One Night in New York

Chapter Twenty-Six

What are the happiest times in a person's life? Was it a single moment or a series of them that led to the outcome that changed everything? What is true happiness? It's that feeling that washes over you when you realize life is good, making you smile and feel safe and fortunate to have what you have in your life. You are fully content with your existence because you know that everything will always work out. We're all looking for that elusive happiness. Some of us get it right away, while others struggle for years before they do. My little slice of heaven and bliss had been found, and my forever was about to begin.

The following two weeks flew by. Liam and I apologized several times after our heated argument. He joked with me that we should fight more often, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized he might be right.

The day before our wedding had finally arrived. I felt both excited and nervous at the same time. All of our invited family and friends flew in; none declined. We couldn't have been happier to celebrate with everyone as we would be starting our new life with the people we cared about the most. 

Because we had asked everyone not to come over to our house, our guests who flew in checked into hotel rooms. Yes, we had 125 guests, but we wanted to keep our home as clean as possible while the virus was still present.

I made an exception for my parents, who had only met Connie through FaceTime, because I wanted them to meet their granddaughter in person. My mother had also offered to look after Connie at the reception. That would give her the one-on-one time she craved while others fawned over Connie from afar.

My parents had checked into their room, dropped their bags, and jumped in a cab, driving straight over. My mother had no desire to settle in as soon as they arrived, preferring to spend as much time as possible with Connie. Both of them ignored me as they entered and went straight to my daughter. I couldn't help but laugh because I could tell a grandparent's love was unlike any other. I let them do their thing for an hour, then it was time for us to leave.

We decided to have our rehearsal dinner at our home, which would follow the rehearsal of the wedding at the museum. I was thrilled to see the setup for our venue, as well, since I had not seen the finished details up until then. I told the wedding planner I wanted the dedication for Liam's mother Connie set after we left. Liam was aware that something would be done, but I had planned the big reveal for the day of the wedding.

We made our way to the museum one by one. The stretch of Fifth Avenue known as the Museum Mile housed museum after museum. Our venue was the Museum of the City of New York. It was a historic structure with an ambiance that screamed "perfect wedding venue."

I stood at the bottom of the stairs, looking up as we approached, taking it all in. With its intricate brickwork and stone pillars that seemed to reach a mile high, the building stood as a monument in front of us, with steps already aligned with votive candles that would illuminate at night, up to the entrance.

When we walked in, I was taken aback by the location's sheer elegance. The venue's grandeur, size, and beauty were breathtaking. It grabbed you, making it seem like a fairy-tale, and it was, because it was mine. For the next few hours, we rehearsed the wedding. My other four sisters, as well as Alyssa and Angie, were all present. They'd all serve as my bridesmaids and maid of honor. Andrew served as best man, and my brother Nick and four of Liam's childhood friends served as groomsmen. They'd be the ones to stand beside us as we said our vows, all twelve of them.

The entire evening went off without a hitch. If that was any indication of how the next day would go, I knew everything would be fine. The wedding day jitters seemed to fade as we spent the evening at home, enjoying our dinner, family, and friends.

Liam and I decided to do all Italian food for the rehearsal dinner because Italy was our first big vacation together. We ordered bruschetta, Caprese salad, and chicken carbonara. Angie had made a delicate two-tiered cake with vanilla bean on one tier and chocolate on the other, frosted with sweet homemade buttercream. The cake was stunning, and she adorned the edges with white, orange, and yellow roses. It was simple but elegant, and that girl could do it all, leaving little Angie couldn't do. She was the best friend and best maid of honor anyone could ever ask for on their big day.

We laughed, dined, drank, and cried the rest of the evening, remembering Connie and the journey that had brought us to that point. As we discussed our future plans, it was a moment that would live on in my heart. Since most in attendance had firsthand knowledge, the guests gave Liam and me some friendly guidance and advice on marriage and what to expect as a married couple. I felt awkward talking about the subject with Thomas present at first, but he joined in, putting my mind at ease. I hadn't had us all in one place in the year Liam and I had been together, so spending that night with everyone who could be there meant a lot to both of us.

As the evening came to a close, our guests began to leave one by one. I was nervous at first but agreed to let my mother, Rhonda, and father, Nick, drive Connie to the hotel. As her car seat was fastened in the back, Liam insisted on Andrew driving them. While I was packing Connie's overnight bag, I couldn't help but think of my mother and how she handled a baby. Even though she had six children, I felt compelled to instruct her.

"Okay, so she may need to feed in the middle of the night. Simply changing her and giving her a bottle should put her back to sleep. She's up to five ounces now, but I've measured out bottles for you, so don't worry. Keep the bottles refrigerated to prevent the breast milk from spoiling. It only lasts about four hours at room temperature, so if you leave it out any longer and she gets hungry, get a new bottle. I've got six in here just in case. Give her the binky if she becomes fussy after being fed and changed. It usually puts her to sleep."

My mother stood there, staring at me as if I were insane, or perhaps I just made her head spin with all of that. "I know what I'm doing, Natalie. And, six bottles? Is that really necessary? It's 9:00 p.m., and we'll be back for hair and makeup by 8:00 a.m, " my mother laughed.

"What? Don't judge. This is the first full night I have been away from her. I'm a little nervous. I know you know what you're doing, mom, and I know she will be in great hands; just humor me, please," I laughed as I hugged her goodbye.

Angie decided to accompany me that evening, staying by my side when the hairdresser and makeup artist arrived. We'd have a full house in the morning as we decided to get ready at our house. I only had Angie stay with me because Liam had his entire crew spend the night at Andrews. We chose to follow tradition and not spend the night before our wedding together. I thought it was bad luck, so Liam agreed to spend that time apart from me.

Liam and I said our final goodbyes as a single couple after our last guests and baby left. We embraced for what seemed like an eternity. It was a warm and loving embrace as we realized we were about to have our forever. The next day would be the day I had imagined my entire life, and I imagined kissing him for the first time as his wife while he held me close. I was ready, and he was as well.