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“I am making raspberry and banana cream pie. An order for Leo’s Christmas party at his office. I promised him I would not overdo it, so I hired two more staff and – taste this,” She handed him a delicate pastry.
“I think I just died and went to heaven. This is amazing.”
“Something new, I am trying.”
“You succeeded. What is the chance of me getting a box of it?”
She looked over at him and laughed. The renovations were finally finished, and the men were out of her hair. She was trying to get everything in place before the wedding.
“Which reminds me, we are getting married. In a church this time and with me wearing a champagne-colored gown. Christmas Day, so whatever plans you have, cancel them. I want you to be my man of honor.”
He hurried to keep up with her as she went to box some things and handed them to the hovering staff member.
“That’s a week away.”
“I know. We want to get it done, so that we can go away for two weeks.” She grinned at him over her shoulder as she moved to the oven.
“Darling, such short notice. Who will you be inviting?”
“My aunt, Ingrid and Ben, Leo’s mom, and that’s it. Just an intimate ceremony.”
“How are you going to explain the second ceremony?”
“Leo is telling his mom the truth and I already confessed to Aunt Gloria.”
“You did? How did she take it?”
“Surprisingly well. She is so happy about the pregnancy, and she loves Leo. Told me that I finally landed myself a good man and it does not hurt that he is also loaded.”
“Where are you going for the honeymoon?”
“Some undisclosed location where there are no cell services. Now shoo. I have a million things to do, and I am meeting with Monique to discuss my wedding dress.”
“Darling, I am so happy for you.”
She stopped and took a breath. “I love him, Michael.” She pressed her hand to her stomach. Pulling him aside, she told him that Leo had loved her for the past two years. “Even when I was with Greg.”
“I suspected as much,” he mused.
“I still cannot believe it and I have no idea what to do with that kind of information.”
“Treasure it and him, darling. And you deserve to be happy.”
*****
Their wedding day dawned cold and crisp, the sun barely flickering through the puffy white clouds.
But to the couple, it was the most beautiful day ever and simply perfect. The chapel was tiny and lavishly decorated by members of her aunt’s women’s group. Whatever Leo had told his mother had obviously worked and the woman had flown over for the ceremony.
“You have made my son a very happy man and are carrying my first grandchild, something I have been looking forward to for years.” Celeste told her in an emotional voice. “For that, I am eternally grateful.” She had surprised Sherrian, by hugging her tightly. “I had my doubts about you at first, but no longer.”
The ceremony was completely different from the one they had before, but that was to be expected. The marriage before had been a fake, something cooked up to get her what she wanted.
This time, she was marrying the man she loved, and it felt as if she was walking on air. She had insisted on doing it right and spent the night at her aunt’s place, which was in the process of being sold. Aunt Gloria had accepted the offer of taking over Sherrian’s house, since she would not be needing it anymore.
Their vows were repeated and before long, they were husband and wife.
The reception was being held at the townhouse, with caterers hired to take care of the meals. Sherrian had spent three days preparing her wedding cake and as she had told Leo, it was spectacular.