There's Always Second Chances

Chapter 34

"Does this look bad on me?" asked Natasha gesturing to her dress. I shook my head. The green dress complimented her nicely. We were going out to brunch as Andrea called it before the big day just to get everyone's nerves out. 

We walked into the restaurant and found our way to Andrea and Søren's table. "Adrian, hi," Andrea greeted. She stood from her chair to hug me. She parted from me and looked at Natasha who was carrying Naomi. "This is my girlfriend Natasha. Natasha these are my best friends Søren and his fiance Andrea," I introduced them. Natasha didn't seem to know what to say. I knew why. The thick, white scar that ran across Andrea's face was enough to put anyone off. 

"You're beautiful yourself," Nat responded. I was relieved that there was nothing said about the scar. Not a single word was uttered. Andrea looked like she was going to cry. 

Andrea immediately pulled Nat into a hug. "You're gorgeous! Adrian's so lucky," Andrea cooed finally pulling away from Nat. Søren came back from wherever he went and saw us talking. "Who's this?" asked Søren looking at Nat cautiously. "It's fine Søren, Addy just found someone. This is Adrian's girlfriend Natasha," Andrea responded without even blinking. 

Søren pulled us into a hug. "He hasn't treated you bad right?" asked Søren ruffling my hair. Something that he's always done since I met him. "No no, he's lovely." Natasha responded. For the rest of the afternoon we were sharing childhood stories with Nat and filling her in on how we met. 

"What happened between you three and Delilah? If you don't mind me asking," Nat hesitantly asked. I looked over the expressions of my best friends who didn't know how explain. I cleared my throat. "I've discussed Delilah with her and what she did. Recently she's been sending me letters." I enlightened them as to why Delilah was brought up in the conversation. 

I turned to look at Natasha. "Just to sum it up. Delilah was someone who we thought was trying to be our friend. She became obsessed with Andrea's brother to the point of raping him. She then became obsessed with me and ended up raping me. Delilah also kept assaulting Andrea and in the result of a near death experience, Delilah tried to kill Andrea which resulted in Andrea's scar. Delilah gave birth to Naomi and then relinquished her rights as a parent. The rest is history." I explained as simply and as quickly as I could. 

There was no point getting caught up in details of the past. Nat thanked us for letting her in on why Delilah was hated and letting her know that it wasn't just me that she hurt. "Thank you for coming, we'll see you tomorrow," Andrea spoke. We turned in early to get enough sleep for tomorrow.

We woke up early the next morning to get ready and find our way to the venue for the ceremony. I gave Natasha a quick kiss. "Look after her for me, I'm best man so I'll see you after the ceremony," I remarked. Natasha hummed in agreement turning to make sure Naomi was okay. I hurried into the back room of this venue to find Søren. He was a mess. He hadn't even got his suit jacket on. 

"What am I going to do with you?" I asked. Søren looked up at me really stressed. "What if she doesn't show up? What if someone crashes the wedding? What if the priest doesn't show up?" Søren had so many questions. I patted his shoulder and straightened out his collar. As I was doing up his tie, I started reassuring him. He needed it. 

"You will be fine. You will go down there and end up having the best day of your life. Andrea wouldn't walk out on you. She loves you. If she didn't love you she wouldn't of said yes." 

Søren seemed to perk up in confidence. "You're right," he muttered. "What about you and Nat? You two seem pretty serious for a something amount of months relationship." Søren mentioned doing up my tie. He looked pretty concentrated. I was taken aback by the question. I didn't know what to think. Of course I loved Nat and she's a great help when it comes to Naomi. Naomi even loves her. "I feel really comfortable with her and not once has she complained about Naomi. She offers to cook, clean, look after Naomi all the while she's got University work. I feel blessed to have her." I responded. Søren paused to look at me with a knowing smile. I knew too. This is how he felt about Andrea. 

"Do you think she's the one?" he asked after a brief silence. I had to smile to myself. It's not uncommon to be with someone for months and know that they're the one you want to spend your life with but I feel as though it's too good to be true for me. 

"We'll see," I retorted and ushered him through the door. After we go down and wait for Andrea, there'll be no turning back. 

We walked into the main bit and stood waiting. I could tell he was still nervous, back turned to the people in the pews. I stood watching, waiting for Andrea's sisters to walk through the door to alert us it was starting. I saw one walk from round the corner, the dresses no doubt complimenting whatever Andrea decided on wearing. 

Then the music started filling up the hall. Andrea was being escorted by her Dad, dressed in a slightly fitted white dress with a train at the back. It suited her so well. The smile she wore was priceless. I discreetly nudged Søren for him to turn around and look at his bride to be. Immediately the tears started flowing the moment his eyes laid upon Andrea. There was nothing more important in the world to him than her. While the vows were being spoken and the rings exchanged, my eyes fell upon Natasha. Where would I be in this world without her? Where would Naomi be without having Nat? 

All of the people present started crying when they shared their first kiss as husband and wife. All I could think about is Nat and I. As selfish as it may seem, I think I fallen for her hard but I think it's all at the right time right place. 

The reception was lovely. Decorated in sparkles and flowers and just felt like what Andrea loved. Søren wouldn't of agreed to anything less than what his newly wedded wife wanted. "Hi," I greeted Natasha pulling her into a hug. I kissed her softly. God I wanted to do that all day. 

We awaited the bride and groom's entrance. Once they had had their first dance, I walked up to them. "How's it feel to be Mr and Mrs Larsson? Can't believe you two lasted all these years. Congrats." I congratulated them on their marriage. Andrea looked down shyly. "If it weren't for you Adrian, I don't think I'd have ever gotten so lucky." Søren spoke gripping my shoulder lightly. 

"How about we take Naomi for a bit and give you and Natasha some private time," Andrea suggested. She held her hands out for Naomi and Naomi happily leaned over to be passed over to Andi. I took Natasha's hand and headed for the dance floor. I pulled her close to me and we started swaying in time with the other couples on the dance floor. "It's nice isn't it?" mused Nat looking around at the decorations. I nodded. It was really pretty and it was nice being in an atmosphere where everyone's happy. It makes you want to be happy no matter what the circumstance is. 

"Do you think we could last as long as Andrea and Søren have?" she asked me. I swallowed thickly. I didn't want to dwell on the answer. Nat could change her mind at any point in the relationship and decide she doesn't want to be with me anymore. Of course I'll be happy for her no matter what she decides, she's helped me through a lot. 

I rested my chin on top of her head. "I hope so," I responded. That's the only response I could give. I looked over at Søren and Andrea where they were attempting to dance with Naomi. They'd make such great parents. "Nat?" I asked. She raised her head from my chest to look at me. "Yeah?" she asked. I knew it wasn't much but I wanted to make her feel happy. 

"I know we've been busy and saving a lot and been over each others houses a lot but I wanted to remedy that." I spoke. We'd been saving hoping to get a house somewhere nearby both our families. Natasha hummed, the smile never leaving her face. "Move in with me?" I asked. Natasha pulled me into a tight hug. "I thought you'd never ask." she cooed in a playful manner. 

I smiled to myself as I appreciated the hug. Yeah, she's the one alright.