BELLA
Taylor looked down and smiled. “It is lovely. I decided to go with new designers for the inaugural balls.”
“Who designed that coat for the inauguration?” Donna questioned. “That coat was everything.”
“Oh, yeah. I love that coat. It was warm too. It was designed by the House of Giovanni. You remember, Tamara, Victoria Storm’s cousin?”
Donna squinted while trying to remember. “The one who used to be a stripper?”
Victoria nodded. “Yep, that’s her.”
“Damn, she is talented,” Bella complimented.
“And sexy too,” Donna added.
Bella rolled her eyes. “Donna, sometimes I think you like women more than you like men.”
“I do until he sticks his big dick in me.”
“Oh, my Lord,” Dr. Creed mumbled. She clutched a very real, very expensive-looking set of pearls donning her neck.
Donna’s eyes flew open. She didn’t realize Dr. Creed was so close. “Oh, shoot! My bad, Mama Creed. That was nasty. I’m sorry.”
“Not at all,” Dr. Creed assured. But the look on her face read horrified.
Lincoln walked by and smacked Donna’s ass a little hard for Bella’s taste. “Behave!” he warned. “You’re in the White House for God’s sake!”
A White House staffer walked up and offered a glass of champagne. Bella accepted it with a smile and sipped from the fancy crystal. “So, you’re on ball number three. You’ve gotta be exhausted.”
“I am,” Taylor admitted.
“What time is your next ball?” Donna asked.
“In an hour and a half.”
“Shit, I’d be taking a nap,” Bella admitted.
“Can’t. Got something very important to do.”
Bella chuckled. “What? Hang with us? What’s important about that?”
As if on cue, a staffer walked over with a garment bag and handed it to Bella. “What’s this?” she laughed. “You don’t like my dress?”
Taylor smiled. “I love your dress. It’s just… Well, let’s just say it’s not appropriate for the occasion.”
Bella looked down at her royal blue strapless formal gown. “You said we were going to one of the inaugural balls. I am well-fucking dressed.”
“Yes, you are, sweet thang!” Lucas chimed from across the room.
Bella pursed her lips. “Y’all heard that!”
Taylor laughed. “We did, but I want you to try this on.”
“Okay,” Bella muttered. “I guess I will.”
She unzipped the garment bag and pulled out a dress that was eerily similar to her wedding dress. When she held the dress back, she realized that it actually was her wedding dress. “What is this?”
“It’s your wedding dress,” Donna responded stating the obvious.
Bella cut her eyes at her sister. “I can see that. Why is it here?”
“Because you’re getting married here.” The voice wasn’t familiar.
Bella turned and smiled at the curvy woman with long, black hair. She had a glass of champagne and a tape measure thrown over her shoulder.
“And, you are?” she asked.
The woman raised her glass. “Why, darling, I am Annabella Caracciolo.”
Bella looked down at the dress then back to the woman standing in front of her. “You mean the same Annabella Caracciolo that designed this dress?”
“Si, Bella, it's my design. Now, let’s get you changed.”
“Wait…” Bella looked around the room for answers. “What’s happening?”
Lucas walked over and grabbed her free hand. He lifted it to his lips and gently kissed her fingers. “We’re getting married.”
Bella looked at her fiancé like he was the confused one. “Yes, I know.”
Lucas smiled. With a small chuckle, he said, “No, baby. We’re getting married today in the Oval Office.”
Bella could feel the tightness of her wrinkling brow. “Married in the Oval?”
“Yes,” Lucas confirmed.
“Today?”
“Yes, love, today.”
Bella shook her head. “No,” she scoffed. “Your mother has been planning this wedding for months.”
“This is not about meeee,” Dr. Creed sang.
Bella gaped at her future mother-in-law. “Excuse me? This whole wedding has been about you.”
Dr. Creed smiled. “Exactly. That is why this very famous, very busy designer is here to make sure that this stunning dress fits you like a glove.”
“No!” Bella shook her head and handed the dress to Taylor. “I can’t get married without my family and my friends.”
Lucas stepped forward. “No, you can’t.”
“Oh, family!” Taylor called.
Before she could respond, a staff member opened the door. To Bella’s complete surprise, her mom and dad walked in. Behind them was Niyah, Maria Mendez, Victoria Storm, and to her utter delight, Dean. Whoever had invited Victoria was just cruel.
Before Bella knew it, she’d ran and jumped into the arms of her ex-husband. “I have missed you so much!”
“I’ve missed you too, baby girl,” he let off in a deep rumble.
“Um… hello?” her mother interjected. “We’re here too.”
Bella laughed. “I’m sorry, Mom and dad. It’s just that I haven’t seen Dean in forever.”
“Yeah, neither have we,” her mother responded.
Bella moved to hug her parents. Then she made her rounds throughout the room, giving Victoria a head nod when it was her turn.
Victor walked over. “Hey, sis. We don’t have that much time. What do you say, we get you dressed and to the Oval so we can get you married?”
Truth be told, Bella was okay with the idea as soon as she saw the dress. A big Creed wedding was Dr. Creed’s idea. Bella would have been content with city hall. “Okay. I’m in.”
A light cheer filled the room. When it died down, Senator Creed raised a glass. “To Victor. Congratulations, Mr. President.”
Everyone raised a glass. “Congratulations, Mr. President,” all repeated.
“Thank you.” Victor sipped from his glass and raised it in the air. “To Lucas and Bella. Congratulations. May you find bliss even in the hard times.”
“Here! Here!”
Bella stood on her toes and grinned up at Lucas. “Let’s get married in the Oval Office.”
Lucas pinched her chin and kissed her lips. “Let’s do it.”