In Love With Ms. Manoban

Part 51

Double update

Third Person POV

Morning light streamed through lace curtains, casting delicate patterns on the wooden floor of the Lisa's room. The room smelled faintly of the roses Jeremiah had gifted Lisa the previous day before he departed to what he used to call home, as Lisa wanted to engage in a traditional wedding. The bride sat before her vanity, her reflection holding a mix of excitement and nerves as Jafhia secured the last pin into her hair.

"There," the maid of honor said, stepping back with a satisfied smile. "Perfect. You look so beautiful, Lisa."

"You really think so?" she asked with a soft voice. The bride's fingers fluttered to her hair, tracing the tiny pearls and ivory roses on her twisted bun. 

"I know so," Jafhia replied, leaning down to rest her hands on the bride's shoulders. Their eyes met in the mirror, and the bride saw the warmth and reassurance in her friend's gaze. "You've never looked more beautiful, and not just because of the hair and makeup. You're literally glowing like your heart knows exactly where it's meant to be today."

"I just..." Lisa smiled with a bit of hesitation, her fingers fidgeted with the the lace of the veil resting beside her. "I feel like I'm forgetting something. And I can't help but feel that there's a part of me that's still waiting for something to go wrong. It's just too good to be true. A man like Jeremiah really loves me. I feel like I'm gonna mess this up, or do something that will change his mind." The maid of honor knelt beside her, taking the bride's hands in her own. 

"Hey, it's normal to feel that way. It's a big day, and you've been planning every detail for months. But you're not alone in this. I know I'm the one who had doubts, thanks for still making me maid of honor, by the way," The two women chuckled at the comment. "but I'm here and so is he. He wants this, probably more than you do. All you have to do is show up and walk down that aisle."

"What would I do without you?" The bride laughed softly, a single tear escaping and sliding down her cheek. 

"Probably have a lopsided hairstyle and mismatched makeup, cause we both know you can't do either to save your life," the Jafhia teased, brushing the tear away with a soft touch as Lisa delivered a light punch to her shoulder. They both laughed, the sound breaking the tension that had been simmering in the room. The maid of honor stood and turned to the garment bag hanging nearby. 

"Alright, enough sentiment. It's time to get you into this dress before the photographer starts knocking and the crying ruins your make up. We both know how emotional you can get."

"Hey, that's not my fault. It's your nieces, okay?" The bride rose with a hand on her belly, her nerves fading as the excitement returned. She stepped into the dress, the fabric cool against her skin. As the maid of honor zipped it up and fastened the tiny buttons at the back, the bride glanced at herself in the full-length mirror. For a moment, she was silent, as she took in the transformation.

"I can't believe this is really happening," she whispered. Her hand rested lightly on her stomach, where a swirl of butterflies danced, or maybe that was the babies. The maid of honor stepped beside her, looping an arm through hers. 

"It's real, and it's going to be everything you've ever dreamed of. Now, are you ready to go become Mrs. Kim?"

"Yes. Let's do this." The bride took a deep breath, her smile widening. They exchanged one last look, a silent promise of support and love, before heading to the door together. 

When Lisa stepped onto the landing of the stairs, the photographer was already flashing pictures. Her father was occupied downstairs, seeming more nervous than her. She understood why. She was his only child, his little girl. And now she was becoming the number one in someone else's life. He will no longer be her immediate family, and will now be "mom's side" of her children's life. It was a scary concept, but he knew she would be safe with Jeremiah. As she stepped onto the last stair, her father turned to her direction, and immediately, tears filled his eyes.

"Dad, I'm the pregnant one here," The bride joked as she held back tears. Her father was speechless. He couldn't get one word out, so he just hugged her. His silent sobs shaking his body.

"I love you," he finally said.

"I love you too." The photographer flashed picture after picture, capturing the moment between the two until they finally pulled away. Lisa's father held her at arms length, taking her in one more time.

"On to a new adventure." He took her hand and they headed to the waiting car with Jafhia and the very involved photographer.

......

The church was a vision of timeless beauty, its high vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate mosaic art that seemed to glow in the soft light filtering through the stained-glass windows. Rows of polished wooden pews were filled with guests, whose hearts were filled with anticipation of the coming bride. The scent of tulips, chrysanthemums and roses filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of old wood.

At the end of the aisle, the altar stood sumptuous, draped in ivory and and burgundy. The groom waited there, his hands clasped tightly in front of him, his posture steady but his eyes betraying the whirlwind of emotions within. He glanced toward the heavy wooden doors at the back of the church, his breath hitching slightly as they creaked open.

The bride appeared in the doorway, her silhouette framed by the brilliant afternoon sunlight streaming in behind her. As she stepped forward, the light caught the delicate beading on her gown, making it shimmer as though it were woven from stardust. Her veil, edged with intricate lace, floated softly around her shoulders, and in her hands, she clutched a bouquet of her chosen flowers.

The music started with the rich tones of the organ filling the church as she began her walk down the aisle, her father at her side. Each step was slow, deliberate, as if she were savoring the moment. Her eyes remained locked on the groom, her expression a mix of serenity and joy. Around her, the guests turned to watch, smiles adorning their faces.

At the altar, the Jeremiah's breath caught. He had always thought she was beautiful, but in this moment, she seemed otherworldly, the sunlight shining brilliantly onto the details of her dress. When she reached him, her father lifted her hand with tear filled eyes and placed a kiss on it before giving her away to her soon to be husband. The groom's lips curved into a smile that spoke of love, relief, and quiet awe. Pastor Morris stepped forward as Mr. Manoban sat beside Mrs. Kim, his voice steady and warm. 

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of God to witness and bless the union of these two souls in holy matrimony..."

The ceremony unfolded with a reverence that filled the sacred space. Vows were exchanged, each word a promise that echoed throughout the sacred building. The bride's voice trembled slightly as she spoke, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. The groom's tone was firm, his words imbued with quiet conviction as he spoke his love for the woman before him.

When the Pastor pronounced them husband and wife, the church seemed to exhale collectively. "You may now kiss the bride," he said, a note of warmth in his voice.

The Jeremiah lifted her veil, his hands trembling just slightly as they cupped her face. Their lips met in a kiss that was tender yet full of promise, and the guests erupted into applause, their cheers reverberating off the stone walls.

As they turned to face the congregation, hand in hand, the bells in the church tower began to toll, their deep, resonant chimes spilling out into the world beyond. The newlyweds walked down the aisle together, the echoes of the bells a jubilant accompaniment to their first steps into forever. So much so, that Lisa had forgotten all about her mother.