Swimming With Sophie

YOU WON'T BELIEVE WHAT THE BRIDE WORE!!!

Lacey

"Are you sure you don't want to wear the veil?" I'm holding the shear fabric, which cost way more then something so simple should cost. After working on my own bridal line of nature inspired accessories, I realize what a racket the industry's got going. Totally overpriced, and I refuse to do that to other brides.

"I'm not putting that thing over my face. It's ridiculous. I don't care if it came with the package and Luc's Groupon. He's going to have to deal." Sophie blots the lipstick I just applied.

An unnecessary reaction if you ask me, but since she didn't, I let the faux pas go. "Sheesh, after what Groupon has caused him so far this trip, I think he'll suck it up. Let's just add some flowers to your hair. You can't have a naked head for your wedding."

"Flowers are good. I'll allow it." Sophie sits on the stool in front of the mirror and lets me work with her style.

She really does look beautiful in the simple white dress. It's light and flows just perfectly with the ocean breeze, perfect for a sunset wedding on the beach. Sophie's mood has been dramatically better since she returned from her early morning rendezvous with Luc. I'm not sure I've ever seen her this serene.

After a few minutes of styling, Sophie's wedding look is complete. "Stand up and let me see the full picture."

I step back and watch with a critical eye as Sophie rises from the stool and turns to face me. The dress hits just at her ankles so it won't drag in the sand, and she's opted for basically bare feet. She has little crocheted foot coverings that appear to be sandals but have no soul, just a little loop around her toe and a tie around her ankle. The look continues with the sweetheart neckline and gathering around the waist. Sophie looks like a goddess today. Then with her dark curls and white Star lily in her hair—just beautiful.

"Luc won't be able to keep from crying when he sees you, Soph. I bet he's frantic waiting for the moment you finally become his wife." I smile at her but watch as a strange look comes over her face. If I didn't know better I would say she's embarrassed.

"Sophie, you're okay with this wedding now, aren't you?"

Sophie's eyes go wide. "Of course! After everything we've gone through the last twenty-four hours, I'd be crazy not to officially marry this guy!"

The relief I feel is immediate. But then I latch onto one key word in Sophie's answer. "Officially? What do you mean? As opposed to 'unofficially'?"

Sophie smiles and shrugs her shoulders. "Or something like that," she says, but then nothing more. Instead she turns to pick up the little bouquet that the hotel included in the full wedding package Luc ordered. It matches the flower in her hair with little white Star lilies and tropical green leaves spilling out around it. There's even what looks like a sparkling sea star nestled between petals.

"Now wouldn't that be something to remember. Luc in tears." Sophie sways in her gown, clearly having found a little piece of heaven on Earth. She's glowing.

A knock on the door turns my attention from her. "That must be the photographer." Both of us are ready to be taken around the resort for some pre-wedding photos.

Sure enough, the photographer is ready and waiting at the door. We follow her down the hallway to a sitting area near the elevators. There's a beautiful picture window overlooking the resort gardens.

"Let's pose the two of you here for a few shots. I find it's a nicer view than the suites after the whirlwind of wedding prep," the photographer says. She's right. Our suite is kind of a disaster. Good think that Luc and Sophie will be spending their wedding night in one of the beachside bungalows. Also part of the Groupon package.

I really need to have Luc search Groupon for some of these deals! Travis and I should take one of those babymoons before the little one makes its entrance in six months.

"Oh gosh..." I cover my mouth the second I let that phrase leave my lips.

The photographer pauses and looks up from the viewfinder. Sophie turns sharply to check on me.

"Lace, are you okay? Feeling sick?" She grabs my shoulders to examine me closer.

I wave her off. "No. I'm fine. Just a little reality check about the next six months floating through my brain. No big deal."

"Hah! It's a totally big deal, babe. But you will be amazing. Take a deep breath. In just about an hour you'll be back in Travis' arms and he can soothe all of your worries." Sophie puts her arm around my shoulder.

"Yeah, and you'll be in the arms of your husband, hon. Both of us starting on new adventures in life. Me as a mom, and you as a wife."

Sophie suddenly looks a little green. "A wife..."

She sounds just like I did a minute ago, freaking about her mental reality check. "It will be fine. You're practically married to the guy already, the way you're attached at the hip."

Sophie snaps her focus to me. Then a look of peace comes over her once again. "Practically married already. That's right."

I hear a snap as the photographer takes a candid, capturing the look of peace still settled on Sophie's face.

"Okay, ladies. Shall we continue?" she asks.

"Yeah," Sophie says. "And let's hurry. I've got a date with a groom I don't want to miss."

Thank goodness. I can hardly wait to hear those two declared husband and wife. It's about time.

^^^^^

The war on Wednesday seems to finally be declared over! Cease-fire, at least for this week, means updates!! And, what do you think of Sophie's wedding look? The mini cover on this week's clickbait says it all, in my opinion. It even kind of looks like Sophie and Luc...in my head anyway.

And now, click on...