Something Great (Sequel to Something Borrowed)

Chapter 40: Something Great

A/N: We've come to the end of the road. This is the last chapter!!! I've had a blast writing this story and I want to thank any and everyone who has ever taken the time to read or review this story. It would truly be nothing without you! This chapter is very long. The longest one I've ever written. I'm strongly considering writing an epilogue for the story but as of now this is the final chapter. I can't thank you all enough for the endless support. I love you guys!!! Now, without further ado, I present to you the final installment of "Something Great"!!!!

 I stared at my reflection in the full bodied mirror for what felt like the thousandth time that day. I almost couldn’t recognize that the beautiful, happy, glowing face that stared back at me. I couldn’t believe this day was real. I never in a million years imagined I’d be getting married.

“You are so beautiful Erin!!” Mother exclaimed from her chair in the corner of the large boat house. She dabbed the corners of her eyes that were brimming over with tears. I smiled widely. “Mother, will you ever stop crying today?” I asked. My mother laughed lightly, more tears spilling from her face. “I’m sorry Rin. I’m just so happy for you. I’ve been waiting on the day that you find the right guy and get married and it’s finally here!” She tearfully replied. I smiled again. “If you don’t stop crying now you’ll be nearly blind during the nuptials.” I replied.

“So, are you excited?” Brooke asked suddenly entering the room. She looks perfect in the light purple dress I’ve chosen for the bridesmaids.  I smiled . “I’m thrilled. I can’t wait to finally be Mrs. Carrington.” I replied . And that was certainly true. There was no other man  in the world for me than Jacob. Sixteen years ago, I was convinced that I was meant to be with another person but now, I wasn’t even thinking twice about walking down that aisle.

“You deserve to be.  I told you this day would be great. I have something very special for you.” Brooke replied with a smile. I turned from the mirror causing my dress to gracefully sweep the floor. “You have something else ? Don’t Jake and I already have a thousand wedding presents?” I asked. “Nope, this is exclusively for you.” She replied. I smiled. “But you have to  turn around and close your eyes before you can receive it.” Brooke declared. I grinned. “You know I don’t like surprises but I guess that’s fair enough.” I replied before closing my eyes tightly. I could feel  Brooke’s body heat behind me and something thin and cold around my neck. “You can open them now.” She announced.

I slowly opened my eyes to see a very familiar looking silver locket around my neck. “Mom gave it to me on my wedding day. Tradionally, the older sister gets married first, but I did and look where that got me. It really is true that good things come to those that wait. You’re living proof of that Erin.” Brooke spoke. I could feel my heartstrings being pulled at. “Oh Brooke, you’re gonna make me cry.” I replied pulling her into a hug. I could already feel the tears brimming in my eyes. But I was determined not to cry. My makeup had taken too long and was done too beautifully to mess it up.

Brooke smiled softly pulling away and stepping back to admire me. “I couldn’t be more proud of you sis. You’ve got something old, something new, something blue and now you’ve got something borrowed.” She declared. Okay, I could feel the tears falling down my face. “I hope this make-up is water proof. I’d hate to meet Jacob at the altar looking like a raccoon.” I laughed nervously dabbing at my eyes with a tissue that came from the bosom of my dress. Brooke said it was absolutely imperative to keep tissues handy in the bosom just in case I had an emotional moment at the altar. “You’ll look great Auntie Erin.” Emma assured me. She sat next to Mother holding onto the bouquet of flowers she would be holding. She and Rowan were my junior bridesmaids.

“Oh I wish Frank was here!! He’d be so proud to see his oldest baby getting married.” Mom sobbed. Brooke smiled sympathetically walking over to Mother and enveloping  her in a hug. “ I know Daddy’s smiling down on this day.” She assured her. I teared up a bit realizing that my father wasn’t here to give me away. He’d always wanted me to find someone to settle down with. Too bad he didn’t live to see it. There was one other person who was absent today that should have been here.