Picture of Kayla's dress at the top.
I felt like a Queen.
Cami and Emma had booked a professional makeup artist for the wedding and she had done an amazing job.
The makeup was light and detailed which made me look extremely beautiful.
The girls were all ready, dressed in their royal blue dresses and even Cami looked beautiful with her baby bump.
"Alright ladies. The ceremony is about to start, how is our bride?" Tammy asked from the door or the hotel room.
"I'm very well Tammy, everything is under control here so you don't need to worry." I told her with a reassuring smile.
"You look very beautiful Kayla." She said smiling at me.
"Thank you. Now go downstairs and have fun. You've already done your part, you need to relax." I told her.
"Oh I can't do that. My job doesn't end until everybody leaves but I will try to have fun because your husband seems to know a lot of hot guys." She said with a suggestive smile before turning and walking out.
"I wonder how she's still single. I mean the lady must have attended hundreds of wedding and she still hasn't found anyone." Cami said snacking on some crackers.
"Not everyone is as lucky as you guys. Like you said, it takes time to find the right person." Emma answered from beside her.
"True but I mean she's beautiful, she's talented and everything, what else could she need?" Cami asked again.
"Well Cami, maybe she'll find her Mr. Right today." I told her.
"You know her and James seem to be hitting it off really well. Maybe we can—"
"Cami there's no need to meddle here. Let's just leave them and if they want to be more than friends, they can." I warned her.
"I'm not meddling, it's just a suggestion." She defended.
"I know you Cami, it's not."
"Fine. Whatever." She said waving me off.
We had become really good friends with Tammy the past month and I noticed her and James seem to enjoy each other's company but I didn't need Cami to play her match maker game because sometimes people just need to figure things out by themselves.
A knock on the door caused our attention to shift as the door opened to reveal my brother.
"Excuse me ladies but I was asked to fetch the bride so I can walk her down the aisle." He said with a small smile.
"We'll just excuse you two for a minute and meet you outside." Amy said and stood up with Emma and Cami following behind.
He placed a kiss on Cami's head telling her how beautiful she looked before she blushed and walked outside.
"You look very beautiful little bunny." He said as he came to seat beside me.
"When are you going to stop calling me that?" I groaned.
"Probably when you have a little girl and she's just as active as you were as a child."
"And if she's gentle?"
"Then the name stays." He answered.
"That's just great." I muttered.
"Cheer up baby sister. You're getting married." He said poking my cheek.
"I know." I said with a loud sigh.
"Are you nervous?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"A little bit."
"Well that's an improvement from the last time." He said.
"Last year Dray, the only reason I was so mad was because I was getting married to a complete stranger. This time it's different because I actually know him."
"Then why are you so nervous?"
"I'm scared." I admitted.
"Scared of what?"
"So much has happened in the space of one year Dray. We lost dad, my psycho ex kidnapped me, my husband was framed and many more. We barely had a break and now I just can't seem to calm down. What if we eventually get married for real this time and he wakes up one day and doesn't want me? What if—"
"No what ifs Kayla. Jason loves you and you love him too. Life is all about taking chances and this is one you both are willing to take. We don't know the future but we sure can make the best of what we have now. Plus that dude is crazy about you so he can't do that. Sometimes Kayla, you just have to trust love." He said with a small smile and I let out a sigh.
"You're right Dray. Thank you very much. You're the best big brother a girl could ever ask for." I said and hugged him.
"Dad would be so proud of you." He muttered softly.
"I love you Dray."
"I love you too Kayla." He said and placed a kiss on my forehead.
"Now let's get you to your husband before he comes for you himself. That dude is impatient." He muttered as he stood up and stretched his hand towards me.
"Let's do it." I said and placed my hand in his before we stood up.
Kaylie was the first to walk down as she threw flowers on the floor in her beautiful royal blue dress, then the girls walked before it was my turn.
Our families stood up as I and my brother walked down hand in hand.
The song played in the background and I looked at Ted, James and Brandon who look so handsome in their tuxedos.
Then my eyes finally met his.
Suddenly all the nervousness I felt a few minutes ago disappeared as I got lost in his blue eyes.
He sent me his award-winning dimpled smile and at that moment, everyone else seemed to disappear.
Cliché I know but it was the truth.
We finally got to his front and as my brother placed my hand in his, he said in a low but threatening voice,
"Take care of her."
"I will." Jason assured me before moving me to stand before him.
I suddenly looked carefully at him and noticed that his eyes were welled up with tears.
"Are you crying?" I asked him gently which he shook his head at.
I was about to call his bluff when I got interrupted.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the marriage between this man and this woman on this beautiful day. If there's anyone here who wishes that they don't get married, speak now or forever hold your peace." The official said and there was silence which was expected because it was just family and friends around.
No crazy exes if you know what I mean.
"Very well. The couple have prepared their vows." He said and signaled Jason to start.
"Hazel, this past year has been the best year of my life. I never imagined that I would find someone as amazing as you. You have thought me how to love and live, you have shown me what true happiness is all about. You were with me through my darkest times and not once did you ever think of giving up on me.
I admit I haven't been the best person to you but I plan on making it up to you for the rest of my life. I promise to be a brother, a father, a friend and a husband to you at all times I promise to never make you cry, except they're tears of joy of course. On this day, I take you Kayla Marie Andrews to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold and cherish as long as we both shall live." He finished as he placed the ring on my finger.
By now I was already crying and at that moment I was glad my makeup wasn't heavy.
"Jason my love, you have brought my long lost happiness back to me and for that I am grateful. I admit you weren't exactly my favorite person when we first met," I said and everyone laughed, "but I am glad I got to meet you, the real you. You have driven me to the point of insane anger but you have also brought overwhelming joy and happiness to my life and I hope it never stops. I know I can be a bit difficult but I'm glad we balance each other out. Jason Nicholas Anderson, I make a vow to you on this day to be an amazing wife and mother to you and our kids. I promise to be the best I can be for you and our family. I take you to be my lawfully wedded husband to have and to hold and to cherish for the rest of our beautiful lives." I finished and slipped the ring onto his finger before sniffling.
I suddenly felt him gently place his handkerchief to wipe my tears and I looked up to see a drop of tear fall from his eyes.
"You were crying after all." I accused him with a light laugh.
"Tears of joy my love." He said with a small smile.
"Do you Jason Anderson take Kayla Andrews to be your wife?" The official asked.
"Most definitely." He answered without taking his eyes off me.
"And do you Kayla Andrews take Jason Anderson to be your husband?"
"With all my heart." I replied happily.
"Then with the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
With that, he gently pulled me closer to him and placed his lips softly on mine filling the kiss with love and endless promises.
We pulled apart at the cheering and whistles by our friends and family who were smiling at us and I turned to see my mum crying.
Typical.
"Welcome to the family!" Emma said excitedly as she squeezed me in a hug.
"I've been in the family for a year Emma." I told her with a small laugh.
"I know but this time around it's really real. I love you big sister." She said and hugged me tighter.
"And I love you too baby sister." I said and we both laughed before she finally pulled away.
"Thanks for bringing my brother back and making him happy. You really saved him."
"I believe we saved each other." I told her with a small smile.
A little voice suddenly interrupted us as I felt a small tug on my dress.
"Aunty Kayla does this mean I can get a little cousin to play around with?" Kaylie asked with a small voice.
"Of course darling." I said and placed a kiss on her cheek.
She laughed excitedly before running away to meet her mum.
I looked around to see everyone mingling and my eyes caught James standing and staring into space.
I looked closer to see that he wasn't staring at nothing but at someone and when I followed his gaze he was staring at Tammy.
I smiled a little before walking towards him.
"You know you should just ask her on a date right?"
"Huh? Who?" He asked playing dumb and I rolled my eyes at him.
"It's no news that you both are attracted to each other, you're both just too scared to make the first move."
"I don't think she sees me that way." He said with an unsure look.
"Are you kidding me? The lady blushes anytime you're around. I might not know much but she seems pretty real to me. Sometimes you just have to give love a chance." I told him.
He hesitated for a while before he finally spoke.
"Maybe I'll talk to her."
"That's a start." I said with a light chuckle.
"Thanks Kayla and congratulations on your wedding." He said and hugged me.
"Thank you James. I hope I get to come for yours soon enough." I told him as I pulled away which caused him to let out a loud laugh.
"I'll see you around." I told him as I walked away.
"Ladies and gentlemen, can we all move into the hall for the reception?" I heard Tammy say into the microphone as everyone walked inside.
"Hey best friend." Cami said walking beside me.
"Hey Cami."
"Congratulations on your marriage."
"Second marriage actually. Wow Kaybear, two weddings in the space of a year! You've got game!" Brandon said joining us.
I raised my hand to slap him upside the head but he was quick to move away.
"You're an idiot Brandon." Cami muttered from beside me.
"Oh please Annabel, tell me something I haven't heard before." He said rolling his eyes at her and she scowled at him.
"Why do you keep calling her full name?" I asked him with an amused smile.
"Because I love pissing her off."
"You know better than to mess with a pregnant woman." I warned.
"Oh please, what's the worst that could happen?" He asked brushing me off.
"Keep that up and you'll find out." Cami shot at him which caused his eyes to widen.
"I think I'll go get some food." He said nervously before scurrying away.
"Only you can do that to Brandon. I can't even get him to shut up." I said to her laughing.
"I swear I wonder how Lisa deals with him." She muttered.
"I have a feeling he's more mature with her around."
"Not possible. He has the brain of a fish which is very tiny if I may add." She shouted.
"Give him a break Cami, I'm surprised he hasn't grown on you." I said with a small smile.
"Oh he has. He's like this annoying pimple on your face that you're trying so hard to get rid of." She huffed.
I opened my mouth to speak when a voice interrupted me.
"Can I steal my wife for a second?" His deep husky voice asked from beside my ear.
"Oh she's all yours." Cami said and sent me a wink before walking away.
"Hello Mrs Anderson." He whispered lowly.
"Mr. Anderson." I acknowledged him.
"Have I mentioned the fact that you look amazing today?"
"No but thank you. You look handsome too."
"Oh honey, you and I know that I always look handsome." He said with a smirk.
"How modest. " I muttered sarcastically.
"It's time for the couple's first dance." The MC called over the microphone.
Did I mention the MC being Brandon?
"So bro grab your wife and get on the dance floor!" He cheered happily and I laughed a little while Jason just shook his head.
"May I have this dance?" He asked bowing slightly while stretching his hand out
"Most definitely." I answered, mimicking his earlier statement and placed my hand in his.
We walked into the middle of the hall before he wrapped his arms around me and I placed my arms around his neck.
"I can't help but notice that this is our first dance as a couple." He said.
"I think that's because I'm a horrible dancer." I muttered.
"Well lucky for you I'm pretty good."
"Of course you are." I drawled which caused him to laugh.
"I'm just so glad you're finally mine."
"Jason I've been yours since I said 'I do' last year."
"I know but that was forced. I couldn't help but feel like you hated me so I didn't claim you."
"Well that's some vampire shit right there." I said and he just rolled his eyes.
"So that's why you never called me Mrs Anderson and Kayla?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Well the Mrs Anderson yeah but for Kayla, I don't know why your name never stuck. I wanted to call you something only I could and Hazel just kind of stuck." He answered with a shrug.
"So much for not claiming me," I said rolling my eyes, "but I kinda like it when you call me Kayla too." I muttered shyly.
"Really? Why?"
"It sounds better coming from you."
"Oh Kayla, my sweet Kayla." He said huskily and I felt my face redden at the tone of his voice.
"Why are you talking like that?" I asked him suspiciously.
"Because I've realized calling you Kayla makes me want to take you right here and right now." He said in a low voice that only me could hear and my eyes widened as my cheeks got darker than it already was.
"Alright! Hazel it is then. I don't need to scar the little kids and my brother for life." I said quickly and he laughed.
"I love the effect I have on you."
"Well thanks to your effect I now look like a ripe tomato."
"You look beautiful babe." He assured and I rolled my eyes to see James and Tammy dancing and laughing.
I couldn't help but smile widely at the sight.
"Why are you smiling so much?"
"James finally talked to Tammy."
"And?" He prodded and I just glared at him as I pointed in their direction.
"Do they like each other?" He asked with a confused look.
"Let's give them time to figure that out." I said with a small smile before turning back to look at him.
"You know you're a handful right?" He asked with an amused smile.
"Yup."
"And I wouldn't have it any other way. I can't wait to spend forever with you."
"I thought we already started that journey?" I asked with a pout.
"This time around, it's real. I love you Mrs Anderson." He said with a smile and I used my hand to trace his dimple.
"I love you Mr. Anderson."
With that, he bent his head to claim my lips in his and I smiled at the beginning of our beautiful future.
THE END!
This is not a drill guys!
The Arrangement is officially over!!😭😭😭😭
Well except the Epilogue and some bonus chapters so do not think of removing it from your library just yet okay?
I'll say my thank you message in the Epilogue but before then I hope you've added my new book to your library again because that's going to be the start of another wonderful adventure.
Thanks for reading and don't forget to click on the little star at the bottom of your screen and leave your comments(as positive as possible please)but constructive criticism is allowed.💋💋💋💋