More Than a Soldier

Chapter 34 - Wedding Planning

Y/n's POV:

"Y/n/n over here!" I look up and see my best friend rushing through the arrival's hall of the airport. A big smile appears on my face, and I start a jog to meet her. As soon as she's in reach, she practically throws herself into my arms and I catch her, holding her close. "Hey Soph." I greet, gently placing her feet back on the ground. We've only been apart for a little over two weeks, yet I really missed her. I literally spent six months away from her and I've missed her almost as much these last couple of weeks.

"I'm so happy that you're finally here." I tell her truthfully, finally letting her go and taking her bag from her. "Good flight?" I ask as I guide her towards the car park. "Yeah, it was good. Glad to finally help you plan this wedding officially! You've made Lizzie and I wait too long." She complains whilst I roll my eyes. "I remind you once again. It is Scarlett and I's wedding. And sorry for being deployed to a war zone." I reply and she nudges my shoulder with her own. "We both know that you have no clue where to start. We're just here to guide you." She teases.

"Scarlett and I have already come up with a list of everything we need to do. I'm a changed woman now!" I retort and she looks at me impressed. "I've even found a few dress shops to visit when mum gets here next week." I share and her eyes glint with excitement. "Oh, I can't wait." She squeals excitedly.

When we get to the car, I put her suitcase in the boot and head off in the direction of home. "I'm looking forward to seeing your home here. Ava was buzzing about it when we talked the other day." She shares. "Yeah, she loves it. Especially the garden. We do a lot of her lessons out there. Though she's missing the basement." I explain and Sophie nods. "You do have a kick ass basement in LA." She agrees.

The journey home is full of conversation as we catch each other up on everything that's been going on for the last few weeks. She fills me in on how her relationship is going with Matt. They're officially living together now, though they practically have been doing it for the last few months, but Soph has ended the lease of her place and now lives with Matt.

At home, Ava and Scarlett are excitedly waiting for us to come home. Ava wanted to stay home to bake some fresh cookies for Sophie for when she arrived. She's really getting into her baking at the moment and I'm loving getting to eat all the food! Ava swiftly takes Sophie on a tour of the house whilst Scarlett and I prepare some drinks to serve up with the cookies out in the garden.

That evening we spend just relaxing, watching movies, and catching up further. It's nice to have Sophie out here with us and actually staying for a little while. She really is like my sister and there is no one I'd rather be by my side to plan our wedding than her.

The next day the mayhem starts. Sophie and I spent the morning looking at wedding dresses online to get an idea for what I want. We also book the appointments at the shops I had already identified. Mum gets in on Thursday and will be joining us on Saturday. Scarlett will be doing her own shopping with Lizzie and has the added advantage of the Olsen twins. You know, the fashion designers. So, she's going to look stunning. MK and Ashley are visiting Lizzie and we'll be meeting up for dinner on Sunday to catch up as it's been a while since we've seen them.

Lizzie came home with Scarlett from work, and we've got a zoom call with the wedding venue to go over the choices that we want to make. They had sent over all the information, and we've decided to just do food and drink directly through the venue. We could have done everything with them, but I was keen to go through local businesses. Having my best friend start their own business, it is important that we could support smaller business close to home.

"Ok, what have you decided upon for food?" Geri, the venue wedding planner asked us. "We'd like to go for the barbeque option." I respond, looking to Scarlett who nods along. Sophie and Lizzie are sat behind the laptop but still managing to input their own thoughts on our decisions. It was Ava's idea to go for the barbeque when she saw it in the brochure. Scarlett and I instantly fell in love with the idea too. We'll be by the beach and think it fits in well. This isn't going to be a fancy wedding with five star dining. It's a wedding that's going to reflect us and it's taking Lizzie and Sophie a little while to understand that.