182

[REBECCA]
“Alright, close your eyes, my dear,” Camilla’s voice was a gentle whisper, tinged with excitement. I could detect the joy in her tone, and it ignited a matching smile on my face. With a mixture of anticipation and unsteady legs, I complied, shutting my eyes.
“Are you all set?” Lynda’s voice carried an air of eager anticipation.
“You guys didn’t transform me into a clown, did you?” I quipped playfully.
Their laughter resonated in the room, eliciting giggles from me. At last, I opened my eyes, blinking as the world before me came into focus. Then, a gasp escaped my lips, involuntary and genuine.
“You are an absolute vision,” Lynda’s compliment sounded like a melodic refrain, echoed by affirming nods from Camilla and Bernadette. Their talents had worked wonders, and I could only describe the result as perfect.
My attention was immediately captured by my hair. Lynda had wielded her styling skills with subtlety, creating a captivating blend of simplicity and beauty. My locks cascaded in loose waves, intricately woven into a tousled braid adorned with delicate white flowers. Atop my head perched an elegant crystal tiara, a touch of regal charm.
As my gaze traced down, gratitude swelled upon seeing Bernadette’s artistry with makeup. She had chosen a restrained palette, highlighting my features in the most delicate manner. My eyelashes, darkened by mascara, seemed to stretch towards the heavens. Lips painted in a soft shade of red exuded a natural allure, and my eyelids shimmered with a hint of sparkly light brown. The eyeliner, a deep maroon, added a touch of mystique to my gaze, which gleamed with the chosen hues, enhancing my emerald irises.
Around my neck hung a solitary diamond pendant, its chain adorned with luminous white pearls, complemented by earrings of similar grace.
And then, the piece de resistance: the dress. My initial apprehension about Artemy’s reaction had vanished as I gazed at my reflection. A certainty blossomed that he would adore this choice.
The wedding gown draped gracefully, nearly sleeveless, with a delicate lace strap gracing my shoulders. The bodice, a soft beige canvas, was adorned with intricate white lace, each stitch adorned with glistening beads. A gentle V-cut enhanced my upper body, exuding an understated sensuality. The bodice gently embraced my chest before cascading into a flowy, ethereal expanse around my waist. From either side, the dress flared, revealing intricate lacework that mirrored the bodice.
A turn to the side showcased the dress’s enchanting train, a cascade of elegance that trailed behind me. Its harmonious blend of beige cloth and delicate white lace entranced the eye. My back, a canvas of elegance, bore half-lace coverage with a captivating open upper back, imbuing the design with an exquisite fluidity.
“I’m utterly enchanted by this gown. It’s an embodiment of elegance and simplicity,” Camilla’s voice reverberated with admiration, mirroring my sentiment.
“Thank you,” I breathed, my gaze locked onto my reflection, a portrait of grace.
“Now, let me place the veil,” Lynda’s voice cut through the moment, her expert hands securing the lace veil to my tiara. It cascaded behind me, a waterfall of lace and beads. Crafted by Nona, it embodied her blessing for my future, a meaningful touch that warmed my heart.
As I prepared to utter my gratitude, a knock on the door signaled a new presence. Lynda swung the door open to reveal Howard and Damian, who stepped into the room. Their steps faltered as they beheld me, and a radiant smile stretched across my lips.
“Look at you,” Howard’s voice held a mixture of awe and pride. He approached, enveloping me in a warm embrace. “You’re stunning, Rebecca.”
Tears threatened, his words evoking the memory of my mother. She would indeed be proud. As Damian hugged me next, I summoned my strength to hold back my emotions.
“Are you ready?” Damian’s question hung in the air, and I nodded, glancing down at the masterpiece before me.
“I’m as prepared as I can possibly be,” I mumbled, my nerves evident. “Is Artemy all set?”
Their amusement was palpable as they exchanged glances and arched their eyebrows. “Well, what do you think? He’s been ready for hours, growing more impatient by the minute. The guys had to practically barricade him in his room to keep him from catching a glimpse of you,” Damian elucidated, chuckling heartily.
A soft giggle escaped me at the mental image. I could only imagine the scene. Artemy’s impatience was legendary, to put it mildly.
“Time has come, Rebecca,” Howard announced, his tone carrying a mix of encouragement and reassurance.
Summoning a deep breath, I nodded in acknowledgment. With legs that felt unsteady, I took a tentative step forward, only to find Damian’s hand gently restraining me.
“Wait a moment,” he said, a mysterious undertone in his voice. Confusion knitted my brows as I regarded him, waiting for his next move.
It was then that I noticed both of them held small gift boxes. Understanding began to dawn upon me.
Howard stepped closer and opened the box in his hand. Nestled within was a pair of delicate teardrop crystal earrings. “These were your mother’s. They’re the only memento I have of hers. I believe it’s only fitting that they become yours now.”
My eyes remained fixated on the earrings, my mouth slightly agape. “Consider them your something old, if you hadn’t picked one already,” he suggested with a soft smile.
Overwhelmed by the weight of the moment, I shook my head, almost lost for words. “I don’t have one,” I managed to murmur, lifting my gaze back to Howard. “Are you absolutely certain you want me to have these?”
He nodded with a serene certainty, passing the earrings into my open palm. “Thank you,” I breathed, the surge of emotions nearly rendering me speechless.
Replacing my own earrings with the ones Howard had given me my mother’s earrings felt like a significant ritual. As they rested against my skin, my heart seemed to grow heavier, and a flutter of butterflies stirred within my stomach.
These earrings, remnants of my mother’s past, were the only tangible connection I had to her. For the first time, a sense of closeness enveloped me, as if she were there beside me. My eyes closed involuntarily as I embraced the thought.
In the darkness behind my eyelids, I conjured an image of her. She stood before me in a resplendent white gown, positioned just behind Howard. Her gaze bore a radiant smile, brimming with boundless affection.
With a graceful gesture, she blew me a gentle kiss, her hand then extending to wave. Her eyes shifted towards Howard, their depth filled with the same profound love that shone in mine. In my reverie, her hand graced his back, and a delicate kiss was planted upon his lips.
And just as quickly as she had appeared, she faded from view, leaving behind an indelible presence. Even though unseen, her spirit lingered.
As my eyes blinked open, they settled upon Howard, brimming with tears of both sorrow and gratitude. “I wish she were here. I yearn to have known her, Howard. In moments like this, I wish she could hold me,” I confessed, my fingers caressing the earrings as if they held a piece of her essence.
Howard inhaled deeply, visibly reigning in his own emotions. His touch brought solace as he gently rubbed my arms, his words steady and reassuring. “I understand. I share that wish. Although she may not be visible, believe that she’s present. Watching over you. Your mother’s love for you was immeasurable. You were her anchor in a tumultuous world.”
I nodded, my hand instinctively covering my heart as a calming breath passed through me. A sniffle betrayed the emotions still simmering beneath the surface. Camilla discreetly offered a tissue, to which I silently mouthed my gratitude.
Howard’s gaze locked with mine once more, and he spoke with profound sincerity. “Now, let’s proceed, my love.”
Damian’s box came into focus as Howard stepped aside. Inside was a delicate hairpin. “This belonged to Artemy’s mother. If you’re searching for something borrowed, consider this. I thought it fitting for you to incorporate Celia into this moment. She’s Artemy’s guardian angel, just as you are his.”
Accepting the hairpin, a surge of appreciation coursed through me. “Damian, I’m honored. But truly, it’s I who should thank you. This is a meaningful addition.” I passed the hairpin to Lynda, who deftly positioned it within my curls.
Damian’s eyes softened as he continued, his words heartfelt. “She would have adored you.”
With a tender smile, I replied, “I have no doubt I would have adored her in return. Because of her, I have Artemy. For that, I’m eternally grateful.” The gesture ended with a soft kiss on his cheek, a silent expression of my gratitude.
As I withdrew, my attention turned to my wrist, where Camilla’s bracelet twinkled in the light. “It seems I’ve collected two somethings borrowed,” I mused, a hint of playfulness returning to the atmosphere.
Howard’s voice cut through the moment, a final detail to address. “And your something blue?”
I gave a subtle nod, a smile gracing my lips as I did so. “Artemy’s eyes.”
A warmth crept up my cheeks as both Howard and Damian raised inquisitive eyebrows, a hint of amusement twinkling in their gazes.
“It’s time, babe,” Lynda’s voice chimed in.
My attention shifted to Lynda as she swiftly tidied her hair. All my dear friends were prepared, radiating a sense of readiness. Camilla and Bernadette were adorned in beige ankle-length dresses, the simplicity of the sleeveless designs exuding an understated elegance. The dresses flowed gracefully around their hips, a gentle airiness to their form.
Lynda’s attire was slightly distinctive, adhering to the same design and color, yet adorned with golden beads that adorned her bodice. She held the esteemed role of my maid of honor.
Inhaling deeply, I shifted my gaze towards Howard and Damian. Their countenances bore a solemnity, their postures impeccably upright, their chests swelled with a sense of pride.
Lynda extended to me a cascading bouquet, a delicate arrangement of white and pink peonies. As both men presented their arms, I swallowed nervously, took another measured breath, and then intertwined my arms with theirs.
My grip on their arms tightened as we initiated our progression. My heels wavered slightly with the initial steps, but with the steadying presence of Howard and Damian, I found my balance and navigated the path with newfound ease.
Emerging from the room, we descended the stairwell, an enchanting tapestry of flowers adorning each step and the handrail. The vista of the woods beyond was obscured by an abundance of pink and white blossoms. Twin candles flanked every step, casting a gentle glow.
Our descent flowed seamlessly, ushering us outdoors to the rear garden where the ceremony awaited.
The door swung open, halting our movement. The strains of a piano’s melody wafted through the air, unfamiliar yet exquisitely melodic.
“Ready?” Howard’s reassuring touch brushed against my hand. I nodded, and as one, we ventured forward. The warmth of the sun enveloped me, its rays igniting a flutter within my chest.