Anthony's Return

Chapter 12

Authors note:

Hello beautiful readers. I'm so sorry about the wait. Life happened. I honestly had trouble writing this chapter because I had no idea about weddings. I began writing it, but then I took a break from writing. A lot happened since.

Just recently I found my passion to write so, hopefully I'll finish this story by the end of this year. Thank you so much for the patience and the love an support

~Lindsy

The feeling of something graze my forehead makes me stir. The sun hits my face lets me know that morning has arrived. I sigh and rub my eyes. Realization dawns on me. I quickly look over to my side finding the spot Nickless. My nerves jump around. An index card sits on his pillow. I reach over and grab it.

Good morning Miss. Parker. Last night was amazing, but I'm sorry to inform you that I have a fiancé that I happen to be marrying today. Duty calls. You are invited. I'm sure you can find something to wear maybe a white dress the one I am unable to find (: I love you

I smile. Such a cornball. I sit up holding the blanket up against my skin. I hear slight stirring from inside the house. I get up and grab my robe, tying it tightly around me. I head downstairs to the kitchen.

"My baby." My mom cries. Gia Eats at the table. "I can't believe it." She hugs me. "We have so much to do!"

"I know. Should I eat?" I ask. She shakes her head.

"I made you a smoothie." She says. "We have to leave in an hour to go to your hair appointment, then straight to the church for your make up." I roll my eyes. So much to do and so little time.

"Good morning! Why aren't you dressed?" Nicks mom cries.

"I just got up." I whine. "I'll be ready in time I promise."

"I'll bring gia to get manicures with me." Nicks mom says.

"Huh?" Gia's voice pipes in. "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!"

"Yes baby?" I ask walking over to her.

"Pick up?" She asks. I pick her up. She hugs me close.

Eventually I leave the house with my mom. We go to the salon to get my hair done. Mom bickers with my stylist about perfection. The stress is building up minute by minute. She is the real bride-zilla. We arrive at the church. My make up gets done and I get squeezed into my dress. Everything finally slows down.

I find myself staring into the mirror in my own little world. The mothers talk but it's not registering in my brain on what they are saying. Everything is mumbles do to my lack of attention. My eyes stare at the reflection, studying details of my dress, up to my flushed face. The dress looked a lot different now that my make up and hair were fixed. It was altered to fit perfectly. It's surprising that something can fit this perfect. I was iffy about the dress but I am glad my mom persuaded me into this over the ball gown wedding dress. Nick mentioned he liked dresses like this, and I tried it on with that comment in thought. It's like he knew. My hair shifts. My eyes meet my moms through the mirror. Tears burn her eyes as she gives me a weak smile. I scowl knowing my eyes were watering up, too.

"Mom please!" I say. "I don't want to cry!" She sniffles with a chuckle.

"You're just so beautiful." She happily sobs. She blots her under eyes with a tissue. Nick's mom comes on the other side of me. My stomach fills with nerves.

"He's going to loose it." She bets. "Deep under, he's a cry baby." I lightly laugh. "You look so beautiful." I give them both a wry smile. Looking over myself one last time, I sigh and turn to the door. Christy sends me the biggest smile, tears welling up. Gia picks her nose leaning back into Christy's arms. She pulls her finger out when our eyes meet.

"OOOOO!" She sounds. "Mommy!" I walk over and retrieve her. I plant kisses all over her face. She squeals. My mom takes her.

"Not with the dress on." She jokes. She wipes Gia's face with a wipe. There's a knock on the door. Christy opens it revealing my dad. He steps in but is taken aback.

"Wow, Gabriella." He gives, his voice cracking. I pout and hug him.

"Daddy stop!" I warn. He squeezes me.

"Are you sure you want to do this? We can take you home right now." He jokes.

"Marcus!" My mom growls. He releases me.

"You look beautiful, honey." He says. "What happened to my little girl?" I shrug and run my finger under my eye. I clear my throat. "I was sent because it's time."

"It's time?" I ask nervous. He nods. Everyone leaves but me and dad.

"How you doing?" He asks. I shrug speechless. "Nervous?"

"Very. Today flew by but it was stressful, and now I'm getting married." I say/ "It's a big step."

"It is, but you guys are meant for each other. Things will be okay. Perfect actually." He assures. "Life will only get better. It's you guys against the world." I grab his arm. He kisses my forehead. "Let's go sweetheart." We journey outside. Everyone stands and watches us. I try not to look at anyone's face. I'm nervous, excited, and I really don't want to cry yet. Dad guides me down the aisle slowly. I finally look up. Everyone smiles. This is a happy time. I look to find my soon to be ex fiancé. Nicks eyes hold mine. I get instant flutters in my heart. His eyes are glossed over, as if he were in a trance. I feel my eyes begin to betray me. "I love you honey."

"I love you dad." I say. Nick wonders down and grabs me from my dad.

"You be good to her." Dad warns.

"I promise, I will." Nick assures. We walk until we stand in front of the priest. "You look beautiful." I give him a smile.

The priest tells everyone to sit. As he talks I stare into Nicks eyes. This is it. My future with the love of my life. He squeezes my hand, his eyes dancing with excitement. I bite my lip trying not to let any tears escape. I didn't think I would ever be so mushy over this.

"The couple will now do their vows." Oh shit. I was first.

"Uhm, hi.' I say. He holds my hands tightly. "Nick, I don't know where to begin. You're the reason I want to wake up everyday. Besides leading a business together, You lead my life in the right direction, with Gia on your shoulders. My life only got better because of you. You're selfless, caring and very good at what you do. You treat me soo good. You're the best dad. I wish that I can see the last of my days with you by my side." I can't even think of what I wrote. I forgot most of it.

"Gabriella," Nick begins. "I love you. I've loved you ever since.. Well." He chuckles to himself and I know exactly where he was going. "You are so courageous and beautiful and so head strong. You're the reason why I am still going. I'm so scared to picture my future without you." My eyes well up. I quickly swipe the traitor tear. " There is no one else I'd want to be a partner with, to have my children with and grow a beautiful family?" He points at Gia. She looks tired and cranky. I giggle. "Gabriella, MY sweet Gabriella. I've never in a million years thought I'd be so in love with someone as I am with you. You make me a better man. You complete what was missing . You're my security blanket. You're my home. I cant believe I got so lucky to be able to call you my girlfriend and fiancé, but I think I like the label wife better. No one and nothing will ever change the way I think about you, Honey." I sniffle.

"Gabriella, do you take Nick to be your lawfully wedded husband?" The priest asks.

"I do." I say.

"Nick," The priest continues. He smiles. "Do you take Gabriella to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"Yes, I do." He says pulling me close to him.

"You may now kiss the bride." Nick pulls my head toward his and gives me the most passionate kiss ever. I melt into his arms. I hear clapping. His hand caresses my cheek before pulling away, Tears running down his cheeks. "Shall we Mrs. Hansen?" I nod smiling. He grabs my hand and we make our way bac down the aisle.