Sleeping with a lie

(39)

Wedding rehearsal

Theo latches to my forearm. Mom plays by the piano, to the tune of 'Stay With Me' by Sam Smith. My brides maids; Zoë, Veroncia Roth, and Maggie.

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine, Theo." I say still smiling.

"You say that, But you were whining in pain this morning. Now I'm going to ask you again, are you okay?" He helped on the stage.

I shake his question off. Our Pastor, Pastor Snow, recited the wedding speech.

"Now do you, Theo Tapatiklis take Shailene Woodley to be your lovely wedded Wife through sickness and through health?"

"I do." He grimaced.

"Do you, Shailene Woodley, take Theodore Trapatikis to be your lovely wedded husband through sickness and through health?"

"I do."

"Vows please?"

"We're saving that for the reception." Theo says.

"I now declare Shailene and Theodore Trapatikis husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

Theo dips me down to the floor, enough space for me to cling to his neck. He kisses me softly. The bridesmaids cheer and clap, all except for one person who I wish were here, Dad.

______________
The bridesmaids and I all went for lunch, while Theo and his brothers did brotherly things.

Maggie unwrapped her straw. "How's the baby?"

"Great," I reply.

"Do you know the gender? Or are you waiting?" Zoë asks.

"I'm going to tell Theo during our vows."

"What about the night after? How are you going to give him the special treatment?" Veroncia chimes in.

"Veroncia?! I can't tell you that..." I chuckled.

We all chews on salads and steak, sipping on wine and water for me.

"Dylan didn't even tell me that he was going to surprise me," Maggie laughs.

Veronica talks about her life, as well as Zoë.

"Shai, what does the dress look like?! I bet it is to die for." Veronica tapped on my shoulder lightly.

"It's a lace, and a off white. It's beautiful." I show them a picture.

"Tanner will be walking you down the isle, right?" Maggie reassures.

"Yeah,"

She nods. "Okay ladies. Since our pregnant mama is pregnant of course, we need to go somewhere fun."

"Please don't tell me male strip club. I'm not in the mood for Magic Mike." I sigh.

"That's why there is a movie, I already got us a private screening. So we need to hurry up." Maggie rushed. "Channing Tatum awaits!!!"

Veronica rolls her eyes, licking her teeth. "Maggie. Dylan barely lets you stare at a poster of him. What makes you think he is going to let you watch the movie?"

"I'm a free woman, Veronica, there is no stopping muah, from watching me some nice piece of Channing." She takes another glub of her wine. "Apparently I'm more likely drunk."

~~~~at the screening~~

Channing Tatum break danced on the stage. I turn away while the bridesmaids ooh and ahh.

"You're enjoying this?" Veronica whispers to me.

"Not one bit."

"I have money for Avengers. What about that?!" She suggests.

We both sneak out the next private screening. That was way more fun than the Magic Mike. Somehow other men taking off their clothing didn't amuse me much as Theo did.

I'm a good wife.