Page 31

Katie

“It's my wedding day!”

Shouting at the top of my lungs, I wake up my mum in her bed. “Come on, get up, get up.”

I’m like a child at Christmas. Next, I go to my dad's room. Leo has rented a villa overlooking the beach where we are getting married. Well, he’s actually rented two.

One next door as well. I insisted on not seeing him the night before the wedding; it's tradition, I told him. He wasn’t fond of the idea but agreed if he could be just next door, which he is.

He has rung me three times this morning already, and that’s only since I woke up, not counting the numerous times in the early hours of the morning.

I’m sure he thinks I’m going to change my mind.

The doorbell chimes, but before I can open it, in comes Leo’s mum, Maria, followed by Alga.

“Ahh, good you're up. Alga is going to make us a nutritious breakfast. We don’t want you passing out at the altar, and I am here to ensure we stick to schedule.”

“Wow, Maria, you look beautiful.”

“I thought the bride was the only one who wore white on a wedding day?” my mum chirps up behind her. She’s a jealous cow; if only she knew what that remark could earn her. Luckily for my mum, her daughter is marrying into the family.

“Shut up, Mum; I don’t mind what anyone wears.”

“I hardly think anyone could upstage this bride. Plus, it isn’t white; it's cream.” Maria goes into the kitchen to check on Alga.

“Behave, Mum, just for one day; think about me.”

She twitters to herself while I usher her into the bathroom and shut the door.

The balcony doors are open, and I can hear voices, so I go and investigate.

There are people down on the beach, setting up for the wedding.

Already, it looks spectacular. Chairs and white carpets are being laid out on the pale, twinkling sand.

The gentle waves add the most beautiful backing sound.

Excitement fills me. I look to my left and see Leo watching me from the balcony next door; he gives me a wink.

Feeling like the luckiest girl alive, I run back in to hide.

“I’m going for a walk,” my dad announces, gesturing to the group of women who have arrived while I’ve been outside.

The hair and makeup artists have taken over the living area.

Maria is giving them their instructions.

Once I have eaten Alga's delicious breakfast, my body is not my own as I’m brushed, stroked, pinned, and curled.

It's nice being in the pampering seat for a change. I’ve done many brides' hair for weddings, but none for a wedding as spectacular as mine is going to be, I’m sure.

When it's time to put on my dress, my mum helps me into it. It's backless, white, and sparkles with my every movement.

“You look like a princess, sweetheart.”

“Thanks, Mum.”

It's even more perfect than I remember. All I need now is my husband.

“Knock, knock. It's time to go, ladies.”

I turn to my dad, who stands proudly at the door, looking very handsome in his fitted suit.

“You’re an angel,” he whispers, holding back his tears as he walks me down to the beach.

The guests are all in their places, and the music starts to play. As we make our way to the aisle, my dad stops me.

“You know, Katie, I’m not sure Leo’s only business is making wine.”

“How do you mean? ”

“Well, I heard some people talking earlier, and you know, he does seem to have a lot of money. I’m not sure how much the wine industry makes in this day and age, but it all seems a bit extreme.”

“It’s okay, Dad. I know exactly who Leo is. I trust him with my life. He makes me so happy.”

“Yes, I can see that. Well, I’m not sure I trust him fully yet, but I trust you. Whatever makes you happy, sweetheart.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

We make our way down the aisle. There are hundreds of people here, most of whom I have never seen before.

It’s the way it has to be, though, and I’m fine with that as long as I have my Leo waiting for me at the end.

I’ve only my parents here. The wedding was short notice, but other than Bella and Damien, who had holiday plans, everyone I want here is here.

Even Emmaline and Alfie are sitting in the row with my mum.

Leo looks incredibly handsome in his suit, and I can tell he approves of my dress by the way his face lights up when he sees me.

In that instant when our eyes meet, it's like everyone around us disappears.

We say our vows to each other as heartfelt promises.

Meaning every word, we are content in our own little bubble.

Once the ceremony is over, we are seated to the right of the guests to sign the register with our witnesses, Marco and Leo’s mum. The instant I put down my pen, an almighty BOOM knocks me off my seat.