Chapter 89 Preparations
Blake: POV
I stared at the calendar on my phone, our wedding date highlighted in bold. Next Saturday. Just seven days away. After my proposal in the rose garden, things had moved at lightning speed. Olivia had agreed to a small ceremony, and somehow we'd pulled everything together in record time.
"Guest list, wedding dress, and pre-wedding photos," I muttered, mentally checking items. The venue was already set—the Rose Paradise I'd created for Olivia would make the perfect backdrop.
Olivia was still asleep upstairs, exhausted from pregnancy and wedding planning. I quietly made coffee and settled at the kitchen island with my laptop.
"Morning," Olivia's sleepy voice came from the doorway. She stood there in my t-shirt, her hair tousled.
"Hey," I smiled, pouring her ginger tea. "How are you feeling?"
"Like a human being again," she said, accepting the mug. "Morning sickness seems to be easing up."
"That's good." I kissed her forehead and guided her to a stool. "I made toast with almond butter. Doctor said protein in the morning might help."
She smiled, taking a bite. "You're getting really good at this pregnancy stuff."
"I've been reading." I sat beside her, watching the morning light catch her engagement ring. "So, I've been thinking about the guest list."
"Mmm?" She raised an eyebrow, mouth full.
I hesitated. "I was wondering if you want to invite your biological family. The Sullivans."
Olivia's hand froze. She set the toast down slowly, expression hardening.
"No," she said firmly. "Absolutely not."
I nodded, relieved. "I just wanted to check. I know things with Linda were... complicated."
"Complicated?" Olivia laughed without humor. "She nearly made me lose our baby, Blake. The Sullivans aren't family. They're just people who happen to share my DNA."
"Okay," I said, reaching for her hand. "I just wanted to be sure."
Her expression softened. "The Parkers are my family. You're my family now." She placed her free hand on her stomach. "And this little one."
I smiled, leaning in to kiss her. "Speaking of family, my parents are flying in Thursday. They can't wait to meet you."
"Oh God," Olivia groaned. "Meeting the in-laws right before the wedding. No pressure."
"They're going to love you," I assured her. "My mom's already planning a pre-wedding lunch for just the two of you."
"Great," she muttered, eyes betraying nerves. "What about Nathan?"
"He's flying in with them. And he's actually being... supportive." I shrugged, still surprised by my brother's enthusiasm. "He's even offered to host the rehearsal dinner."
"Wow. I thought you two weren't close."
"It's complicated," I admitted. "We have our differences, but he's still my brother." I glanced at my watch. "Don't you have a dress fitting with your mom today?"
Olivia's eyes widened. "Shit, you're right. I completely forgot."
"Easy," I cautioned. "We've got plenty of time. Your appointment's not until eleven."
She nodded. "Right. Wedding brain."
---
Three hours later, I sat in an elegant bridal boutique, surrounded by tulle and satin. Catherine Parker sat beside me, both of us waiting for Olivia.
"She's never been the type to dream about wedding dresses," Catherine confided. "Even as a little girl, she was more interested in science kits than princess costumes."
I chuckled, easily picturing a young Olivia turning her nose up at frilly dresses.
"I'm just glad she has this chance," Catherine continued, eyes growing misty. "When we found out about her birth parents, I was terrified we'd lose her."
"She loves you," I said with certainty. "You and George are her real parents in every way that matters."
The fitting room door opened, and Olivia stepped out.
My breath caught. She wore a simple, elegant gown that flowed gracefully to the floor. The bodice was fitted with delicate lace, the skirt falling in soft waves, cleverly designed to accommodate her growing belly.
But it was her face that captivated me—uncertain, vulnerable, hopeful. She looked to me first, seeking my reaction.
"Wow," I managed, standing slowly. "Liv, you look... incredible."
A blush crept up her cheeks. "Really? It's not too simple?"
"It's perfect," I said, moving closer. "You're perfect."
Catherine was openly crying now. "Oh, sweetheart. You look absolutely beautiful."
Olivia turned to examine herself in the mirror, hands smoothing over the fabric. "The designer said she can make adjustments to allow for..." she gestured vaguely at her midsection.
"Whatever you need," I said immediately. "This is the one, isn't it?"
She nodded, smiling. "I think it is."
The boutique owner appeared with a veil, carefully placing it on Olivia's head. The effect was stunning—my poised, practical Olivia transformed into an ethereal bride.
"What do you think?" Olivia asked, turning to me.
I swallowed hard. "I think I'm the luckiest man alive."
---
By Wednesday afternoon, the dress was ready, the guest list finalized, and I was standing in Rose Paradise with Olivia as a photographer arranged us for pre-wedding photos.
"Just a little closer together," the photographer, Diane, instructed. "Blake, arm around her waist—perfect!"
Olivia leaned into me, warm against my side. She wore a white sundress, her hair loose. I'd opted for a light blue button-down and khakis—casual but coordinated with the pink roses surrounding us.
"Now look at each other," Diane called. "Like you're sharing a secret."
I turned to Olivia, finding her already gazing up at me. The setting sun bathed her face in golden light. Without thinking, I brushed a strand of hair from her cheek.
"What are you thinking about?" I asked softly.
"How surreal this all is," she admitted. "Two months ago, I was single and focused entirely on my career. Now I'm pregnant, married, and about to have a wedding ceremony in a garden you created just for me."
"Regrets?" I couldn't help asking.
She shook her head, smiling. "No. Just... adjusting."
"Perfect!" Diane exclaimed, snapping away. "That's exactly the kind of genuine moment I'm looking for."
She directed us through various poses—walking through the roses, sitting together, standing in the gazebo where I'd proposed. Each shot captured not just us, but our story.
For the final set, Diane suggested more intimate moments. "Forget I'm here. Just be yourselves."
I took Olivia deeper into the garden where the roses were at their most vibrant. Finding a quiet spot partially hidden by climbing roses, I pulled her close.
"You look beautiful among the roses," I told her honestly. "Like you belong here."
"These roses exist because of me, according to you," she teased. "So I guess I do belong."
"You belong with me," I said seriously. "You always have."
Her eyes softened. "I'm starting to believe that."
"Blake?" she whispered.
"Hmm?"
"Thank you for waiting for me. For not giving up, even when I was too stubborn to see what was right in front of me."
My heart swelled. "I would have waited forever for you, Olivia Parker."
"You don't have to wait anymore," she said, rising on her tiptoes to kiss me.
I kissed her back, gently at first, then with growing passion. My hands found her waist, drawing her closer until there was no space between us.
When we finally broke apart, the sun had begun to set, painting the sky in brilliant shades that matched the roses perfectly.
"Got it!" Diane called. "That kiss with the sunset behind you—absolutely magical."
Olivia laughed, burying her face in my chest. "I completely forgot she was there."
"Me too," I admitted, "but I'm glad she captured it."
As Diane packed up, Olivia and I remained in the garden, watching the last rays of sunlight filter through the roses. The air was sweet with their scent, a gentle breeze carrying it around us.
"Three more days," Olivia said quietly. "And then we'll be standing right here, saying our vows."
"I can't wait," I replied, meaning it with every fiber of my being.
She turned in my arms, looking up at me. "Neither can I."
In that moment, surrounded by the roses I'd created for her, with the woman I'd loved for most of my life in my arms, I felt a perfect sense of rightness. All the years of waiting had led us here, to this garden, to this sunset, to this promise of forever.