Are you ready?

Book:His Winter Heart Published:2024-5-31

“I really didn’t expect you, out of the three of us, to be the first one to get married, Snow.”
Said Emma as she applied some powder on her face with her makeup brush.
“Oh, are you jealous that she is the first one to be married out of us, or are you jealous because you want to get married next, Emma?” Hannah suggested as she applied lipstick on her lips.
Emma just rolled her eyes, “Well, I didn’t expect that you, out of all of us, to be the first one to get pregnant, Hannah.” She fired back, pointing at Hannah’s big tummy.
Hannah is now seven months pregnant with Leroy’s child. Even I was surprised at the sudden news. I hadn’t expected it.
Hannah chuckled at that and winked at me, “This is your time girl. Shine bright like a diamond.”
I just laughed at them, biting my lip as I feel very nervous right now. We are actually in the dressing room as Hannah was wearing her beautiful royal blue bridesmaid dress.
We had picked royal blue as it’s Eion’s favorite color and I think it looks elegant and neutral for everyone.
On the other hand, Emma was wearing her lovely white maid of honor gown. I wanted to choose both of them as my maid of Honor but Hannah said it should be Emma as she was the first best friend I have in Springfield.
We were now in the Philippines, specifically in the new property that Eion bought last time as a present to me which is the Snow Resort. So, this means that half of our guests really flew all the way to the Philippines just for our wedding. Well, Eion paid for their trip and accommodations anyway so it won’t be too hard for them.
Also, we decided our wedding to be a beach one with a bohemian and whimsical type of wedding with bright colors and nice floral arrangements. We really hired a lot of people for this.
We just arrived here two days ago, and since then, I haven’t seen my groom yet. I don’t know if it’s a Filipino tradition or a thing but they said it’s bad luck if I see Eion before our wedding. Eion was really not happy when he heard about this.
Thankfully, although against his wishes, he complied with the tradition. Gosh, I miss him already. I mean, it’s a good thing that we were in a long-distance relationship for the last four years at college.
I think it was training for me to withstand this whole not-seeing-the-groom thing. These two days are nothing to me. I’m really proud of myself.
The hired makeup artist was already finished but she kept on retouching my face, wanting everything to be perfect.
She just did a minimal but glowy makeup look that matches my luxurious champagne bright wedding dress. The details and the beads that embroidered it complimented the cascading gown to the ground, and it felt heavy and a bit uncomfortable for me to wear.
Gosh, I don’t even want to mention the price of this lovely gown. The influence of Aunt Maggie really. My hair was up in a low braided princess bun as flowers surrounded my hair as a headband. Overall, I really feel beautiful today.
I mean, everything has been fine and great. Things are already been taken care of and they are now only waiting for me, the bride to come out.
Well, Eion and I planned everything out, with the help of Aunt Maggie. The planning took a whole year as Eion and I enjoyed ourselves, going on seminars and working everything out.
I wanted a simple one but Aunt Maggie insisted on something grand saying it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event and I think she has a point so we go all out.
The wedding will start at 9 in the morning, which means it will be in the next hour and I’m fidgeting here and can’t think straight. I already prepared my vow. What else should I worry about?
“You look great, ma’am. I’m sure your fiance, I mean your soon-to-be husband is going to love this look.” My makeup artist complimented, now finishing and fixing her brushes. When she left me and the girls alone, I felt my hands trembling and cold sweat forming in my head.
I swallowed the lump in my throat.
“I’m nervous, girls.” I blurted out to Emma and Hannah. They both gasped and had this knowing look on their faces.
“It’s not cold feet is it?” Emma asked, and Hannah nudged her in the arm.
“Oh, I’m sure your groom is nervous too. Everyone says that, Snow. It’s normal. Part of the process.” Hannah said, holding my hand. “But breathe in and out. Relax your nerves. Everything is going to be alright.”
I did as she told, thanking her. Gosh, I’m so glad I have friends like them. I don’t think I can do this all alone.
“Think about your honeymoon, Snow,” Emma spoke up, reaching out her hand dramatically. “Eion will devour you soon and it’s going to be your first time-”
At this, Hannah immediately covered Emma’s mouth. “Okay, stop right there, Emma. I think we’re not helping her. We’re only making it worse.”
They both look at me with wide eyes.
I released a shaky laugh, “Gosh now I’m more nervous, gee thanks, Emma.”
Emma just winked, “You’re welcome.” And they carefully hugged me.
“Then we’ll get going now. I want to give you a good luck kiss but I’m afraid it’ll ruin your makeup.”
“Bye, Snow. Good luck with your marriage. Tell me something you need, I’m your maid of honor anyway. You can torture me so I can also torture you on my own wedding.” I just chuckled at that as they both waved goodbye at me.
Now that I’m left alone, I stare at my reflection in the mirror.
I bit my lip, inhaling and exhaling now. “I can do it. I can do it.”
Just then, the silent mantra session I was doing was interrupted as the door opened and my mom and Aunt Maggie came in.
“How’s our bride?” Asked Aunt Maggie, sitting on the bed now.
I sent them a half-smile, “A bit nervous and excited.”
“Awe, it will be alright dear. Nothing bad is happening, it’s your wedding day. We’re just here if you need anything. And make the most of this day.” Mom said, advising me.
I nodded, “Thank you, mom.”
She just sent me her usual gentle smile until she dropped then. Suddenly, tears started forming in her eyes as she stared at me.
Aunt Maggie decided to excuse herself from us to give us some privacy and mom turned to stare at me silently…
I thought of everything. What if Eion had cold feet…what if he decided to stop the wedding? He must be grieving about his grandfather’s sudden death…
Well, last two weeks ago, Sereia, his cousin, called about his grandfather’s heart attack. He was hospitalized for a week but one day, he didn’t wake up. Eion, along with his dad, Adam Hudson, came here to the Philippines at the Gensan to attend the funeral.
I didn’t see Eion cry, but it must be hard for him.
“No, don’t think that. He proposed to you. He loves you, Snow.” Said mom, assuring me.
Her smile then turned sad. “Your dad is going to be so proud of you. You’re so beautiful, Snow. It’s such a shame he’s not here to witness this special day.”
“Awe, mom, don’t make me cry, the makeup artist just finished retouching my face,” I said, blinking my eyes and looking up to prevent the tears from falling.
I sighed, holding mom’s hands. “It’s okay mom. Dad is always watching us. I’m sure he’s witnessing it right now.”
She nodded, reaching out and embracing me into a hug. We stayed like that for a few moments until she broke it and wiped the tears on her eyes.
“Oh right. Forgive me for breaking down. I think we should go to the venue now. Everyone is waiting.”
Nodding my head, I stood up and breathed in and out, relaxing my nerves again.
Mom opened the door and escorted me to the car, asking me this question, “Are you ready?”
I nodded. “Okay, I’m now ready mom. Let’s go.”