Little Green Apples (Ivan×OC)

Chapter 21

Jessica woke up the next morning, Ivan still beside her. He had a warm expression on his face.

"Good morning, future Mrs. Fjeldsted," Ivan sing-songed, a grin overtaking his face.

"Good morning, future husband," Jessica greeted, matching his grin, and pulled him in for a kiss.

"Can you believe today's the day? It feels like we've waited an eternity," he said.

"I still half expect to wake up and find out all of this was a dream. I'm so happy I get to marry you, Ivan. I can't think of anyone else I would want to be with."

She could clearly see Ivan's eyes were beginning to moisten.

"Oh, don't cry, my love. You'll make me cry," she cooed, taking his head in her hands and kissing his forehead. "What time is it?"

Ivan checked his watch.

"Eight-thirty. We have six hours. What would you like to do?"

"I would say rehearse for the wedding night, but there's no point in giving in now," she teased.

Ivan gave a hearty laugh.

"Now remember, I'll need an hour or so before the wedding to get ready. Bad luck for you to see me beforehand... And I mainly just want to surprise you," she explained.

"I'm looking forward to it. Although you look perfect to me all the time," Ivan sighed dreamily.

Jessica snuggled into the crook

"Thank you, my love."

"You're welcome, darling. Why don't we have breakfast and tea; before you know it, it'll be wedding time!"

"That sounds perfect."

They sat down to breakfast, discussing their plans for the day.

"Marriage license?"

"Check."

"Tux?"

"Check."

"My dress and makeup are definitely check. Tatianna will be here soon, and I assume you'll be with Adam until it's time for the ceremony, so we're all good to go. What time do you think you'll start getting ready?"

"Probably around twelve-thirty, but I'm leaving now. It won't take me an hour to get ready, I'm sure, but I do have some things to see to before the ceremony."

"Can you believe we're so close?," Jessica asked giddily.

"I can, and I'm beyond happy. I never thought I would share my life with someone else after all of the trauma in my past, but I can't think of anyone else I would rather have by my side."

'How did I end up with such a sweet man?' 

"Well, I'm going to get going. I'll see you in a few hours, honey," Ivan excused himself, getting up and giving her a kiss on the top of her head.

"Alright, dearest. I'll see you soon," she replied, giving his hand a squeeze.

Ivan gently shut the door on his way out, leaving Jessica alone in the apartment. Tatianna was due to arrive soon, so she decided to lsy on the couch with a book and a cup of tea.

An hour later, Tatianna arrived.

"So, getting excited?"

"Very! Should I do my hair first or my make up? I'm just so anxious to see him!," Jessica rattled off nervously.

Tatianna put her hands on her shoulders in an attempt to calm her down.

"Jessica... You need to relax. Getting all hopped up now will just make you stressed. We can't have a nervous strung out bride, can we?"