Chapter 90 The Perfect Day
Olivia: POV
I stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror, hardly recognizing myself in the elegant white gown. The bodice was fitted with delicate lace that flowed into a soft skirt designed to accommodate my small baby bump. My hair was styled in loose waves, adorned with tiny pink rosebuds that matched my bouquet.
"You look stunning," Catherine said, appearing behind me. Her eyes were already glistening with tears.
"Thanks, Mom." I turned to face her. "For everything. For being here, for helping with this wedding... for just being my mother."
She pulled me into a careful hug, mindful of my dress and makeup.
There was a soft knock, and Rachel poked her head in. "Five minutes, bride-to-be." She gave me a quick once-over and whistled. "Blake is going to lose his mind when he sees you."
I laughed, feeling butterflies in my stomach. "Technically, we're already married."
"Well, today you're doing it right," Rachel said, straightening my veil.
Victoria appeared behind her. "The guests are seated, and your husband-to-be looks like he might pass out from nerves."
"Blake? Nervous?" I couldn't imagine my confident Blake being anxious about anything.
"Trust me," Victoria said with a knowing smile. "That man is a wreck. In the best possible way."
My father entered, stopping short when he saw me. "Wow," he said softly. "My little girl."
I rolled my eyes, but I was smiling. "Dad, I'm twenty-six."
"Doesn't matter. You'll always be my little girl." He offered his arm. "Ready?"
I nodded. "Ready."
As we stepped into the garden, the late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over everything. The Rose Paradise looked magical, with thousands of pink roses creating a natural aisle leading to a flower-covered arch where Blake stood waiting.
The string quartet began playing as Victoria and Rachel started down the aisle. Then everyone stood, turning to look at me. But I only had eyes for Blake.
He looked devastatingly handsome in his tailored suit, but it was his expression that took my breath away—pure awe, like he was seeing the sun rise for the first time. His eyes never left mine as my father and I walked toward him.
With each step, memories flashed through my mind: Blake as a mischievous kid while I helped clean up his messes; now here he stood—mature and steady—waiting for me. The wild boy had become this incredible man, and somehow our paths had crossed again.
When we reached him, my father placed my hand in Blake's. His fingers were warm around mine.
"Hi," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
"Hi," I whispered back, smiling through unexpected tears.
When it came time for the vows, Blake took both my hands in his.
"Olivia," he began, "I've loved you since we were children, though you didn't see it then. I loved you through the years we were apart, and I love you even more now. I promise to stand by your side through everything, to be your partner, your best friend, and the father to our child."
When it was my turn, I took a shaky breath.
"Blake, I was blind for so long to what was right in front of me. But now I see you—truly see you. You're the most caring and loving man I've ever known. I promise to be your partner in all things, to support your dreams as you've supported mine, and to create a family filled with love."
We exchanged rings, and then the officiant pronounced us husband and wife. Blake cupped my face and kissed me, soft at first, then with growing passion until someone (definitely Victoria) wolf-whistled, making everyone laugh.
The reception was held under twinkling fairy lights as stars began to appear. Blake never strayed far from my side, his hand at the small of my back or holding mine as we greeted guests.
"Mrs. Westwood," he murmured during our first dance. "How does it feel?"
"Technically, I was already Mrs. Westwood," I reminded him with a smile. "But now it feels real. It feels right."
He spun me gently. "No regrets? No feeling trapped?"
I looked up at him, seeing the vulnerability beneath his teasing. "No regrets. And the only trap I see is how completely I've fallen for you."
After dinner came the bouquet toss. I stood with my back to the gathered single women, including Victoria and Rachel.
"Ready?" I called over my shoulder.
"Just throw it already!" Victoria shouted back.
I tossed the bouquet high, turning just in time to see it land—to everyone's surprise—directly in Alex's hands as he walked past the group.
He stood frozen, staring at it like it might explode. The crowd erupted in laughter.
"Looks like you're next, buddy!" someone called.
Alex's face flushed red. His eyes darted to Victoria, who was watching with an amused smile. He gave her an exaggerated wink, which she ignored, turning instead to chat with Daniel.
As the night wore on, the party grew more lively. Victoria had organized wedding games, with everyone gathered in a circle on the dance floor.
"Next up," she announced, holding up champagne, "the newlyweds will demonstrate how they'll drink from now on—together!"
She handed Blake champagne, then turned to me with a knowing smile. "And since our lovely Olivia is expecting, we'll let her substitute water. We want to take care of the little one, don't we?"
I gently patted my stomach, grateful that Victoria had been thoughtful enough to give me sparkling water instead of champagne.
Victoria tied our arms together with a silk scarf. Blake and I managed to drink without spilling, years of childhood coordination games paying off, and the crowd applauded.
"Now," Victoria continued, a mischievous glint in her eye, "let's see some other couples try! Alex and Daniel, you're up!"
Alex spluttered. "We're not a couple!"
"You're the closest male friends here," Victoria said innocently.
Daniel stepped forward with a resigned sigh. "Let's just get this over with."
As they attempted to drink, Alex jerked his arm, causing Daniel to spill champagne down his shirt. Daniel glared, but there was something wounded behind his annoyance.
"Sorry," Alex said, looking contrite. He brushed Daniel's arm. "We should be friends again. You can't stay mad at me forever."
Daniel's expression softened slightly. "We'll see."
I leaned against Blake, watching with interest. "What's the story there?" I whispered.
Blake wrapped his arm around my waist. "It's complicated. But I think they'll figure it out eventually."