Just Rosalie

The Wedding Part1

Kaitlyn stood in front of the full-length mirror more nervous than ever. There were only a few more hours to go, and her bride would be waiting at the end of the altar. The white pantsuit, that Charlotte choose for her, fitted her closely and elegantly, making her feel claustrophobic.

"Mom, are you okay?" Rosalie noticed her mother's distress. She held a slim, gift wrapped item in her hand as she walked over to Kaitlyn.

"Yeah, just jitters. What's that?" Rosalie placed the item on Kaitlyn's lap and smiled.

"I've had this for a while now. Kept it in storage for a while, because everytime I look at it, I remember what I've tried to get over for so many years. But I think you're going to love it."

Kaitlyn narrowed her eyes as she tore the wrapping. Lifting the painting to eye level, she felt her breath leave her throat.

"It's-"

"I painted it in that little studio in Lee's restaurant. It was one of the most confusing times of my life, but somehow, having him in my heart helped me to make the right choices."

They both had many paintings of Romario-sketches and sculptures and even a carving on an old tree in their childhood backyard. But that painting was different-it meant something more.

"Thanks, honey," Kaitlyn wiped a tear away before it ruined her makeup.

"I'll see you at the altar," Rosalie hugged her mom and went in search for her wife and daughter. She still thought about her brother everyday, even if it was just for a second. She found her grandparents in her hotel room, dressed and ready for the wedding.

"Is your mom ready? I want to talk to her before the wedding," William and Candice flew in only that morning, and hadn't gotten the chance to see their daughter yet.

"Yeah, she's in her room."

William went first, wanting to give his daughter some advice before she made her way down the aisle. It might have been her second time doing it, but as a father, he still felt obligated to ensure his daughter's happiness.

He rapped on the door of her room, "Kaitlyn," she smiled and allowed him inside.

"Glad you could make it, dad," he pulled her in for a hug, and kissed her cheek.

"Your mom's giving me a second before she comes to see you," he took her hand in his and looked at her carefully.

"Okay, is there something you want to talk about?"

"I just want to make sure that you're happy, that's all."

Kaitlyn sighed and nodded, "it's fulfilling to be a mother and a grandmother and a mother-in-law. I've been labelled everything there is-a daughter, a wife, sometimes even a bitch."

"Oh, now, who called my daughter such a thing?" Kaitlyn inhaled a breath.

"I've never been someone's one and only. My last marriage was anything but perfect, and this one won't be perfect either."

"What are you trying to say, honey? Do I need to start the engine and get you out of here?" She shook her head.

"She loves me," Kaitlyn looked down, "she doesn't want to be with anyone else, and that actually makes me happy."

"I'm glad you're in a monogamous relationship," William chuckled, "it's about time, ain't it?"

"I guess so," William pulled her into another hug.

"As long as she makes you happy, she'll be my favorite daughter-in-law."

"She really is something special, dad. I wouldn't marry her if I didn't believe we could last. And this might be it-the whole happily ever after kinda thing."

"I'm glad it is, honey. I really am."