Resist Me Not

56

On the morning of the biggest day of my life, I woke up in the arms of the man I had fallen completely in love with, who was still sound asleep. That was until there was a knock at my door that startled both of us.

I sat up, looked at the hotel clock on the bedside table, and saw that it was barely past six in the morning. Ryan stared at me with sleepy, but still piercingly beautiful eyes. The knock came again. He rolled over to grab his boxers from the ground, while I threw the covers back, and replaced them with my bathrobe that was still pooled at the foot of the bed. It had a slight damp feel to it, which made me regret that I didn't hang it up the night before.

I shivered a little as I secured the robe to my body and went to the door. I looked through the peephole and saw that it was my mother. She looked like she had been crying all night. I glanced back at Ryan to make sure he was decent before I answered the door. Though, I only opened it enough so she'd see just my face.

"Good morning, Mom." I smiled a tight-lipped, sleepy grin.

At seeing me, she started crying—a trait we clearly shared. I stepped out a little so the door wouldn't completely lock us out and gave her a tight hug. She hugged me back with the same strength. I forgot how much I loved my mom's hugs. They always made me feel loved and protected—almost more than my dad's.

When she finally pulled back, she quickly wiped her tears away and attempted to smile. "I am so sorry for what you've been going through."

"Thank you," I responded, turning my eyes down and mindlessly stared at the patterned hallway carpet. "I'm sorry I didn't come to you and dad sooner. I was just trying to protect you."

She sighed. "My darling, Vicky. You haven't changed. Always trying to do everything on your own. While I've always loved that about you, you need to know that it is also okay to ask for help. Especially when you are dealing with something as critical as your happiness." 

I nodded, returning my eyes to meet hers. "I know. I realize that now."

I shivered again as a sudden gust of cold air hit the back of my neck.

My mom saw my reaction. "Let's get you changed and go down to breakfast before we head to your appointment at the salon."

I shook my head a little too adamantly. "You can't come in right now. How about I meet you downstairs?"

My mother raised an eyebrow at me. "Is he in there?"

I nodded with a sheepish smile.

My mother's smile matched mine. "Well, I look forward to getting to know my soon to be son-in-law. But I guess it'll have to wait until after the wedding." She winked.

I blushed. I loved how supportive my mom and my dad were about all this. "I'd love that. Has dad figured out what he's going to do about Eric and his mom?"

"Oh, you know your father. He never tells me what he's got hidden up his sleeves. But I know that he isn't concerned in the slightest. Which means you have nothing to worry about either."

With that, my mother gave me another hug and left to head down to breakfast.

As I walked back in, Ryan startled me as he was literally only a few feet from the door. He was fully dressed, which made me pout a little. He gave a half chuckle at my reaction and quickly pulled me into a hug.

"Are you leaving?" I asked, with my head resting against his chest.

"I have to." His soothing voice vibrated against my ear, making me feel at ease. "After all, we have a wedding to get ready for."