A Fighting Chance (Tom Holland AU) [2]

Forty-Two

We had our rehearsal dinner in one of our favorite Italian places in town the night before our wedding. Once dinner was over, Tom and I bid our goodbyes before the girls took me to the hotel we had gotten for the night. Tom was so dead set on being surprised that he didn't even want to see me the day before. Sure, we were following some old and archaic wedding traditions, but Tom was so excited to be surprised that I didn't mind.

As we walked into the hotel room and it started raining, I saw a bucket of champagne on the dresser and I smiled. "I know damn well how much you love champagne." Ali smiled, and I pulled her into a hug. "I'm so happy for you, Gracie. You have no idea."

Soon, all five of us had champagne flutes. "To Tom and Grace." Zendaya smiled, and we all repeated the sentiment as we tapped our glasses together. Soon, the five of us sat with sheet masks on to help our skin for tomorrow as we watched 10 Things I Hate About You.

We all sat huddled together, but I tensed up as I saw a flash of light from outside and heard a loud clap of thunder. I took a deep breath as Beth, the person I was sitting next to, wrapped me in a hug as I held her close. "You're okay, love. We're here." She whispered, and I nodded softly.

About two minutes into the storm, I heard my phone ring. I saw Tom, and I pulled myself away to answer the phone. "Hi, baby," I said as I locked myself in the bathroom. I could see how the girls were concerned about me as I walked in, but they knew as well as I did that this was what I needed right now.

"Hello there, darling. How is everything?"

"Everything's fine. I'm talking to you." I smiled as I sat in the empty bathtub, wrapping my arms around myself so I was in a ball.

"Okay, Peralta." He chuckled, and I smiled softly. "Remember when you told me that you think storms are a sign from Chris?"

"Oh, this one definitely is." I smiled to myself, and I could hear him smile. "Still doesn't help the fear of the actual storm, but my nerves over tomorrow are calmed down knowing he's here."

"Why are you nervous about tomorrow? It's only our wedding." He teased, and I chuckled. 

"It's just because there's a lot that could go wrong. I've always wanted this day to be perfect."

"Grace, no matter what happens, tomorrow will be perfect. We'll be married by the end of that, and that's all I need for tomorrow to be perfect."

"I love you." I smiled gently, and I could hear him smile even wider.

"I love you more, darling." As the storm passed, the two of us chatted to help calm me down until it was done. We bid our goodbyes, and then I went back to the girls.

"Did that help, Gracie?" I smiled and nodded at Ali's question, and she smiled. "I'm glad to hear. Now, we should probably get to bed. Tomorrow's a big day."

We all sat in the room the Tower was allowing us to use to get ready, and Ali smiled as she sipped her water. "How are you feeling, Gracie?" All of the girls had been made up first because I told the artists to do them first while I calmed my nerves 

"It's all coming together. I couldn't be happier." She rested her hand on mine with a smile, and I grinned as the hairstylist pinned the last piece of my hair up. I handed her the beautiful tiara Lesley had gifted me when my role in Mamma Mia! was announced and we mended our relationship, knowing it was the perfect accessory for the day. My makeup had already been finished, so all I needed to do was to get dressed. As Ali laced the corset up, I faced away from any mirrors. I didn't want to see anything until I was done.

"There. You ready to see it?" When I nodded, Ali placed her hands on my shoulders and I closed my eyes as we turned around. "Open." When I did, I looked in the mirror and smiled widely.

"Say something that'll stop me from crying," I whispered, and Ali smiled.

"You're gonna get laid so hard tonight." I chuckled, looking at her through the mirror. "Are you ready for today?"I smiled as I nodded.

"Yeah, I think I am. Are you?" I perked an eyebrow at her through the mirror, and she nodded excitedly. 

"Today's gonna be great." She grinned as she grabbed my veil, pinning it into my hair softly. "Ready for your first look with Tom?" I nodded, and she hugged me tightly before I looked at the photographer.

"Let's go, Grace." This was just for the two of us, and I grew more and more nervous as I walked to the room we were doing our first look in, and as soon as I touched the doorknob, I froze. "Is everything okay?" Our photographer looked at me, and I shook my head.

"I don't think I can do this." The photographer smiled, looking at me. 

"You look gorgeous, and Tom's going to love it. Do you want me to go in first?" I nodded, stepping out of sight so Tom couldn't see me if he looked back. I knew he had his back to the door, but I didn't want to risk it. After about a minute of waiting outside alone, I heard the photographer's voice. "Come on in, Grace."

I took a deep breath as I stepped in the room, looking at Tom gently. His back was to me, but from the photographer's expression, I could tell he had a wide smile. "Hi there, baby."

As he turned around, I saw his jaw drop. He started blinking fast as he pulled me into his arms. "You look fucking gorgeous." He whispered, and I saw him wipe one of his own tears.

"No crying. You'll make me cry and I don't wanna ruin this beautiful makeup." He chuckled, pulling me close as I rested our foreheads together. "I love you, baby."

"I love you too, darling." Even with the sound of the photographer shooting away, it felt like it was only the two of us there at that moment.

Guys this wedding is gonna take a while lol. Let me know what you think! :-)