CH.1

I woke up feeling like a giddy child on Christmas morning - my heart was racing with excitement and anticipation. Today was finally the day I had been dreaming about for years - my wedding day! I was marrying the love of my life, the man who made my heart skip a beat every time I looked at him. Karl was the most incredible person I had ever met, and in just a few short hours, I would officially be his wife.

As that realization washed over me, I couldn't stop the huge, dopey grin from spreading across my face. I pulled my cozy comforter up over my head for a moment, peeking out with just my sparkling hazel eyes showing. I felt like a little kid playing hide and seek. By this time tomorrow, I won't be waking up alone in my childhood bedroom anymore. Instead, I'd be nestled in the warmth and safety of Karl's strong arms as his wife. The thought made butterflies erupt in my belly.

I sprang out of bed, practically skipping towards the bathroom with unbridled excitement and joy. I needed to look absolutely perfect for my man on our big day. Stripping off my pajamas, I sank into the large hot tub, letting the steamy water instantly relax my muscles as I put in my headphones to listen to some romantic music. I closed my eyes and savored the quiet, tranquil moment, wishing more than anything that Karl was here to share it with me. Having him join me in the tub, his muscular arms wrapped around me from behind would make this already blissful experience absolutely perfect.

After what felt like an eternity of soaking in the soothing waters, I finally dragged myself out, wrapping my body in a plush, cozy towel. I padded into my bedroom, staring indecisively at my closet as I tried to figure out what to wear for now before I got into my wedding gown later. My pondering was interrupted by a buzz from my phone.

Seeing Karl's name on the notification, I broke into another wide, goofy smile. I felt like a lovesick teenager every time I heard from him. Opening the message, I felt those familiar butterflies at his sweet words: "Good morning, my beautiful wife! You can't imagine how eager I am to see you in your stunning white dress later. I can hardly wait to finally call you mine forever. All my love, your one and only."

I reread his message a few times, my cheeks flushing and my heart fluttering rapidly with each pass. How did I get so incredibly lucky to find a man as wonderful as Karl? This had to be the biggest dream come true. After a couple of minutes spent trying to come up with an appropriately romantic reply, I finally typed out: "Good morning, my handsome husband :) I'm counting down the minutes until I get to be in your arms!"

Satisfied, I hit send and headed downstairs where the mouthwatering smells of bacon, eggs, and fresh coffee being made by our housekeeper greeted me. My family was all gathered around the dining table, chatting and laughing over their breakfast.

"Good morning, my dear family!" I sang out in a bright, singsong voice as I entered the room, planting kisses on my mom and dad's cheeks. They both smiled back at me warmly, my dad's eyes crinkling at the corners.

"There's my baby girl, the blushing bride!" My brother Suga's voice came from behind me as he bounded down the stairs, still looking half-asleep with his hair sticking up erratically.

Before I could even react, he reached out and ruffled my carefully brushed hair in that infuriating way of his, completely mussing it up. "Suga! Oh my god, stop that!" I swatted his hand away, rolling my eyes at his antics. "It's my wedding day, have a little respect!"

He just smirked, clearly enjoying getting a rise out of me as always. We had a typical sibling dynamic where he loved to tease and push my buttons. "Like we could forget, you've only mentioned it a million times already."

I stuck my tongue out at him before turning to my mom with a pleading look. "Mom, please come help me get ready? I'm so nervous, I really need you there!"

She smiled warmly and nodded. "Of course, sweetie. I'll be right up after I finish my coffee." She turned to our housekeeper Carmen. "Can you bring my makeup bag and supplies up to the bride's room?"

"Yes, Mrs. Wilkins. I'll take them up right away," Carmen replied with a polite smile.

A couple hours later, I was dressed in my stunning white lace gown that made me feel like an actual princess. My mom had worked her magic on my hair and makeup, making me look absolutely radiant. But despite how amazing I looked on the outside, I was an absolute jittery mess internally.

I paced back and forth in the bride's room, my stomach tied up in knots as I fretted about the wedding night to come. My best friend Rosie sat on the couch, trying her best to calm me down.

"Rosie, I'm totally freaking out here!" I fretted, wringing my hands anxiously. "What if I'm terrible in bed? What if I can't satisfy him tonight and he regrets marrying me?"

She let out a peal of laughter at my panicked rambling, clearly finding my nervousness hilarious. "Oh my god, relax! You're going to be just fine. Karl is crazy about you - he could literally care less about that stuff. Just go with the flow and quit putting so much pressure on yourself!"

Before I could respond, the door burst open and my brother Robert came storming in with a crazed look on his face, rolling up his sleeves like he was about to fight someone. "Where is he? I'm going to kill him!"

My dad and other brothers, Martin and Suga, followed close behind, chuckling at Robert's overprotective antics. "Oh my god, you've grown up so fast!" Robert pulled me into a fierce, bone-crushing bear hug, making it hard to breathe. "Who am I going to look out for when my baby sister is gone?"

I felt my eyes well up at his words, returning his hug just as fiercely. As overbearing as he could be, I knew it came from a place of love. "Aw Robert, I'll always be your little sister, dummy. I'm just starting an exciting new chapter, that's all."

Martin stepped in then, gently prying Robert off me and giving me a calmer, gentler hug. "You'll always have us if you need anything, sis. We've got your back no matter what." His warm smile helped soothe my nerves a little.

I nodded, giving him a watery smile as Suga came over next. He started to reach for my hair and I shot him a warning look. "Don't even think about it, buster!"

He held his hands up in surrender with a laugh. "Old habits! But for real though, we're here if you ever need your guards to come running, okay?"

Finally, it was my turn to hug my dad. He approached me with glistening eyes, cradling my face in his big, calloused hands. "My little princess is all grown up and getting married," he said gruffly, his voice thick with emotion. A tear rolled down his cheek.

I blinked hard to hold back my own tears as I hugged him tightly, breathing in his comforting, familiar scent. "I'll always be your little girl, Daddy. No matter how old I get or what happens."

He kissed the top of my head, then took a deep breath to compose himself, giving me a watery smile. "You're absolutely right. But for today, your husband is waiting for you. Let's go, sweetie, it's showtime."

My heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest as we made our way down the aisle of the ceremony space. I could feel every eye on me, but I only had eyes for Karl.

He looked devastatingly handsome in his sleek black tuxedo, standing at the altar with his hands clasped in front of him. When he turned and saw me walking towards him, his entire face was overcome with an expression of pure awe and love. His eyes shone bright with unshed tears of joy as he drank in the sight of me.

My cheeks burned bright red, but I couldn't wipe the deliriously happy, beaming smile off my face if I tried. This was really it - I was about to marry the man of my dreams, my true soulmate. The love I saw reflecting in Karl's eyes was immense.

Oh good lord…! How can one be this handsome?

When we reached Karl, my dad put on a stern face and took his hand firmly. "Son. I now offer you a part of my life, my princess and my youngest. I hope you will take care of her and make her happy."

My father's voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

Karl gave a solemn nod, his eyes shining as he gazed at me adoringly. "You have my word, sir. Your princess is my entire world."

Dad extended my hand to Karl, who quickly grabbed it.

He looked at me with such tenderness, making me blush deeply.

With that, I stood before my husband-to-be and waited for the priest to begin.