Five Years Later
“Wow! You’re looking so gorgeous, Skye! You look fresh as a daisy, like a virgin bride, marrying for the first time,” said Sienna while the others agreed. The last five years had been a roller-coaster ride for all of them. Motherhood and career had taken a toll on them. None of them could make it on Skylar’s first wedding anniversary. Therefore, she had dropped the idea of a reunion and party.
Now, after five years, they planned to renew their vows in the presence of all their loved ones. The wedding would take place in the neighborhood church while the reception at Escapades. Maddox supervised everything to perfection, and they didn’t have to check even.
“I know, right? Look at me! My hair is shedding from handling Axel and Alexander! I don’t understand how you guys handle your twins and husband,” complained Eva while fixing Skylar’s veil.
“Maybe because Lucas isn’t like your Alexander!” said Sienna with a chuckle. They all giggled knowingly while Eva groaned.
“I’m happy with Nicole. I can’t handle another pregnancy!” said Alyssa, rolling her eyes.
“I’m happy with the twins. My family is complete too,” admitted Skylar.
“I wanted a daughter, girls. I mean, Alexia is like my own, yet I wanted another,” said Sienna, four months pregnant with her second child. However, Adrian and Alexia were the most excited to have a baby sibling.
“I know what you mean. I just wanted a son and God has blessed me with twin boys,” said Hayley, who gave birth to twin boys six months ago. With Ashley already five, Hayley and Ashton were now struggling with three kids!
“Aiden and Hayden are super cute! You can give them to me if you can’t handle them,” said Andrea with a chuckle. All of them had bonded well with Christian’s crazy group. Aiden and Hayden were Hayley’s and Ashton’s twins. Christian even invited Marcus, who lived in Malibu, LA, with Cara, a celebrity pop star now. Marcus and Cara came over with their five-year-old daughter, Marianne, and Cara’s siblings, Liam and Adam. At eighteen, both were bright in their chosen fields. While Adam was pursuing medicine, Liam was already an established painter, pursuing fine arts. His paintings sell for millions just like Marcus’ and his name was flashed in newspapers when Marcus took him under his wing.
“What will you do with so many kids?” asked Sienna with a chuckle.
“I love babies! I’ll bring them up like my own!” She swirled in front of the mirror to admire her looks. The sparkle in her eyes made Skylar suspicious! Andrea looked different today. The glow on her cheeks made her feel like Andrea was in love! She just wished her friend found her happily ever after, just like they all had.
“Scarlett and Carter are already yours, Andrea. They love you more than they love me,” said Skylar with a chuckle. She had been busy handling Saint James Intercontinental Suites for the last five years. Mr. Fairbanks had retired three years ago, making her the GM of the entire business. It was a tremendous responsibility, and she fulfilled it to the best of her abilities. However, she dedicated her evenings and Sundays to her family, her children, and three fur babies.
“That’s not true, girl. You’re the best mom around. I’ve never seen anyone do more than you for her children.”
Lillian and Granny walked into the room to escort Skylar out. “Come on, Skye. We’re heading to church.”
There was a limousine waiting for her to take them to church.
“Where are Scarlett and Carter?” she asked Lillian.
“Oh, they’ve left with Christian, Caleb, and the twins.”
They set out for St. Basil’s Church in the vicinity, where the others were waiting for them. Skylar alighted from the limo and gazed all around her. She had come to this church every Sunday, but today it looked so special. The pristine white decor of roses and hydrangeas interspersed with green gave it an ethereal look. This time, she and Christian took care of all the minute details. It was the wedding they had dreamed of!
“Mom! You’re looking so pretty!” gasped Carter as he stood by Vivienne and Blade.
“Thank you, sweetie! You look quite grown-up and handsome!”
“Thank you!” Carter blushed, casting a discreet glance at Alyssa’s stunning daughter, Nicole!
Skylar gazed at the children, donned up in gowns and tuxedos. They looked so happy! It was surprising to see them bond so well with one another as if they had known each other all their lives. Even at five, the way Axel possessively held Ashley by his side, it was obvious they would have a tempting journey of their own in the future!
Lucas’s daughter Alexia was a sight to behold, wearing a long, flowing white gown with a white floral tiara. Liam couldn’t take his eyes off her, but she was family and forbidden for him! He had realized that at the tender age of thirteen, yet he never gave up hope! Cara called him to her side, and he sighed and stood by his older sibling. His wish to show Alexia the portraits he had made of her were completely dashed!
Caleb smiled and came forward to escort Skylar towards the entrance door. There were simple white floral arrangements all along the church steps to add charm to the decor.
The pews were decorated with small bunches of white baby’s breath. It lined the aisle as well, standing out against the wooden backdrop.
“It doesn’t seem like five years have gone by since I walked you down the aisle. It seems like yesterday!” said Caleb, feeling nostalgic.
“I agree! The only difference is Ben was with us the last time,” said Grandpa Phil, missing his friend on the joyous occasion. Sebastian and Erica, standing with them, nodded in agreement.
“Yes, Grandpa missed seeing his great-grandchildren.”
Their boys Damian and Davon were quite a handful, and Erica had a tough time handling them. She had to quit work and give her full attention to the notorious duo.
“Where are the twins, Davon and Damian?” asked grandpa Phil, looking around. Erica was immediately on high alert! Where could the two have gone? They were right here with her!
“Oh! There’s Davon!” said Sebastian with relief. Erica’s eyes went wide to see Davon standing beside Marianne obediently. What had gotten into him? He could hardly stand still in one place for two minutes! She looked around to see Damian and Nicholas standing together, playing some verbal game. Vera and Adam stood quietly beside Nicholas, watching everyone else. At sixteen, Vera was an epitome of beauty and she carried herself well too. She composed her own instrumental pieces and accompanied Cara on her tours. West End Studios took as much interest in her as they did in Cara.
Skylar looked around for Christian, but there was no sign of him. The wedding procession would start soon. Where was he?
“Chris is with the guys in the dressing room. Do you need a touch-up too?” asked Camilla.
“No, I’m good!” said Skylar.
“Yes, you’re looking perfect! I’ll get Chris! We’re about to start,” said Lillian. Just then, Christian appeared with his reckless gang, looking dashing in a classic black tuxedo! His eyes glinted with excitement the moment they landed on his wife!
Tears of happiness sprang into his eyes as he gazed at her, looking stunning in the figure-hugging wedding gown. The crystal-studded bodice caught the rays of the bright morning sun and glinted like jewels. She looked so happy! It gave him immense satisfaction to know that he was the reason behind it.
At that moment, she looked up at him. He held her gaze and everything ceased to exist around them. It was just the two of them and their love for one another. It was a divine moment, full of promises of a lifetime of togetherness!
Camilla nudged at her friend to bring her back to reality! Even after five years, Skylar couldn’t help the wild thumping of her heart at the sight of her husband! She looked forward to their honeymoon this time! For five years, they hadn’t been able to go anywhere. Now, with Sebastian and Erica looking after the children, they could take a much-needed break to Switzerland!
As the music started, the bridal party geared up to walk down the aisle. Skylar noted the dazed look on Andrea’s face at the sight of the guys who emerged with Christian. It was evident she was in love with one of them! Who could it be? Was it Maddox or Zion?
“Ready, Skye?” asked Caleb as she nodded. She took a deep breath and walked down the aisle accompanied by Caleb and Grandpa Phil. This time, she was content and blissfully happy! Christian had fulfilled all her dreams and aspirations!
She thanked her lucky stars that she gave in to the temptation and fell for him!
Would the next generation give in to their temptations, too? Would they experience the same roller-coaster love story as she did? Only time could answer that question.
Maybe it would be best to wait for them to grow up!
To be continued when they grow up!