Flower catalogs scattered the floor as I searched for Nolan's phone which buzzed on repeat for the last hour. Papers fluttered the floor as I searched, to please stop this horrid sound. His briefcase contents was sprawled on the ground as I finally found the ringing, bastard of a phone. my eyes twitched in response to the shining sun, and I picked up the phone having a pretty good idea of who it was, only one person would call us at 5:30 a.m.

"Hello", I said steadily trying to hide the fact that I had just woken up. The phone on the other line sounded startled as I wiped my eyes in agony.

"Darling did you just wake up, you can't be serious", the stingy british voice repeated as I wished I wouldv't just let it ring. Miss Celine was a wedding planner, Alison had hired to make sure it was absolutely perfect. Miss Celene made sure everything was perfect and if it wasn't she would fix it.

"We don't have a meeting until 3 right?", I asked as I checked my wedding planner I got from a gift from you know who. She insisted I updated it, everytime something changed, luckily that didn't happen often.

"Get your subborn blood pumping and wake up", she ordered and hung up the phone instantly as I looked at the alarming time, who wakes up at 5:30 in the morning. I put his phone on 'do not disturb' and tucked myself back in bed, pushing his arms over my body.

The sun shined in as felt warm kisses planted on my neck. I smiled feeling the love that surronded me. Something about today inspired me. Shopping for a dress is dificult for me, I haven't found the one yet and with it being so close to the real wedding date, I really hoped this special feeling would lead me to the perfect dress.

His lips fell on my neck as i kissed his lip;s wholeheartedly. He smiled admirng this wonderful moment we shared.

"Good Morning, my lovely wife", he leaned over me as he played with my wisps of hair that shaped my face.

"Hi", I shyly said as I imagined today, feeling nothing but excitement rushing through my blood and love of course. He was so gentle, so caring towards me something I had searched for all my life.

He made me a cup of tea as I opened the balcony doors and heard the bustling noises of Seattle. The sun shined today and the gloomy weather had left for this one day.

"I have a good feeling about today, I am definitely going to find a wedding dress today", I spoke highly of the day hoping to not be disappointed. He handed me the cup of tea as I sat down.

"I am fine with you not wearing one", he sheepishly said as he scanned the newspaper for his favorite sections. I giggled and slapped his arm as he put his newspaper down.

"Maybe we can have one just us, maybe up there", I pointed to upstairs as he put my cup of tea on the table and climbed on top of me.

"You are such a tease", his hand slipped under my shirt, which I had stolen from Nolan. The big black tee-shirt had his strong scent that I could live off.

His touch felt forbidden and too good as I bit hard on my lip. His hands roamed my stomach as he leaned in and kissed me leaving me speechless as he tugged on my shirt. I took it off as I waited for him to work his magic. His hands fondled my lingering breasts and I inhaled sharply feeling his hands grope and squeeze.

"Nolan, Nolan", a voice yelled as Nolan sweared under his breath and he took his hands away from my lingering bra strap. Nolan climbed off of me and went to get the door as I grabbed the shirt that had been thrown on the ground.

"I just brought the invitation list, I wanted to make sure we had everyone", she handed me the list along with stacks of invitations. I made my way over as Nolan looked through the list.

"Mom, we said small wedding, we really don't need that many invitations", Nolan spoke as he was annoyed by his mom for overriding him. We already knew she wanted a big beautiful wedding, but we had hoped she would respect our wishes.

"These are just extras, just in case", she hinted as she handed me the list. I glanced over it seeing mostly businessmen and women. I assumed they were all from Nolan's work.

"Alright mom, thanks", Nolan said as he took the stack of envelopes and invites in his hand and placed them on the table. He kissed his mom on the cheek wanting her to leave. Her eyes said she didn't want to leave as Nolan was ready to push her out.

"Would like a cup of coffee or tea?", I asked her feeling Nolan's devil eyes eyeing me as she nodded with joy. Nolan squeezed my hand as Alison took off to the kitchen.

"What happened to what we did on the couch", he held me back as I heard Alison roaming through the cabinets looking for a refreshment. He gave me his puppy eyes, as he stood there like a begging child.

"You saw the look in her eyes she really wanted to stay, I promise when she leaves in an hour I will be ready to continue", I hinted at him as he kissed my forehead and I followed him into the kitchen.

An hour had turned into 2 as she had poured another cup of coffee for herself. Nolan had escaped claiming he had work to do and he wished me good luck.

"Do you have anyone you want to invite to the wedding?", she asked me knowing I wouldn't have a large list considering I was practically a loner all my life

"Let me add them", she handed me the list as I scribbled down a couple of names, I invited all of Clara's family, Caroline, and Lauren. My mind froze as I scanned over my list of people to Nolan's, that was just the list his mom had come up with, not even the real one. I had 7 names down and that's it, while Nolan had over 200. The first ones on Nolan's list were his parents, and it made me think of Daniel. I never loved him but he was still my father, he would only make things worse if he came. I scribbled Margaret's name on the list knowing just how much she risked to help me everyday.

I knew in the end I didn't have many people to invite, but they mattered the most to me and besides I was already surrounded by amazing people that I didn't need a large group to feel loved, because the people closest loved me the most.

I gave the list back as I saw Allison's eyes scan my almost empty list. She tucked the paper in her bag and by her eyes I could tell she wasn't surprised I hadn't invited Daniel.

"Oh look at the time, Celine will be furious if we're not on time", she said as I nodded and glanced at the time.

As we got ready to leave, Alison stood by the front door while I stopped by Nolan's wood door. I swung the door open to see his gracious smile. I went to give him a kiss as I saw the many men and women on the screen, going over reports.

He held his finger up to silence me, as the businessmen and women went on rambling about their love for numbers that I could care less about. Nolan's eyes traced my body as he tried to pay attention, my hands slid up my skirt as by his surprised look I knew it was best for him if he ended the meeting.

"Listen guys we went over the reports and Sam, get me that paperwork and other than that we can reconvene tomorrow", he said rushed and eager to find out if I was wearing panties under this high waisted skirt, and of course I was.

"But Sir-", a women intervened as Nolan quickly said bye and ended the meeting. I traipsed over to him as he pulled me down on his lap.

His kisses were soft and passionate as his fingers traced my jaw bone. His hands slowly found their way under my skirt as I wacked it away.

"Our wedding is so close, we've waited all this time", I held his needy and greedy hand away from my skirt as he looked like a lost puppy.

"Who said we can't do the in between", his hand let go of mine as he dragged his finger against my skin. His soft touch whisked me away magically as he dove into my lips and yet again his fingers landed in his special spot on me of course but this time I didn't need to stop him.

"Okay I'm coming in", Alison knocked and swung the door open. I quickly jumped up and tried to fix my ruffled skirt.

"I'll be by the door", she saw the situation and turned around laughing when she walked away. I was at a loss for words as she shut the door.

"And that's why you're glad we didn't go any further", he kissed my cheek and my forehead as he left the last on my nose.

"We could've gone further, if someone had remembered to lock the door", he hinted as he heard Alison scream that she was waiting.

"I love you, bye I hope you find a dress", he kissed me bye as our hands separated and I waved bye. I shut his door holding onto the moment we had just shared.

On the drive there Alison was truly invested into looking at all the dresses that were offered at the store, every few seconds she would say 'ohh' or ' do you like this one'.

We finally arrived at the large wedding store, which offered everything from dresses to dildos. Avery ran over as she laughed at Alison staring at the dildos in disgust.

"You should get one mom", Avery suggested as she swung on me and I hugged her. Alison shook her head immeaditely, as Aveey shook one I front of her face.

"Your father does just fine", she put the dildo back on the shelf and Avery laughed at her explanation.

"It's a shame, even one of your favorite couples uses one", Avery suggested as I knew she was talking about Nolan and I.

"You two, don't?, Alison asked me as she looked at the model products and back at me in disbelief.

"It was a one time thing and I'm still a virgin", I blurted out knowing I didn't help my case, just made it extremely worse.

"That's what she wants us to think, come on let's find this little dirty mind a wedding dress", she pushed me ahead to the front desk, we checked in and they pointed us to a room.

Alison and Avery took a seat on the maroon couch as they pointed me to behind the elegant curtain, there stood dresses, that looked magnificent but I didn't see one that I was drawn too.

I tried on each one and got positive feedback from employees and Alison, Avery, but they weren't meant for me.

I left feeling desperate and empty handed, on the other hand Alison left with a new toy to spice her sex life up.

All hope was gone, so I told Avery to go on her date with Tyler instead of sulking about not going. She kissed my cheek and rushed home to get ready.

We got back in the car, as I thought back to one dress that caught my eye and I couldn't find a single one.

"I actually have one more place to go", Alison told us as she surprised us. Maybe this was the feeling that had reminded it was a good day.

She announced we were getting close as I looked around at the stores and I knew where this was and I had a feeling that this was going to be a place very important to me and as I saw the raggedy sign I knew I was home.

She saw me smile as we made our way to the door with nothing but feeling joyous and I hoped that this would be my miracle. The door jingled as I remembered running in here with my mom and snow cones dripping down our hands escaping the hot sun.

"Natalie", Lauren came running out of the back as she hugged me and I felt at home, the smell of fresh coffee and her strong but calming perfume reminded me of home.

"I got a call from a special person, saying they needed to come here for a miracle and well I hope this can be it", I smiled at Alison, as I still couldn't imagine I was here, this place held so many memories that no one would ever replace.

"Thank you Alison for bringing me here", I thanked her and went into her welcoming arms.

"It wasn't actually me, I just brought you here. Nolan called said how he knew this place meant the world to you", her words took my breath away, that moment between Nolan and I had been the start of a wonderful relationship in the midst of all the hatred.

"He called a couple of months ago actually for me to get everything set up", Lauren mentioned as she directed me to the back, there were 4 beautiful wedding dresses picked out on a stool.

"Ever since you were a little girl your mother sketched you a wedding dress, she sketched you 5, cause she wanted you to be insanely and breathtakingly happy and inlove", the dresses were all beautiful and stunning.

"She made these for you, sketched them and I sewed it, now all you have to do is pick one", she said as my eyes wandered the dresses, beautiful necklines along with the long trains pulling from the back.

"I-I cant thank you enough", I whispered into the arms of one of my dearest friends, the first time I had run away Lauren kept me under her wing the first time I had stepped out of the hellhole of a home. He had nothing over me except the severe bruises that covered my body but I chose to ignore. I hadn't known my sister was even alive, yet alone a person.

"They're so beautiful thank you", my eyes shuddered as I scanned my eyes over the glowing dresses.

"Well don't just look at them, try them on", Lauren laughed as she shoved me into the dressing room wheeling the large dresses inside the room.

The dresses were perfect, but I knew which one was mine and I saved it for the last, each dress fit perfectly but only one would be perfect in my mind.

The last one had a beautiful neckline and a striking length that made me flow like a princess. I walked out of the room as I heard the wows and saw the jaws fall.

"This is the one", I stared into the mirror never feeling prettier, the beauty of it all fell against my hips gracefully. That day was beautiful and as Alison dropped me home I felt like a princess in a castle.

As I entered the room I felt the coldness in the air, the bourbon and whiskey reeked from the bar, Nolan wasn't a day drinker. I yelled his name loudly but it was as if no one could hear me.

A dragging footstep screeched along the floor as I turned to see who reeked of this horrendous smell, I saw the man I wish to forget.

"You bitch, get me a bottle", he ordered as he made his way to the couch, his eyes so fierce, his voice riddled of the stench and my stomach flipped upside down. I ran to the bar and grabbed him the bourbon as I scanned the bar floor, a couple of bottles were smashed to smithereens. I raced back to him as he took and chugged it down, I never saw him drunk but I can imagine it's worse.

He chucked the bottle towards me as it shattered against my skin. He stood up as I saw the ripped up suit placed on him.

"You got you're snarky husband to stop doing business with me. I lost my investors, I lost everything, I have no one, except you.", his words weren't surprising to me but his new sense of demands threatened me as he grabbed my throat demanding more.

"Get your husband to keep doing business with me and I won't murder her", murder a word so real it could kill someone. Threatening always worked with me it was either this or something else. He was mad I saw it in his eyes and as he threw his first punch I wasn't surprised.

"I'll- I'll do it", I shuddered as he kicked me to the ground. His hits went to my face as he punched me and damaged his own knuckles. I closed my eyes and went to a beautiful garden far away from this moment. My eyes slipped away as I felt Daniel's hands retrieve from me as I heard the noises of the world shattering me. My eyes opened faintly as I saw Nolan slapping Daniel left to right.

"Sto-stop", I whimpered as Nolan turned around and rushed to me, his hands supported my back softly as he kissed my head.

"I'm okay, check on Daniel", he held onto me as I told him to check on him. He was afraid but at the end of the day he didn't understand why I still cared.

I tried wiggling free as Nolan carried me to the couch and went to check on Daniel. Nolan pulled him up roughly and put his hands together.

"You told him you bitch, you'll never be able to find her, never", his words startled me as Nolan didn't look phased by it.

"You're a mother fucker and a fucking cunt", Nolan shoved him into the elevator as the bodyguards took over him. I rested my head as I closed my eyes knowing Nolan had questions.

"I'm taking you to the hospital", he demanded as he started carrying me towards the front.

"No-no I'm fine", I hesitated as he peered into my eyes. He wiped the fallen tear off my cheek as he admired me.

"I said I'm fine", I began wiggling out of his inferior wrath he was about to deliver me. He let me go with the feeling of being useless.

"I'm going to take a shower okay", I walked away calmly as I glared at him standing there. He watched me limp up the stairs and the next thing I heard was a glass shattering.

I shed my clothes putting them in plastic bags, and I took pictures on my phone of my new scars that trapsdd my back and lined my arms.

By the time I was done the water was cold, numb you could call it. I came out of the icy water and tousled my hair with a towel. I put on a shirt and some shorts and went downstairs and the smell resinated yet again.

"My, my, my", a voice echoed from the couch as I saw Nolan downing a bottle of bourbon. He took a large sip as I went to grab it from him.

He swiped the bottle away from me as I sighed. "Do you know what it's like to feel so powerless?", he asked me and took another sip. I grabbed it again as he pulled me on top of him.

"I don't", I said against him as he set the bottle aside and traced his fingers around my jaw as I moved my face away.

"He beat you and you want me to do nothing about it, is that so?", he asked me as climbed off him and I took the bottle from him and put the cap on.

"You're drunk, now is not the time for this", I walked away towards the bedroom as I hoped he would sleep it off and then we could talk.

"I know you went to the hospital", my feet stopped walking as I was struck in my spot. I turned around as he knew exactly what was going to happen next.

"I waited to tell you because I was waiting for you to tell me, I thought we trusted each other", he grabbed the bottle and threw the cap and drank it like he couldn't stop.

"Nolan I-", I had no clue what to say he was asking the questions I feared but the most fearful part is I didn't know the answers.

"I trust you, I trust you with my heart and everything in me, but I need you to do the same", he came closer to me and I knew in that moment that lying to the one man I loved would never end well.

"I love you", I told him as I leaned against him as he trailed up the stairs with me beside him.

"I know you do", he kissed my head as we walked up the stairs, I could tell by the burning in his eyes he wouldn't let this go, and I didn't want too either.