When The Heart Guides The Hand ~ 'Destined Lovers' Book 1

These Small Hours

{Read this chapter whilst listening to ‘Little Wonders’ by Rob Thomas. If you know the song, really listen to it. I think it descibes us brilliantly. Enjoy!}

Chapter 9 – These Small Hours {Angie POV}

I awoke to Cassie shaking me lightly, murmuring softly but excitedly. “Angie…wake up! It’s today! You’re going to be ‘Mrs. Cerulli’ in six short hours!”

I sat up slowly, feeling my stomach do a little summersault and my heart fluttered. I looked at the time. It was nine in the morning…Cassie was right. In six hours I wouldn’t be Angie Ainsworth…I’d be Angie Cerulli. “My God…this is really happening!” I felt a smile creep across my face as I slid to the edge of the bed and stood. I ran my hand lightly down my dress, little sparks of anticipation tingled my fingertips as they grazed the soft fabric. For one beautiful moment, I was peaceful, content… almost euphoric…then my eyes snapped towards Cassie. “Oh God! How are we going to be ready in time?!”

Cassie laughed and gave me a knowing smile. “Don’t worry, sweetie. Remember,” she went to the door and opened it. “I know only the best!”

I grinned. Ash and Jess were standing in the doorway, sly smiles in place and posing like fashion designers. I leapt to my feet, nearly knocking them off their feet as I hugged them.

“Steady on there, Ange!” Ash laughed as she ushered me back inside. “Quick, hide! Before the guys see you!”

“Oh, right, yeah.” I mumbled as I played with my hair and looked down at what I’d worn to bed and smiled sheepishly back at them.

“Right, now,” Ash put her hands on her hips as Jess began setting up a make-shift beauty salon in front of the elegant old mirror that sat above the oak desk against the far wall. “You.” She pointed at me. “Shower…now! Then hair…lunch…make-up…dress…” she paused for a moment. “We’ll get the boys to leave well before you’re done, then we’ll get you into the car and to the rose garden,” she smiled. “He’ll be waiting under the only rotunda with black rose creepers spiralling up its frame…”

Cassie smiled happily and pushed me into the bathroom. “Shower! And wash your hair!”

She shut the door behind me and I rolled my eyes as I began undressing; muttering. “Yes…mum.”

I made the water scalding hot and stepped into the shower, relishing the feeling of the water running down my body; it soothed my rising nerves as I washed my hair and did certain other necessities. I shuddered lightly as a thought crossed my mind, ‘Tonight he will make me his…for eternity…’

***

My stomach fluttered nervously as I heard the music began and my hands trembled slightly. I felt an arm wrap around my shoulders comfortingly. I looked up hesitantly, attempting to breathe calmly. Angelo smiled down at me and hugged me close for a moment. I looked towards the gap in the hedgerow we’d both be walking through in a moment and took a stuttering breath.

“You’ll be fine.” Angelo reassured me. “He loves you very dearly.” His gentle smile widened as the wedding march began to play. He winked at me as he linked my arm with his. “That’s our cue!”

I smiled sweetly and nodded as we turned and began to follow Cassie, Ashley, and Jessica through the gap in the hedgerow. I looked down the aisle. Smiling, tear-filled faces gazed back at me, but I was looking for a different face, one much dearer to me. I’d only asked for two things when organising the wedding. That I could pick the last song…and that my best friend, Trish, could attend. My heart began to sink as I searched the sea of faces, not finding her. I looked up the aisle at Chris’s grinning face. I followed his gaze when he turned to look at the minister, and I felt my heart swell… Trish was the minister that was going to marry us!