The Contract

Chapter 35 - The Rehearsal Dinner

"Now, let's welcome the bride"

I immediately gulped back out the wine I had gulped in, I placed down the glass and wiped my mouth as Uncle Barry walked to me.

"You ready?" He asked and I nodded, I linked hands with him and the door got pulled open. Everyone stood up and turned back to us, we began walking down the aisle to the altar.

They had smiles on their faces, Kourtney and Bethany were silently hyping me, I smiled and focused at the altar.

He stood there just... staring...so intensely. I tried to maintain my smile as we approached him. Once there, my Uncle handed me over.

He took my hand in his and helped me up.  "Thank you" I appreciated Uncle Barry and he smiled and joined the others. I glanced at Travis as he stood beside me.

I couldn't read his expression as always, the officiator began. He said his lines.  "And now the couple will say their vows" our eyes shot to him.

"After that I will then pronounce you both husband and wife and then you kiss your bride" he explained to us. Why do we even need a rehearsal dinner?

I mean, we all knew how weddings work.

Everyone clapped and we turned back to them. "Am I late?" Someone asked and we all turned.

"Yes, you are" Travis answered and Adrian walked in fully. "Adrian?"

"I'm so sorry" he apologized to everyone, walking forward to us. "It must have been a long flight " Rosa said as he said his pleasantries to her.

"Yeah, but I couldn't miss this Asshole's wedding" he quipped, stopping in front of us.

"Everyone, this is Adrian. And he's unfortunately my best man" Travis introduced him to the rest of the family and they laughed. "Pearl" he walked to me and I chuckled and embraced him.

"You look stunning"

"This is not the dress" I clarified. "Well, I can't wait to see you in that dress" he chimed and I chuckled.

"My wife, remember" Travis reminded, pulling him away.

"Is the rehearsals over?" He asked. "Yes but you could join us for dinner" Aunt Sara said as everyone headed out to join the table.

I slipped out of there and Hillary walked to me. "You said you knew no hot guy, now who's that?"

I chuckled. "It's Travis's friend not mine. And I thought you were getting along with Justin" I pointed out as he talked to one of the uncles.

"Yeah. That reminds me, are you gonna want to see the dress now or on your wedding day?" She inquired. "Is it ready?"

"Of course, like 2 weeks ago. I want your opinion in case you don't like it"

"I'll like whatever you design " I replied. "Pearl"

"Okay, tomorrow. I'll try it out tomorrow " I replied and she lets out a sigh. "Okay"

"Hillary! Come help me with this" Her Mother called out, she rolled her eyes and walked to her. The girls walked to me, "I spy with my little eye, a hot groomsman" Bethany said

"Bethany, we've talked about this" Kourtney hushed her. "And the bridesmaid is also hot. And they are both single" Bethany continued, nudging her while I laughed.

"But you both could be a good match" I agreed, glancing at Adrian as he conversed with Travis.

"I don't know if you guys remember Ken, you know, the dude I'm dating. The one that's gonna be here this Saturday" she mentioned.

"There's a Ken?" Bethany asked and Kourtney pushed her away and turned to me fully. "I almost cried" she informed.

"Why?"

"Seeing you walk down the aisle"

"It's not even the wedding, Kourt" I laughed lightly, she took a step forward. "I'm really happy for you" I stared at her, they were indeed more than friends.

"I can't wait to hear your wedding vows"

"Yes, you're gonna express your emotions and feelings on paper" Bethany poked me and they both giggled. I stared at them with wide eyes.

Wedding vows?

_________________________________________

I groaned and crumpled the piece of paper, I threw it down and ripped out a new sheet. "Any reason why you're turning the room into a bin?" Travis asked, walking in from the closet.

"Apparently yes" I replied and he got in the bed beside me. He turned off the lamp on his side and turned to me. "Do you mind?" He asked, referring to the light coming from the lamp at my side.

"Yeah, I actually do"

"What are you writing?" He asked, trying to peer in. "Vows"

"You're writing that now?"

"I didn't know we needed vows!"

"Thought you were a wedding planner " he replied and I rolled my eyes and continued lying on paper. I didn't realize he was reading through, he glanced up at me. "Is that what you think about me?" He asked

"Trust me, I'm trying to be nice"

"You said nothing about me in there" he pointed and I paused and looked up at him. "What do I know about you aside you being an asshole. Are you even supposed to be reading this?" I moved away.

"Suit yourself" he fell back, I turned to him fully. "You've written your vows?" I asked. "Even before I asked you to marry me" he replied and I stared at him.

Looking away. "It isn't even important. All this is just...mandated" I muttered, dropping the paper by the side before letting out a sigh.