.
Under 7 hours...
That felt so far away.
Yet at the same time, it felt like we wouldn't have enough time to get organised.
There were Animal's to feed, Horses to saddle up and then we had to shower and get dressed up to the point that we'd practically look like Armani models.
Yes.
Jax donated an Armani suit to each of us.
Bailey
My alarm blaring snapped me out of my sleep.
I wanted to scream.
It was a long time since Luka or the Twin's had such a rough night.
Of course they just had to choose the night I was without Blayze's help and the eve of our Wedding to decide they couldn't sleep for more than two hour's at a time!
With my face buried into Blayze's pillow, I reached blindly for my phone to shut it up.
Although a huge part of me was undoubtedly nervously excited about my Wedding, I did not want to open my eyes yet.
It was 7AM.
A minimum of my Mother and Grandmother would be at my house by 7:30.
Our Makeup Artist/Noah's Sister would be here no later than 9AM.
But I was too tired to drag myself out of bed!
Get your arse up Bailey.
It's your Wedding day!
I mentally urged myself.
In just six hours, our Ceremony was set to start.
Was Blayze up yet?
Probably.
Wedding Day or not, there were still Animal's to check on and feed.
My eyes felt like they were burning, but I forced them open anyway.
I had to get my Babies and myself breakfast.
Get the Boy's bathed and myself showered.
And then who knows what Matilda Zannox would have in store for Mum, the Bridesmaids and I?
I forced myself onto my hands and knees and then crawled out of the bed, trying hard to not look back at the comfort I wanted so badly to collapse back into.
Luka, Brodie and Dale had been awake again at 1:45, finally gone back to sleep at 2:30, awake again at 4:15 and finally back to sleep at 5, then awake again at 6:05 and finally back to sleep at 6:30.
I looked, bleary eyed at the Kitchen clock.
7:18AM.
No wonder the Babies were all still snoozing away.
They were tired after their partying in the wee hours of the morning!
Too bad I couldn't enjoy the luxury of a sleep in too.
I grabbed the kettle off its base and topped it up with water, then set it back down and flicked the switch to make it boil.
Coffee.
Need Coffee!
The Kettle got to its job and I turned around, leaned back against the bench and closed my eyes.
Wanting to crawl back into bed was not how I needed to start my Wedding Day!
A low doggy woof made me drag my eyes open once again.
Looking towards the Lounge Room and the wall where the large Doggy Bed laid in front of, I spotted Zuke sprawled out there, eyes closed.
Bandit was curled up on his and Zera's bed, his tail draped across his nose and over his eyes.
That only left...
I looked towards the front door and found Zera standing by the door, staring at the wood like she was willing it to open for her.
I squeezed my eyes shut and bit my tongue against a frustrated groan.
She couldn't wait until I at least had a cup of Coffee in hand?
Of course not.
When Queen Zera wants something, she'll start off requesting and only get more bossy!
But 2 weeks ago Codie took her to the Vet, had her scanned and found out she was indeed Pregnant!
Which meant the Dog was sort of carrying my Grandkid's... err Grandpup's?
I opened my eyes, pushed off from the bench and walked out of the Kitchen to let the Dog outside.
Coffee in hand and still no sound from my Son's, I took the opportunity of the peace, to sit on the lounge and have a scroll through Facebook on my phone.
When I lifted the phone to unlock it, I realised I'd been too sleepy to pay attention to the notifications when I'd left the bedroom.
I had a message from Blayze waiting on the screen.
Smiling to myself, I sipped at my Coffee and used my thumbprint to unlock the iPhone.
Then I tapped on the messaging app and Blayze's message.
Blayze: 💚💙😍🤗😘: 6:26AM: Good morning Beautiful 💚🤗😘 wasn't right waking up and not being able to hold and kiss you ☹️ I'm lookin' forward to 1:00 😍.
Staring at my phone screen and reading his words over a second time, I couldn't help but smile.
Blayze Riley typically isn't one for romance (his words, not mine), but he sure seems to know how to bring out the warm and fuzzies when I'm in need of them or especially when I'm not expecting them!
I tapped into the box to write back and let my thumb bounce across the screen onto each of the letter's that I needed.
Although part of me wanted to let him know about the draining night with our Son's, I decided to keep it to myself.
He'd only feel bad for not being here to help.
I was the one who'd insisted he shouldn't be here on the eve of our Wedding.
And he'd worry about how tired I was.
This was meant to be one of the happiest days of our lives!
And I was happy.
Just tired.
Me: 7:25AM: Good morning my favourite Cowboy 😍💚💙🤗😘 I can't wait until 1 either 🤗🤗🤗.
Too late, I remembered something I needed to tell him.
I tapped into the writing box again and typed.
Me: 7:26AM: Oh and Babe, I need your Dog's!
Satisfied, I locked my phone.
And then it buzzed in my hand.
I checked the screen.
Blayze: 💚💙😍🤗😘: 7:26AM: Is something wrong?
What the?
I frowned at my screen, unlocked the phone and opened Blayze's message, then typed back.
Me: 7:26AM: Umm noooooo 😳.
The three dot's to signal Blayze replying popped up.
Then his message came through.
Blayze: 💚💙😍🤗😘: 7:26AM: Then what do you need Az and Zeus for? 🤔
I rolled my eyes and wrote back.
Me: 7:27AM: I'm the Bride. Don't ask stupid questions!
Blayze: 💚💙😍🤗😘: 7:27AM: 😂😂😂
Blayze: 💚💙😍🤗😘: 7:27AM: Yes Ma'am! 👍🏻👏. When Blayze drags his arse outta bed I'll send him to bring the Boy's up.
I smiled at the screen and typed back.
Me: 7:27AM: Thank you 💚💙🤗😘.
Zuke and Bandit's heads shot up from their bed's and both Male's stared towards the large front windows of the house.
Zera just curled up into a tighter ball, having rejoined Zuke on the large bed after coming back inside.
I locked my phone and set it onto the coffee table.
Sipping at my Coffee, I looked towards the front door.
My guess was, it was Mum and/or Grandma.
Last night Mum said she'd be here no later than 7:30.
There was only a few minutes left.
Bandit scrambled to his feet and then off his bed.
Of course not wanting to be left behind, Zuke jostled Zera as he gave chase to Bandit.
My front door eased open and Mum stepped inside, followed by Grandma.
As tired as I was, my belly still fluttered with a mixture of nerves and excitement and I couldn't help but smile at two of my most favourite Women on this earth.
Both Mum and Grandma had been by my side in every moment of my life to date and I was so grateful to have them here with me on my Wedding Day as well.
"My baby!"
Mum exclaimed, choked up.
She threw her arm's open and hurried around the end of the lounge to get to me, while Grandma closed the front door.
I set my mug onto the coffee table and got to my feet to greet Mum, who's green eyes were filled with tear's.
"What are you crying for?!"
I asked, my heart skipping a beat, hugging her tight.
"I-it's tr-tradition t-to c-cry o-on y-your D-Daughter's W-Wedding Day!"
Mum stammered, clutching me tight.
Eyes widening, I looked towards my Grandma for confirmation.
"I didn't cry on Kylie's Wedding Day until I first saw her all dolled up and ready to walk down the aisle."
Grandma denied, shaking her head.
So Mum's just being overly emotional?
Well she is pregnant!
"Oh Mum..."
I tried not to laugh and rubbed her back comfortingly.
"I can't eat!"
I denied, raking my fingers through my hair at my scalp.
The way my belly was practically doing backflips?
I'd surely chunder up anything I tried to force down.
"You need to eat something. Even if it's just small."
Grandma insisted, a frown marring her brow.
"My belly's all tied up in knot's!"
I insisted, gesturing to that portion of my body.
"If I try and eat anything, I'm certain it will just come back up!"
Grandma tsk'd her tongue, still frowning.
"Are you pregnant again?"
Mum asked me, her eyes glittery with joy.
I felt my own eyes just about try and pop out of my head!
Pregnant again?
Was she nuts?!
Luka's 18 months old and the Twin's are nearly 5 months old!
Yes, Blayze and I quite regularly enjoy Sex.
But these days we're careful!
"Coz that's the way I feel every day up until about midday."
Mum carried on, as if she was oblivious to my freak out.
She giggled!
Smiling, Grandma shook her head.
"Mum!"
I shouted.
"I'm getting Married in a few hours!"
I reminded her.
"I'm nervously excited, not pregnant!"
I'd leave that job to her and Noah.
Next year Blayze and I might try for a fourth child (it was so weird to say I'd been pregnant twice, but had 3 Babies!).
We'd wait and see how much Luka and the Twin's we're driving us crazy...
A familiar cry reached my ear's.
I winced.
Mum and Grandma both turned to look towards the hallway.
"One, two, or all three of my little Gremlin's are about to be up."
I muttered, firmly wrapping both my hands around my nearly empty and almost cold mug.
"I'll help!"
Mum offered, setting her own cup aside and pushing to her feet.
"And I'll get some grilled Cheese And Tomato on toast on the go."
Grandma declared, rising to her feet as well.
I gulped down the last mouthful of my Coffee just as a second cry joined the first.
Brodie and Dale.
I set my mug onto the coffee table and got to my feet.
Mum and Grandma helped to give Luka and the Twin's their breakfast.
Luka eagerly chomped through a couple of slices of Grilled Cheese And Tomato on toast and I managed to talk myself into chewing through one and surprisingly didn't feel at all like throwing it back up again.
While Luka was entertaining his Grandma and Great Grandma and Mum and Grandma cuddled Brodie and Dale, I fixed us Adults all a Coffee — Decaf for my Mother.
"Good morning."
I turned around quickly and found that Noah had snuck into the Kitchen.
She looked like death warmed over!
Guess that was her price to pay for helping me with my Babies last night while they forgot how to sleep through!
I winced.
Noah smiled weakly.
"You look about how I feel."
She informed me.
Gee thanks mate!
"I've on purposely avoided looking into the bathroom mirror."
I grumbled, turning back to the drink's I was fixing.
"It's ok!"
I could practically hear Noah's preppy, cheerleader smile.
"Maddie will make us look like we scored twelve hours of sleep!"
I shook my head.
"You really shouldn't have got up each time with me."
I denied.
Noah snorted.
"As if I could leave you to it all on your own? Codie and Knox slept through, but I'm a light sleeper. And I'm all maternal anyway."
She shrugged.
"Couldn't exactly listen to the Boy's crying and not do anything about it."
"Well I thank you, but now we're both gonna look like we belong in a Zombie movie!"
I pointed out.
And we were going to be in about a million photos today!
As well as having most of the Town watching us!
"You're the one everybody's gonna care about."
Noah insisted.
That wasn't currently helping me to feel any better!
"And as I said. Maddie will make us over good and proper."
She promised.
If the still stinging of my eyes was anything to go by, I certainly hoped she was right.
I definitely didn't want to look like a Zombie or a drug addict in my Wedding!
My house was abuzz with the excited chatter of Women who were preparing to get pampered to within an inch of their lives.
And the one Girl who was going to hopefully turn us all into models!
Matilda Zannox had already applied some lotions under and around Noah and I's eyes.
At least when I looked in the mirror now, the luggage rack I'd been toting around on my face an hour ago was gone!
"Gather in!"
Aunty Bridey urged my Best Friend's and I, using her hands (one of which was holding her expensive Nikon Camera) to guide us closer together.
I felt my eyes widen.
"Aunty B! Noah and I are in dressing gown's and Hayley's in her trackies!"
I protested.
Hayley giggled!
"So?"
Aunty Bridey retorted, her brow's arching mockingly.
"I'm not gonna be your official Photographer, obviously. But I can document the moment's leading up to the big part!"
Grimacing, I huddled in with my two Best Friend's.
"Cheese!"
Noah declared.
"Cheese!"
Hayley and I obediently chorused.
Aunty Bridey snapped two shots, then consulted her camera screen.
"Perfect!"
She chirped.
I wasn't so sure about that...
"Who's actually photographing the day?"
Hayley asked me, tipping her dark head to the side.
I looked to Aunty Bridey and grinned.
Noah and Hayley raised their brow's at me, then turned to my Aunt as well.
"A guy that I went to University with."
Aunty Bridey explained, slinging her camera over her shoulder by its carry strap, her blue eyes sparkling.
"Who I've been having a bit of fun with teasing Lukas about!"
She giggled!
"Oh this is gonna be good!"
Noah laughed, rubbing her hands together.
Aunty Bridey nodded her agreement.
"Since we organised Stuart for the job, I've been talking up with Luk about how much fun Stu and I used to have!"
She giggled and shook her head.
"The Coffee Shop's we'd eat at... and the Club's we'd party at!"
Smiling, she bounced on her toes.
Hayley's eyes went almost comically wide.
"Please tell me Lukas isn't going to punch the Photographer before Bailey and Blayze are hitched?!"
She squeaked.
I couldn't help but laugh!
Noah giggled.
"He won't."
Aunty Bridey promised.
"He's only gonna have to meet Stu to understand!"
She waggled her eyebrows, then giggled.
Noah laughed!
Smiling, I shook my head.
Hayley frowned.
"Am I missing something here?"
She asked, folding her arms under her chest.
Grinning from ear to ear, Noah threw an arm around Hayley's shoulder's.
"Stuart one hundred percent bat's for the other team."
Aunty Bridey explained.
Hayley's grey eyes widened and then she grimaced and facepalmed.
I couldn't help but laugh!
Even I'd heard Uncle Lukas' side of Aunty Bridey's game.
'On a scale from one to ten... how mad will you be when I punch your photographer?' I'd heard him ask Blayze.
'You're not beating him up on Bailey's Wedding Day.' Blayze has denied.
'But do what ya want when we've got our photos!' He'd said and laughed!
Blayze
Lukas and Bridey's Lounge Room was at least the same size as Bailey and I's, if not bigger.
Yet with Isaiah, Lukas, Jax, Keegan, Codie, Joel, Blayze and myself scattered around, the space felt almost small.
And my nerves were really starting to set in.
The Guy's were all here to get ready.
All our Suit's had been sitting in Heath's barely half filled wardrobe and were now draped across the back of Lukas' 5 seater leather lounge.
It was 10AM.
The Ceremony was set to start in just 3 hours!
My stomach was suddenly all tied up in knots.
"Don't worry!"
Codie wove around the furniture and made his way towards me.
"I came prepared!"
He held up a bottle of amber liquid and it took me a moment to realise it was Wild Turkey.
Straight Wild Turkey.
Just looking at the alcohol made my stomach roll.
I shook my head.
"No thanks. I'll drink at the Reception."
There was no way I'd walk into my own Wedding Ceremony with even a hint of alcohol in my system, no matter how nervous I got.
I wanted to feel all of this.
Codie's stunned expression plain as day said 'oh shit'!
"We're doin' this one hundred percent sober?"
He asked.
"Yes."
I grabbed the unopened bottle of Turkey out of his unsuspecting hand before he could decide to open it and take a swig.
"All of us are. Because nobody's fucking up this Wedding because they're drunk before the Reception."
I insisted.
Codie suddenly looked uncharacteristically pale.
He swallowed visibly.
"Well... now I'm nervous."
He declared, sliding his hands into his Fox hoody's pockets.
"Bullshit!"
Keegan denied, making his way over.
Codie raised his brows at him and I felt myself do the same.
What the hell's he on about?
Although I didn't think anybody else had anywhere near the right's to nerves over today as I did, you still couldn't go telling somebody else how they were feeling.
"I've known you since Kindy even though we weren't friends until High School and you've never, ever been nervous about doing anything in front of anyone!"
Keegan explained, giving Codie's rib's a nudge.
Given how close we all were now, it well and truly surprised me that Keegan and Codie had lived in the same Town their whole lives, yet not been friends until a while after I'd arrived and started at their High School.
"If we weren't friends then how the hell would you know if I'd been nervous or not?!"
Codie retorted.
"While every other Kid was crying and clinging to their Parent's on the first day of Kindy, you called 'bye' to your Mum and ran off to the playground and climbed the highest portion."
Keegan explained.
Codie rolled his eyes.
"I was the middle Child in a reasonably large Family! Doing what everybody else did wasn't gonna get me noticed!"
I couldn't help but laugh!
"You did the same on the first day of School."
Keegan stated.
"Except instead of the play equipment, I remember you breaking into the Frog enclosure and catching them both!"
He laughed!
Apparently everybody else in the room was listening by now and we all joined in with the laughter!
Even Codie laughed!
"My Mum kicked my arse!"
I didn't doubt Georgia would've given her 5 year old Son a hiding for that one.
"And later on in the Schooling life, you were never afraid to put your hand up to answer the Teacher, even if you were wrong."
Joel piped up.
"Well that just proves that I've always been an idiot!"
Codie replied.
Joel shook his head.
"You're not an idiot."
Keegan denied.
"And you weren't in our younger year's either. I've always admired your ability to jump in feet first and give anything and everything a go."
Isaiah's smile said that he was proud of the blokes we'd grown into.
"You don't think I'm reckless, irresponsible and misguided?"
Codie quoted what the Riverston High School Counsellor had yelled at each of us more than once, giving Keegan's side a nudge.
Laughing, Keegan threw his arm around Codie's shoulder's.
Bailey
Luka, the Babies, Noah and I were all showered.
It was suddenly 10AM!
I looked from the Kitchen clock, to the front windows.
The Wedding was set to start in 3 hours!
Our High School Graduation afternoon had proven to me that Women getting glammed up properly, took a lot longer than it should.
Would we even have time for the Bridesmaids, Mum and I to be transformed?
"Starting to get nervous?"
Matilda Zannox asked me, smiling.
Starting to?
I'd been nervous since yesterday!
I was now getting worried we'd be late.
Maddie had transformed my dining table into her own personal salon.
Quite literally, nearly every square foot of the space was taken up by any and every type of beauty product one could think of!
"Are we gonna manage to get ready on time?"
I asked, turning back to Noah's next older Sister.
"I'm confident!"
She nodded quickly.
"If it starts to look worrying, your Mum already told me Bridey can hold her own with hair and makeup and Bridey said she'd be happy to help."
"Bridey also said she was certain the Rowan Sister's wouldn't mind lending a hand!"
My Aunty called from the Kitchen.
I couldn't help but laugh!
"Are these Sister's any good with hair and makeup?"
Maddie asked me, tilting her head to the side.
I nodded quickly.
"They're the ones who dolled Noah, Hayley and I up for Graduation."
Maddie grinned!
"Well, maybe ask them if they could be on stand by? I'm still confident we can do this."
She reached out to pat my arm.
"But it doesn't hurt to have backup."
"Mum!"
I called across the room to her.
"Can you call Aayla or Bindi?"
"Sure honey!"
She replied.
"I suggest we start with the Bridesmaids."
Maddie explained.
"We want your makeup and hair as fresh as possible."
She sent me a wink.
Leave the Bride until last?
I wasn't sure that was the best of ideas.
But I had to trust that Maddie knew what she was doing.
"Who do you want to start with?"
Noah's Sister asked, raising a questioning brow.
"Maybe Yvette?"
I suggested.
"Okay."
Maddie nodded.
"Sounds good!"
I turned around to find Hayley's next younger Sister sitting in the Lounge Room.
"Vetty!"
I called.
She twisted around, her grey eyes searching me out.
"C'mon over!"
I urged the Teenager, gesturing for her to join us.
Biting into her bottom lip, Yvette climbed off the lounge.
"Oh my gosh! Are we getting started?"
Hayley asked, skipping over to the dining area.
I tried to smile bravely.
"We sure are!"
Hayley squealed excitedly and clapped her hands.
"Aayla and Bindi are going to leave Town now."
Mum informed me, also making her way over.
I nodded.
By the time Aayla and Bindi Rowan walked through the door, the Babies were half way into their nap and Yvette, Kristen (she'd volunteered to go next for the makeover) and Aunty Bridey had flawless faces painted on and their hair styled gorgeously in a mixture of loose curls and half up do's.
"Hello!"
Bindi struggled to hug me around her now massive belly.
"Please don't have this Baby during the Ceremony?"
I begged, kissing her cheek.
She laughed!
"I'm not due yet honey!"
She promised, giving my arm a pat.
"I'm thirty week's tomorrow."
Wow...
She seemed so much further along than that!
"She is huge."
Aayla chimed in, slinging an arm around my shoulders.
"But she purposely chose a dress that screams 'I'm pregnant!'."
She explained, giving me a squeeze.
Smiling, I shook my head.
"I'm allowed to be excited!"
Bindi insisted, pouting at us.
"Of course you are."
I nodded.
"Being Pregnant and becoming a Mother is like nothing else in this entire world."
Bindi grinned!
"Thanks heaps for coming out early."
I thanked the Twin's, looking between them.
"Maddie's confident she's got this, but we just feel it doesn't hurt to have some extra hands on board in case time slips away from us too quickly."
"We're honoured to be here!"
Aayla promised.
"And if you don't wind up needing us, we can always go harass Jax and Blayze!"
She giggled.
"My god!"
Bindi's green eyes widened and her smile grew to a grin.
"I'd give almost anything to see Blayze about now!"
"Oh my god yes!"
Aayla exclaimed.
I held up my hands, palms forward.
"If you want to go visit the Boy's, then be my guest. I think they're at Uncle Lukas and Aunty Bridey's place."
"They sure are!"
Aunty Bridey called from where she was styling Grandma's hair in the Kitchen.
Aayla, Bindi and I all turned our attention towards the table where Matilda was applying Noah's makeup.
That meant she had to finish Noah's makeup, do her hair, then make over Hayley, Mum and lastly me!
I looked to the Kitchen clock and felt my heart rate increase.
It was just shy of 11:45!
That meant we had just over an hour.
"The Boy's can wait."
Aayla declared, as if she was able to read my mind.
She was probably just reading my face.
I dare say I was beginning to show my nerves by now.
We still had to finish off the makeup and hair's and then all get into our dresses and get Luka and the Babies into their suits!
Time apparently goes extra fast exactly when you don't need it to!
All of a sudden, it was after twenty to one.
Every Woman in the house had her makeup and hair done to perfection.
Mum looked stunning in her bright green dress, with her brand new white heeled Cowgirl Boots visible under the arched hem.
Noah looked gorgeous in her bright blue equivalent, with the same white boots.
Hayley looked beautiful in her blinding orange version, her inky hair a stark contrast against the fabric.
Yvette looked incredibly cute, yet so grown up in her bright purple dress that had been altered some because it was brought originally to fit Peyton — and Jax managed to find the same white Boots in her size last minute!
Kristen looked beautiful in her yellow version, that basically resembled the Sun.
Aunty Bridey was absolutely rocking the pink!
Looking around at my Maid Of Honour and Bridesmaids, I was suddenly sickeningly nervous that they were going to outshine me.
They.
All.
Looked.
FABULOUS!
More than fabulous.
I honestly couldn't find the correct words to describe how amazing they all looked.
Luka was possibly literally the most adorable thing I'd ever seen in my life, in his three piece black suit, with the collared shirt and bow tie.
He was lapping up the attention all the gushing Ladies were already giving him.
Brodie and Dale looked just about cute enough to eat, in their Baby sized suits!
I blinked against prickling tears, hoping against hope that I wasn't about to ruin my makeup already.
Grandpa and Uncle Lukas were already here, both of them looking all kinds of handsome in their suits!
Uncle Lukas' shirt under his black suit jacket and tie, was the same shade of unmissable Pink as Aunty Bridey's dress.
And I had to admit, that for a tall, dark and handsome man who was a Country Boy through and through and a Man's Man down to the T, my Uncle was 100% rocking the Pink!
"Bailey!"
I blinked at Mum rushing towards me, green, makeup enhanced eyes wide.
"You have to get into your dress!"
She ordered.
"Now!"
I looked around the open plan living area of my Home.
Everybody was dressed.
Except me!
Heart galloping inside my chest, I spun on my heel and bolted for the hallway and Blayze and I's bedroom.
It was crunch time!
I had less than five minutes to get into my dress, or I was going to be late to my own Wedding!
"It's alright."
Uncle Lukas' teasing voice stated.
"It's tradition for the Bride to be late. But if she's late, it's gonna make Blayze faint!"
"Shut up Lukas!"
Mum's voice retorted.
"Be quiet the both of you!"
Grandma ordered.
"You might both be well and truly grown up, but I'll warn the both of ya to not backchat your Mother!"
Grandpa's stern voice chimed in.
Trying to ignore my Family's antics, I slammed my bedroom door and eased the dress bag off the hook on the back of the door.
Grandma made the adjustments and I'd tried the gown on a couple of days ago.
It now fit me like a glove.
But suddenly, I was nervous.
The dress was out there.
Would some member's of the Town find it too revealing?
What was Blayze going to think?
I set the dress bag onto our bed and breathed in deeply.
Don't worry about the busy bodies of Riverston.
I mentally coached myself.
It's your Body and your Wedding.
With new confidence, I stripped quickly out of my dressing gown (I'd taken off my pyjamas and just worn the gown minutes before it was my turn to get my makeup and hair done) and carefully unzipped the dress bag.
All heads turned my way when I stepped out of the darkened hallway.
Nearly every Woman in the living area gasped and/or threw a hand over her mouth.
Noah squealed, then began to blink rapidly and wave her hands in front of her suddenly glassy eyes.
Grandma dabbed a tissue at her eyes and even Grandpa breathed in deeply as he wound an arm around Grandma's shoulders and pulled her into his side.
Eyes wide, Luka stared at me, but instead of coming to me, the Toddler ran backwards!
Uncle Lukas leaned down and scooped my eldest Son up off the floor to prop him at his side.
I'd scared Luka?
How?!
"Oh my god!"
Fanning her hands in front of her eyes, Mum made her way towards me.
"I sure hope this makeup is as waterproof as Maddie insists it is! Coz I'm losing the battle against these tears!"
She choked, stopping just a few feet in front of me.
My face on fire with a fierce blush, I felt hot tear's burn at my eyes.
As an automatic reaction, I lifted a hand to wipe at them, but a unanimous outcry from around the room stopped me in my tracks.
"If you've gotta cry, you're just gonna have to let them fall, gorgeous Girl."
Aunty Bridey told me, walking forward as well.
"You can't go ruining your makeup at least until you guys are saying your vow's."
I nodded.
"I'll try to remember that!"
My voice came out squeaky.
The only person in this room, who's reaction I hadn't seen so far, was Uncle Lukas.
Fighting the urge to bite into my lower lip, so that I didn't ruin my lipstick, I looked past Mum and Aunty Bridey, to where Uncle Lukas stood near Grandpa and Grandma, Luka propped on his hip.
"Princess..."
My Uncle shook his head.
My heart picked up its beat inside my chest.
"I'm pretty sure we're gonna have to restart Blayze's heart."
Uncle Lukas declared.
If that wasn't a compliment, I didn't know what was.
Uncle Lukas averted his gaze, cleared his throat and gave Luka a bounce, even though the Toddler wasn't the least bit unsettled.
"If we don't get this show on the road, then we risk being more than just fashionably late."
He declared.
Grandpa nodded his agreement.
"We sure do need to get a wriggle on."
This was it.
I was getting Married!
Blayze
There was a song playing through a sound system that was no doubt courtesy of Jax, but I couldn't really make out just exactly what it was.
This was it.
From where we stood, I could see what was quite literally about 80% of the Riverston Township occupying The River Paddock.
And I'm assuming other people Bailey and I had invited were among those gathered around and waiting for the action to start.
Was it normal for a Groom to want to throw up at this point?
Right now, I was regretting not letting Codie crack open that bottle of Wild Turkey!
My ear's were ringing.
My head was spinning.
My gut was churning.
I wanted to wipe my sweating palms on my suit pants, but canned that idea, because I wasn't sure what sweat might do to the expensive fabric.
"You're lookin' a little green."
Jax informed me.
"Fuck off!"
I retorted.
Keegan coughed loudly and pointedly tipped his head to the right.
Directly at Pastor Michaelson.
Shit!
I winced.
Swearing in front of the guy who was about to Marry Bailey and I?
Good job Blayze.
"Sorry, Pastor Michaelson."
I apologised.
The grey haired Man dressed in his priestly getup turned to face me and grinned!
"You're not the first Groom to swear in front of Me, Blayze. And I'm certain you won't be the last."
My Best Man and Groomsmen laughed!
I didn't have it in me.
"Hello Boy's!"
We all turned around at the sound of Grace's arrival.
My heart began to absolutely pound inside my chest!
I couldn't even appreciate how dolled up Bailey's Grandma currently looked.
Grace's arrival meant this thing was literally starting now.
She smiled at Pastor Michaelson and shook his hand, then made her way around Joel, Codie and Keegan to stand in front of me.
Grace wasn't shy in her toe to hair perusal of me.
My palms suddenly felt all the more prickly.
Did I pass?
Grace's smile morphed into a grin and she reached a hand up to touch my clean shaven cheek.
"Well don't you scrub up nicely?"
She remarked.
The Guys around me laughed!
Out the corner of my eye, I even saw Pastor Michaelson shake his head, smiling.
Grace's eyes stared straight into mine.
"Are you ready to do this?"
She asked.
I swallowed hard, my throat feeling just about solid.
"I might just pass out."
I admitted.
"But I'm ready to give it my all."
Grace laughed!
Then she opened her arms to me.
I've never really been that much of a touchy feely guy with anyone other than Bailey, but I leaned down, gave Grace a hug and dropped a kiss onto her cheek.
This Woman was one of the closest thing's to Family that I'd had during my late Teen's and through all of my Adult life so far.
Grace pulled away and a round of fresh tear's shone in her eyes.
"Let's go get you Married my Boy!"
She declared.
Keegan, Codie and Joel cheered and bumped fists.
I felt a shiver crawl down my spine and just hoped that it was of the good kind, rather than the bad.
Smiling, Grace turned on her heel and headed for what I was pretty sure was the start of the aisle.
The guests would get a look at Grace first as she made her way down to the front row of seats.
Then I'd make my way down.
Pastor Michaelson would make his way down after me.
Then there'd be Heath and Yvette, followed by Joel and Kristen, trailed by Codie and Noah, shadowed by Keegan and Hayley, brought up by Jax and Kylie.
Then Hazel, Amara, Lily and Bindi would make their way down as the Flower Girl's.
We weren't having a ring bearer, because Bailey couldn't and didn't want to chose between her Brother's.
Then I would finally see Bailey.
"You're up."
Jax nudged my side.
I sucked in a deep breath and followed the path Grace had taken.
The lyrics to Me And You kept me company on the walk down the outback aisle that was bordered by glittering white tiny lights.
But it wasn't Kenny Chesney's voice like I'd been expecting.
And the instruments certainly weren't recorded.
While I walked towards the makeshift altar and faintly heard the gushing of some guests, I searched for the source of the music.
And found a stage off to the side, where Jax's band was playing, though they'd toned it right down from their usual 'get the crowd pumping' vibe.
I'm gonna kill Jax!
Before I knew it, I was climbing onto the makeshift altar and found myself standing in front of hundreds of eager eyes.
Pastor Michaelson was making his way down and I could see Heath and little Yvette and just make out Joel and Kristen towards the back.
😍😍😍 What are you guys thinking so far?
I'm having SO much fun 😍😍😍
As I've hinted to a few of you in recent chapters... the Wedding is likely to be spread over assumably AT LEAST another TWO Chapters 😍😍😍
Let me know your thoughts 💚💙💜