This place had given us several bittersweet memories; it was a reminder of love, sacrifice, forgiveness and forbearance; and soon it was to witness the most precious occasion of my life.
Soon I was set to call it home, my home.
We moved in here a week back, and ever since, Jake had been staying in the west wing of this gigantic mansion, while I settled in his bedroom in the east wing. He wanted to do it the traditional way, and we had not seen each other for the past several days.
It worked, as I was dying to see him, touch him and melt in his warm embrace. When I would meet him next, it would be at the altar and standing there; he won't be the billionaire CEO or the famous Jacob Richmond; instead, he would be the guy I fell in love with, the guy who would be my husband, the man of my life, the one who loved me back with the same intensity, maybe even more.
The past year had been momentous as Jake went through thick and thin to reinstall my lost trust in him. We both fought our demons of insecurities, and learnt to believe the intent before judging the act.
My parents had never been happier, my friends never felt this thrilled, and eventually, everything fell in its rightful place.
Even though, Jake still did not forgive his mother, but I was determined that there would be a day, when he would have the heart to let her back in our lives.
The bedroom door flung open, and a parade of my loved ones stormed inside.
"What did I tell you about rest and rejuvenation?" Niki uttered with a raised eyebrow scanning for any trace of tiredness on my face. She settled in and kept a huge bag at the corner of my bed.3
"Didn't I tell you that this early lark will be awake even before the start of dawn?" Britney chuckled a mock, as she came forward and gave me a tight hug.
"Oh, come on you two, give my girl a little break. I am sure she was feeling the wedding jitters. Aww, my baby, I love you so much." Mom took me in her loving embrace as I wrapped my arms around her.
Dad smiled warmly as he stood at the door, I opened my arms to him, and he walked in and joined for a family hug.
"Aww aren't you all adorable. Alright now, back to business. Carter clan, please give some breather to our bride here. You can recluse to your respective rooms. We need to get Emma ready." Niki clapped her hands as the maid of honor in her took control. Everyone giggled their way out, nobody could dare mess with her, especially when she was in charge.
"Wow, what's this fragrance?" I sniffed the air as a sweet rosemary aroma filled my room.
"I got your bubble bath ready; I have used the best natural salts and oils there are. Come on in, go dip and relax, meanwhile we will set up everything here." Britney ordered as I silently obeyed and followed her command.
After almost an hour, when I stepped out of the shower, I was stunned to see both of them dressed and ready.
They looked beautiful.
Their matching yellow backless gowns screamed elegance. They both wore a white rose in their relaxed side ponytails, the hair looked stunning with the accessory, as they fell comfortably on their bare shoulders.
I looked around and realised that they had turned the bedroom into a studio, excitedly waiting for me to come out and begin getting ready.
A massive rack on the left ornamented the wedding dress of my dream. It was the first one I laid my eyes on, and the moment I saw it, it took my breath away. We both made a pact, the dress and me, that we would together grace this auspicious day, and help embellish my bridal charm, allowing me to look the best I ever did.
I settled on the cushioned chair, as Britney and Niki began their magic on me. The most awaited moment that was finally here; this was it. I was about to turn into a bride and bind in my happily ever after with Jake. I had dreamt about this day, but living it, elated my soul beyond measures.
As they both worked their way on me, I suddenly remembered to ask Niki, "Sorry, I totally forgot. How are Nate and Jessica holding up?" I whispered, being careful not to move my jaw much as Niki's brush was giving soft strokes on my cheeks.
"Shh. Don't move. You are going to spoil my classic piece of art. And yes, the answer to your question, they are both fine. Jessica can pop any day now."
"Wow! Nate as a father. Sounds amazing." I muttered again, only to get a deadly stare from her.
"Yeah, I know, right. If it were not the joy that my heart contained to have my niece come in this world, I would have murdered him for ruining my wedding plans, and getting married first instead."
"Absolutely my friend. I thought you would be the next bride in line after my wedding, but here Emma took the giant leap instead."
Britney added as she let out a small laugh, while carefully braiding the front locks of my long curly length.
"Yes, who could have imagined this a year ago? I remember how Emma used to fret love and relationships at that time, and how she dodged the bouquet you threw, it landed in the hands of your poor cousin, she sure didn't see that coming." Niki laughed as she completed the length of my lashes with the mascara in her hand.
"Oh, yes, Alice. When we were younger, she hated