24. Epilogue
“What do you think of these colors?” I asked, holding up the dresses I’d picked out.
“Hmm. The green isn’t bad, but fuchsia always looks good on you,” Mrs. Bradley opined.
“Mom?” Daisy shuffled in, her face overtaxed with worry.
“What is it this time, Daisy Benedicta Bradley?” Mrs. Bradley frowned.
“I can’t find my purse, and I’m running late for my shoot,” she cried.
“Can you remember where you placed it earlier?”
“No,” Daisy rolled her eyes. “That’s why I’m asking you!”
“Daisy, I think you might have dropped it in the bathroom,” I intervened.
“In the bathroom?” She grimaced.
“Sure, go check there.”
“I found it. Thank you, Clara. My ride is here. See you both later,” she said.
“Have you and Jacob decided on a resort?” Mrs. Bradley asked.
“No,” I said, joining her on the sofa.
“Why don’t you look online?” she suggested.
“I’ve thought about that, but I want Jacob and me to choose together.”
“Hasn’t he been busy these days? He doesn’t even seem like a man about to get married.”
It was true. Work had been taking up most of Jacob’s time. For days now, I’d only received swift kisses and brief hugs, and to be honest, I wasn’t content.
“You know what, let’s have dinner together tonight,” Mrs. Bradley suggested.
I arched my brows.
“I know my son,” she smiled.
“Okay,” I said reluctantly.
A spirit of merriment hung over the dining table, beneath the exquisite chandelier that graced us with its glow. The playful energy in the room was infectious, with everyone enjoying their food and sharing jokes. Even Mr. Bradley, who rarely spoke, chuckled once or twice at my jokes.
“So, Clara was telling me you haven’t decided on where to go for your honeymoon,” Mrs. Bradley began.
“Yeah, we will do that soon. Right?” Jacob turned to me, seeking my agreement.
“Yes,” I nodded.
“Don’t you think you’re too busy with work for a man whose wedding is in a week?” His mom queried.
“Mom, you know I can’t exactly abandon the ongoing projects at the company.”
“Yes, but I’m giving you friendly advice, my dear son; your wedding is as important as the projects. Your father agrees with me.” She stressed the last sentence.
Mr. Bradley looked up from his dish. Perhaps the expectation on everyone’s faces made him nervous. He cleared his throat and let out a gruff, “Yes.”
Mrs. Bradley gave a superior shrug.
I quietly continued eating.
“Excuse me,” Jacob said suddenly, leaving the table.
Frustration crept in, but the sweet melody that played outside distracted my thoughts.
“What’s that?” Mrs. Bradley asked.
“Sounds like an orchestra,” Mr. Bradley replied.
“Liezel, please check what’s going on outside!” she called from her seat.
“Yes, ma’am,” the young woman dashed outside and returned a minute later.
“Some musicians are performing outside, ma’am,” she reported.
We all rushed outside.
The moment was electric, and the beauty of the performance enraptured me.
When Jacob walked through the orchestra with a bouquet in his hands, I was spellbound. The tension in the air was palpable, and I wanted to capture the moment forever.
He stopped in front of me, a wicked smile on his face. “I know I’ve been so caught up with work and haven’t had time for you,” he admitted. “I’m using this moment to apologize and relieve you of every worry or doubt. I love you. You mean everything to me.”
My hands quivered as a rush of intense emotions swirled through me. “Thank you,” I said, my throat tight with emotion. “And I love you too.” Tears pricked my eyes, but I held them back because his parents were watching. I couldn’t resist falling into his arms as he handed me the bouquet.
At that moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world, suspended by our love. “You are so sweet,” I said, stroking his hair.
“And you are the sweetest,” he replied, his fingertips tracing the contours of my face. “I’ve cleared my calendar for the next six weeks. From now until the wedding, you’ll have my undivided attention, and our honeymoon will last for a month.”
How impossible he could be! I was so glad he’d officially be mine in just a week. As the orchestra played on, the night felt like a fairytale, and our happily ever after was just beginning.