A New Future

19. Wedding Preparation and Wedding Day

Sixteen days later, everyone was excited. Gabriel and Anna set up the flower arrangements and the decorations were all set. Anna turned around squealing excitedly. "I can't believe we're getting married tomorrow!"

Gabriel walked over and pulled her in a hug. "I know, Darling. Me either. But hey, everything is going to be perfect."

Anna pulled away smiling. "I know. I'm just so excited. I'm going to be Mrs. Gabriel Valerious Van Helsing."

Gabriel chuckled. "Yes. It sounds so nice when you say it."

Anna giggled. "Oh! I have some news for you as well."

"What's that?"

Anna smiled the biggest smile ever. "I'm pregnant! I found out yesterday. The doctor said I'm two weeks along."

"Anna, that's great!" He replied picking her up and spinning her around.

Anna laughed. "I thought I'd surprise you by waiting until the day before our wedding. I thought about telling you the day of, but then I thought with everything else it'd be a bit much. So I thought to tell you today instead."

"Well, it's wonderful news. I'm so happy that I don't think I could possibly get any happier."

Anna pecked him on the lips. "Me either. I don't care what it is as long as it's healthy. I just want a healthy baby."

"Me too, Love. Me too." He said pulling away.

"Anna! I got your dress. It's BEAUTIFUL. Come see." Carl said smiling.

"Coming." She replied leaving Gabriel alone. She followed Carl to where he hung the dress and she gasped. "Oh, it's BEAUTIFUL! I'm going to go try it on." She said taking it to her room and putting it on quickly. "Carl! Come see!"

Carl walked in and clapped his hands together in astonishment. "Oh, Anna. You look absolutely DIVINE."

"You really think so?"

"Gabriel won't be able to take his eyes off of you tomorrow."

Anna smiled. "Thanks, Carl. I'll be out in a minute."

Carl left and let Anna change.

The next morning, everyone was getting ready. The barmaid Lilah brought all the wine and beer and set it up for the after party. She was going to be the maid of honor so she came to set up early and get dressed. Once done, she came to find Anna in her room dressed. "Hey, Princess. Need help with your hair?"

Anna turned around smiling. "Please? It's not working with me today."

Lilah nodded and helped her put her hair up nice and neat. Her hair was left half down and the other part was up in a waterfall like bun. "There. What do you think?"

Anna looked in the mirror and gasped. "I love it! Thank you, Lilah."

"No problem, Hun." She said putting her tiara and veil on. "There. Now you look absolutely perfect. Ready to go? We have two minutes to spare."

"Yes. Lets go." She said and followed her to the entrance.

Gabriel was at the alter waiting patiently. His best man was a nice young man from the village. He was 24 and had just gotten married a few months ago himself. Lilah got into her place and told the organ player to start the music. Anna opened the doors and smiled looking only at Gabriel. Gabriel couldn't believe how she looked. He just stared and smiled brightly. Once Anna got to the alter, the music stopped and she took Gabriel's hand facing Carl. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to join Gabriel Van Helsing and Anna Marie Valerious in holy matrimony. If there's anyone here who thinks they should not be joined, speak now or forever hold your peace." Everyone was silent. "Ok. Gabriel, you're first."