Something Borrowed

Chapter 48: Do You?

"Could you please explain to me once again why I need to spend the night in the hotel?" I grumbled as Daphne and Catalina chattered behind me, giggling as we stepped into the suite.

"It's bad luck to see the groom on the wedding day," Catalina chirped smugly, snaking around me, setting her bags at the door.  "My, what fond memories in this room," Catalina mused, taking in a deep breath.

"What mischief you mean," Daphne corrected with a sugar sweet smile.

"It's all the same to me!" Catalina called from one of the bedrooms, peering out of the room at me.  "Madame Bachelorette, what would you like to do on your last evening as a single lady?" She asked, wiggling her eyebrows.

"I'd like to spend the night in with my girls," I said softly, watching Catalina's face fall into a pout as Daphne smiled smugly at her, sitting down on the sofa, turning on the television.

"Told you Stor wanted a relaxed night," Daphne sang, kicking her feet up.  "She has a man with his stamina waiting for her tomorrow," Daphne said wiggling her eyebrows as I grimaced at her.

"Don't talk about your brother like that," I said shortly, fighting a grin as she rolled her eyes.

"It's not like you haven't slept with him before," Catalina said, joining in, setting a bottle of champagne on the coffee table.  A blush crept on my cheeks.

"I can't believe you're about to get married... again," Daphne sighed.

I shrugged.  "Things are different this time," I mused, looking out the window at the city illuminated with light.  "We're different."

"He loves you more than I think I ever thought him capable of caring for another human being," Daphne grumbled as Catalina glowered at her, pouring each of us a glass of champagne.

"Jealous that his affections are not on you, sis?" Daphne said as Catalina flashed a grimace.

"Although I do love being his favorite, I think I can relinquish my throne to Astoia," Catalina sneered at Daphne.  "I'd rather it be her than anyone else."

"Girls," I chided as they both raised their hands in a sign of innocence.

"Where is Dayton tonight?" Catalina asked.

"He's with Nathaniel next door, preparing for the pending nuptials," Daphne said, taking a sip of her champagne.

"How are things after tying the knot, still steamy?" Catalina pressed as Daphne's cheeks flushed.

"They're good," Daphne said, shifting uneasily.

"Is he-"

"I'm going to get some fresh air," I interrupted as the girls fell into playful banter, taking about each others relationships with their husbands.

I thankfully opened the balcony door, wrapping my sweater around my waist, leaning up against the railing.  I crossed my arms, glancing over my shoulder, instantly remembering a moment like this.

Looking to my right, seeing Rafael on the other balcony, looking as handsome as ever.  A symbol for peace.  A symbol for strength.  I closed my eyes, letting the cool breeze envelope me.  Things have changed for the better.

I listened as the door softly opened, and to my surprise Nathaniel stepped out, filling the void where I had once seen Rafael.

He was in his boxers and a loose fitting t-shirt, his hair messy from just waking up, probably unable to sleep for the same reason I couldn't: too excited to face the day.

"Hey," he said softly, his voice hoarse and every bit as tempting as I'd remembered it.  It sent a chill down my spine as I stood taller, reminding myself that I am almost a Woods again.

I smiled at the thought, my heart warming in my chest.  "Hey Nate," I said in the same hoarse tone, my voice depleted from all the talking and planning from the day.

"Are you ready?" He asked.

Three simple words, yet the unnerved me to my core.

Was I ready for this life again?

Was I ready to be his wife again?

Was I ready to become Mrs. Woods once again?

Was I willing to accept everything that came with being his wife?

Undoubtedly yes.

"Ready when you are," I teased, watching him flash one of his rare smiles, one that met the corners of his eyes.  One that used to only be reserved for her, and now it was mine.  Mine forever.

"I'm really glad we're doing this," he grinned, running a hand through his dark, unruly hair.  "I love you."

My heart hammered in my chest as my lips became dry.  I'd never get tired of hearing those three words.

I love you.

"I love you too, Nate," I whispered, watching his lips pull into a shy smile, one I had come to adore.  "This is it."

"Indeed it is, Ms. Wellington."

I took a shaky breath.  "Not Ms. Wellington for long," I whispered.

"I'm well aware, dear," he teased as I let out a soft laugh, watching his eyes light up at my expression.  "I love your laugh."

"I know you do," I said softly as he let out a long sigh.

"What did I ever see in anyone else?" He asked, the intensity in his gaze making me weak as I leaned against the railing for support.  "You're so beautiful."

"I don't know, but we're here now," I said softly.

"And that's all that matters."  I nodded as he grinned at me.  "Ms. Wellington, I believe that you need to get some rest, you have a long day ahead of you, and I doubt you'll get much sleep tomorrow."

"Is that a promise?" I challenged, his eyes alight with mischief.

"Don't tempt me, Astoria," he warned as I fought a grin.  "Get inside and tell my sisters to go to bed, you all need your rest."

"Yes sir," I teased as he narrowed his eyes at me.

"Can I count on you to meet me at the altar?" He asked, a hint of teasing in his voice.

"You can count on me for anything," I whispered, blowing him a kiss before sneaking back inside, surprised to find both the girls passed out on the couch.  I grinned to myself, snaking past them and into my room.

I snuggled under the covers, staring up at the ceiling.

Everything has changed, and yet, nothing has changed.

"Mrs. Woods," I tested the name on my tongue, a grin forming on my lips as I closed my eyes, snuggling closer in the blankets.  I was not nervous or scared as I awaited tomorrow.  Finally, everything was as it was supposed to be.  I guess it's true what they say, the third time is the charm.