Sanctuary

We’re finally into April and it’s less than a week-and-a-half till the wedding. It’s becoming realer and realer as each day passes. Today’s the day for my final dress fitting along with my bridesmaid and maid-of-honor’s final fittings. Miranda is nervous that hers won’t fit due to her gaining weight during her pregnancy, but I keep reassuring her that her dress will fit just fine no matter what.

“How are you feeling now that it's only mere days until the wedding?" Miranda asked.

I picked up my friends to head to the shop.

"Elated, but I'm also in such disbelief. The day is close and I can almost taste it. I can't even imagine the emotions I'm gonna be feeling that day."

The smile on my face was ever apparent.

"How's Alex feeling? Do you know?"

"I don't know, actually, but I'll be sure to ask him."

"Are the guys going to their final fittings too?"

“Yes. On the other side of the city. I can’t wait to see him in a suit.”

“I can’t wait to see Jack in a suit.”

“There’s just something about men in suits. You know?” Brielle asked.

“Yeah.” I said.

Ten minutes later, we were at the shop and I was eager to try on my dress again. I walked to the front desk and spoke to the receptionist and gave my name. Within five minutes, we were in a backroom with our dresses. Once I put my dress on, I felt like a princess again; it fit like a glove. I stepped out of my dressing room and looked into the mirror. A minute later, Miranda came out of hers and stood behind me.

“You look stunning.”

“As always, but even more so.” Kendra said.

“You look perfect.” Brielle said.

“Thanks, you guys.”

We came in for a group hug that felt awesome. After a moment, we separated and I was able to take a look at them in their dresses. Since I’m keeping my wedding simple, I chose similar dresses that were light and elegant. Before they even took a look at themselves in the mirror, I did and placed my hand over my mouth.

“You all look gorgeous.” I said.

Then, they took a glance in the mirror.

“Everything fit right?”

That question was more for Miranda than anyone else. She stepped even closer, focusing on her stomach.

“You think I’m gonna look good in this nine days from now?”

“Of course. I’ll make sure of it. You know, you’re only gonna be what - ten weeks?”

“Still.”

“Miranda, you'll hardly be showing."

She shrugged. She is truly frustrating sometimes.

"Can I say once again how much I love this dress?" Brielle asked, spinning.

"I second that." Kendra asked.

"Well, I'm glad you all still love the dresses."

"How can we not? You have great taste. It's not only about the food you cook."

I blushed.

"Thanks."

Close to ten minutes later, we were about to leave when I got a text.

What's up gorgeous?

Alex.

Just had my last fitting. You?

"Abby?" Miranda asked.

Finishing up with mine. You and the girls wanna meet us for lunch?

"Yeah?"

"Is that Alex?"

"The one and only. He wants to know if we all wanna meet up with the guys for lunch."

I got echoes of the word 'yes.'

Sounds great. Where?

We ended up at the same restaurant the girls, my mom and I ate at the day I went dress shopping. The guys had already gotten us all a table by the time we got there, however my fiancee met us in the parking lot like the gentleman he is.

"Hey." I said kissing him.

"Hey."

"Whose idea was it for you to wait out here?"

"Mine."

"This was very sweet of you. Thank you."

"My pleasure."

I took his hand and we all walked in together. Jack stood up immediately and hugged Miranda when she got to the table. After greeting each other, we all sat down. Looking around the table, I felt incredibly blessed to have these people in my life and thought about how the wedding and reception were going to be like; I smiled and looked at the floor.

“Why so smiley?” Alex asked.

“I’ll tell you later.”

He nodded and kissed my cheek.

“Do I get to know how your dress fit?”

“That, I will tell you. Like a glove.”

“I wanna see you in it so badly right now.”

“Nine days.”

“That’s too long.”

“Well, I’m sorry, honey. It’s gonna have to wait.” I said.

He was so pitiful, it was adorable.

“I know.”

I felt Miranda kick me in the shin and it hurt; I resisted the urge to kick her right back. I reached down and rubbed my shin.

“Ow...what did ya do that for?”

“She’s been moody all morning.” Jack said.

“I can speak for myself, Jack.” she said rolling her eyes.

“Is this because of me reassuring you about you in your dress on my wedding day?”

“You’re having doubts? You’re only gonna be at ten weeks, babe.”

“I can’t feel insecure?”

She laid her head on his shoulder.

"Of course, you can. I'm just trying to be the best friend you deserve.”

“I gotcha. I’ll try and lighten up.”

“Thank you.”

The rest of lunch went without a hitch with my maid-of-honor not having a meltdown. It made me think of our rehearsal dinner which isn’t going to happen for a week, minus our other loved ones of course, and it caused me to smile. After lunch, all I wanted to do was go home and relax. I simply didn’t feel the need to spend the day with my friends.

“I’m gonna drop the girls off and head home.” I said to Alex outside the restaurant.

“You feeling okay?”

“I’m just feeling the need to head home.”

“As long as you’re feeling okay.”

“I am.”

“I can stay home with you if you’d like.”

“Only if you want to. I’m perfectly with you staying out with the guys.”

“You sure?”

“100%.” I said standing on my toes to kiss him.

“I’ll see you at home later, then.”

“Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

And off I went to my car to drop off my friends. We had spoken earlier toward the end of lunch how was I feeling and they completely understood and if they still wanted, they could. I took off my shoes once I was home and had let the dogs out. I headed to the bedroom and jumped into bed with them right behind me. A half hour later, I heard the door open and my voice being called; I was half asleep and didn’t feel like answering him.

“Abby?” he asked walking in.

I raised my hand.

“Are you okay?”

If I had a nickel for all the times I’ve heard that...

“Yeah. Just tired.”

“Move guys.” he said, shooing them away.

He climbed into bed and faced me. He was on his side while I was on my stomach.

“Hi.” I said smiling.

“Hi.”

“What made you decide to come home?”

“This is gonna sound so cheesy, but I couldn’t get you off my mind.”

“That’s sweet.”

I kissed him and gently pushed him so I could lie partially on his chest.

“Can we just lay here?” I asked.

“For as long as you want.”

Forever.

Notes

The penultimate chapter! I'm actually pretty deep into a sequel, so I'll probably start posting it in a couple of days.