The rest of the group went towards the aisle to give them some privacy and sort matters out, while Alyssa’s mom and Sienna stayed back.
“Bring her inside. She has a right to be here with me on my special day,” said Alyssa, surprised to find her best friend waiting outside.
“I think it’s better you meet her once, Lisa,” insisted Alexander, hesitating a little, his eyes darting towards the main gates. Her dad scowled and fisted his hands with anger, glaring at the two of them.
“Tell her to come inside the house and not create an unnecessary scene here today,” he said, his face flushed with hatred. This was always the scene at the mention of Eva’s name.
“Please calm down, Daniel. I’m sure she’ll go away.” Alexander paled and turned to go away as well. If there was no place here for his wife, then he had no business staying at such a place.
“I can see that my wife and I aren’t wanted here. Have a happy life, Lisa,” he said over his shoulders.
“Wait, Alex. I want you to walk me down the aisle.” She turned towards her dad with folded hands. “Dad, please, can’t you forget your differences today, just for my sake?” she pleaded with her dad. “Eva is my best friend and Alexander’s legally wedded wife. She has the right to be here, dad,” pleaded Alyssa.
“It’s alright, Lisa,” said Alexander, walking away.
“Sienna, call Eva inside. She may attend the wedding, for Alyssa’s sake,” said her dad with a sigh, looking defeated. No one asked him why he behaved this way. They were all glad that he gave his permission finally.
“Yes, uncle Daniel. I’ll get her,” said Sienna, walking towards the gate, followed by Alexander.
“Thank you, dad. I love you,” whispered Alyssa with relief, making him smile and hold out his arms for her. They embraced each other. It was a heartfelt gesture.
“I love you too, sweetie, and I’m sorry for all the years that I didn’t reach out to you. I misunderstood you so much,” he said, and Alyssa knew exactly what he was talking about.
“Even I’m sorry for not reaching out to you both. Let’s make up for what we lost,” said Alyssa. Her mom too joined in the embrace.
“Nicholas is waiting impatiently to get married, Alyssa. He sent me here to get you,” said Lucas with a grin. Her mom released her and her dad too chuckled and released her, offering her his arm.
“We shouldn’t keep him waiting. Are you ready to get married?” asked her dad, and Alyssa smiled and nodded, placing her hand in the crook of his arm. They walked towards the arch where everyone was waiting for them to arrive. It was beautiful in pristine white with net tulle curtains tied on both sides and wisteria vines arranged in the middle. The only splash of color was the corner floral sprays added on either arm of the arch, containing Columbian roses and bright pink and red seasonal flowers with foliage. The white chairs too had a sheaf-style bouquet of the same floral arrangements attached with satin ribbons. Her dad went to talk to his brother’s family while Alyssa searched for Nicholas.
Her eyes connected with Nicholas’s as he stood near the arch with his groomsmen. It was amazing that at such short notice, they could co-ordinate so much.
Alyssa smiled at Nicholas, who gazed at her with his mouth hanging open. Wearing a beige tuxedo, he looked extremely gorgeous, like a dream come true. Getting over the shock, he flashed her a brilliant smile and winked, making her blush.
“Alyssa, you’re looking so lovely,” said Eva from behind her. Alyssa gasped and turned to see her best friend looking beautiful in a light blue long-flowing gown. She opened her arms out to her.
“At last, you remembered me, Eva,” she said, trying to control the tears that threatened to pool in her eyes. No, she couldn’t afford to spoil her makeup today.
“I always did, Alyssa. Congrats on finally making this happen,” she said.
Alexander came forward and stood with them silently. “Shouldn’t you talk to Nicholas and patch up with him?” asked Eva.
“Later!” said Alexander gruffly, and both girls rolled their eyes at him.
“Can you leave us alone a bit? I need to talk to my best friend,” said Alyssa.
“Later.” They again rolled their eyes, unable to catch up with each other, although they were dying of curiosity. The other girls came rushing to bombard Eva with questions, but with Alexander sticking to her like a leech, it seemed like an impossible feat.
“Why can’t he catch up with the guys?” whispered Skylar into Alyssa’s ears.
“Maybe he’s protecting Eva,” said Sienna.
“From what?” asked a clueless Hayley.
“From being insulted,” said Alyssa.
It was time for the wedding ceremony and they all walked down the rose-petal-strewn aisle to take their positions. It was at last time for Alyssa to unite with the love of her life. Flanked by her dad on one side and her brother on the other, she took a deep breath and walked down the aisle, one step at a time. All eyes were on her, but she wasn’t nervous. This was the moment she had been waiting for since the day she fell in love with Nicholas. Now that it was happening, she couldn’t believe how lucky and blessed she really was.
Her eyes held Nicholas’s intense gaze as he stared at her with disbelief, seeing her brother walk her down the aisle. His face eased into a beautiful grin that reached his eyes.
“Why is he grinning at me like a fool?” muttered Alexander under his breath.
“He’s happy to see you,” replied Alyssa. Alexander groaned seeing Nicholas’s smiling face but thankfully didn’t say another word till they reached the altar. Nicholas came forward to escort her to the altar and her dad placed her hand in his, giving him a warm smile.
“I know you’ll take care of her, my boy. God bless you both.”
“You better not betray her or I’ll hunt you down and finish you,” threatened Alexander, but the smile on his face gave him away. Nicholas grinned and nodded.
“I won’t, bro. Thanks for the approval,” he added.
“I didn’t give it yet,” shrugged Alexander with a laugh, walking away with his dad towards the chairs. Nicholas chuckled, knowing that Alexander was just pulling his legs. He led his beautiful bride towards the altar, gazing into her blue eyes with a promise to fulfill all her dreams, to stand by her side, and to love her forever. They both knew that now no one could separate them, ever. They were each others for life.
As they stood before the officiant, saying their heartfelt vows, holding each other’s hands, they knew they couldn’t have asked for more from life! Despite all difficulties, they could make this relationship work. True love, trust, and respect were the only things they needed in life and they had it abundantly to last them forever!