Secrecy (Hosie)

Part 77: Matrimony

Hope hears a soft knock on the door just as she steps into her dress, followed by Josie's voice, "Hope? Can I come in?"

Hope smiles softly, "Of course love."

She looks in the reflection of the mirror, seeing the door open and Josie stepping in slowly before closing the door behind her, but she hasn't yet looked in Hope's direction.

"Perfect timing. You can help me zip up my dress."

Josie turns back around to see Hope looking at her through the reflection, holding her dress up while her back remains on display. Her hair falls in loose curls past her shoulders, makeup to perfection.

"Wow," it comes out almost as a pant, observing the way Hope's head tilts slightly and her eyes flirt in reaction to the compliment.

Josie steps closer to the girl, reaching for the zipper on her dress as she breathlessly whispers, "You look beautiful."

"Me? Look at you, you look stunning Jo."

Hope turns around once her dress is zipped, leaning in to leave a kiss against Josie's lips, wrapping her arms around Josie's neck as Josie firmly holds her hips close.

Even after they separate from the kiss, they still hold each other, savoring the moment.

"The venue is great. How were you able to score it without anyone knowing?"

"Rebekah compelled the staff. They won't remember a thing."

Josie nods before a lovey smile forms on her lips, "You know...all this wedding stuff has really got me thinking about—"

"Us. Our future." There's a slight glint in her eyes as she studies Josie's soft expressions.

Josie nods, glancing away almost bashfully for a brief moment before returning back to Hope's dreamy blue eyes.

Hope plays with the baby hairs on the back of Josie's neck before whispering a promise, "One day, Jo."

Josie beams, feeling flutters in her stomach at the thought of marrying Hope one day, leaning in to connect their lips again, muttering softly as she pulls away, "Can't wait," before leaning in for a deeper kiss.

Unfortunately though, the kiss is cut far too short when they both hear a knock at the door.

Hope lets out a quiet sigh as they pull away from each other and Josie winks before calling out, "Come in."

Freya and Rebekah enter the room.

Rebekah's jaw slacks, and for a moment, Hope thinks something must be wrong.

"Well, bloody hell Hope. You're not supposed to outshine the bride on the wedding day."

Hope chuckles softly, "That would be impossible Bex. You look incredible."

Freya and Josie exchange a glance, "I guess we should be heading downstairs. Hope, don't let the bride be late to her own wedding."

Hope nods to her aunt, squeezing Josie's hand before she exits the room with Freya.

After a moment, Rebekah pulls her niece into a tight embrace, "Thank you love. For everything. You know today wouldn't be complete without you here."

"I wouldn't miss this Bex, you know that. I'd do anything for you and Marcel."

Bex smiles with a nod, "I know love. You've proven that countless times over the years. And I hope you know we'd do anything for you too."

Hope nods, "Without a doubt," She smiles sweetly at Rebekah, "Now, you heard Freya. Can't be late to your own wedding," She ushers her head toward the door, "You want to head downstairs?"

Rebekah nods, "I do."

Hope raises an eyebrow at her aunt, "Save that for the alter Bex."

———

"...to love and to cherish from this day forward as long as we both shall live."

Hope steals a glance at Josie, only to find that the brunette is looking back at her.

Hope's lips upturn into a smile subtly as she sends a wink in Josie's direction, reiterating her promise she made upstairs.

This will be the two of them one day, standing at the alter, saying their vows to each other.

One day.