TPS *(original version)*

Chapter Twenty Five

"Hi!" I cried, running into my brothers arms. He held me and we hugged for a long time. Finally, we broke apart and I hugged Leah, my father and my mother. My mom was beaming at me, and kissed both of my cheeks before letting me go. "I've missed you guys so much!" I cried, feeling tears well up in my eyes. I brushed them away, embarrassed. I'd been crying all day.

We were in England, staying at a hotel just ten minutes away from the Cathedral. It was the day before my wedding, just a few hours away from our rehearsal dinner. All day people had been arriving in the hotel. A good chuck of Asodoria had flown with us the day before – we took a regular plane and first class and coach had been filled. A flight attendant told me that more than 75% of them were flying with us to the hotel for the wedding. It had been like a party on the plane – everyone kept cat-calling Alex and me when we did anything remotely cute. A bunch of my guests from America had arrived this morning on the same plane, but a few had taken separate flights. I'd been reuniting with people and extended family all morning. I first cried when I saw my American bridesmaids, and ever since then I'd been a waterfall.

"We've missed you too!" Armando cried, bringing me into another bone crushing hug. "How excited are you right now?"

I waved him away. "I'm a basket case. I'm a bundle of nerves and I've been crying all day. Let's not talk about it."

My family burst out laughing and Alex appeared at my side.

"What's so funny?" He asked.

"My feelings." I replied, shrugging. He laughed too.

"Are you ready to leave soon?" He asked me. "The rehearsal ceremony starts in a half hour."

I nodded. "Yes, but prepare for some tears." I told him.

"I figured." He replied, with a wink. I blushed and turned back to my family.

"I will see you all at the rehearsal dinner," I told them, smiling. I followed Alex to our car and he drove off. Alex had rented a black convertible from the airport and we'd been driving around the past few days in that.

We made it to the Cathedral in no time and went inside after he parked. We both were silent as we walked into the sanctuary of the old church. I glanced up at the chandelier hanging from the ceiling and looked around at all the stained glass windows. Alex just watched me as I took everything in.

"Excited?" He asked me quietly.

"Yes," I replied, looking at him.

"Tomorrow you're going to be my wife." Alex whispered, moving closer to me and bringing me in to a hug.

"And you'll be my husband," I replied, beaming up at him.

"I can't wait." He kissed me.

"Me either," I replied.

"Hi guys!" A voice called from far away. We broke apart and looked towards the doors. Our priest was there, walking towards us, carrying a binder. "Are you excited?" He asked, beaming at us.

"Of course," Alex replied, taking my hand.

"Let's get to it," the priest said. Our wedding party appeared at the back doors and I left Alex to stand with my bridesmaids. I watched as they made their way down the center isle in pairs. Finally, it was my turn to walk down with my dad. We practiced the ceremony briefly, skipping over the vows because we didn't want to say them until it actually came time to. We didn't kiss, either, and we were done.

The rehearsal dinner was at a nice restaurant in the heart of London. We had a private room in the back for the wedding party and the guests. The chefs were preparing our food right in front of us while we ate, so every once in awhile the flame from the grill would flare up and everyone would cheer.