“Follow me, I want to show you the gazebo we have set up for your ceremony, the bridge for pictures and then the final reception hall. I’m sure the weather is going to be absolutely perfect that day so taking outside pictures will turn outbeautifully.”
Jackson and I walk hand in hand, my heart racing as we come to the gazebo with ivy wrapped around the railings and little red bows woven throughout. I hate ivy. And adding in the bows makes it looks tacky and cliche. But I see how excited Stephan is to present the area to us, so I won’t burst his bubble. I mean, what did I expect when I booked a Christmas wedding. It’s just ivy, I’ll get over it, right?
“Last minute touches are being worked on this week and the lights are being strung for a final test drive.”
“I’d like to take you for a test drive, right over this railing.” Jackson whispers into my hair, his hand sliding down to grab my ass.
I roll my eyes as Stephan claps his hands together excitedly. “Now, follow me over here! Look at this beautiful fountain and the bridge over the pond.” I’m looking at the old fountain with paint chips and rust stains. The bridge doesn’t look too sturdy either. Last thing I need is to fall into the water on our big day. This is not what I was picturing.
“All our brides and grooms take pictures here, alone. It’s a special time for just the two of you and your photographer of course,” he laughs at his own little joke, “to whisper sweet words to each other, while your guests wait to catch the first glimpse of the new husband and wife!”
Jackson leans down and whispers in my ear, his hot breath lighting me up. “Should I let him know my future wife doesn’t want sweet words, only filthy ones?”
I elbow him, I can feel my blood racing turning my blush a deep red and smile at Stephan as he eyes us. “This is beautiful, yes and a great time to recoup before the party.” I side eye Jackson as we move along to inside the hall.
Jackson smacks my ass. “Lighten up, babe, this is fun.”
My heart starts racing again.Lighten up. It’s only the most important day of our lives and he’s making jokes. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he is resorting back to typical Jackson, never serious about anything, joking his way through life. He’salways lighthearted but I feel like this is the ‘show version’ of Jackson he used to give the press.
We approach the main hall entrance and Stephan makes a big show about opening both doors at once, presenting the elegant room to us.
My breath catches. It is simply beautiful. This room is everything I’ve ever dreamed of, enough so, that I can almost put the other stuff out of my mind because this place. Is. Everything. A huge chandelier is the focal point, hanging low and with gems and a thousand lights, all twinkling and cascading down. The floor is black marble with diamond etches that sparkle and seem to make the floor wave as they reflect the lights.
“As you can see the tables are not out yet, but they will form a horseshoe around the room, with your table in the front. You wanted one long table with your wedding party alongside you, correct?”
“Yes, they were an integral part of us getting together and staying together so we’d like them by our side, just like they’ve always been.”
I squeeze Jacksons hand in thanks as I am still too stunned to get the words out.
Stephan and Jackson wander off and I hear them talking about the DJ and where the cake will be set up. I slip out my phone and FaceTime Britt, our call connecting instantly.
“Hey! What—Oh my God, what’s wrong?”
I have tears in my eyes, so I understand why she thinks something is wrong right off the bat.
Shaking my head to say nothing, I croak out, “It’s gorgeous!”
“Oh, thank fuck, I was worried something was wrong!”
I snort at her choice of words. “Well, there are things that are definitely not to my liking, but this room makes up for it.” I flip the camera on my phone around and give her apanoramic view.
I hear her gasp. “Chess! Eek! I am so excited! It’s perfect!”
I flip her back around so she can see me. “It is, isn’t it? I’m in love. This is just what I pictured, and I am so happy they had a date available.”
“I’m so glad.” She pauses. “But I hope you’re in love with my brother as much as you’re in love with the hall. In fact, you better love my brother more.” She raises a brow.
“Like you have to ask.”
“I don’t know,” she sing-songs. I flip her off, she laughs and continues. “And everything is running smoothly and on time, right? I know you said the owner was fine with having his staff sign the NDA’s.”
“Yes, so far so good. I mean, we’re not A-listers but I’d like something for just us, you know? I have enough pressure without reading about what everyone thinks I should be doing.”
She nods along with me. “Understandable and you’re not being a bridezilla for wanting that.”
“Who said anything about being a bridezilla?” I raise my brow.
She makes a motion like she’s zipping her lips and locking them.
