Chapter 118 We're Getting Married!

Chapter 118 We're Getting Married!
Chapter 118 Let's Get Married!

Valentine's Day dawned sunny, and Margaret was bustling about with great excitement. She truly was a matchmaker and left nothing out of place. The house was beautifully decorated, even though the wedding banquet was to be held at the hotel.

Valeria was getting ready at the Dubois house; the wedding was set for 11 in the morning, and from early on, Ebony and her staff were coming and going.

The dress Ebony made for Valeria was a mermaid cut, accentuating her slender figure. The top showcased the beginning of her breasts, as it had a somewhat pronounced V-neck and semi-transparent sleeves.

It was complemented by a beautiful choker, white gold earrings, and a stunning bouquet of fresh flowers.

Valeria insisted on following the tradition of wearing something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue to ensure a happy and lasting marriage.

So, Rosalía brought out another of her well-preserved heirlooms, her perfectly kept wedding veil, symbolizing tradition and being the best gift from her dear mother, as it represented both her father and mother being present.

Ebony touched it up, and it matched perfectly with the beautiful dress. It was transparent and very long, gathered in a beautiful bun with some loose strands, as Ebony said it highlighted Valeria's lovely neck.

Ebony lent her a beautiful white gold choker that matched the new white gold earrings Dubois had given her, and Margaret gave her a lace garter and a blue ribbon, saying mischievously, "It's to wear under the dress and on the upper part of your leg. Dubois will get hot with that!"

Ebony also brought sexy white lingerie, at Margaret's request. What was with Margaret and all the sexy stuff?

When she finished getting ready, Valeria looked in the mirror and couldn't believe it. It was her, the same Valeria, with a child and about to marry the man she loved.

Then Margaret brought in the photographer and had a space filled with flowers in the suite especially for the photos. All the women present cried when they saw her. Rosalía, Margaret, Cristina, Sofí, Hana, and Ebony looked at her and told her how beautiful she looked.

They took many photos from different angles, then with Sofí, the maid of honor, beautifully dressed, another with the baby, a handsome little gentleman in a perfect suit, and one with mom, giving me her blessing, her in front of me and me with my head bowed.

Valeria also had photos taken with all the women who had come into her life in the past year and played such an important role in this event. They were her fairy godmothers: Hana, Margaret, and Ebony.

Valeria said to herself, "I am happy, I can't help it. My happiest day is the day my son was born, but today I feel so grateful for everything I have that tears well up in my eyes."

"No, Valeria, what's this? You'll ruin your makeup. Please touch it up," Margaret said to the stylist.

"I never thought I'd see myself like this. Marrying Dubois was unthinkable, and now I have everything. I just have to thank God for everything. I feel humble and blessed. Thank you all. Mom, you are the center of my life. Without you, I would be nothing.

Sister, everything we are, what we will be, we owe to our parents. Dad used to tell me to dream that I could always reach the sky and that a prince would come for me someday. You were right, Daddy!

I think and reflect that Margaret, Hana, Ebony, and Cristina have been my support during this time. I feel like I've known them forever."
I watch them and see strong, valuable, independent women. Some have had children and have known how to be mothers, wives, workers—I admire them all. They are strong women; they have managed to maintain a home and ensure their children had everything they needed, including a father by their side.

"They are women who make everyone who approaches them feel very loved. I love you all. Thank you for what you have done for me, for making this day possible. I couldn't have done it without you. Truly, you are my fairy godmothers. I love you!"

"We love you too! And let's change that face. How many times do you want us to touch you up? Dubois must already be at the church," Margaret says excitedly.

"Let's see how we distribute ourselves in the vehicle. Our husbands are already at the church. Have you nursed the baby, Valeria? If you need to, go ahead, and then Ebony will fix your dress."

"Yes, Margaret, give me a moment."

"This way, the baby won't cry," Margaret advises me.

We do as she says, and once again, Ebony fixes my dress, and the stylist arranges my hair and bridal veil.

Valeria looks at her mom and tries not to cry. She is very, very emotional. They need to leave; the car is waiting, but Valeria wants to hug her mom. She thinks she never imagined being this happy.

"In the past, after Dad's death, getting help with raising a baby, working hard to help with expenses. Two years ago, seeing Mom so sick, watching her recover from chemotherapy and radiotherapy, it seems impossible that we are here today. Seeing her now, so beautiful, feels like a miracle. I am so grateful to God."

"Let's go, Valeria, you'll be late," says Margaret, who is in charge of the arrangements.

So, I follow her. We go down the stairs and reach the ground floor. The photographer has taken pictures of us coming down the stairs with Sofí and alone. A video is also being recorded at Dubois's request, capturing all the preparations. Rosalía adjusts the bridal veil as we leave the bedroom. Every step is documented for the meeting with my beloved husband.

At every step, Sofí holds the veil, a gift from Mom, and everyone I encounter from the Dubois household, whom I've come to appreciate, congratulates me.

As I step outside, my faithful Renato is visibly moved. "Congratulations, Mrs. Dubois," Renato says.

"Thank you very much, Renato." In the first vehicle, Sofí, Renato, the driver, and I get in.

In Margaret's car are Mom, the baby, Cristina, and Margaret. In a third vehicle, Ebony and her staff ride. Before getting ready, I told Ebony, "You won't enjoy the wedding, you'll just be working."

"You're wrong. I'm enjoying it very much. You are the first bride I've dressed, and you are my friend and Mom's friend. I'm very excited and happy to help you on this big day. You look beautiful, and have confidence. Your happiness and the sparkle in your eyes come from love. Be happy, my friend."

"I love you very much, Ebony."

"I love you more. Many blessings."

...

Due to Margaret's insistence, Michael had to get ready at the hotel with Sebastián, Ricardo, and Alfred. He had left the house almost at dawn. Margaret arrived very early with her staff and got him out of there, saying, "Your clothes and everything you need are at the hotel. I don't want you to call Valeria. We'll be busy, so don't distract her."

In short, she forbade him from seeing Valeria and calling her to avoid interrupting the preparations.

So, he went to the hotel, where Sebastián and Ricardo were also getting ready. First, he complained about being taken out of his house so early and being forbidden to see or call his wife.
Alfred, with his American accent, simply said, "That's my wife, everything has to be perfect, and she has that leadership quality, that's how I love her. Come on, Michael, let's get dressed. We men get ready faster; women need the element of surprise and other things, like the stylist, the makeup artist, I don't know, they can't do that with you there, leave them be. Today is your big day as a couple, especially for Valeria."

"Understood, thanks, Alfred. Tell me where I can get dressed."

"Your suit and everything you need are in that bedroom," he said, then looked at Sebastian and Ricardo. "You guys can get dressed in the other bedrooms. Let's go, guys, we have a schedule to keep."

...

Before the indicated time, Michael was already standing in front of the altar with his groomsmen, and he truly wanted to marry his sweetheart, so he dressed up for her. His custom-made suit fit him splendidly; it was a tuxedo that represented elegance and distinction.

He decided to dress traditionally in a black and white tuxedo and was very excited.

They were just waiting for his sweetheart's arrival, and by his side were his friends, his companions since adolescence, his support during tough days, his brothers in spirit. It couldn't be any other way; they were there with him on this important day in his life, just as they had been during the difficult days of his youth.

He remembered the day they met on the basketball court. He never would have thought that this friendship would become so close, but over time it turned into an unbreakable bond.

Standing there waiting for Valeria, he thought, "Here I am with my friends by my side, waiting for the love of my life. If someone had told me about this moment years ago, I wouldn't have believed it. My life was so bleak, and now it's filled with wonderful people, noise, sweets, and homemade meals."

"I look around and can only give thanks. I'm so grateful for the people I have by my side at this moment, for my wife and my child, for Mama Rosalía and my other mom, Cristina. For understanding that I was never alone; my friends and Cristina were always looking out for me. For you, Dad, who after many years made me realize that I was important to you."

"I give thanks for these stable couples, Margaret and Alfred, Hana and Eduardo. You have made me understand that love is possible, and living as a couple can be a reality and can last forever."

I come out of my reflections because it seems that the bride has arrived, my wife, my destined companion, the mother of my child.

...

Upon arriving at the church, Valeria and Sofi got out carefully. Renato helped, and Sofi took care of the veil. Previously, Valeria had decided that Rosalía would accompany her to the altar and give her away, so Rosalía, adorned in a beautiful light blue dress, walked with her towards the altar. Rosalía was crying, but Valeria knew it was out of pure happiness.

When they arrived, they positioned themselves at the entrance of the church. The staff placed Sofi, then Valeria and Rosalía, hand in hand. As they took their places, a beautiful, soft instrumental music could be heard from inside the church.

Before beginning their entrance, Rosalía said, "Everything will be fine. You look stunning. They'll be speechless. Ready?"

"Yes, Mom, I love you so much, Mom. Thank you for everything," Valeria felt emotional, hoping that her dad from heaven could see how happy she was. She couldn't stop thinking about him and how happy he would have been to be with her at that moment.

"Are you ready?" Valeria nodded. When they entered the church, the music changed, announcing her arrival, and the classic wedding march played.

Valeria walked down the aisle of the church very happy, quite nervous, as she had never been the center of attention, but very happy.
The few guests seated on either side of the aisle were all friends, clients, or investors of Dubois, whom he appreciated. Mery was there too, along with some friends from where his old house was located.

In the end, he decided to prepare a magnificent banquet at the hotel. What mattered was that it was a wedding filled with love and well-wishes.

They slowly walked down the center of the church to the altar, following a radiant Sofia as the maid of honor. There, Michael was waiting with his two loyal friends, Ricardo and Sebastian.

Michael was visibly emotional when she reached him, and Rosalía handed Valeria over to him. She looked at him with adoring eyes.

Cristina and Margaret had the baby on one of the front pews. He was asleep but dressed very formally, with blue pants, a vest, and a shirt. Rosalía went to sit there after leaving Valeria at the altar. Sofia stayed by Valeria’s side, taking care of the veil.

The priest began to speak, first welcoming everyone present and then talking about the sanctity of marriage and the commitment the couple had to take care of their marriage. He spoke about how they were forming a partnership and in this partnership, both had equal rights.

“You must help and take care of each other. Throughout married life, you will face challenges, but these challenges can only be overcome with love. Always remember that it is this same love that brought you here today. You are here to get married, so keep a home where your children can grow up and see that love reflected.”

The priest wanted to interact with the couple and the guests and asked, "Groom’s godparents, what do you wish for Michael and Valeria?"

Sebastian had to speak, as they weren't expecting this question. "My friends have shown that they love each other very much and that real love between a couple exists. I wish them a life full of health, peace, and prosperity."

"Thank you very much, godfather," said the priest. "Bride’s mother, what do you wish for this happy couple?"

Rosalía stood up from her seat and said, "I wish for them to always stay united. I love you both very much."

"Thank you very much, mother," said the priest. "We can see that the happiness of the couple is also the happiness of those present."

When it was time for the wedding vows, Michael and Valeria’s voices rang clear and strong throughout the church.

Both declared to always be united, in sickness and in health, in wealth and in poverty, until death do them part, they would always be together.

"Michael and Valeria, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Michael, you may kiss the bride."

When they were declared husband and wife, Michael gave her a sweet kiss. Their friends and family cried with emotion, the priest congratulated them, and as they happily exited the church, the choir performed a beautiful love song.

The moment for congratulations outside the church was another emotional one. After receiving congratulations from family and friends, Valeria was greeted and hugged by Mery. "Congratulations, Valeria, I'm so happy for you. Of course, I only congratulated Dubois."

"Thank you, Mery." Her neighbor, who had looked after her parents' house and helped during those difficult times with her mom, also approached.

There were acquaintances of Dubois whom Valeria treated very kindly, and they warmly congratulated her.

Then, following tradition, as they left the church, Valeria turned her back and tossed the bouquet to her single female guests who had gathered to catch it.

By chance, the bouquet landed in Sebastian’s hands, who quickly threw it again, and one of the single guests caught it. The speed with which Sebastian threw the bouquet again caused laughter and applause.