Escape

Chapter XVI - Forever (Now)

After several months of planning, it was finally here.

It was a warm Spring Friday evening and the chapel was intimate and beautiful. Small bundles of tulips bound in blush pink tulle adorned the pews. Hurricane vases with flickering ivory candles lined the aisle. And simple candelabras softly illuminated the altar.

And the wedding party was getting ready.

Hannah made the final touches to her hair and make-up while she waited with her mother, soon-to-be mother-in-law and bridesmaids in the Bridal Suite.

"You look gorgeous, Hanny!" Daphne, the Maid of Honor, hugged her best friend with her left arm. Because she was holding baby Merrik in her right.

"You are definitely a beautiful bride, Hannah." Amelia was happy for her best friend. She was also thinking of her future wedding day. Because she found the box in Liam's side of the closet. But she didn't peek.

"Thank you, girls." Hannah let out a nervous breath. But she smiled. Because she was about to become Mrs. Harry Styles.

For Hannah's bachelorette party, Amelia, Daphne, Gemma and Liz took her to a day spa. After, they enjoyed a nice dinner, then they went to Amelia and Liam's apartment for a girl's sleepover.

"Hannah, I waited until today to give this to you."

"Liz, what's this?" Hannah took the jewelry box. And she started to tear up.

"I don't want to bring up bad memories, but the outcome is the point I want to get across."

"Oh, Liz, it's beautiful." Hannah took out the gold necklace with a bird charm.

"That day, in my office, you said you wished you could fly away. Hannah, you're flying now."

"Thank y-you, so much, Liz."

"Oh, now, don't start crying." Liz hugged her. "It's almost time!"

Hannah smiled and wiped away a tear. She put the box in her purse and collected herself.

"Does anyone have a bobby pin?" Amelia had one stubborn section in her hair.

"Yeah, I think I do." Gemma ruffled through her purse. "Aha! Here you go, Aimes."

"Hannah, sweetheart." Bridget held her daughter's hand and kissed her cheek. "I know your father would be so proud."

"Thank you, Mom." Hannah hugged her mother. "I love you."

"I love you, Han." Bridget smiled and fixed her daughter's smudged mascara. "Should we finish getting ready?"

Hannah smiled, took off her fuzzy slippers and put on her white satin high heels. And her mother slid the garter on her right leg.

Hannah smoothed out her gown and stood in front of the full-length mirror. And she felt beautiful.

Hannah's A-line gown with a lace bodice fit perfectly. The fingertip-length veil rested on her crown, laying on top of her long, curly hair that flowed loosely over her shoulders. Because that's how her Harry liked it. She didn't choose a blusher. Because she didn't want any more time in between their first kiss as husband and wife.

Harry's mum knocked on the door before coming in. "Oh, Hannah dear. Harry is so excited to see you."

"Aw. Is he doing alright, Anne?"

"He has some pre-wedding jitters, but he's okay." Anne spent a little time with her son. She told him how proud she was of him. And how he will be a wonderful husband. And they hugged and cried.