Princess °° Freddie Highmore [dd/lg]

chapter thirty-four:

-- C H A P T E R
T H I R T Y - F O U R --

The venue for the wedding was rather large. It wasn't like Cochella or anything, but it was nearly the size of Madison Square Garden. Though I've never been to either of those places, I've calculated how large they are and this place was close to one of them. The people were dressed to impress, and already they were drinking their wine and laughing in a sophisticated manner. The wedding hadn't even begun, and by the time the music starts playing, everyone will be too plastered.

"Don't worry," Freddie says, noticing my observation. "it's malt wine. Not enough to give you a buzz unless you drink thirty-seven." He takes my hand in his. When our fingers intertwine, my heart begins to flutter, and again, I'm drowning in a sea of infatuation.

"Name?" The bodyguard asks, holding his clipboard. His awfully large muscles make the clipboard look tiny; almost ant-like.

"Freddie Highmore." Freddie says. I can tell he's getting annoyed with the process. However, I can see why Ruben and his soon-to-be bride had a bodyguard in place. You never know what kind of people come around in events like this.

"Ah," the bodyguard replies, smiling. "you're at the top of the list, man. Go right on in."

"Thank you," Freddie replies. "come on, love." He guides me through the immaculate building. Everything is aligned with the color theme: Peach and white. They played modern-day jazz and the seating area for the ceremony was just as big as my classroom in college.

"Do you go to events like these often?" I ask, staring at the amount of people. Everyone is laughing and talking amongst themselves.

"Unfortunately," Freddie breathes. "I do." He searches for a place to sit, then helps me get to our seats.

Once the music starts to play, everyone quiets down and cranes their head to the entrance of the room, where the bride would be arriving.

The bride, whom neither Freddie or I know the name of, makes her way down to the aisle. Her dress is a mermaid design with a sweetheart neckline. The bust of the dress has accumulated a small rhinestone crest to accent its beauty. Her hair is curled, put up in a bun, and is decorated in babies breath flowers. Her lips are coated in a bright red shade of lipstick. Her skin is a cream color, and accents the dress perfectly.

Ruben, whom Freddie pointed out to me as we were entering the ceremony, was standing at what is presumed to be the altar. His eyes are crinkled, and his smile is lopsided, but happy. Once his soon-to-be bride makes it his way, the ceremony begins.

Seeing them standing there, taking each other's hands, their eyes fixated on each other, made me think of what it would be like if Freddie and I got married. I turn my eyes to look at my date for the evening, and the thought of having him as my potential husband gave me butterflies. Could it a possiblity for us? Even with the contract in place?

I didn't know, but as the crowd cheered for the newlywed couple, I kept that thought to myself. If it was meant to happen, I know now that God will make a way for it to happen. As I clapped, I prayed a silent prayer that it would.

°°

The reception had an abundance of food. I ate about two plates before I gave out on eating anything else. Freddie was having a glass of actual champagne, and had eaten half of his steak and fried potatoes. Everyone was busy drinking, eating, and having a good time. I didn't understand why they felt the need to drink, but I had no room to judge.

"Are you okay, princess?" Freddie asks. I can smell the champagne on his breath and cringe. I nod in acknowledgement.

"I'm fine," I say. "I just don't really see why everyone needs to drink."

"It's more of social ediquette." he says. "It's to celebrate the marriage. I don't mind having champagne, but personally, I enjoy a round of scotch."

"Ah." I say. I didn't want to comment on anything further. Just then, the DJ comes up to the microphone.

"Alright folks," he says, causing everyone to turn their heads. "it's time for the bride and groom to have their dance."

Ruben and his wife come out to floor, and booming on the speakers is Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran. I smile as the two couple dance to the music. I truly hoped that this woman was Ruben's last wife.

Once they were done, the DJ announced that everyone could dance and continue to party until the venue closed, which would be around midnight or one in the morning. I saw women swaying their hips to the music, men grinding against their dates, and then there was that one woman who every man whistled at because she was twerking and 'dropping it like it's hot'.

However, Freddie wasn't phased by this. He placed his lips on the champagne flute and took a final swig. By now he was pretty plastered, but I think the food sobered him up slightly.

"Let's take it down a notch and slow it down, folks..." The DJ announced after a few upbeat tracks. I heard a woman screaming in excitement at the country song beginning to play.
"Grab yo sweetheart and fall in love all over again with this one..."

I knew the track that was booming on the speakers. It was the song, What I Got by Jason Aldean. One of my favorite love songs.

"Would you like to dance with me, Ms. Helgard?" Freddie asks me.

I take his hand in mine as we make our way to the floor.

Freddie pulls me close as we sway to the music. He sings the lyrics into my ear, causing me to be surprised at this. I didn't picture this wealthy man to know anything besides classical music.

As we continue to dance, Freddie's eyes meet mine. Maybe it was the music, maybe it was the scent of alcohol lingering in his breath. Whatever it was, I felt lost. In a trance, in a daze. I didn't want to lose this moment with Freddie. I wanted him to be with me the entire night, even if we didn't make love under the moonlight.

"Freddie?" I state. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, love," The English man replied, spinning me around then capturing me with his free hand. I had to admit: He was good at dancing.

"When you said that you adore me," I begin. "what exactly did you mean by that?"

"I meant what I said," Freddie continued. "I can't get you out of my head. I feel weak in the knees whenever I see you, and I'm willing to give you anything that your beautiful heart desires. I not only adore you," he cups my face into his hands, pressing his forehead onto mine. "I think I'm in love with you."

I feel my breath hitch to the back of my throat. We were so close. His lips were everything I wanted to taste tonight. Maybe even get drunk off of. Then it hit me. Before I could stop myself, I press my lips to his, then pull away. Then, the words I was waiting to make a logical thought on saying, slipped out before I could even prevent myself from speaking.

"I love you too, Freddie."

°°°