Niki's eyes welled up as she heard my confession.
."The hardest part of loving someone is when you don't know if they will ever love you back. But even if she doesn't, my love is enough for both of us."
"She does love you, Mark. A lot. I am just not sure if it's the same kind as yours, but she truly cares for you. Her eyes light up whenever you are around; it's hard not to notice that." She continued whispering, making sure our conversation didn't disturb Emma's sleep.
"I know Niki. That's why it's now or never. I can go to any extent to make her happy, I will do whatever it takes, and this is my one chance. Her happiness is what matters in the end."
"You amaze me in so many ways, Mark. We are lucky to have you in our lives. I just hope Emma receives your plan in the right spirit and embraces the love she deserves. I want her to be able to finally chose her happiness."
"Me too. It's just matter of a day now; you have supported me thus far, thank you for keeping it a secret."
"I didn't even tell Britney. She had been so busy with her wedding. I just didn't want to divert her attention."
"You did the right thing, Niki. Thank you for everything!"
Soon we reached Vancouver, and the moment we stepped out of the airport, we were enthralled by the scenic beauty of this place.
Britney was waiting to receive us, and as soon as she saw us, she came running as the girls jumped into a group hug.
"Welcome to my heaven guys. I am so glad you all made it." Britney glee in excitement, as she gave both Barry and me a hug too.
"Your hometown is gorgeous Britney. Why will anyone want to leave this place and settle somewhere else?" Barry said as he got awestruck by the surroundings, this place was indeed something else.
"What to do, Barry? That's life, always one step ahead. And if I stayed here, I would have never met all of you." Britney replied, smiling ear to ear. She looked so happy.
"Where is your Secret Santa? He didn't accompany you to pick us up?" Niki asked in an amusing tone.
"What the fuck. Can you stop calling him that? And he had to go for his suit fitting; he will join us in the evening."
"Yes Niki, stop calling him that. Christmas is history. He might be a cop by now? Or maybe a doctor? What say, Britney?" Emma joined the tease party, and they both kept embarrassing Britney.
"Shut up, you two. Stop it. And just for the sake of setting the record straight, he was a pilot last night. "Britney grinned and gave them a wink.
"Woah! Is it even allowed to sleep together a day before the wedding? Get a grip you two." Niki continued as we all were now seated in the SUV Britney got to pick us up.
"No, we thought we would wait until our wedding night, but Max sneaked in my room from the window yesterday, just like our old college days." Britney's face was flushed as she and the girls continued to chatter.
"Horny bastard." Barry whispered to me as his lips curled up distastefully, and we both started laughing.
"Somebody gets these two married already." Emma retorted, rolling her eyes.
Both me and Barry took out our phones, wore our earphones and played our favorite music tracks on full volume. We had learnt the trick of the trade to handle our over-enthusiastic girl-friends, especially when they regroup and blabber like there was no tomorrow.
It was noon as we all settled in the resort Britney and Max booked for us, which was also the venue for their pre-wedding party tonight as well as for their wedding tomorrow morning.
This resort was situated next to a small lake, high up on a granite cliff overlooking forests, islands and shining blue water beneath, making it a magical setting for their big day.
As I explored the place, I saw neat white chairs were getting set in their huge back lawn, probably as part of the wedding preparations tomorrow. I sat and silently observed the surroundings, imagining how I would love to get married to the love of my life, in a place like this someday.
I closed my eyes, soaking in the captivating view, and flashes of Emma's smiling face appeared in front of my eyes.
Give me a chance, Emma, and I promise I will never let that smile fade. I love you so much. I sighed and thought to myself.
I sat there for hours before it was evening already and I saw Emma was walking towards me, I think she came looking for me.
She looked ravishing.
She was wearing a dark blue off-shoulder gown, with small blue beads designed on the hem of the dress. Her beautiful curls were brushing her bare shoulders and her pink lips shined with the coat of gloss she applied on them. My mouth went dry, just by looking at her.
I felt like taking her in my arms right here right now and kiss those moist lips. For once, I felt like showing her what she meant to me, and what all I could do for her. For once, I thought of being careless and let go off the control I bravely adorn whenever I was with her.
Determined to end this game finally, my eyes looked deep into hers, I got up and walked straight to her.
Chapter 48
Britney and Max
Emma
Vancouver - Britney's Wedding Day
It's been ninety-one days;
