Ch.4/ The Big Day

EVERLY'S POV

Marriage is not just a word, it is a feeling we must live with. It fills your life with so much happiness that there is no room left for sorrow. The only need is to identify the right person because only then we will be able to enjoy the happiness properly. If I talk about myself, I would like to say that I never thought that I would get married so soon. But as it is said that only God knows what he wants for us. Maybe that's why he has brought Giovanni into my life. 

I still can't believe that I am going to get married and that too with such a nice person. I have always believe that my parents will find the best groom for me as I never wanted a love marriage. Many people may not agree with me but I trust my parents more than myself. That's why I never thought of finding my life partner by myself as I didn't want to make mistakes in recognizing the correct one for me.

Today is my wedding day and like every other bride, I am getting nervous too. Dad has assured me that everything is set perfectly starting from the aisle to the reception hall. I just need to get ready on time and he will be there to walk me to my prince charming.

Currently, I am sipping on my morning coffee trying to relax before the makeup artist and hairstylist comes to get me ready. As usual, Hannah is my maid of honor because I don't want anyone other than her to fulfill this duty. For bridesmaids, I have selected two of my college friends and four of my cousins who are very thrilled to be here. As for the flower girl, Hannah's four years old niece Arla is going to perform that part.

"You are still not done with your bath?" Mom asks coming inside my room.

"I am going, Mom." I reply giving her a sheepish smile.

"Eve baby, today is such a big day so you shouldn't be lazy. Now come on, get inside the bathroom and take a bath asap." She instructs pointing her finger towards the bathroom.

I grumble under my breath but still follow her instruction and get inside the bathroom. I fill the bathtub with lukewarm water before adding a decent amount of homemade herbal body cleaning powder to it. I get into the bathtub and feel myself relaxing into the divine smell of the powder. I don't know what things Mom has added to it but she has done a great job making it.

After half an hour of soaking in the bathtub, I flush the ruined water and fill the tub with clean water. Soon I get out of the tub and starts drying my  body before applying a thin layer of rose oil to add moisture and glow to my pale skin. I look at the mirror and my eyes directly go towards my completely shaven private area. At first, I didn't want to get Brazilian waxed but Hannah insisted me that this would be the best. Although it's not my first time getting waxed down there but still it feels a little awkward to display nudity in front of unknown people.

I wear a white lacey strapless bra and a matching thong with it. I also wear a flowery designed lace garter on my left thigh which is said to be removed by the groom after the wedding. Then I put a champagne color silk robe on top of my undergarments before leaving the bathroom and find Hannah in the room talking with the makeup artist and hairstylist.

"Here comes our bride." Hannah lets out smiling brightly at me.

"You are already glowing, Miss. I am sure you will look more beautiful after we are done getting you ready for your special day." Leena, the makeup artist comments making me blush.

They make me sit down in front of the vanity but forbid me to look at the mirror before they are done. Leena starts with preparing my face and neck with moisturizer. Then she applies a small amount of primer and dab it gently on my face which will help with the long-lasting of makeup. After a few minutes, she applies concealer to the necessary parts and blends it gently with a damp beauty blender. Then she mixes two types of foundations together and starts applying them to my face, front and back of my neck. She sets everything with a compact powder so that the base doesn't smudge.

She then proceeds with contouring my cheekbones and chin. Then she applies highlighter on the necessary parts before starts doing my eye makeup which I have asked her to keep simple. After she is done with my eyes, she applies lipstick to my lips and then a thin layer of lipgloss to make them look fuller.

"Now it's my turn." I hear Suzanne, the hairstylist says aloud before she starts combing my hair to detangle any knots that have formed due to being in a bun.

After combing my hair she spritzes on some texturizing spray all over my hair to give it some hold. Then she parts the hair down in the middle. After that, she picks up a 2-inch section of hair from right next to the right side of the parting. She splits the section into 3 strands and starts doing dutch braiding by flipping the side strands under the middle strands. She adds more hair into the braid with each subsequent stitch. Then she secures the braid the back of my head with some bobby pins. She does the same process with the left side of parting too and then starts curling the ends of my hair in big loose curls before securing them in a low bun. She also pulls out a few small strands of hair in the front and adds a little curl to them.

When the makeup and hair are completely done, they help me wear the wedding dress and heels. I also spray my favorite Victoria Secret Bombshell perfume on my wrists and neck. Then I wear the diamond necklace given by Giovanni and pair it with a simple diamond studs earnings. I have decided to keep my wrists bare because the necklace is large enough to complete the look.

"Now, you can look at the mirror." Leena says with a smile.

I start feeling anxious because of how I am looking but the moment I look at myself in the mirror, all my worries completely vanished. Starting from the eye makeup to the hairstyle everything is done the way I have imagined. The light golden shimmer on my eyelids is making my blue orbs more vibrant. On the other hand, the light pink lipstick is looking so pretty on my lips that I don't want to ruin it by eating anything. The hair is also looking elegant at the same time giving me a classy look.

I am feeling like a real-life princess seeing how well the dress has hugged all of my curves and the Diamond necklace is complimenting my bare neck perfectly. I hear a gasp from behind so I turn around to see that Mom has her palm over her mouth while her eyes are filled with unshed tears.

"How am I looking, Mom?" I ask her with excitement as well as nervousness.

"You are looking like a fairy, my little girl. Everything is perfect." She replies caressing my right cheek.

"Thank you, Mom. But I have to thank Leena and Suzanne because they have done an excellent job in getting me ready." I tell her while looking at the two women who has really done a fantastic job.

"It's our pleasure to help you." Suzanne replies with a smile.

"Sweetheart, your Dad wants to come inside to give you something." Mom says.

"Of course he can come inside," I reply making her calls out Dad's name who walks inside holding a box. However, he stops a few steps away from me and looks at me with a teary smile. This time, I can't also control my tears because this is a very valuable moment of my life.

"My baby is looking so beautiful." He lets out making me rush towards him. I wrap my hands around his waist and hug him tightly.

"No, sweetheart. Don't cry, today is a happy day so don't waste your precious tears and be happy." He says putting his palms on my face. He then opens the box and there is a beautiful vintage-looking crown inside it.

"This crown used to be my mother's but before passing away, she told me to give it to my daughter on her wedding day." He explains while Mom secures the crown on my head.

"Thank you so much, Dad." I tell him with a smile.

"The groom is waiting on the aisle." Hannah informs coming into the room. I look at her and smile seeing the pregnancy glow on her beautiful face. She is wearing a gorgeous Rose Gold High-Neck Halter Backless Mermaid Dress which is chosen by me. Her makeup and hair is looking as beautiful as always.

"Wow, Eve. You are looking awesome and I can bet Giovanni won't be able to take off his eyes from you." She remarks with a smirk making me blush.

"Shut up." I mumble shyly before turning to Leena who suggests that I need a touch-up on my makeup and then she also puts a Corded lace cathedral-length veil over my head to cover my face. Mom hands me the flower bouquet which has different types of flowers arranged in it.

Finally, the time comes and Dad offers me his elbow which I take without hesitation. First, Mom along with Ashton walk down the aisle and take their preserved seats on the right side. Then enters the bridesmaids followed by the maid of honor. Next comes the flower girl Arla who starts throwing flowers on the way. I can feel my heart beat faster in which squeeze my hand as if to assure me that everything will be alright.

The moment I put my feet on the ground, 'Make you feel my love' by Adele starts playing in the background. I clutch Dad's elbow tightly while walking down the aisle. I can hear the murmurs of the guests but all my attention is on the man who is standing on the aisle waiting for me.

Upon arriving in the aisle, Dad puts my hand on Giovanni's stretched hand and asks him to take care of me. I get on the aisle with the help of my handsome fiance who gives me a charming smile which helps to soothe my worries. He has worn a classic black suit with a white shirt underneath it. However, he has ditched the bow tie and worn a long black tie instead. Like always his hair is done perfectly which goes so well with his trimmed beard.

The pastor starts the wedding by praying to Jesus for the well-being of the couple and then read some important phrases from the Bible.

"Friends, we have been invited here today to share with Giovanni Ruso and Everly Clark one of the most important moments in their lives. In the time they have been together their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured. Now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife.

We have been invited to hear as they promise to face the future together, accepting whatever may lie ahead. For the world that God has created for them, with its beauty and grace that is all around, with the strength that it offers and the peace that it brings, makes them truly grateful.

Nothing is easier than saying words and nothing harder than living them day after day. What you promise today must be renewed and redecided tomorrow. At the end of this ceremony legally you will be man and wife, but you still must decide each day that stretches out before you, that you want to be married.

Real love is something beyond the warmth and glow, the excitement and romance of being deeply in love. It is caring as much about the welfare and happiness of your marriage partner as about your own. But real love is not total absorption in each other; it is looking outward in the same direction together. Love makes burdens lighter, because you divide them. It makes joys more intense because you share them. It makes you stronger so you can reach out and become involved with life in ways you dared not risk alone." He then turns towards the crowds and asks who gives away the bride in which my parents answer they do. He then looks at Giovanni and asks him to recite the vows after him.

‘I, Giovanni Ruso take you, Everly Clark,

to be my wife,

to have and to hold

from this day forward;

for better, for worse,

for richer, for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

to love and to cherish,

till death us do part;

according to God’s holy law.

In the presence of, God I make this vow.’

Then comes my turn to recite the vows same as Giovanni. I take a deep breath and start reciting the vows.

‘I, Everly Clark, take you, Giovanni Ruso,

to be my husband,

to have and to hold

from this day forward;

for better, for worse,

for richer, for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

to love and to cherish,

till death us do part;

according to God’s holy law.

In the presence of God, I make this vow.’

When the vows are done, Sofia hands the rings to the pastor who gives one to Giovanni and the other one to me. We exchange the rings with vows to be with each other.

"I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Ruso. You may kiss the bride." The pastor announces while Giovanni pulls up the veil to which reveals my face before dipping down to kiss me on the lips. The crowd around us starts cheering for us making me blush while he pulls away from the kiss.

"You are now completely mine, Mrs. Everly Giovanni Ruso." He whispers in my ear.

"All yours," I reply.

•~•~•~•

After the wedding ceremony, as both of us enter the reception, we are showered with confetti as a welcome tradition. Then we walk towards the area where the cake is situated on a table. Then we cut the wedding cake and feeds a bite to each other representing that the care and affection towards one another.

We then take seats in our deserved places along with our other family members. Ashton does a toast in our honor and pours champagne on glasses that we have to drink per the ritual. Then Hannah stands in the middle of the hall with a microphone in her hand.

"I am Hannah King, today's beautiful bride Everly Ruso's best friend. But this girl has never let me be her friend. Because ever since we met she has treated me like her sister. I have made many friends in life but no one has been as important as you. I know as a maid of honor I should pull her leg but the pain of her going away is too much for me to joke around. So, I will keep my speech short and quick because my pregnancy hormones are everywhere." She then gives me a teary smile while I already have tears streaming down my face.

"Maybe you are married now and you are going to start a new life, but don't dare to forget me even by mistake." She threatens but then breaks out in tears. I nod my head repeatedly in response while Ashton takes her in his arms.

"She cares for you a lot." Giovanni remarks.

"Yeah, just as she said she is more like a sister to me than a friend." I reply and feel him wipe my tears.

"I am not going to take you away." He assures making me smile.

"I believe you." I answer kissing his palm that is holding my face.

There are some more speeches made by Dad, Mom, Noah and Sofia. Then comes the time to dance as a married couple. So, both of us move towards the dance floor and 'Blessed' by Thomas Rhett starts playing which is chosen by me.

Like we have practiced before, we start dancing on the beats. I put my head on his chest liking the way his heart is beating under my touch. He holds my face between his palms before taking my lips in a toe-curling kiss.

"What's that for?" I ask after the kiss ended.

"Just felt like tasting your sweet lips." He replies with a smirk making me giggle.

"Can I have this dance with you, beautiful lady?" Dad asks standing in front of us.

"She is all yours." Giovanni answers while I put my hand in Dad's outstretched hand.

The DJ plays the song 'Daughter' by Loudon Wainwright III in which Dad and I perform the 'Father-Daughter' dance. After the performance, everyone join us on the dance floor to dance their heart out.

After the food is served and eaten, it's time for garter toss so I sit on a chair while Giovanni kneels on my feet. He winks at me before dipping his head under my dress making me gasp. I thought he would pull away the garter by hand but much to my surprise, I feel him kissing my thigh before he pulls down the garter by his teeth to my feet.

He stands up holding the garter in his hand while I hide behind my hands. I feel him laughing so I drop my hands to my sides to see that he is spinning the garter in the air and then suddenly he tosses it towards the guys who jump to catch it. Suddenly, someone catches it and he is none other than Noah.

"No way man." He whines and stomps away from there.

"Now, it's time for the flower bouquet toss." Giovanni reminds me so I get up from the chair and asks the girls to stands up together behind me.

"1...... 2...... And 3..." By saying that I toss the flower bouquet in the air and hear a loud cheer from behind. So, I turn around to see that Hannah is the one who has caught the bouquet.

"Now, now Ashton where is the ring?" I ask wiggling my eyebrows at him.

"Coming very soon." My big brother replies with a smug look.

GIOVANNI'S POV

After bidding goodbye to everyone, Everly and I are on our way towards the airport where we will board on my private jet to reach our honeymoon destination. Yes, honeymoon destination because why not have some fun before the real torture begins.

I have changed into a cotton t-shirt and a pair of fitted jeans. Everly has also changed from a heavy wedding dress into a short sundress. I have to admit that she is looking extremely mouth-watering and that's why I will devour her tonight after we reach our destination.

The car stops on the runway so I get out of the car first before helping her to get out. I wrap my hand around her waist and walk towards the private jet. I introduce her as my wife to the crew before taking our seats.

"Do you want to rest?" I ask.

"Yes, that would be great because my feet are killing me." She replies with a groan.

"Okay then let me show you the bedroom." I tell her before standing up and taking her hand in mine to make her follow me to the bedroom.

She takes off her heels and gets into the bed before looking at me with hopeful eyes. With a sigh, I take off my shoes and lies down beside her. She snuggles closer to my chest making me frown but then I remember I have to play the caring husband's role for some more days. So, I put my hand around her waist and pull her closer to me.

After nearly five hours of sleep, I wake up by constant knocking on the door. So, I get up not disturbing my wife who is still sleeping soundly. I open the door to find an air hostess who informs me that the jet will lend in half an hour.

I close the door and walk towards the bed looking at the sleeping face of Everly. She is looking so pure and innocent that no one will believe me if I narrate what she has done to me. But this is not the correct time. With that thought in mind, I shake her lightly which wakes her up.

"What's wrong?" She asks in a raspy voice.

"We are going to lend in half an hour so get freshen up." I tell her and kiss her on the cheek.

I get out of the bedroom and go inside the spare bathroom to do my business. After washing my hands and face, I wipe the excess water with paper towels before going out of the bathroom. A few minutes later, I hear footsteps coming towards where I am sitting, and soon Everly sits across from me securing the seat belt around her.

Finally, the jet lends and we both get out not before thanking the crew. A car is already waiting for us on the runway along with some bodyguards so I help her get into the car and then I get behind her. She looks out the window in awe when the car starts moving.

"We are in Paris?" She asks looking at me with excitement.

"Yes, darling. We are in Paris because apparently this is the most romantic place in the world so I can't think of any other place to bring you for our honeymoon." I reply sweetly making her squeal loudly before she engulfs me in a hug. Not wanting to spoil my plan, I hug her back gently.

After fifteen minutes of driving the car stops in front of my villa where we will be staying for a week. Both of us get out of the car and make our way inside where the staff welcome us with flower bouquets.

"Welcome to villa, Sir Ruso and Madam Ruso." The head maid says with a bright smile.

"Thanks for the beautiful flowers." Everly replies politely.

"Come on darling, let me show you our bedroom." I tell her and lead her upstairs.

The master bedroom is very large compare to the other five bedrooms in the villa with a King-size bed, a Palmiro Round Crystal Chandelier is hung in the middle of the room. The curtains are custom made along with the bedsheet and pillow covers. But the most important part is the direct view of the Eiffel Tower which can be seen through the large window.

"It's so pretty." I hear her say aloud so I walk towards her to see that she is looking at the Eiffel Tower.

"Yes, it is." I agree with her before turning her around to face me.

"Do you know what's special about tonight?" I ask twirling a strand of her hair in my finger.

"Umm, our wedding night." She replies shyly making me chuckle seeing the innocent act she is pulling.

"Are you okay with me making love to you?" I ask caressing her left cheek with my thumb.

"Yes, I am okay because I know you won't hurt me." Suddenly my hand stops caressing her cheek hearing the confidence in her voice. I look at her blue orbs which are full of hope and belief.

"Of course baby, I will always take very good care of you." I let out making her smile.

After changing our traveling clothes, both of us go downstairs to have dinner. The maid has made Whole Wheat Pasta in Mushroom Sauce, Pork Ribs with Asparagus, Cheesy Mashed Potato. We enjoy the delicious food and bid goodbye to the staff.

"Umm, I have something to do. I will be back in a few minutes." She tells me and rushes inside the bathroom making me smirk.