Chapter 87 - Wedding Preparations - mduno
I could hardly believe Veronica was mine again; her lips were addictive. I glanced at her now and then on the way home. Ines will go crazy with happiness, and the two toads following me too. I should be mad at them, but deep down, I was grateful for their intervention. The anger inside me was directed at myself.
I was guilty of not being a virgin anymore. I love her and will never tell her how much that affects me; I wanted to be her first. I looked at her, and she was the same, her innocent gaze remained intact. She came back to me, and that was the only thing that mattered.
If I had followed everyone's advice when they told me to go look for her and tell her the truth, maybe she would already be my wife, and I would have inscribed myself into her story. I gripped the steering wheel.
She looked at me, then turned her head to look out the window. She must imagine what I was thinking. I took her hand, remembering the little pleasant things about her that remained the same.
"Is something wrong?"
I shook my head. She must never know. You're a victim of your own invention, you son of a bitch. Face the consequences, asshole; you brought this on yourself. I smiled. I haven't changed; I still insult my own mother, though she and I... I guess it's because of so many years hating her. Forgive me, Lord. Now it was very easy for me to communicate with the one above. It was simple, maintaining a personal dialogue without being fanatical, and I liked that.
"Nothing significant. Once we arrive, I can't imagine how Ines will react."
That beautiful smile that brightened my dark day managed to draw a slight smile from me. Nothing had changed; she was still so innocent, and it was because of her soul.
"I love you, Vida."
"Not more than I love you, Roland."
Yes, but you slept with someone else. I had to get over it. Besides, out of anger and with no reason other than my sick, corrupt mind, I slept with a whore. She had a slightly more valid reason than I did. Rata was right; I made her feel despised and justified it by not looking for her. Veronica had the right to do with her life as she saw fit.
"I love you."
She smiled again. We had arrived. She unbuckled her seatbelt and cupped my face, her kiss just like before. The priest once said, "If a human feels frustrated, only love will help." For that reason, I would repeat my love for her infinitely and wait for the other thing to fade away. Yes, Lord, that was eating away at my liver.
"I think I'll give you a great wedding present," I smiled.
I bit her lip. Yes, I love her, I couldn't deny that. Love was bigger than the anger. Put this feeling in the damn vault of forgetfulness you have, which was very big by the way, and don't ruin your happiness. It would be hard, but having her here by my side was necessary. She was still innocent; her essence remained intact.
"And what is it?" she asked, shaking her little head as she got out of the car.
"If I tell you, it stops being a surprise."
"Wow, a surprise gift."
I reached her side, took her hand, and she looked at the house. Ines opened the door and spread her arms to hug her.
"Is there no hug for me?"
My fiancée let out a laugh, and my old lady tilted her head.
"I greet you every day," she smiled. "I'm glad you came to your senses and kept your promise." Veronica's phone rang, her new phone. Could it be her ex-boyfriend?
"Hello, Dad." I breathed; I didn't realize I had held my breath. Yes, her ex affects me. "I'm in Bogotá." Lord, her father will be a big problem. "Father!"
He was already scolding her. I approached and stroked her arm. Her face turned red. Mr. Fausto would not be supportive of our marriage.
"Dad, I didn't want things to be this way. You know my feelings for him, and I will marry him. Roland will be the father of my children, whether you like it or not, the father of your grandchildren. So, consider if your opinion is more important or if living happily with your daughter's love is. I will be happy with him."
"Let me talk to Mr. Fausto." She didn't let me.
"Well, I would love for you to be the one to walk me down the aisle. The wedding will be in two weeks. If it's not you, Santiago will do it."
She furrowed her brow. That expression wasn't just for me. She was so beautiful. I kissed her forehead.
"That's my decision, Dad. And regarding the education of my children, I will take care of it. Forgive me for what I'm about to say, but if it weren't for my mother, Santiago and I would be hermits. That's how you are, and I respect your behavior. I love you; I'm not one to criticize you. But take my advice. If you don't accept my marriage, believe me, you will end up alone. I love you with all my heart, Dad. We'll talk later."
"Veronica..."
"For now, don't come near my house. Most likely, you'll get shot." I let out a laugh.
"If I were in your shoes, hypothetically speaking, if I had a daughter and a degenerate tried to do what you're about to do, I would have already shot him, Verónica."
"And if the young man approaching your daughter manages to change for the magic of love, just like you have." I bit my lip as she looked at me in that way I loved so much. "Doesn't he deserve at least a chance?"
"Also," I said.
"No more discussion about it."
She winked at me; deep down, she wants things to be different. I suppose I'll listen to her for a few days and then I need to talk to my father-in-law. A few months ago, marriage was the worst mistake ever committed by humanity, and look at me now, wishing for two weeks to pass so I can make her my wife.
"Beautiful, I need to show you some things. Our house should be ready in two months."
"What things?" Her arms wrapped around my waist.
"Our house, and tomorrow, Inés." I looked at the housekeeper. "You are like a mother to me."
My old lady's eyes welled up with tears, and Verónica beamed with pride. I loved that sparkle; it made me feel less like a demon and gave my soul a glimmer of hope.
"I need you to help prepare a big party."
"I thought it was something simple, it's only two weeks." I raised my eyebrows.
"Life, I'm marrying the best woman on the planet, and it's Roland Sandoval who's getting married. Besides, I've already... well, I've made some preparations in advance."
"You assumed our marriage was a done deal?"
"For a long time now. If it's not with you, I won't marry anyone."
I woke up, and Verónica was still wrapped around my waist. Having her in my arms once again... I couldn't ask for more. I got out of bed as quietly as possible; I didn't want to wake her. Today would be intense, and knowing her, she wouldn't rest until everything was under control, just like she did with me. She was very good at that.
I showered and got dressed. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting. We went to bed late last night, looking at the decoration of the estate. She didn't oppose living on a country estate, far from Colombia. Until I figure out how to get out of the drug trade, I won't put her in danger. We're leaving the country. I also need to talk to Rata.
The important thing was to stay together. At least she accepted the decoration of our house. One of my fears was eliminated. She gave me a light kiss on the lips, I smiled, and she went into the bathroom.
"I have no clothes."
"Your clothes haven't been moved from the room." She smiled again.
Today was crazy. I would accompany her to see the best wedding dress designer, hoping she could work miracles. I went downstairs and waited for her in the living room, giving her privacy to get ready. I didn't want to see that beautiful ass I desired so much... Damn! Just thinking about having my tongue there made me hard. I sat down and put a cushion over my crotch. Inés would notice. I couldn't do anything; it was rock hard. Verónica, Verónica.
"Good morning, son."
"Good morning, old lady."
"Yesterday..."
"I still think the same. You may be talking to my mother, but you've been with me since I was a child. You will be the one to walk me down the aisle." I said with a grimace, still thinking about certain sappy things. "Besides, you know I'm doing it because it's one of the father's penances, and it's the hardest one for me to do."
"And the one that has comforted you the most."
"I'm hungry."
I wouldn't admit it, but deep down, she was right. I smiled at her. That topic made me tense, and it was perfect for calming things down.
"Breakfast is ready. Son, I'm going with you, right?" Her fearful eyes begged me not to leave her behind.
"I've heard Verónica cooks well, but you will outdo her."
"Thank you," my girlfriend said, smiling. I shrugged. "You're absolutely right, and thank you for saying I cook well without having tasted my food."
"You're welcome."
We arrived at the appointment with the designer, and she kept us waiting for over half an hour. My patience was wearing thin. Who does this old lady think she is? I had made an appointment. Verónica acted normal, calm, like an oasis in my damn desert. The secretary finally told us we could go in.
"Good morning, how can I help you?"
"I'll get straight to the point; I've lost half an hour."
"Excuse me, sir."
Verónica gave me a stern look, and I took a deep breath. She was the one who spoke.
"Good morning, I need you to make a wedding dress in record time."
"Congratulations. And when is the wedding?"
"In two weeks."
Verónica replied, and the lady's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. She put on her glasses without stopping to stare at us.
"I'm sorry, my schedule is full. I have two dresses to deliver, and orders must be placed at least three months in advance."
"Alright," I intervened. "How much do you charge per dress?"