The Heart Series: Complete Boxed Set (86 page)

He had thought of everything. “Yes.” I nodded as a tear fell down my cheek.

“Then you’ve already made me the happiest man alive.” He swept me up in his arms and I kissed him hard, staying like that for several moments until we were rudely interrupted.

“Err Iz, I hate to break this up, but I have a schedule to keep and that isn’t going to work if the bride-to-be won’t stop kissing the groom.”

I chuckled into Joel’s mouth and kissed him once more before being led away by an overzealous Elijah.

“Oh my god, Iz, can you believe it’s your big day?” Elijah shrieked, leading me into the bedroom where everything was laid out on the bed. “Now first I need to do your hair, then makeup and then help you into your dress.” He clapped his hands looking overly excited. “Now off into the shower and then we can proceed.” He all but shoved me into the bathroom as I stood there stunned by the whole thing.

After being half blasted with the hair dryer, he then curled my hair into loose waves before fastening in a very simple yet elegant tiara. It wasn’t something I would have considered, but now that it was sat perched on my head, I couldn’t help but admire it.

“Now makeup.”

“Keep it simple, Elijah,” I warned.

“Sweetie, I know how to do wedding chic. You are a natural beauty so I will keep it light. Trust me, I’m good at this.” He winked.

After fixing on the fake lashes that helped to give my eyes that little more oomph, he held up the dress that was currently hidden under a cover.

“Are you ready for the big unveiling?” he squealed.

I nodded, I was too nervous to speak.

He unzipped the bag tantalizingly slow as my eyes began to take in the elegant and graceful gown in front of me. It was a simple white strapless dress, but the bodice was intricately decorated with tiny jeweled stone and beading. It was very graceful yet understated and very me.

“Do you like it?” he asked hesitantly.

“It’s beautiful. You chose the perfect dress.” I sighed.

“Oh thank god.” He blew out. “Even I had my doubts about being in charge of your dress, but after trawling through every boutique there was, my eyes rested on this and I knew that it was perfect for you.”

“It is, thank you.” My eyes filled up as his widened.

“No crying or else you’ll ruin your makeup,” He scolded, giving me a wink.

“It’s just I can’t believe this is the big day. I’m in complete shock.”

“I knew I had to step in and arrange it all, you are a born procrastinator. So I wanted to handle all the arrangements leaving you with just the marriage part. But if you need me to step in for that part too.”

“Elijah.”

He grinned. “I’m joking, you know how completely in love I am with Sam. Now come on, let’s get this dress on, then shoes and then we’ll take some photos. I’ve hired a local photographer for the day, to give you the most amazing pictures to look back on.”

Wow.

“You’ve seriously went all out, haven’t you?” I asked surprised.

“Well I have to give my friend the perfect day, you completely deserve it.”

And he had. It was perfect.

“Thank you for just being amazing, for being you, for doing all this.” Tears filled my eyes at just how selfless he’d been planning it all.

“Now shush, don’t make me cry. I don’t want to look all blotchy in the photographs.”

I chuckled as I removed the dressing gown leaving me standing wearing the lingerie Elijah had handed to me earlier. It was a white satin corset trimmed with peach satin ribbon with knickers to match.

I stepped into the dress as he lifted it slowly working its way up, it fit me like a glove, then he slowly fastened the back cinching me into the dress.

“Oh the underwear gives you a fabulous shape. You look so beautiful, Iz. Oh god, I think I’m going to cry. My best friend is finally getting married.” He fanned his hands in his face as he tried like crazy not to.

“Don’t, if you cry then I cry,” I warned, on the verge of tears myself.

“You can’t cry,” he shrieked looking horrified.

“Then don’t you cry.”

“Here, let’s add the final pieces.” He held up a garter as I giggled, lifting my leg so he could place it on. I knew Joel would enjoy peeling it off later.

“So you know I love you in heels? Well, I knew the sand would play havoc with your balance so I had to come up with an alternative, so I got you these.” He held up a pair of jewel-encrusted sandals. They were perfect. I was grateful I wouldn’t have to worry about the added pressure of breaking my neck before taking my vows.

He stood back and smiled. “All I need to do now is top up your lip-gloss and then we can let your mother and Kara in to see you.” He added my gloss and I spun around checking myself in the mirror at all angles. I could barely recognize the vision before me.

“You look beautiful. I couldn’t have done better if I’d tried,” he remarked, his voice breaking slightly.

I grabbed both of his hands. “You did amazing, a girl seriously could not ask for a better friend than you.”

“I don’t like to brag, but you’re probably right.” He winked and I giggled.

“Funny.”

“Are you ready for your mother?”

I took a deep breath to compose myself for her reaction then nodded, signaling for him to send her in.

“Oh Izzy.” She descended into tears, walking towards me.

“You look beautiful, Iz,” Kara concluded, dabbing her eyes.

“Thank you.” I could barely get the words out.

“I always knew you would make a beautiful bride, but you standing there makes me so proud.” She grabbed both of my hands and lightly kissed my cheek.

“I just wish Dad could’ve been here. I never imagined walking down the aisle without him but with short notice it was never going to be something that was achievable.” That was the only part of today that I’d be sad about, not having him here to give me away.

“That’s where you’re wrong, baby girl.”

“No—” I shrieked in surprise.

“Yes.” He walked in smiling, his eyes glistening with tears as he headed

toward me, gently embracing me. “You didn’t think I’d seriously miss my baby girl’s big day did you?” He gave me a look that had me filling up.

“I hoped but I never thought for one moment you would be here today.” It was probably more of a surprise than Joel unveiling the wedding. The whole thing just left me stunned.

He grabbed my hands and kissed them. “Izzy, you look like an angel. My sweet little bookworm is now all grown up and ready to marry. I might need to sit down.”

“Dad.” I batted his chest. “Have you seen Joel?”

He smiled. “Yeah, he looked like he’d won a million dollars. You two are perfect together.”

I nodded, feeling the tears again. Elijah was on hand with a tissue to swipe away before handing me my beautiful white rose bouquet. My dad held his arm out for me to thread through his own, and we made our way down to the beach. I couldn’t believe that within a few minutes we would be legally wed.

The moment my foot hit the sand, I smiled. It was the perfect place to be to say I do, just Joel and a few close family and friends was all I needed to make my day complete.

When the violinist struck up the wedding march, I stared in disbelief. Elijah grinned, he had literally thought of everything. My eyes fell on Joel, he stood there along with Mike and Ruby by his side. She was wearing a large corsage around her neck, standing there proud as punch. Joel’s eyes held mine all the way, the smile never leaving his face as he took in the sight of me. I could see his eyes fill with emotion.

My lip started to quiver, but I was determined not to cry, though it couldn’t be said the same about my dad.

My dad kissed my cheek and sighed. “I’m only letting you go because I know that Joel is so worthy.  Welcome to the family, son.” My dad shook his hand and Joel smiled biting back the emotion. I didn’t think he was ready to speak just yet.

The officiant stepped forward and smiled. “What a beautiful day to get married, shall we?”

We both nodded and laughed, linking hands. My concentration was solely on Joel as we slowly made our way through the service. When it came to the vows part, my eyes widened, I had nothing prepared. Joel smiled, pulling me in a little closer.

“Iz, from the moment you came into my world I knew things were about to change. You went from being the sweet little bookworm I loved to tease to the love of my life. Our road to happiness has been a rocky one but you never faltered and never let go, that’s why I know you are destined to be by my side forever. There will never be a moment that will pass when I don’t thank my lucky stars. I picked you up from the ground that day, now it will be my hand in yours forever, till we take our final breath.”

I was speechless, and looking around at everyone, there was not a dry eye in sight.

“I want to say something, it’s not prepared, but it’s equally from the heart. From the moment I saw you, you bewitched me. I knew then I had fallen. My world had changed, that my heart would never love another. People might say it’s impossible, but I believe in true love. I believe in soul mates and I found that in you. There will never be anyone else. My heart can’t physically love another. So I am bound to you, to love you for the rest of our days, and right now, that doesn’t seem long enough. Every day will always be a blessing with you by my side.”

“Oh sweet lord, you are killing us here,” Elijah sobbed and I turned to find all the ladies dabbing their eyes. Sam was soothing Elijah as he grinned, sending a wink my way.

“Well now then, I think it’s time for the rings.”

I lost myself the moment I looked in Joel’s eyes reciting back the vows that would seal us as husband and wife from this moment on. I stumbled a little over my words, the nerves taking over. Joel followed after. I could tell he was more than eager to get to the final part.

“Now you may kiss the bride.”

“The part I’ve been waiting for.” Joel grinned.

“Me too.”

His lips found mine and I sighed sinking into the kiss. It was slow and perfect as we lost ourselves in the moment before everyone clapped breaking the spell bringing us back to the present.

“Now now, you two, you have tonight for all that.” Elijah chuckled. “We now have photographs to take. Now chop chop, everyone, get in an orderly queue. Bride and groom first.” Oh he was now in military mode.

We were mid-kiss when we were yanked away, positioned in various poses as everyone oohed and ahhed over us. My mum and dad joined us, followed by Mike and Kara then Elijah and Sam.

“Hey Izzy, it’s good to see you under better circumstances. You look beautiful. Joel is a very lucky man.” Robert smiled, kissing my cheek.

Joel shook his hand before Robert pulled him into a hug. “I’m so glad you made it. I didn’t know whether you would get the time off work at such short notice.”

“I’ll always make time for my favourite nephew,” he replied, patting his back.

A smile tugged on Joel’s lips. “I’m your only nephew.”

“Well then, aren’t you the lucky one? Now come on, I want a nice pic of us all for my mantle.” He winked.

“I don’t think that will go down well.” Joel frowned. The mention of his dad bringing the mood down.

“He can either like it or lump. It’s my house and you are my family. I want a picture to mark the occasion.”

That’s what I had always admired about his uncle—that he stuck to his principles regardless of if it brought him any trouble.

“Pity he doesn’t have the same values as you,” I added bitterly.

“How is he doing?” Joel asked, looking concerned.

“He’s fine. He’s off the drink, working hard. He’s even started dating.”

“Lucky woman,” I scoffed.

“Izzy, don’t,” Joel warned.

“Look, I don’t want to spoil your wedding. Let’s take this picture and then enjoy the rest of our day.”

“Please, baby,” Joel pleaded.

“Fine.” We lined up together, huge smiles despite the little spat moments before. This was our big day, and I wasn’t about to let John ruin it for us.

Joel’s grandparents were next, looking proud as punch as they stood beside us both. “You look so handsome, Joel. Reminds me of myself in the earlier days. You know you get your looks from me. I turned heads back in my day. Joan will tell you.” Bill grinned, taking great delight in winding up Joan.

“Oh shush, Bill, you can’t take him anywhere. Oh Iz, darling, you look beautiful, so elegant. You truly are breathtaking.” Joan’s eyes filled up with tears, to which she quickly dabbed away.

“Thank you.” I kissed both their cheeks, blushing slightly as they continued to pay compliments. We smiled throughout as Bill did his little routine, laughing at his jokes. I could see so much of Joel in him. I was so happy that they got to be a part of such a special occasion after missing out on so much of his life.

Kara and Micha joined us next squealing before encircling us both in a hug. Several photos later, we waved Josh and Luke over. They were slightly reluctant being typical guys, but we wanted pictures of everyone to look back on. 

Ten minutes later we were done. Elijah checked over the photos before giving his approval. After smiling for a solid hour, I was ready to relax and eat my body weight in wedding cake.

“Are you ready to let me escort you to the reception, Mrs Sinclair,” Joel asked, his eyes filled with emotion. I knew finally taking his surname meant the world to him.

“Wow, that will take some getting used to.”