Legal Prejuduce 3 - Lessons In Life

Chapter 49

Allie slipped the deep burgundy velvet dress on, helped by Alina, who had just finished her makeup. She zipped up the fitted three quarter length dress and said in her Eastern European accented English, "Beautiful Allie. Let me help you with the shoes and that amazing bracelet." Allie smiled as she snapped the clasp on the diamond bracelet Max had bought her as a wedding gift. Daniel had appeared at the doorway, dressed apart from his jacket, and Alina sighed, "You need a necklace darling, finish it off." Daniel winked at her and stepped forward , "Well, now you mention it." The beautician moved back, grinning knowingly. Allie turned 'round to see her husband holding a square box out to her. She looked puzzled and opened it, and gasped. Inside was an exquisite diamond necklace to match the bracelet. Daniel smiled, "Let me put it on you." Allie eyes welled up, and Alina squealed, gathering her things, "No crying Allie, you'll ruin my work!" Allie blinked hard and laughed, " Sorry Alina. Dan, it's gorgeous! " Alina grinned, "It finishes that dress off perfectly. Have fun tonight."

Once she'd left, Allie turned from the mirror where she'd been gazing in awe at the necklace. "Dan, I absolutely love it." He grinned, " Yeah, well, I really wanted you to have something special this year. You so fucking deserve it Allie my love, after everything you've been through. Allie touched his face, "Thank you Daniel." His breath stuttered at her touch and the unusual use of his full name. She whispered smiling, "I'd kiss you but I'll spoil the make up before we even get there." Daniel smiled back losing himself in the deep blue eyes, " I'll bank it for later baby." She fixed his black tie, "We'd better check if the car's here and head off."

When they arrived at the hotel there were photographers outside who sprung into action as they entered the lobby. Daniel shielded his wife and she was grateful when they got inside out of sight and she spotted Jeremy. He reached Daniel first and embraced him before he gathered Allie to him and said, "Sorry guys, did they get you with the cameras? You okay Allie?" She rubbed a small lipstick mark she'd left on his face and nodded smiling, "I'm okay Jem." He grinned at them both and said, "Come on through, the others are getting drinks. We're just waiting for the clan Reynolds." They crossed into a reception room and Max yelled seeing them. Allie hugged Robyn and Margie before she moved to the others. Max kissed her and let her move on to John and Susan watching her carefully. He couldn't detect any limp and although she hadn't quite got back to her usual weight he thought she looked healthy, glowing again. He sighed contentedly and Margie took his arm and leaned in to say, "She looks good Max." He kissed his wife, "Yeah, she does and I'm so damn grateful Margie."

There was a yell behind them and Tom, Nathan, Jess and Chris arrived. Allie spun around and beamed to see them, hugging Jess who said, "Sorry we're a bit late. My fault, had two potential dresses and these three were no help in deciding which one!" Nathan and Tom were pulling faces and Chris grinned as Allie said, " Well, didn't see the other one, but that one's very lovely. Now get a drink before we have to go through." She kissed Chris, and Tom grabbed her hand to pull her close to him. "Allie, you look incredible." Nathan leaned down to kiss her, " He's right, you really do. We're going to have the most beautiful maid of honour in the world." Allie smiled, "Thanks you two. I was looking forward to tonight, first proper night out and such. It's just the looks and the photographers, freaks me out." Jeremy had come over and heard the last part. He wrapped an arm around her and said, "You're surrounded by all of us tonight, so relax. You don't have to worry, no-one will dare bother you."

After the meal and the speeches on the serious aim of the evening, which was to raise money for the local children's hospice, everyone was enjoying the company, waiting for the music to start. Allie went to the restroom and coming out Jeremy was leaning on the wall waiting for her. She smiled walking over to him and having had some wine didn't notice the looks as she let herself enjoy him pulling her close. He held her for a minute then said, "You really do look unbelievable tonight. Tom said the sight of you was almost enough to turn him straight." Allie burst out laughing making Jeremy laugh too. "Come on, there's someone I think wants to say Hi. Come see."