Im in love, and always will be-Dido (from the song "White Flag)
Her eyes slowly flickered open. "Mmmm"
"You were dozing off for a moment" he said.
"beginning to feel the jetlag" she replied.
They were at his parents' home where they were going to stay for a week or two until they could move into his place. Afterwards they would go house hunting.
The driver got out and took their suitcases out of the boot. The front door opened and a two familiar faces peeked out. Riele's face brightened immediately as she recognised the honey gold hair and sweet visage of her teenage years.
"Ella!" She exclaimed and was out of the car in a flash, jetlag forgotten. They were running on opposite sides of the driveway to meet each other in the middle. Sean was following behind her in long strides, beaming. Jace was at their sides just as quickly. He and Sean hugged and the girls were squealing and jumping around like they were teens all over again.
"Sean, man.... you look good" Jace exclaimed. "Yeah, thanks... I should be beating you up actually, for not telling me, your designated Best man since we were kids... that you were getting married.." he teased.
Jace groaned. "I'm sorry, Sean... but you know.. everything happened so quickly...I got on the plane knowing I was going to ask her to marry me, but I only decided to get married there at the last minute. I did not even know for sure that she would say yes at the time.."
Sean slapped him on the back. "You don't know how happy I was when I heard the news...and Ella was basically going crazy."
He looked at the two girls who was lost in their own little world, babbling away. Ella was a few inches taller than Jace remembered and she had lost some of her babyfat, but she was still the same cute, adorable girl.
"Well, let's get you two lovebirds inside"
They were on the front door steps and Jace grabbed Riele around the waist. "Wait... before I forget." He bent down and lifted her up in his arms. Riele rolled her eyes. Jace had insisted on carrying her through every door threshold they encountered since their wedding. She was thankful for being so slender at least.
The door opened and a cacophony of voices exploded in their ears.
SURPRISE!!!
The couple gasped in shock as they saw the faces of all their families and friends greeting them. Jace's dad appeared in front of them.
"Well, what are you waiting for, son...Step In!.. or do you need help carrying the little Missus?"
"No dad, ... I'm fine.."
"And I'm not little, "Riele piped up.
Jace's dad laughed
"Okay, I'm sorry Riele... wouldn't want to upset my daughter-in- law on her first day back..he chuckled.
"Oh hush up Scott..and let them come in" his wife interrupted. He gracefully stood back and allowed the honeymooners to step their foot inside.
Jace put Riele down carefully.. and just like that they were swamped by their parents and siblings and friends, kissing and hugging and laughing. It was a very emotional moment especially for Riele considering she did not think that this moment would truly arrive and she was particularly teary eyed.
WELCOME HOME, MR AND MRS NORMAN! the banner hanging overhead read. Streamers, balloons and fairy lights decorated the house
"Oh, my word. This is so beautiful." Riele softly exclaimed.
"It was my idea... Jace's sister said proudly.
"Oh Glory... Riele hugged her..I love it. Thank you so much."
Jace cleared his throat.
"Yes, thank you so much, guys. I know that you are all really happy for us. And I know that it seemed like this would never happen...after... you know, he paused... But I tell you by the Grace of God ..we made it
So thank you .. mom, dad, Mrs Downs, Reiya, Xander, Glory, Sean, Ella, Coop... Thank you for never giving up on us. ... And I love you guys."
"HEAR, HEAR" they cheered.
Can I also say something, his father asked.
"Make it quick, dad, my stomach's rumbling...Jace joked causing hearty laughter to erupt all around.
"I think I hear Sean's too," Ella quipped, earning a look from Sean.
"My son... and new daughter." he started while looking affectionately at Riele. You know how much I love you both and honestly ever since you became friends on the set of HD and fell in love...I have always believed that you two belong together. You were never better than when you were together...And as you are right now. I believe God has a plan and a purpose for your life together.. and even though you had to get hurt... And it was hard to see my son hurt.. and I know you were hurting too, Riele.. you came out better and stronger for it.
And I know you will have a long and happy life together and Give us beautiful grandchildren
And just know that your mother and me and all of us will never stop praying for you. We love you. Welcome home!"
The two mothers were desperately looking for Kleenex tissues by now.
Jace turned to Riele..."My beautiful bride...do you want to say something?"
Riele blushed and tried to hide her face in his chest.
"Blushing bride!" Cooper yelled out.
"Stop it, Coop!"
Riele recovered quickly though and faced them.
"Well...All I want to say is, Thank you so much...And I love you all!"
"Just one more thing..Jace's dad said.
'Riele, does my son bring you breakfast in bed like he swore he would do?"
"Uhm... he brings me coffee in bed " she said , not wanting to reveal too much about Jace's lack of cooking skills.
"Oh come on, dad, we're on honeymoon.. we don't have time to cook, Jace interrupted quickly, taking Riele's hand and leading her to the heavy-laden tables. "Let's eat, people... Let's eat "
