chapter 121
Alana’s point of view.
The air in Aspen was as crisp as the freshly fallen snow, setting the scene for Killian and Izabel's long-awaited December wedding. The mountains stood tall, bearing witness to a love that had weathered storms. Today, amidst the snowy beauty, my friends were about to embark on a new chapter of their lives. I was thrilled for them, having meticulously ensured every detail was just right. The wedding planner, Evie, seemed to carry the weight of the world on her clipboard. Glad I didn't pick that career path; it was a contender once, but I chose differently.
"Are you heading upstairs for hair and makeup?" Evie asked, clutching her clipboard and a small wrapped box.
"Yes, right now," I confirmed, realizing it was time for me to focus on getting ready. Everything else had been handled.
"Here, this is the final piece," Evie said, placing the box in my hand.
"What's inside?" I furrowed my brow, curious about this last-minute addition. Had I missed something crucial?
"It's Izabel's 'something blue' from her brother," Evie explained, her eyes on the box. "Tell her before her makeup, she'll get emotional," she added knowingly.
"Her brother's back?" Surprise tinged my words. He was a Navy SEAL stationed far away, and his absence saddened Izabel. She truly wished he could’ve made it to the wedding but he obviously had no control of his schedule as of right now–or so we thought.
"He just arrived yesterday, and made it just in time," Evie explained, a hint of excitement in her tone.
"I've got to go before her makeup starts," I rushed up the stairs, brimming with excitement to share the news with Izabel.
"Hurry!" Evie called after me, already off to supervise someone else.
"What's got you in a rush?" Ryan, fixing her earrings, caught up with me as we headed to the same room for our makeovers. Well, Ryan was all set; her hair had been elegantly styled, adorned with a jewel pin.
"Isaac's back," I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement.
"Isaac, her brother?" Ryan's eyes widened in surprise.
"Yeah, turns out his deployment's done for now. He just got here yesterday! Izabel will be over the moon," I confirmed, a wide grin spreading across my face.
"That's awesome. Can't wait to see her face," Ryan chimed in as we pushed open the door to the bridal suite where we were all set to get our makeup done. Izabel had her hair in rolls and pins, and it seemed like the skin care prep was all done. Now, it was makeup time, and we arrived just in time.
"Perfect timing! They're about to start our makeup. Take a seat," Izabel ushered us in, gesturing toward the chairs.
"Wait a sec, I brought you 'something blue,'" I interrupted, placing a hand on her shoulder to halt her bustling about.
"Oh, uh, okay," Izabel said, a puzzled frown on her face as she opened the box. Suddenly, her eyes widened in shock. "What in the world? Where did you get this?!"
"Isaac sent it to me?" she was puzzled.
"Nope, Isaac is here," I replied, relishing the surprise that was about to unfold.
"What?!" Izabel's jaw dropped, and she made a beeline for the door.
"He made it yesterday, just in time. He wanted you to have this as your 'something blue,'" I explained, stopping her in her tracks. "He's still getting ready," I added.
"He kept his promise… He kept his promise, oh my goodness," Izabel gushed, reaching for the gift again. Tears flowed freely down her cheeks. It was a simple blue-threaded bracelet, and I could sense its sentimental value. Perhaps a cherished part of their childhood, as I remembered Isaac wearing something similar in old photos.
"Don't cry too much, sweetheart," one of the makeup artists comforted, offering her tissues.
"It's been over two years," Izabel breathed out, a huge grin breaking through her tears. "I'm so incredibly happy right now."
Her joy radiated through the room, leaving us all wrapped in the warmth of her happiness.
The makeup session began, and Ryan was the first to finish. She looked stunning, her natural blush makeup accentuated by a striking red lipstick, a look Izabel had personally chosen. Despite the dazzling appearance, there was no mistaking who the radiant bride would be. My makeup mirrored Ryan's, although I opted for fuller lashes. The hairstylist just completed the elegant touch to my look, expertly curling my hair and securing it with a jeweled pin at the back.
Once Izabel was ready, a smile of pure satisfaction lit up my face. She was breathtaking. Her dress hugged her figure gracefully, a testament to the hard work she'd put into her workout routines. The veil partially covered her long hair, adding to her bridal allure as she picked up her bouquet, exuding pure radiance. A soft knock on the door signaled the arrival of her father, and it was our cue to start our part.
As we made our way to the ceremony, the guests had already gathered, seated in anticipation. A snowy white carpet led to the elegantly decorated arch, adorned with floral arrangements delicately dusted with snowflakes, creating a picturesque winter wonderland setting.
The ceremony kicked off with a gentle winter ballad, setting a serene atmosphere for the heartfelt vows that were to follow. The officiant, standing amidst the enchanting snowy landscape, spoke with eloquence about the endurance of love and the resilience gained from overcoming life's challenges together. I couldn't help but steal a glance at Alec, who grinned back at me, his eyes sparkling with pride and affection.
The air was filled with a sense of warmth, despite the chill of the snowy landscape, as the ceremony unfolded. Each word spoken, each vow exchanged, resonated deeply, echoing the strength of love and the promise of a beautiful journey ahead. The genuine smiles, occasional tears, and shared glances among the guests only added to the magical ambiance of the moment.
The air crackled with excitement as Izabel gracefully made her way down the aisle. A collective gasp followed her every step, and there was her brother, standing at the altar, eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
The officiant's gentle voice marked the beginning of a heartfelt exchange of vows between Killian and Izabel. Against the backdrop of falling snowflakes, their whispered promises seemed to echo a tale of enduring love.
With the rings exchanged and a tender kiss shared, the newlyweds, radiant and hand in hand, retraced their steps down the aisle, their smiles lighting up the room like the sun that rarely graced Aspen in December.
The reception hall was an amalgamation of delightful scents—a fusion of pine and savory winter dishes—as guests revealed in a sumptuous feast. Amidst the laughter, conversations, and clinking of glasses, the celebration embraced the joyous union.
"I haven't known Killian for too long, but it's clear as day that he's made my sister happier than I've seen her in years. Trust me, that's a monumental achievement. Izabel's got high standards because she knows she deserves the world. I'm thrilled she's found someone who loves her as much as she loves her coffee cake. Maybe he's even managed to teach her how to share," Isaac teased, lifting his champagne glass.
“Nah, she’s still not sharing,” Killian chimed in, earning an affirming nod from Izabel.
Amid chuckles, Isaac raised his glass higher. "Here's to the couple who proved that true love can weather a postponed wedding. May your love be as infectious as Izabel's laughter and as enduring as Killian's patience. Cheers!"
The evening unfurled effortlessly, and Izabel shared a touching moment with her brother, resulting in a toast that tugged more heartstrings than I could have mustered.
As the dance floor buzzed with animated steps and laughter, love seemed to radiate from every corner. Alec led me to the dance floor, enveloping me in his embrace as we swayed to the music.
“I love you,” Alec whispered, planting a tender kiss on my lips.
“I love you too, Mr. Fisher. I can't wait to marry you all over again,” I whispered back, watching his grin widen.
Alec leaned his forehead against mine, closing his eyes as the music enveloped us, and we continued to dance, lost in the symphony of love that surrounded us.