Conrad
In just three hours, I’ll officially be a married man! I’m so excited, I can hardly wait! I didn’t think today could get any better until Maya shared the news with me last night. A baby! I couldn’t believe it. That caught me by surprise. The news has made me incredibly happy. My only wish is for Maya and our baby to be okay.
“Son, how do you feel?” Dad asks as we enjoy a scotch and a cigar out on the balcony before we have to get ready.
“I’m excited about marrying Maya and becoming her husband. Today is the happiest day of my life, and I have everything I’ve ever desired.”
His smile widens as he affectionately pats my arm. “I am genuinely happy for the both of you. You both are a perfect match. Are you nervous at all?”
“A little, but more excited than anything else. I can’t wait to see how amazing she’ll look when she walks down the aisle to me.”
This picture will forever remain in my memories.
“I was incredibly anxious on the day I married your mother. I managed to convince myself that she wouldn’t come.” He laughs.
“Really? What made you think that?” I chuckle.
“I always doubted if I was worthy of her. But she didn’t run, and I am so happy she didn’t.” He smiles.
“Yes, me too.”
“Can I take a few minutes to go and see your mother?”
I shake my head, indicating that I don’t mind at all. “Go. I am content here, enjoying my drink and cigar.”
My brothers would be here soon, anyway. Mentioning my mom must have sparked his desire to see her. We finish our drinks, and he vanishes. It sparked a desire in me to go see Maya and make sure she’s feeling alright. If Chelsea permits me to see her in any way. It’s possible that she’ll block me because it’s our wedding day.
I quickly sneak out of the room before my brothers arrive. Maya and the rest of the group should be downstairs in one of the rooms where the bride and bridal party prepare to give them more space.
I can hear a lot of giggling as I approach the room. The sound, especially when it’s Maya, always brings a smile to my face. It seems like she is enjoying herself. I’m curious about the excuse she used to avoid drinking.
I knock on the door. After a brief wait, Chelsea is the one who answers.
“What do you think you are doing here?” she asks with a raised brow.
“I want to see Maya for a minute.”
Exiting the room, she firmly shuts the door and exclaims, “No! It is your wedding day! You shouldn’t see her until she is walking down the aisle to you.”
“I understand, but I really want to see her, even if it’s just for a minute.” I pout.
“Why?”
“I missed her, that’s why. Please, let me see her. I promise only for a minute.”
Frustrated, she lets out a groan and flings her hands up. She is so dramatic.
“Fine. You only have two minutes.” She warns, waggling her finger at me.
I respond with a chuckle, “Yes, ma’am.”
Maya must have managed to sneak out last night without her noticing. If she did, I would be getting lectured about it now. She dismissively rolls her eyes and retreats into the room. I patiently wait for Maya to arrive.
Smiling brightly, Maya shows up just seconds later, “What brings you here? You are lucky you came now before my hair and make-up were done.” She giggles.
“I needed to see you. I wanted to make sure that you’re doing okay, too.”
I softly utter the last part, just in case someone was listening.
Sliding her arms around my neck, she leans in and softly kisses me. “I’m feeling fine. I was sick this morning but haven’t been since.”
I rest my hand on her belly. “I’m happy to hear that you’re okay.”
“I appreciate you coming to see how we’re doing, my love.” she smiles and kisses my cheek.
“I need to return before anyone realizes I’m missing, or my sisters come out to scold me. I will see you soon, sweetheart.”
“Yes, see you in a few hours. I love you.”
“I love you too, beautiful. Patiently, I’ll be waiting for you at the bottom of the aisle.”
I give her a forehead kiss, rub her stomach, and squeeze her hand before I go. I swiftly go back to my room and act as if I never left, not even for a moment. My brothers will be arriving soon.
I pour myself another drink. It will be my last one until the reception tonight. I return to the balcony to relax and savour the moment. I grab my phone and begin researching pregnancy and what to expect in each trimester. I wanted to learn as much as I could so I can take care of them both.
I will find the best doctor for them when we get home. I want them to have the best health care too. My parents will be overjoyed, especially my mother when she learns the news. It is hard not to share the news with my family, but I promised Maya and it is best we keep it to ourselves until we know everything is okay.
I hear the room door open and quickly put my cell away. No one can see what I was researching.
“How is Maya?” Dad asks, raising his brow as he joins me again.
“How did you know I went to see Maya?”
He chuckles. “I saw you sneaking back here.”
“I couldn’t resist. Last night, I couldn’t stand being away from her. She is good.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, son.” He smiles.
He pours himself another drink, and before long, my brothers also join in, getting one for themselves. My father makes a toast to me and Maya before we all sit down to enjoy our drinks.
I hope the next few hours fly by. I am so eager and ready to marry Maya. I will go over my vows again. We decided to write our own. It was easy for me to do. I gave them my all because she deserves the best. I hope she didn’t have any issues writing hers. Despite her nerves, I have no doubt she will do an amazing job. We are surrounded by friends and family; she has nothing to worry about. I’ll be right by her side. If she focuses on me, she can forget everyone else is there. It was going to be perfect either way.
I can’t wait to hear the words I now pronounce you, Mr. and Mrs. Ackley. They will be like music to my ears.