Chapter Seventy-Eight
Gigi
T he girls and I are getting ready in the suite Marcus and I are sharing, while the guys are over in Linc and Melonie’s room. Marcus mentioned that we have bride and groom quarters reserved in the wedding facilities at the resort, but we decided to stick to our rooms to avoid lugging bags and outfits across the property. We’ve finished a bottle of champagne as our hair and makeup were finished, and now we’re getting dressed.
I’m getting married today.
And it’s not really fake anymore.
I thought I had known love in the past, but saying and receiving those three little words with Marcus made me realize what I felt before wasn’t even close. With him, it’s undeniable, it’s reciprocated, it’s genuine. The way he makes me feel cared for, safe and accepted, is everything I’ve been looking for.
And he was right in front of me for the past two years.
But maybe that’s why it’s so easy with him. We’ve been through the ups and downs in life already. He never ran when I got emotional or needed someone to listen. He accepted my crazy side, along with my quiet side. And I’ve done the same for him. We built a solid foundation without even trying.
Audrey pulls my garment bag from the closet. “Dress time!”
Knowing I had a traditional, appropriate wedding dress for our Boston wedding, I decided to stay Gigi-authentic for our elopement. As Audrey unzips the bag, she gasps.
Melonie’s eyes shoot to the bag. “Is that a blood-red dress?”
I smile. “Yes it is.”
Audrey removes the dress, taking in the sleeveless bodice and the flowy, chiffon finish at the bottom. “It’s gorgeous, and it’s so you.”
I step into the dress. I’m not wearing a bra, but I kept underwear on for Audrey and Melonie’s sake. And I’m contemplating not complying with Marcus’ rule to see if I can get a rise out of him later.
Audrey zips up the back, and I adjust my tits, making sure my cleavage is just right. “Audrey, there should be a ribbon in the bag with my hair stuff. Can you grab it for me?”
Audrey digs in my bag, finally retrieving the matching piece of dark red satin. I take it from her and tie it around one of the bobby pins that are holding some of my curls back from my face.
“Marcus is getting all his favorites tonight. Well, almost all of them. I can’t wear thigh highs on a beach.”
Melonie laughs. “You two are perfect for each other.”
Audrey looks between Melonie and me. “Can I tell you guys something crazy?” We both nod. “When I met Linc and Marcus in Jamaica, I thought Melonie would be best for Marcus and Linc for you, Gigi.”
I laugh so hard, I feel tears threatening my eyeliner. “Linc would not have survived a day with me.”
Melonie cackles as she sits on the bed. “Audrey, that’s nuts.”
“I know, but look at how it all worked out. We found our persons.”
I dab my eyes with my tissue. “I sort of have a confession.”
Melonie grabs a tissue. “Spill.”
“This might not be a fake wedding anymore.”
I cover my ears as both of the women squeal. “Tell us what happened!” Audrey grabs my hand.
“We said I love you last night.”
“Oh my God, Gigi. This makes me so happy.” Melonie sniffles.
“He said it first. I cried and said it back, and then he railed me into the bed.”
Melonie glances down at the mattress she’s sitting on and slowly rises to her feet.
“Not on that bed,” I assure her.
She flops back down. “Thank God.”
“So, this is real? No more expiration date?”
“We’re going to give ourselves the room to figure things out, but no more scheduled expiration date.”
Both of the women wrap their arms around me. “I’m so happy for you, Gigi. That man loves you. I hope you know that deep down inside,” Audrey assures me.
“I know. And I love him, too. I feel so lucky right now.”
Melonie glances at the clock on the nightstand. “We need to get moving, ladies.”
Audrey loops her arm through mine. “Let’s go get you married.”
The girls give me one last hug before the music starts, and they walk through the doors to join our men where they stand at the front of the room. The attendant motions for me to start walking once the music changes, and I smile, placing one foot in front of the other.
I walk through the door and see my best friends across the room from me. Jax has a goofy smile on his face. Linc, Melonie, and Audrey are all wiping their eyes. And then there’s my prince. He looks like heaven in a dark gray suit, black shirt, and dark red tie. I gave it to him once I found my dress and told him to wear it.
I feel the weight of this ritual as I step toward him. It’s almost a beautiful burden, though. I want him in my life. I want to commit fully to him, and I know he feels the same way. I don’t feel nervous or worried. I feel calm and loved. I focus on him. His eyes are soft, and he has a smile just for me on his face. As I approach, he moves to the center, in front of the officiant. I hand my bouquet to Melonie and face him. He reaches for my hands and mouths, “Ready?”
I raise his hand to my lips, and I nod.