Growing up, I never was the kid that had a mental picture of what my wedding day would be like. I never even saw myself as someone who even got married, let alone at the tender age of twenty three. But if there is one thing that I have learnt from life is that things change.

I went from being a broke college student who had lost her scholarship, to being a waitress and then finally being a maid.

I had a lot of stress and responsibilities. I did not have a way out but then cleaning up after someone brought me to meeting the love of my life.

 And now..I'm here. Getting dolled up for one the biggest days of my life. The day I officially become Mrs. Rosalie Cain. I still can't believe that in about two hours I will be walking down the aisle, ready to take this big step with the man of my dreams.

Alexander has been a saving grace for me. I never thought that I would be this in love with someone. To be completely enamored by someone and all that you want to do is to be their source of happiness. We get to start our forever together and it brings a smile to my face and tears to my eyes just by even thinking about it.

"No, no, no. don't you dare cry and ruin my work. I will kill you, I don't care if it's your wedding day." Cleo, my make-up artist, says playfully.

I shoot her an apologetic smile, "Sorry."

She smiles back, "It's fine. Just don't cry."

It's kind of hard not to cry, and as my gaze sweeps around the room I see that I'm not the only one who is teary eyed.

The other females in the room are also wiping away stray tears, careful not to smudge their makeup. Val called in a celebrity make-up artist, Cleopatra and her style team. My hair is straightened and pined to hold the messy chignon that is has been piled into. My face is more on the natural side with light highliter and bronzer.

Once Cleo is done, I slip into my wedding gown and my gorgeous ivory colored, satin decor pumps by The Ensa. I bought these as wedding gift to myself. I got attracted by the intricate design and the attention to detail.

"And we're done.", Cleo says asfter she finishes the final touch ups on my hair. I turn around and look at myself in the mirror. As cliché as it sounds, I do not recognise the woman that is starting back at me. This woman looks like some ethereal creature that stepped out of a fantasy novel.

The dress flows down and pools down at my feet. The way it hugs my body is so amazing. The shoes add a bit of height to my short frame.

"Friend, you look amazing." Gigi is the first to say something. She comes to stand next to me followed by Isadora and my mother. We look at each through the reflection.

Mom's hand holds mine, her teary eyes stare into mine, "You are a beautiful bride. I can't believe this day is finally here. I am so proud of you honey.'' She pulls me in for a hug. I hug her back and relish the warm, motherly embrace. 

Once we pull away from each other, Isadora also hugs me, "In a few minutes you 'll be my sister.", she says with a giggle. I'm excited, I just can't wait to see how Lex looks in his suit.

A knock immediately followed by my dad's face poppin in pulls our attention away from the mirror. He looks so dashing in his black suit.

He walks closer to me, his strides slow as he takes in how I look. "Reggie...you are so beautiful."

"There are no words that can describe how proud I am of you. You have accomplished so much for yourself through your hard and determination. And I know that marriage will also be one of those things that you excel in. I love you honey."

My eyes once start to gear up for the waterworks, which I hold back. "I love you too dad. Thank you for being such a supportive father. I'm grateful to God for you, mom and Nana." he pulls me close to his chest and embraces me. Careful not to smudge anything on his suit, I hug him back.

"Now, let's go walk down that aisle.", he says with a wink before planting a soft kiss on my forehead.

The day is finally here! I'm marrying the love of my life and I get to call her mine forever. I am beyond nervous but it's a good kind of nervous. I am excited, I have been waiting a long time for this day to come.

It's so funny how a lot can change in eight months. Rose and I have been together for less than a year and it feels longer than that. This amazing woman has really changed my life. I perceive things differently now. I am even more open spiritually through witnessing her and her family's faith.

"Yo! Are you ready?" Tommy's question pulls me out of my thoughts. I am more than ready.

I look away from the mirror where I was fixing my tie a few seconds ago and turn towards him and the rest of the guys, "I'm ready." I say with conviction.

He claps me on the shoulder, "I'm so happy for you man." he says with a wide smile. I return his smile and we hug for a second. 

My gaze sweeps around the room. The boys look great, Tommy is my bestman and Marco is the groomsman. They have on suits that are similar to mine. We have on light grey suits with white shirts underneath, finished off with dark navy blue ties. Where their suits are simple, mine is a three piece.

The jacket is still on a hanger near the mirror while I have the waistcoat on.

The door opens to reveal Rose's mother, Alina. She walks in looking as beautiful as ever. She is such an older version of Rose.

"Wow, you're all so handsome.", she says with a light laugh. Oliver and Marco try to hide the blush on their cheeks, but I catch the pink tinge.

"And you are ever so beautiful.", Tommy returns the compliment. She really is breathtaking, and to think that I was afraid of her when I first met her. I played it cool but deep inside I was a quivering mess. All that I had in my head was to impress the living daylights out of Rose's parents because I knew how much my meeting them meant to the both of us but more specifically to her.

She takes a seat on one of the two armchairs in the room, "Could I please have a moment with Alex?" she says to the guys. They all send smiles to her and leave us alone.

"Come sit.", she says gesturing to the empty chair. I oblige and sit facing her. The late afternoon sun streams in through the curtains and casts a calming glow into the room.

She leans forward and places her hand on top of mine, "How are you feeling?", her brown eyes stare into my blue orbs.

"Honestly... I am nervous but overall I am fine. How are you?".

She playfully scoffs, "Today isn't about me...however, I am great, thank you for asking."

"I am happy, my daughter...my only child is getting married. I am ecstatic and bursting with happiness.", she turns serious, "Alexander, this is a special day and even though your parents aren't here. Their spirits are here, bursting with happiness too. Honey, today I gain a son. I become a mother to another child and I want you to know how much that means to me."

My eyes become teary, almost matching her teary ones. I am so touched by her words. It would mean a lot if I could get my parents to be here but I know they're watching from heaven and they feel the same amount of happiness that Alina and Darius feel. 

I hand her a Kleenex tissue from a nearby box. She thanks me and wipes the stray tears carefully not to smudge her makeup. While I blink away the liquid in my eyes she continues to speak.

"You're my son. A part of our family and I want you to know that we welcome you with open hearts and warm arms. You have made us happy by making Rosalie happy."

This woman is pouring her love onto me and I am absorbing all of it. Clearing my throat I finally speak, "Alina, it means so much to hear those words from you. Thank you for being so open minded about my relationship with Rose. Thank you for allowing me to make your daughter my wife. She is my life and I am honored to be a part of your family."

She stands and pulls me up with her. "Come here." her arms open for me. I lean down and hug her. As her hand rubs circles on my back, I finally let the tears that I was holding back fall down my cheeks.

I swear I wasn't this soft before, but being with Rose has brought out my emotional side.

"Oh sweetie, are you crying?", she asks with a chuckle as she reaches up to dab at my fallen tears with a tissue. She then smiles at me, "Now, pull yourself together and go meet my daughter at the altar."

I chuckle at her words, "Thank you Alina."

"You're welcome. See you out there.", I watch as she walks towards the door.

I take a deep calming breath and clear my head. Alina's voice pulls me back to reality, "Oh and Alex? Get some eye drops or something sweetie, your eyes are a little bloodshot from the crying." She then closes the door and leaves me alone with my thoughts.

This woman. I can't help the laughter that escapes my lips. I walk back to the mirror and stare at my reflection.

Okay Cain. This is it. The day you've been waiting for. Calm down and go out there to meet your wife.

I move to grab my jacket and slip it on, then make my way to the door.

Let's get married!

This is it.

The moment has arrived. The music plays and my dad holds my left hand with his right hand and my other holds my bouquet of white roses.

"Are you ready kiddo?" dad asks.

I nod with a small smile, "As ready as I 'll ever be."

We walk down the small stairs that lead from the mansion into the backyard. Yes we're having our wedding at home. Why hire an expensive venue when we have the most gorgeous scenery right at home?

Dad and I walk hand in hand down the aisle. Beautiful wood benches that are also decorated with white flowers are filled with the faces of close friends and family. White Rose petals are scattered all over the grass. My maid of honor and bridesmaid are at the front and so are Lex's best man and groomsman.

As I continue to walk forward, I take the time to admire the man waiting for me at the altar. He is so handsome in his light grey suit. His hair is swept back with a side part. His clean, freshly shaven face smiles once we lock eyes.

My stomach fills with butterflies when he winks at me. Dad gives me over to him before they share a nod. The crowd gets seated and I can't help but to turn my head around to get a quick glimpse of who is here and I spot my cousin Kyle and his mom Alysia. It's been almost two years since I last saw them.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to witness the union of Alexander David Cain and Rosalie Ann Jones in holy matrimony.", Pastor Stevens says to the crowd. One other thing about having a pastor who has known you since birth, he doesn't hesitate to agree to come and officiate your wedding.

While the pastor speaks over us about the meaning of love and marriage, Lex and I can't stop staring at each other. By the time we have to exchange rings, I literally have to be brought back to the present by Gigi pinching my arm which causes everyone to laugh. I got so lost in Alexander's eyes. Drawn to him by the love we share for each other.

"I have been told that the bride and groom have written their own vows. Alexander, you go first."

Lex gets the wedding band from Tommy and looks at me with eyes filled with so much emotion that I literally start to tear up.

He says his vows as he slips the silver and on my finger, it matches the engagement ring he got for me, "Rose, you have made me the happiest man in the world today. You have taught me that two people joined together with respect, trust and open communication can be far stronger and happier than each could ever be alone. You have taught me that age and race don't matter when it comes to love."

The tears fall down my cheeks and a part of me tells me that Cleo is somewhere in the crowd cursing me for ruining her hard work. Frankly, I don't care. Lex's vows deserve my happy tears, they are just so beautiful.

He pauses and takes a tissue out of his pocket and then wipes my tears. This elicits a chorus of 'awws' from the crowd. "I promise to love you for who you are and who you are yet to become. I promise to protect you, comfort you and to always be in your corner. I give you this ring as a symbol for our eternal love for each other."

He deeply exhales and then brings my hand to his lips to place a soft kiss on the rings on my finger.

"Those were beautiful vows Alexander." Pastor Stevens says then turns to look at me, "Rosalie, your turn."

Lex has said some beautiful things. I am excited to see his reaction to my vows. Taking a deep breath, I start to speak "Lex, I choose you and promise to choose you as my husband every day we wake. I promise to love you in word and deed. I promise to laugh with you, cry with you, scream with you and to grow old with you...even though you will get old before I do."

He cracks a grin at my last words while the crowd laughs. "I vow to support you, inspire you and love you always. To be your kin and your partner in all of life's adventures. I give you my hand, my love and myself, the good, the bad and the yet to come."

I slip the platinum band on his finger, "I love you.", I softly say to him.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife.", he looks pointedly to Lex, "You may kiss your bride."

Lex wastes no time wrapping his arms around my waist as he leans down to kiss me. This kiss is slow and deep. I feel him pouring out his heart with each stroke of tongue on mine and I project out my feelings and love for him as I kiss him back. 

Catcalls, whistles and applause surround us as everyone celebrates our union with us. We pull away and I get to see the pure joy on my husband's face.

I have a husband. I'm Mrs. Rosalie Ann Cain. I'm Lex's wife!

That mischievous smirk of his makes an appearance, "You're finally mine.", he says with a glint in his eyes.

I bite my bottom lip and stare up at him, "I'm finally yours."

***

Warm friendly hugs and cheek kisses are dished out in abundance. I am surrounded by love. The reception is going on at a full swing. Everyone is socialising and getting along well. I didn't think I could have so much fun in a marquee filled with less than a hundred people, but here I am dancing the night aways with my husband surrounded by family and friends.

Even Saba is having the time of her life as a few of the guests can't get enough of her huge, furry frame.

Val and Isadora really pulled this off. They have made this day super special with their help. Of course Jocelyn's design skills were also in the mix and that made the whole thing so awesome. The backyard has been transformed into a whimsical wonderland. There is a giant tent with wooden flooring. Light fabrics are draped to open up and invite the outside in. there is lush greenery all around the tent.

Wooden chairs with pillows and round family tables. It really is beautiful. My favourite thing has to be woven rattan pendant lights that hang above the tables. They resemble bird cages with lightbulbs in them.

Pierre's chefs from some of his restaurants in town handled the food and drinks. We have an open bar so people are having the time of their lives with the alcohol.

Our first dance as husband and wife was to 'Can't help falling in love' by Elvis Presley. That was a very intimate moment for me. The way we were so lost in each other's eyes as we swayed to the music was just so special. 

We are once again in each other's arms as 'Makin Whoopee' by Frank Sinatra plays in the background. "Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?", he asks as he stares deeply into my eyes.

I blush at his compliment, "Yes you have told me multiple times. You're breathtaking too." he smiles at me, "Thank you baby."

He twirls me and pulls me back to him, "I love you Mr. Cain." and I truly do love him with everything that I am and all that I have within me. I never thought that I would love someone as much as I do with him. It's so deep and intense.

He leans down to place a kiss on my lips, "I love you Mrs. Cain."

Mrs. Cain... this is going to take a while to get used to.

As we sway to the music, a tap on Lex's shoulder pulls us apart. "Is it okay if I have a moment with Rosie?", Victor asks us.

I nod while Lex says, "Sure, no problem.", he places a kiss on my forehead before leaving me with Victor. I watch as he walks over to dance with my mother. The two of them have gotten very close and that makes me very happy.

"Congratulations love.", Victor says before hugging me. I invited him because despite what happened with Paul, I have a good relationship with Victor. He gave me a chance when I was desperate. I don't think I would have survived the first few months after losing my scholarship if he didn't give me a job.

"Thank you. I'm glad you came."

We have a conversation while dancing and he expresses his disappointment in Paul. he looks very broken about what his son did.

"I just wish he accepted that you were with Xander. But Paul is as stubborn as his mother. She never took no for an answer and that is a trait that Paul inherited."

He smiles warmly at me, "I am happy that nothing too drastic happened and that Paul will learn his lesson in prison. I am hopeful that he will change for the better."

Even though it is an open-shut case. Paul and Belle have not yet received a court appearance date for their sentencing. The last I heard is that Paul is still in a holding cell and Belle is undergoing psychological evaluation at some institution. 

"Let's not darken the mood. This is your special day." he says and twirls me around as the music continues to play.

As the night progresses, the music also changes. Val and Isadora had hired a band to play all the classic love songs but they left all the other dance music in the hands of the twins and Henry. These boys have a lot of taste, the songs range from early 00's dance anthems to the recent dance tracks.

I discarded my shoes hours ago and had spent a good thirty minutes on the dance floor with Gigi, Val, Isadora, Charlotte and Elizabeth. The entire time as I dance, I feel Lex's eyes on me. His stare burns right through me and makes goosebumps rise upon my skin.

His eyes follow my every move.

I somehow end up at a table with my cousin Kyle. he looks so different from the teenage boy who used to force me to watch horror movies.

He appears to be more matured and has grown into a somewhat responsible young adult. "You've grown. I Never in a million years would I have thought that you would get married before I do." he says before taking a swig from his beer bottle.

Corona with lime. Such a fitting choice of beverage for him.

He is three years older than me but he speaks sas though he is ten years my senior. "Life is full of surprises." I say with a shrug

He chuckles, "It sure is. I'm happy for you and I look forward to seeing the woman that you grow into."

His words tug at my heartstrings. "Any woman in your life?", I ask with a cheeky grin. Kyle has ever been one for serious relationships. The last time we spoke he was hopping from one girl to the next. Breaking hearts left and right.

"There is. Her name is Samantha and we've been together for four months now.", he says beaming with pride. I'm proud of him too. This is the longest relationship he has ever been in.

"Do you see her in your future?"