First a Dream (Dreams Come True #1) (22 page)

***

Gabriel

While they drove to Isabella’s place, Gabriel decided to initiate the most important conversation of their relationship to date. “Where would you like to get married?” He reached over and held her hand while he waited for her response.

“Wow. I haven’t really thought about it.” Isabella tilted her head as she considered. “Is there any place you have in mind?”

“I’d like to go someplace warm. We can go big or small, but we have to decide so we can set everything up right away.” Gabriel caressed the side of her face. “You understand, right?”

Isabella nodded seriously. “Six days. I get it.” She blew out a breath. “Let’s go simple. Like a barefoot beach wedding.” She started to get excited. “Maybe in the Florida Keys so we can marry in the States. Not everyone has a passport, I bet.”

Nodding, Gabriel smiled. “Great idea. I bet we can book something online today even.”

By the time they reached their destination, Isabella and Gabriel had created their guest list. Before the kids arrived, they had booked the wedding package, picked their flowers, selected the décor, and arranged hotel accommodations. “You know, traditionally speaking, the groom arranges the honeymoon. Can I surprise you?”

Holding up her left hand so it faced him, she rolled her eyes. I think it’s safe to say you always surprise me.”

“Fantastic. I have an idea.” He beamed. “And I think we should bring the kids, if you’re okay with it.”

Tilting her head, Isabella considered and finally agreed. “Sorry. I was thinking about school. Depending on the length of the honeymoon, Rebecca might miss a few days.”

“Then let’s take a short one now and a vacation some other time.” He shrugged to prove it was no trouble at all.

Outside they heard car doors slamming, and then excited giggles from the kids as the front door flew open. “Welcome home!” Isabella greeted them as she wrapped her arms around them.

Nothing ever escaped Rebecca. “Hey, mom!  What’s that on your hand?”

Jack stood in the doorway glowering while Gabriel beamed. Holding out her hand, Isabella showed the kids the ring. “Gabriel asked me to marry him.”

“What’d you say?” Konnor danced around.

“Well, I’m wearing the ring, so I said ‘yes.’” She laughed. “What do you think?”

Rebecca jumped up and down. “Can I be the flower girl?”

Tousling her hair, Gabriel nodded. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He noticed Konnor’s head had dropped. “What’s wrong, little man?” He squatted beside the child who would soon officially be his stepson, even if he never thought in terms of step.

“Ahna be in the wedding too.” He sniffled.

“Perfect!” Gabriel lifted his chin. “We need a ring bearer too.”

His eyes widened. “What color bear will I be?”

Everyone but Jack found his question to be quite funny.

***

Isabella

The next few days were a flurry of activity. They flew to Key West with the members of the wedding party two days after Christmas. “I don’t know how I’d do this without you, Jessie.” Isabella hugged her best friend close.

On the other side of the plane, Ben shook his head. “Why am I even here?  Gabriel won’t let me do anything.” He punched his friend in the shoulder. “I’m sensing trust issues, man.”

“We need to pick clothes?  We still need wedding bands. And I can’t imagining doing this without you.” Gabriel laughed. “Is that reason enough?”

“It’ll do.”

After landing, they checked into the hotel and then split up. “I can take the kids, if you want.” Gabriel held out hands for them.

“Nah. I have to get them clothes for the wedding. Your errands will bore them.” Isabella began to herd them her direction.

Jeff chimed in. “I’m staying here with Stephen. We’ll be playing in the pool and on the beach. Leave them with me. Way more fun.”

Isabella bit her cheek. “Three kids near water. Seems like a lot to me. I like you too much to do that to you.”

“I’ll stay and help him.” He shrugged. “You know Gabriel doesn’t really need me. We’ll all meet up here later. I’ll try to spoil their dinner with ice cream or something.” Ben laughed.

Throwing her hands in the air, Isabella smiled. “You win.”

They went to the jeweler first. Gabriel wanted them to pick out rings together. They found gorgeous matching bands in no time and soon parted ways. “Have fun, ladies. See you back at the hotel.”

“Think we can do this in one day, or will we have to come back again tomorrow too?” Isabella frowned.

“Eh, who cares?  The kids are safe. We’re having fun.” They paused in front of a bridal shop. “Ooo!  Let’s go in here.”

Once inside, they walked around and looked at the gowns on display. As they began thumbing through the clear garment bags hanging on one wall, an employee walked over. “Hello, my name is Ella. I’ll be happy to help you today. Do you have an idea of what you’re looking for?”

“It’s a beach wedding on New Year’s Eve.” Jessie offered.

Ella made a face. “This doesn’t give us much time for alterations.” She frowned.

“Well, if it helps, I don’t want anything too fancy. I’m not even wearing shoes.” Isabella giggled then sighed. “You’re going to think I’m crazy, but I’d get married in a sarong if I could.”

Ella clapped her hands together. “I have just the dress. This is perfect.” She disappeared into the back room leaving Isabella and Jessie to stare after her.

“It couldn’t be this easy, could it?” She crossed her arms over her body.

“Yeah, it could. You deserve it.” Her eyes sparkled, causing Isabella to turn and look behind her.

“Now this is a little untraditional,” Ella began. “It’s a two piece. The bottom is a sarong with beads and sequins. It’s held together with this.” She held up a special clip. “This is the top. Heavy beadwork, mock turtleneck, lace up bustier, so no alterations. The cut will show off your shoulders.” She smiled. “Go try it on.”

Isabella was speechless. It was perfect, absolutely perfect. “God, I hope it looks good.” She carried the dress into the fitting room with Jessie trailing behind her.

“You’re kidding, right?” She shook her head. “You’re going to look amazing. Then we just need to find something for me and the kids.”

Sure enough, after a few minutes, Isabella was dressed and walked out to the mirrors to turn and admire it. The moment she saw her reflection, she covered her mouth. Whipping around, she spoke to the saleswoman. “I don’t care what it costs. This is it.” Holding out her arms, she hugged Jessie. “I can’t believe it was this easy.”

“You know, I’ve always thought when it was meant to be, everything falls into place.” Jessie kissed her on the cheek. “We could be back in time for Happy Hour.” She winked.

Turning to Ella, Isabella smiled. “So, I may be pressing my luck, but I’d love to find maybe…a pale yellow sundress for my matron of honor.” She pointed at Jessie. “And my daughter, who’s the flower girl.”

Beaming, Ella nodded. “I really may have just what you’re looking for. I even have shirts in matching colors for the best man and ring bearer.”

“Shut up. You do not!” Jessie grabbed Isabella’s arm.

“I really do. Give me a minute.” Again she disappeared into the back room.

Taking a moment, Isabella pulled her cell phone out of her purse and called Gabriel. His voice sent shivers up and down her spine.

“Hello, beautiful one.”

“Hello, handsome. So…what if I told you I found the perfect dress?” She found it impossible to hide her excitement and she had to share it with him.

“Already?  You’re amazing!”

“Not me. We found this amazing little boutique. I think we may even have all the wedding attire taken care of. How do you feel about khaki pants and a white shirt. No tie. And Ben and Konnor can wear pale yellow to match the girls’ sundresses.”

“My Bella, that sounds lovely. Perfect for a beach wedding. I love it.” Gabriel released a happy sigh. “Shall I come there to get my clothes, or did you want sizes for me and Ben?”

“I can pick it all up.” Isabella hesitated.

“What is it, darling?”

“I may need to borrow money. I’m sorry.” She grumbled.

With a laugh, Gabriel responded. “No you won’t. I gave Jessie my card. She’ll be passing it over to you. We’ll get you your own after you do the name change.” He paused. “You do plan to change your name, don’t you?”

“Of course. I’m looking forward to being Mrs. Gabriel Charmant.”

Ella returned, holding the sundress out for inspection. “Try it on.” She passed it to Jessie.

“I have to let you go. Thank you for everything. I’m so excited about this.” She giggled.

“Me too. Four days. Not that I’m counting.” He chuckled and the call ended.

When Jessie emerged, they exchanged looks. “Tell me you love it.” Jessie urged. “I really want this.” She stood next to Isabella. “And they look great together.”

Throwing her hands in the air, Isabella nodded. “Perfect.” She turned to Ella. “Tell me you have a sundress in a girl’s five.”

“I sure do.” The woman was about to disappear when Isabella stopped her.

Her phone chimed and she passed it to Ella. “These are the sizes for the groom, best man, and my son will need at 3T.”

While she gathered everything, they changed back into their street clothes. “I never expected to feel so relaxed days before the wedding.” They stood by the counter as they waited for their purchase to be totaled.

“What else do we need to do?” Jessie’s brow furrowed as she considered the possibilities.

“I’d like to do something for guests. And we should have something for the wedding at their seats.” She shrugged. “We’re short on time. I can’t get too crazy.”

Ella stopped what she was doing. “If I could make a suggestion.”

“Absolutely. You haven’t steered us wrong yet.” Isabella beamed.

“You could have some simple gift basket in the rooms for guests. The hotel can deliver them for you. And the bakery down the road makes cute miniature wedding cakes in boxes that might be a nice touch, unless you’re having a huge wedding.” She watched for a reaction.

Counting on her fingers, Isabella shrugged. “Twenty. I think. We decided to keep it small.”

Chapter Eighteen

Gabriel

When Isabella and Jessie returned around five in the evening, they were loaded down with bags and boxes. She held out the card to Gabriel along with a stack of receipts. “What’s all this?” He started glancing through.

“This is what we spent and where. It’s not as bad as it looks.” She cringed slightly while she spoke. “I mean…the first four hundred was spent outfitting the entire wedding party.”

“I thought you said you bought a gown?” He frowned.

“I did. It was half of the total.” She seemed to be watching him for a reaction.

“You only spent two hundred on your dress?” Gabriel looked to Jessie for confirmation.

“It’s amazing. You’ll love it. Isabella is a really good shopper.”

“So, I guess we spent another two hundred at the bakery and about two hundred and fifty on odds and ends to make welcome baskets for all the guests.” Isabella chewed on her lip.

Gabriel looked at Jessie. “She’s worried about how much she spent?”

“Yeah. This one will never break you.” She jerked her thumb toward her best friend.

“And why are you giving me the card back?  You may need it.” He dropped it into her purse. “There.” Looking at everyone, he smiled. “Can you please excuse us for a minute?  When we return, we’ll go out to dinner so think about what you want.”

Gabriel took Isabella by the hand and walked her into the bedroom, then he closed the door behind him. Her head was down and she looked uncomfortable. Without saying a word, he opened up the laptop on the desk and sat her in the chair in front of it. “Look.” He gestured to the screen.

“What am I looking at?”

He watched with satisfaction as her eyes widened. “This is our banking information. See that one, it’s the checking. That’s the savings. This is the credit card. Look at our available credit line.” Gabriel squatted beside her. “It’s ours. Yours and mine. All I ask is if you spend more than say, ten thousand at a time, you let me know. The bank will contact me to make sure my account hasn’t been jeopardized. Understand?”

Still Isabella stared at the screen.

“What are you thinking right now?” Gabriel worried he’d overwhelmed her.

“We’re loaded.”

“We’re doing alright.” He chuckled.

Tilting her head, her eyes sparkled. “So…maybe it would be okay if Jessie and I had a massage the day before the wedding.”

Gabriel shook his head as he stood. Pulling open the desk drawer in front of her, he pulled out an envelope. “Surprise. Open it.”

Slowly she pulled out the folded paper. “Massages, facials, manis, pedis, and they’re coming to the room to do our hair and makeup before the wedding?” Isabella squealed as she threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you!”

***

Isabella

The next day was spent on a catamaran. They all went snorkeling, checking out the reef, except for the kids who mostly just floated around and enjoyed themselves. After a dinner at Margaritaville, they went back to the hotel to have a swim before bed.

The following day, with only two days until the wedding, all the guests began arriving. They spent the afternoon making sure everyone was settled in and had received their baskets. Kristofer went off on his own with his camera. “Who’s that?” Matty asked Isabella.

“My boss. I love him. He’s so talented. You should ask to see his portfolio. It’s online, so I’m sure he can show you.” She beamed at him, feeling every bit the matchmaker.

Looking at her sideways, Matty turned red. “How’d you know?”

“I work with Kristofer. Saw the thumb ring.” She shrugged. “Mostly, because I care about both of you, I’d love it if you could both find someone.”

“Do you think Gabriel knows how lucky he is?” Matty leaned in and gave her a big hug.

Gabriel’s voice boomed from behind her. “Every day.” Then he kissed her neck and woke those butterflies. “Seriously though, asking about his portfolio is a great in. And he’s incredibly talented.”

Reaching out, Matty shook Gabriel’s hand. “Thank you, Gabe.”

“For what?” His brow furrowed.

“Knowing and not getting weird. I didn’t want to lose you guys.” His cheeks colored as he spoke.

“The only one you might lose is Sebastian. And if that happened, count your blessings.” Gabriel smirked.

“Yeah. Well, I’m gonna go talk to Kristofer. Ask about his portfolio.” He grinned and walked off in the direction her boss had gone moments before.

When he was out of earshot, Gabriel wrapped his arms around Isabella and murmured, “If it weren’t for you, I might have been weird.”

“No you wouldn’t.” She laughed. “I can’t believe that.”

“I’m serious. I’d worry he had a thing for me. Or I’d start thinking about what his sex life would entail and get all grossed out.”

“You love who you love.” Isabella wore a half smile. “I’m nothing like your normal type.”

“And yet I can’t imagine life without you.” Gabriel held her close. “Okay. I get it.”

Finally, on the day before the wedding, Jessie and Isabella spent the bulk of the day getting blissed out at the spa. “Why didn’t we do this more often?” Jessie sighed as the masseur rubbed her shoulders.

“We were poor?” Isabella giggled. Then she sobered. “I’m about to be poor no more. I hope I can adjust.”

“I’m pretty sure it’s easier to adjust to wealth than poverty.” Jessie winked at her. “Luckily, you’ll have Gabriel to help you through it.”

Giggling, she agreed. “Somehow, I think you’re right.”

That evening, after putting the kids to bed, Isabella and Gabriel sat on the patio outside the room with their friends. “It’s getting late.” Matty yawned and stretched.

“I know. I have to get my beauty sleep.” Kristofer stood. “See you in the morning, Isabella.” He hugged her and shook Gabriel’s hand.

“It’s barely ten!” Sebastian grumbled and looked to everyone for support.

“Rumor has it, I’m spending the night with Isabella?” Jessie winked as she changed the subject.

“What?” Isabella whipped around and stared at Gabriel.

“Well, I can’t see the bride before the wedding, so I thought maybe Jessie could stay with you. I’d stay with Stephen and Jeff. I’ll take Konnor, if you want.” He reached over and squeezed her hand.

“One night apart, then never again,” she whispered.

“Exactly. You understand.” He smiled lazily at her.

“Yeah, I get it. I had no idea you were so traditional.” She shook her head. Then she perked up. “One last call to tuck me in.”

Leaning forward, Gabriel kissed her temple. “Of course, my love.”

Minutes before midnight, after they had turned in for the night, Isabella’s phone rang. Giggling, she swiped her finger across the screen. “Hello.” She felt breathless with excitement.

“Hello, beautiful one.” His voice caressed her skin.

Isabella laid a hand over her pounding heart. “Tell me a story.” She purred into the phone.

“Are you in bed?”

“Uh huh.”

“Good. What kind of story would you like?”

“A fairy tale.” She nestled into the blankets.

“I thought you didn’t believe in fairy tales,” he teased.

“I’ve had cause to reconsider.” She bit her lip to keep from laughing.

“Have I told you the story about the night I fell in love with you?” She could hear the sound of his shoes hitting the floor.

“No, when was that?” Isabella sat up, bubbling with excitement.

“Once upon a time, the young businessman met his photographer girlfriend at the Koffee Kat. Then they went to the River Walk.”

“That night!” She wrapped her arms around her body.

“Stop interrupting my story.” Gabriel chuckled. “That night. We held hands and it felt different, so comfortable and natural. I wanted forever in that moment. Then you showed me your kids, and I could completely picture a life with all of you.” He sighed. “For the first time, I understood beshert. You were my destiny. Fate brought us together. Look what we’ve done with it.”

“I love this story.”

“See you in the morning, my love. Sweet dreams.”

***

Jessie woke her at eight. “Breakfast has just arrived. You need to eat before they come to fix your hair.”

Her simple, quiet words might as well have been an alarm bell since Isabella awakened then, quickly, and excitedly. She rushed from her bed, determined to eat before showering. The kids were also awake and already eating.

“This one’s yours.” Jessie pointed to the silver lid. Her eyes sparkled as if she knew some secret.

As soon as Isabella slowed down, she knew. Giggling, she rushed over and lifted the lid. Sure enough, rose petals and a velvet box.

“Open it!” Jessie and Rebecca chimed together.

Picking up the velvet box, she pushed back the lid. Inside were earrings to match her hear necklace. “He always thinks of everything.” She held the box to her chest.

“You’re glowing.” Jessie wrapped her in a hug. “I’m so happy for you. Now let’s eat.”

Together they inhaled the pastries and fruit before Isabella rushed off to the bathroom. She barely reached the hallway before wheeling around alarmed.

“Oh, the kids!” She turned to Jessie; raising her arms to express her dismay over how she could possibly accomplish everything she needed to in what little time she had left.

“Don’t worry,” Jessie assured her, reading her mind. “I have the kids under control. I’ll get them ready.” She smiled while shooing Isabella into her bedroom.

The stylists arrived, laden down with carts full of supplies. The next knock on the door signaled the arrival of the flowers. Bouquets of white roses, yellow dailies, and miniature sunflowers were accented with baby’s breath and tied with white ribbon. There was a flurry of activity throughout the suite.

Two hours elapsed in but a moment, during which time Isabella and Jessie were styled and made up. Even Rebecca’s hair had been given a new up do. Fifteen minutes before the start of the ceremony, everyone sat ready, and waiting, lined up on the couches in the living room, afraid to even move and ruin the stylists’ efforts.

Finally, Ben arrived. “I am to escort you to the wedding.”

Isabella smiled nervously. “Thank you.” She tucked her hand in the crook of his arm as he led them to the elevator and down to the lobby. “How’s Gabriel holding up?”

Ben grinned. “He’s driving us crazy. He misses you. Time is conspiring against him.” He shrugged. “The usual.”

Once in the lobby, they strolled out to the pool area where, from a safe distance, Isabella saw that a crowd of people had assembled in chairs on either side of a white linen aisle on the beach. She inhaled in nervous anticipation. The children were lined up first, followed by Jessie. Ben turned to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “I’m the best man, but if you wish I can walk you down the aisle.”

Isabella shook her head emphatically without even a moment’s hesitation. “No, thank you, Ben, I appreciate your offer, but I’m doing this of my own accord. The only person giving me away is me. I want everyone to see that.”

Ben beamed, letting his hands glide down her arms to grasp her hands. “I admire you, Isabella. You are incredible. You are everything Gabriel needs. I know you two will be very happy together.” He planted a kiss on her cheek, and then walked down the aisle to stand at Gabriel’s side.

Upon closer examination, she saw the beach had been decorated to their specifications. The white chairs had been covered in linen and wrapped with pale yellow bows. There were shells lining the aisle. Gabriel and the minister waited under a covered arch. The gauzy material blew in the gentle breeze. It looked so magical, she almost couldn’t believe it was her wedding. Finally, it was time and she slowly made her way down the aisle.

While everyone stood and stared at her, Isabella only had eyes for Gabriel. She wanted nothing more than his approval. As everyone sat once more, he took her hands in his.

“My love, you are simply stunning. The dress is perfect, just like you.” He planted a kiss on lips.

The minister cleared his throat. “Let’s save a little something for the ceremony, okay?” They blushed in response.

Finally the time arrived for them to say their vows. Isabella turned to Gabriel in a panic. “I didn’t prepare anything. This would be the one aspect of wedding planning I’d forget.”

“I think it’s best if we simply speak from the heart.” He squeezed her hands for reassurance.

Gabriel spoke first. “My darling Bella,” he began without faltering. “I never knew I could love until I met you. You were a challenge, and well worth it.” He beamed at her. “You rescued me. You make me better than I am. If I seem selfless and giving, it is because you make me want to do everything for you and Rebecca and Konnor.” He glanced down at the children who were standing in between them and gazing up at them lovingly. “If I seem honorable, it is because you make me want to make you proud. If I seem ambitious, it is because you have given me something to work for. All that I am is because of you and for you. You are my life, and now my wife. You are my always and forever.” He squeezed her hands and smiled at her through teary eyes.