Holding On (COMPLETED)

Chapter twenty

"Isabel, time to wake up" Beth sings stirring me from the most amazing dream, waterfalls and kissing and loud breathing and the most delicious man in existence.
"No, not yet. I was just getting to the good bit" I mumble squeezing my eyes shut tight.
"Honey this day will be better, wake up and get ready to marry that man in your dreams" she whispers and I hear the smile in her words.
"Is it really today?" I smile back.
"It is, unless you would prefer to sleep all day?" She throws back the blankets laughing.
"No no, I'm awake. Let's do this" I say excitedly.
"Okay breakfast is in the main room, it's only light so you don't bloat in your dress. Then shower and the lady will be here for hair and make up, we have some spare time around eleven and you can eat again then if you can stomach it. God I don't think I can eat at all I'm so excited" she babbles making me laugh.
"Beth, girl, take a breath. It's going to be fine, you have done a excellent job at planning this. It's time to relax and enjoy it" I tell her walking into the main room to see mum sitting drinking her tea.
"Morning little one, how did you sleep?"
"Great actually, better than I have all week" I say popping a piece of apple into my mouth on my way to the coffee.
"Must have been the company" Beth giggles filling bowls of fruit salad and yoghurt for us all. "You were out before I'd even stopped talking" she shakes her head at me.
"Do you think the boys are up yet? I'd hate for them to sleep in" I ask staring into my coffee.
"No, you're not calling him" Beth tells me reading my thoughts.
"I know, but I can call Jace right?" I say lifting my phone to my ear ignoring Beth's glare.
"Good morning Isabel, this is a surprise" his voice is cheerful and I hear his smile.
"Hey big man, how are you?" I ask casually.
"I'm great, just hanging out. How bout you?" He asks just as casual.
"I'm good. What ya doin?" I giggle.
"Having breakfast with the boss, nothing special"
"Oh sounds nice, how is he?" I play with my spoon stirring the yoghurt around.
"He's very interested in my conversation but otherwise he's great. Any reason for the call? Can I do anything for you?" He is teasing me now.
"No reason, just thought I'd say hi. Since you offered, could you maybe just run your hand over Coops stubble, he likes that in the morning"
"Yeah nah, he can go without that today I think" he says laughing, and I can hear Coop in the background asking what we are talking about.
"Is Cole up? He would do it for me" I pout.
"Yeah but he's already in the shower, apparently he is keen to get over there early. Something about doing you up" I know he's teasing Cooper now.
"I love you" I say loudly.
"Oh honey I love you too, should I leave the room? Are we planning on running away together?" He chuckles and Coop must be hitting him because he gasps and grunts then I hear Coop also tell Jace he loves him.
"No, I'm going now, see ya later" I smile.
"Crazy woman" he mumbles laughing and I hang up.
"Subtle" Beth rolls her eyes.
"What?! I can't just say hi to my bestest friend?" I ask innocent.
"Eat, shower!" Beth orders trying not to laugh.
"Give me a job to do, what needs doing?" Mum asks Beth distracting her for me.

I eat my breakfast leisurely and sip on two cups of coffee giving Beth anxiety before I get my ass into the shower, Coopers wedding gift is healing nicely and it's nice and smooth, I can't wait to show him. As I exit I look at my outfit Beth has laid out on the bed, my leather and lace corset and a white silk robe, lace top pantyhose and a pair of white fluffy slippers. I slip on my thong and try to figure out what way the corset goes.
"Beth! Some help please" I laugh and she comes running.
"What's wrong?! Oh I see" she giggles coming to help and turns the corset upside down and places it over my chest.
"Spin" she orders and I do as I'm told.
Her fingers fly over the many many pearl buttons with ease and I imagine Coop undoing them oh so slowly. I slide the pantyhose over my legs and place my feet in the super soft slippers, looking at my reflection in the mirror I wonder what Coop will think as my dress hits the floor.
"Is it okay?" I ask nervously.
"It'll do" she teases with a shrug and a wide smile. "Hair's here, she started with your mum. I'm going to slip into the shower real quick, don't let her start with you till I get out" Beth points a finger at me while she talks.
"You're the boss" I sigh happily tying my robe closed.
"Are you even nervous about this?" Beth asks shedding her clothes.
"About getting married? No. About being perfect for my perfect husband? Yes"
"Don't worry I have enough nerves for both of us" she mumbles slipping through the bathroom door.
I check on mum and keep her company then help Beth into her corset and wow, just wow. Her perfect hourglass figure leaves me speechless, and her legs look so freaking long in her pantyhose.
"Honey, don't let this go to waste. Seeing you like this will bring Jace to his knees, he will fall for you in a heartbeat" I say seriously.
"Behave" she admonishes me but I see her blush.
"Isabel, come get your hair done" mum calls me out and Beth covers up with her own robe.
Beth shows all her photos and I'm blow dried and curled and teased and I'm starting to worry I'm going to look like Dolly Parton with my big hair but soon it smoothes out and is softly braided and twisted up to the crown of my head, soft curls framing my face and Beth's hair pin is anchored into the side adding elegance and sparkle.
Next it's Beth's turn and mum turns to me with a little gift bag in her hand.
"Okay little one, your engagement ring is old and is something from your mother in law. Your lovely groom asked me to give you this, something new" she hands me the small box Coop got while we were away and I hold my breath while I open it.
Inside is a gorgeous pair of emerald drop earrings that sparkle like my lovers eyes when he tells me he loves me. I love them and put them in immediately checking them in the mirror.
"Perfect" I breathe. Bonus points for Coop.
"Mine is borrowed and I want it back" Beth tells me as mum hands me a white gold Tiffany necklace with a clear bright diamond that sits the centre of my collarbone.
"Thank you Beth, it's beautiful" I say feeling very spoiled.
"This was my blue, it was given to me by your father for our wedding day. We wanted you to keep it for your children, it's fine little one maybe you'll find another who needs it one day" she tries to hide her emotions and I hug her close taking the small blue butterfly hair pin in my hand.
"Thank you mum, I'm so sorry" I try to keep from crying, I hate the disappointment in her eyes.
"Iz, what's wrong? Why can't you pass it on?" Beth asks and I forgot she didn't know.
"I can't get pregnant, I won't ever have kids" I tell her calmly.
"Oh honey, why have you never told me this? How many times have I joked to you about being pregnant?" She asks horrified.
"It's not something I ever talk about, there's no point I can't change it" I shrug.