Love At First Joke | Sal Vulcano

15

The wedding was fast approaching, and it was the day that Cassie was going to pick out her wedding dress. She didn't have any family out in America, they were still at home in England, so she didn't have many girl friends to accompany her, therefore, she invited along Q, Joe and Murr.

"You guys better behave today." She giggled, as she hugged them all.

"I can't say for Murr, but I'm sure Q and I will be on our best behaviour." Joe smirked, earning a punch in the arm by Murr.

Cassie rolled her eyes, knowing what she was about to let herself get into.

**

Cassie tried on the first dress. It had a flowery, laced design, that sparkled elegantly.

"What about this one?" She asked the three men, as she slowly spun around, showing off the dress.

"I like it." Q stated.

"It's lovely, but I think there could be something better." Murr inputted into the conversation.

"Nope" Joe grumbled, "I know what Sal will want, he'll want to see you in whatever you're most comfortable in and something that will make his jaw drop!"

Cassie grimaced. She just wanted to find the perfect dress, she wanted to look her best for the day, but mainly, she wanted to impress Sal.

**

Cassie returned into the fitting room, modelling a new design.

"What about this one?" She asked, awaiting their opinions.

"Again, I like it." Q replied, not giving much help with the feedback.

"I preferred the other one, if I'm honest." Murr answered.

"It's beautiful Cas, but it doesn't scream 'Love me Sal', you know?" Joe chuckled, causing Cassie to glare at him. His smile slowly wiped off his face, as he saw that he had annoyed Cassie.

"I'm sorry Joe," Cassie sighed, "I just want to look my best for Sal. No matter what dress I pick, I'll still look dreadful." She drooped her head down, feeling a tear role down her cheek.

Joe stood up and walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders, consoling her.

"Hey, come on Cas...Sal loves you for you. You could show up in a trash bag and he would still find you beautiful. It's not about what you wear on the day, it's about the love you are going to provide him with for the rest your lives." Joe smiled. Cassie nodded, as she wiped away her tears.

**

After a few more dresses had been tried on and after Q had been warned by staff to not try on the dresses himself without permission, Cassie tried on the final dress.

She stepped onto the small platform in front of the large mirror and smiled. This was it. This was the dress. It was everything she wanted.

"I love it" she smiled to herself as she twirled around.

"Looks beautiful on you." Joe commented, giving her a friendly smile.

"It looks great Cas!" Murr exclaimed.

There was a pause, as everyone awaited an answer from Q.

"Brian?" Cassie called. Everyone turned their heads to find Q fast asleep on the edge of the seat, hidden under a mound of wedding dresses. Joe went to wake him up when Cassie stopped him.

"Let him rest Joey, he must need it" she said, "Plus this is a great opportunity to dress him up and take photos." She added, causing Joe and Murr to laugh.

**

Cassie placed the key into the front door and unlocked it, letting the door swing open. She carried the bags into the house to find Sal laying on the sofa, staring intently at the glow of the TV.

"Hey Princess" he called.

"Hey baby" she replied. She strolled over to where he was laying and placed a kiss to his forehead, causing his eyes to connect with hers.

"Did you find one alright?" Sal questioned, with a sense of hope in his voice.

"I did, it's beautiful!" Cassie replied, "But please, never let Brian come shopping with us!" She laughed.

"He fell asleep didn't he?" Sal chuckled, pulling Cassie in for another kiss, as she nodded. "Let me see the dress then?" Sal smirked, reaching for the covered dress. Cassie snatched it away from his grasp.

"You can see it on the day, for now, it's for my eyes only." She ruled. Sal crossed his arms in a huff, before letting a laugh slip through his lips.

He grabbed hold of Cassie's waist and pulled her onto his lap, as he lay on the couch. She placed a kiss onto his lips, before snuggling into his embrace. There, she felt safe. As though nothing would or was able to hurt her. The way Sal's arms perfectly fitted around her body. The way his chest rose and fell with every breath, in perfect sync. He was perfect to Cassie. There wasn't anything that could change how much she loved him.

They both slowly drifted off into a deep sleep, held tightly in each other's arms.