Chapter 71
Rosie
I wake up with a smile on my lips, aware that today is the big day: Dad's wedding to Maria.
I've always loved weddings.
I’ve never had a large family or many friends, so I haven’t attended many weddings in my life. The only time I went to one, I was a child and accompanied my father to a colleague’s wedding. At that time, my father was still living in America with me. This upcoming wedding will be Italian-style, and I’m beyond excited about the idea.
Obviously, the fact that it's my father's wedding makes it even more special. I'm truly happy to know that he has finally found peace. I saw him sad, defeated, and apathetic for far too long after my mother's death. Moreover... if I now have a large family, many friends, and have found the love of my life, it's because of him.
I get out of bed, feeling excitement grow inside me. Through the window, I see the ranch's meadow transformed into a floral paradise. Sunflowers, Maria's favorites, tower everywhere, their yellow corollas seeming to capture and reflect the sunlight. Among them, patches of lavender and wild daisies create a colorful carpet that stretches as far as the eye can see.
After giving a quick kiss to Alex, still half-asleep, I head towards the main house. It took me an eternity to free myself from his strong, heavy embrace.
And... have you ever seen Alex when he's half-awake?
He holds me tight, it's like talking to someone drunk, and the more I try to move, the more he curls up even closer.
I adore him.
I love him.
The fresh morning air caresses my face, bringing with it the sweet scent of flowers and the more pungent aroma of freshly cut grass.
Entering the house, I'm welcomed by a jubilation of laughter and excited chatter. Val, Lexy, and Aurora are already at work, surrounded by an organized chaos of clothes, accessories, and beauty products.
"Here she is, finally!" exclaims Val, running to meet me and embrace me.
"Hey, it's not my fault Alex didn't want to let me go," I respond, laughing, returning the embrace.
"Oh, poor thing," Lexy jokes, pouring me a glass of champagne. "It must be terrible to have such a devoted boyfriend."
I accept the glass with gratitude, feeling my heart swell with love thinking of Alex.
Maria emerges from the bedroom, wrapped in a silk bathrobe, her hair still damp from the shower. Her face glows with happiness and anticipation.
Just then, the door opens, and Aunt Tina makes her entrance, dragging an enormous bag that seems about to explode.
"Girls, I'm here!" she announces, breathless from the effort. "I've brought everything necessary to survive an outdoor wedding!"
Curious, I approach to take a look at the bag's contents. Aunt Tina begins to extract an impressive number of bottles and boxes.
"Look, dear," she explains to me, "here are the antihistamines for pollen, here's the cortisone in case of bee stings, here are the refreshing wipes in case it gets too hot..."
I can't help but laugh. "Aunt Tina, do you really think you need all this?"
"You never know, darling!" she responds with conviction. "Better to prevent than to cure!"
At that moment, Ethan makes his triumphant entrance, loaded with makeup cases and accessories. "Good morning, beauties! Who's ready for a red carpet transformation?"
Maria smiles nervously. "I think I definitely need one, Ethan."
While Ethan begins to set up his makeup station, Aunt Tina looks at him with admiration. "Oh, Ethan! I saw your latest tutorial on how to hide dark circles. A masterpiece!"
Ethan takes a theatrical bow.
"Thank you, dear. The art of makeup has no secrets for me."
Suddenly, a lively music starts playing from Aunt Tina's bag. She jumps, then smiles.
"Oh, it's the ringtone I set to remind me to take my pills!"
Instead of taking the pills, however, Aunt Tina starts moving to the rhythm. Ethan, infected by the enthusiasm, joins her.
"Come on, girls!" Aunt Tina exclaims, cheerfully wiggling. "A little movement will do us all good!"
Before I know it, the room transforms into an impromptu dance floor. Aunt Tina and Ethan lead the dance, with exaggerated movements and contagious laughter.
I adore them!
Even Maria, despite her nervousness, gets swept up in the dancing.
Meanwhile, Aunt Tina continues to list the remedies she's brought, all while continuing to dance. "I even have mineral salts, in case someone feels faint from emotion!"
I can't help but smile, watching this surreal scene. Aunt Tina with her bag full of "remedies", Ethan alternating makeup tips with dance moves, and all of us getting caught up in this sudden joy.
In the midst of this joyful chaos, I realize how fortunate I am to have these people in my life. Each of them, with their own eccentricities and talents, is making this day even more special and unforgettable.
While the impromptu dance settles, I feel the excitement for my surprise to Alex growing inside me. I bite my lip, trying to hold back a smile.
"Guys," I say, lowering my voice as if about to reveal a state secret, "I need your help."
Val, Lexy, and Aurora approach, curious. Even Aunt Tina pauses her dancing to listen.
"I want to surprise Alex before the ceremony," I explain, feeling butterflies in my stomach at the mere thought. "But I need a way to get him to the meadow behind our cabin without arousing suspicion."
Lexy's eyes light up. "Oh, I love surprises! What do you have in mind?"
While Ethan starts working on my hair, I explain my idea.
After some discussion, we decide the best approach is for me to send him a message myself. Something simple and natural that won't raise any suspicions.
With slightly trembling hands from excitement, I take my phone and start typing:
Rosie: Can you meet me in the meadow behind our cabin? I need your help with something. Thanks!
I show the message to the girls for their approval. Lexy nods. "It's perfect, Rosie. It sounds like a completely normal request."
I press "Send" and feel my heart racing. Now there's no turning back.
As Ethan continues to prepare me, agitation grows inside me. What if Alex doesn't appreciate the surprise? What if he'd prefer to focus on the wedding preparations?
As if reading my thoughts, Val squeezes my hand.
"It'll go wonderfully, Rosie. Alex adores you." Then she adds with a sweet smile: "What you're doing is such a tender and romantic gesture. Alex will appreciate it enormously, I'm certain."
Her words calm me a bit, but my heart continues to pound in my chest.
Finally, I'm ready. I look in the mirror and barely recognize myself. Ethan has done an extraordinary job, enhancing my natural features without exaggerating.
"It's time," Lexy announces, looking at the clock. "Alex should already be on his way."
I take a deep breath, trying to gather all my courage.
"Go," Aurora encourages me with a smile. "We'll keep everything under control here. You go and drive your man crazy."
Rory has spoken little today. I've noticed that sometimes she seems a bit more absent. Sometimes she seems more uncomfortable... but it's probably just some anxiety about the upcoming graduation. She has the exam next week... but she still came for the wedding. She's adorable, and I make a mental note to pamper her more. I was incredibly nervous before my graduation, so I want to make her feel a bit better.
We'll all go with her for the big day, even though the ranch is going through tough times. The guys are drowning in extra work, and Alex has told me about the delicate situation.
But Rory is the baby of the family, and we'll be there for her.
With a final look of gratitude to my friends, I leave the main house and head towards the meadow behind our cabin. My heart is beating so hard I fear the entire ranch might hear it.
I hide behind a large tree, waiting with trepidation. Every second seems to last an eternity. Then, finally, I hear footsteps approaching and Alex's familiar voice calling my name.
It's the moment. I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and prepare to make my entrance.