He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3) (25 page)

I stand and move to the chair, avoiding looking at the mirror in her room. I don’t want to see myself, until I’m fully ready. I let the hairdresser get to work, on my messy hair. Mum leaves the room to go and check on my Dad, Ethan and Lucy. Well I suppose she will, want to make sure they are all managing to get ready. Help them with their kilts and get Lucy into her little white dress, that I picked for her, I’m excited to see her. She will be gorgeous, and I’m more than happy for her to steal the lime light today.

The hairdresser puts the finishing touches, to my hair as my mother comes back into the room. She looks stunning, in her slim fitting grey dress and matching jacket. The flowers in her jacket, match the rest of the bridal party flowers. All that my mother needs to do before leaving the house, is put her hat on. We both thank the hairdresser and beautician for today, before they leave me to finally get dressed.

“Do you need anything before Kirsty and Sophie come through and help you into your dress?” She asks warmly.

“No mum, send them through. I want to see how they both look.”

“OH. MY. GOD.” I cry as they enter the bedroom. Mum rushes over with a hanky.

“No tears.” Kirsty teases. “We need our make-up to stay on. No panda eyes today.”

I look at them both, as they stand before me. They are stunning, my beautiful friends. Their dresses look so much better, than I remember from the last fitting. The red satin suits them both, slim fitting strapless dresses. Simple but elegant. And I made the right choice, with the jewellery, perfect finishing touch.

“You both look stunning.” I say through my tear filled eyes. Sophie twirls round giving me a view of the back of the dress, I love the simplicity of this dress with its low back. The girls have beautiful, white satin shawls to go with it.

“Libby . . .” Kirsty’s voice carries off.

“No I’m fine honest.” I say. “You all look amazing.”

“Time to get you ready sweetheart, or you’ll be late.” Mum says. “And your brother and Dad are patiently waiting to see you.”

“Alright, let’s do this.”

The first job is getting me into my underwear. Mum spends a long time, fastening me up at the back. But when she’s finished, I ask her to adjust the last few clips, it feels a little tight against my belly. Next Sophie and Kirsty help me into, white stockings, ensuring the clips are secure, before sliding on the blue garter they gave me earlier. Mum holds out the underskirt, and I step into it. It’s only a small one, but it’s still needed with my dress.

I have butterflies in my stomach, now.

My thoughts go to the hotel. I really hope Kieran has everything in order for today. Most of the hotel rooms, are booked out for family and guests. I was last at the hotel two days ago, everything seemed to be going well with the preparations. I have poor Karl and Kieran, on edge with my constant phone calls, checking up and changing things the past few days. I think they will, both be glad when my wedding is over.

The snow that we had, over Christmas is all gone, and the rain of the past few days has stopped. So hopefully we can get a few photos outside, with the loch as a back drop.

“Now, time for your dress, darling.” Mum says, distracting my chain of thoughts.

My eyes shift to where, my dress is hanging. I smile. This simple white gown, with Alencon lace and tulle, sweetheart neckline and low back and beautiful chapel length train at the back—I fell in love with it the first time I saw it, and I’m sure my man will love it.

Kirsty carries the dress over, carefully. Mum starts fussing, I’m not allowed to move until she says. Sophie puts my shoes in front of me. They’re plain and simple. I slip them on first. I know stand in the middle, of my parents room with underwear on, an underskirt and my four inch heels. I inwardly laugh at the image running through my mind. Thoughts of Alex, he would so love this look, but he will need to wait until the end of the day, to see it.

“Step,” mum says. “Carefully.”

I do step, carefully. With Sophie and Kirsty helping, it doesn't take too long to have it on. Kirsty makes quick work, of the delicate satin buttons on the back.

I hear my mother gasp.

“Oh. My. God.” Sophie says quietly. I had expected her to screech at me.

“Oh Elizabeth, we just need the finishing touches. What jewellery are you wearing?”

“It’s in the other room. The diamonds Alex bought me in New York. Could someone get them?”

“Libby, I have a present for you.” Sophie tells me. Mum and Kirsty both look at me quizzically as Sophie hurries out the room. Kirsty is standing in front of the mirror, I’m still not ready to see myself. Sophie rushes back into the room, carrying a black velvet box. “This is for you, from Alex.”

“Another gift? He has already sent me a red rose.”

I smile thinking of him, as I slowly open the box. I gasp at the contents. I can't move, I stand mesmerised to the spot. Stunning freshwater pearl necklace with matching stud earrings. Mum takes them from me, and puts them on for me.

“Okay are you ready, to finally see.” Kirsty asks excitedly. I nod. She moves quickly away from the floor standing mirror.

I lift my eyes from the floor, where I’ve tried to keep them. I take in my reflection in front of me. My dress is perfect, and my tiny bump isn’t noticeable. My make-up is natural and as for my dark hair. It’s silky smooth and rolled and pinned in an elegant up style. “Holy Fuck!”

“Libby!” my mother scolds me. “Less of the language.”

Sophie is smoothing out the bottom of the dress, ensuring it’s all flowing in the right direction. Mum takes my hand and squeezes it tightly. I’m scared to look at her, frightened that she will set me off. I hear a small sniff, but it’s not from my mum, I turn around to face Kirsty. Her eyes are cloudy, as she tries to rein in her emotions. Mum hands her a tissue, as a small sob escapes.

“Kirsty . . .”

“I can’t help it. You take my breath away. Everything about you today, is perfection. I have the pleasure of saying, the beautiful woman in front of me is my best friend.”

I close my eyes.
Don’t cry. Don’t cry
. I repeat over and over in my mind. I hear another sniff, and another and I know when I open my eyes, it’s not going to be just Kirsty struggling.

I open my eyes and it’s confirmed, the three of them, are all dabbing hankies under their eyes. “Beautiful,” says Sophie.

I struggle when my eyes meet my mothers. “Oh, mum.”

“Sweetheart, I’m fine. Honestly. I knew I would be like this today. I’m going to be a blubbering mess. Kirsty and Sophie are right, you look stunning, my beautiful baby girl.”

“Thank you, the three of you. Not just for this morning, but for everything.” I can't put the emotions into words, but from their smiles of acknowledgement, they all know what I mean. “Soph, can you pass me my phone?”

“Come on girls,” mum says. “Libby, we will give you a few minutes. We will see you in the living room, when you’re ready.”

As they leave I text Alex;

I love it. It’s perfect. Thank you for my gifts today. But most of all I love you. xxx

His reply is instant.

I’m glad you love it. I love you too, see you soon. x

I’m just about to type a reply, when there is a light tap on the bedroom door. “Come in,” I call out. I turn and watch as Ethan stops in the doorway. He looks handsome standing there, in his traditional Stewart tartan kilt. I wasn’t ready for this.

“Libby.”

“Please,” I plead with him. “Don’t set me off. I’m really struggling.”

He moves quickly across the room, and takes me in his arms. I melt. We stand in each others arms, for a few moments. Words don’t need to be said between us, we know what the other is thinking.

“You look amazing. Radiant and dare I say it, glowing.”

“You don’t look so bad yourself,” I tell him.

“Are you ready?” I nod. “Okay then. I have one thing to tell you before I take you to dad.”

Why do I not like, the expression that has just flashed across his face.

“Okay, there was a journalist and photographer, at the end of the road.” I knew I wasn’t going to like what he said. “It was only a matter of time, before word got out to others. Dad has spoken with them and has granted them access and exclusive pictures providing no other media turns up today.”

“Oh.”

“Libby, don’t worry about them.” His voice is reassuring. “Now come on. I want you to see the amazing girl in my life, she will break a lot of hearts today.” I smile as he speaks of his daughter with love. He takes my arm and we walk to the living room, where I know my Dad is waiting patiently for me.

I enter the room, and my eyes go straight to Sophie, she has our beautiful girl in her arms. I’m more than happy for that little girl to have the lime-light today. She looks adorable, in her little white dress, with a matching red ribbon round the waist, the same colour as Kirsty and Sophie’s dress. She has a little red bow in her hair. I love that girl. And from the look on Sophie’s on face, I’m not the only one that loves her. My eyes turn to Ethan, and I see pride in his eyes as he watches Sophie with his daughter.

And I finally see it. He’s falling head over heels in love with Sophie. He might not have admitted it, but he has, and I get the feeling Sophie feels the same way.

“Come on you lot, we should really be in the first car.” Mum announces. They all kiss me goodbye, telling me they will see me shortly at the church, as they leave the room one by one. Mum is the last to leave.

It’s only now I look at my dad.

He’s wearing his kilt as well. The most important man in my life growing up, is standing before me with tears in his eyes. God I hope Kirsty has my make-up with her, because it’s going to need to be touched up when I get to the church.

“Dad, please.” I warn him with a smile.

“All I will say. Is you look beautiful. You my dearest Libby, are a vision of beauty. And here I stand thinking back to my own wedding day. I remember feeling like the luckiest man on earth when I first saw your mother walk toward me. But seeing you standing here, nothing could prepare me for how I feel today. My baby girl making her own way in the world. I’m so proud of you.” He takes a breath. “Your mother and I are so proud of you. I love you.”

“I love you, more than you’ll ever know. All this means the world to me,” I tell him. His loving words have set me off. He hands me a tissue.

“Come on. Let’s get this show on the road. Poor Jack’s been outside, waiting to start taking pictures. And let’s not keep, this man of yours waiting too long. I hope Alex knows just how, lucky he is having my amazing, talented and beautiful daughter in his life.” He hands me my bouquet and links his arm with mine.

“Thank you dad.”

KIRSTY AND SOPHIE STAND IN
the church entrance as I approach them with my dad. Jack is off to the side, snapping away with his camera. I’m glad Jack could do today, I feel so at ease with him, maybe that’s because I’ve known Jack such a long time. The photographer and journalist from the national paper spoke with me as we left the house, I’m still not a hundred percent happy about having them here. They have assured me they will try and stay out of sight and won’t interfere with official photographs. But I suppose it’s a small price to pay to ensure a peaceful day. Dad spoke with Alex, and it’s been agreed we will give them a brief interview, back at the hotel. They get an exclusive, and we get peace. As long as they keep their end of the bargain.

The girls look amazing, standing at the entrance the red suits them both. I knew it would. I’m so lucky to be blessed with great friends and family.

“Are you ready to do this?” Kirsty asks.

“Give me a minute.” I answer breathlessly.

Kirsty bends and starts fixing my dress, smoothing out the front and neatly fixing the train, while Sophie holds onto both sets of flowers.

“Are you alright?” My Dads voice is one of concern.

“Yes.”

Ethan appears with Lucy in his arms, and at the moment she is holding her posy of flowers. She’s just so adorable. I’m sure the smile, on Lucy’s face is for Sophie as she watches her. It’s amazing how close the two of them have grown. “What’s the hold up?” my brother asks.

I suddenly feel so overwhelmed, tearful and I’ve not even seen Alex yet. My breathing has quickened and I feel myself start to shake. I did worry about how today would affect Ethan, but I needn’t have given it a second thought. He’s happy and content and I know he’s fallen deeply for Sophie.

“Libby!” Ethan stands in front of me. “You can do this.”

I smile at him, as I bring my breathing back to a more comfortable pace. I look into his dark eyes and nod. “I’m ready.” I tell them.

Poor Sophie releases the breath, she was holding. She sounds relieved, did she think I would turn and walk away? No there was never any chance of me doing that. I love her brother with every last breath I have.

The doors into the church are held open and the music starts playing. Sophie and Kirsty take that as their cue to enter the church. Ethan waits a few moments, and follows with Lucy in his arms. A chorus of ‘ahs’ and ‘ohs’ can be heard. Of course that would be the reaction, to our sweet Lucy.