Nathan’s POVTuesday, T minus 12 days until Amelie and I say I do. I think the combination of knowing that and last night's win by the Rangers is fuelling my happiness this morning. When I woke up, I expected Amelie to be sleeping, but when I rolled over, she was already out of bed. I hope it wasn’t due to a nightmare or anything. I got up to use the washroom and realized the shower was running, and once again, Amelie was singing at the top of her lungs. I chuckled to myself. I headed to the closet to grab my clothes to lay out on the bed.I heard the shower turn off, so I went and knocked on the door.“Amelie, are you going to be long?” I asked.“Just a couple of minutes,” Amelie replied. “Just drying off, and I’ll be out.”I sat on the bed and checked my phone while I was waiting. There was a message from Samuel.Samuel: it looks like Amelie is the talk of the hockey world today. Check out the link.I pressed the link, and there she was, front and center on a hockey Instagram page.
Amelie’s POVAfter breakfast, Nathan had advised Marcus to drop me off at Dr. Yvonne’s before continuing to the Michaels Investment Group building.“Marcus will be back in an hour to pick you up,” Nathan advised. “He can take you home, and then if you feel like coming into work, you can change and come in.”“I am coming in,” I replied. “I need to speak with Simon. I was hoping to get started on the dog rescue project. Plus, I wanted to ask Samuel about the wedding.”“Really?” Nathan shook his head and smirked. “Always on the go and busy. Such an overachiever.”“Well, isn’t that a prerequisite to become a Michaels?” I giggled.“Touche, Amelie,” he smiled.The car pulled up in front of Dr. Yvonne’s building.“No need to get out, Marcus,” I said, reaching for the door.“Have a good session, Amelie,” Nathan said.“I,” I sputtered out, “ummmm….will.”Oh, my goodness, did I almost say, 'I love you'? It’s becoming increasingly difficult to suppress the feeling building inside me.Nathan laug
Amelie’s POVIt felt great to be vulnerable with Dr. Yvonne today. I cried. I mean, ugly cried and snotted, but it felt soul-cleansing. I didn’t realize how much emotional baggage I had built up inside of me. It felt good to air it out; it was truly cathartic. I didn’t share it with anyone before because I didn’t want to burden anyone with my problems or emotions.Dr. Yvonne also told me that it would be good to be open and honest with myself so that I could enter the marriage with a clear understanding of my trauma and triggers.I can’t thank her enough for fitting me in on such short notice. I genuinely want to continue seeing her on a permanent basis. Almost everyone’s mental health takes a back seat to everything else in their life, but it is one of the most important things to ensure they’re fulfilled in daily life.Once I finished at Dr. Yvonne’s, I stopped by the coffee shop in the lobby for a chai tea. I pulled out my phone and called Morgan.“Hey, Amelie,” Morgan answered.“H
Nathan’s POVSamuel sat at his desk while Amelie and I took the chairs in front of it.“So, Amelie, what would you like to discuss?” Samuel asked.“Well, Samuel. In the short time I’ve worked here and gotten to know you, I’ve come to truly respect and trust you. You almost feel like a big brother to me,” Amelie stated.“That’s so kind of you, Amelie,” Samuel declared. “I do feel like we have a special relationship, kind of like a brother and sister.”“Great, now I have two brothers to deal with,” I joked.“Shhhh, you,” Amelie scolded me.Samuel and I laughed.“Samuel, because of that connection,” Amelie continued. “I need to ask you a huge favor.”“OK?” Samuel answered, confused.“I want you to officiate our wedding,” Amelie revealed.“You want me to marry you two?” Samuel said, surprised.“Yes, it would mean the world to me,” Amelie expressed. “Please, oh, Please, Samuel,” Amelie said with pleading puppy dog eyes.“Well, I can’t really say no to a face like that. Can I?” Samuel chuck
Amelie’s POVI headed into the cafeteria, and Simon flagged me down right away.“Amelie, over here,” Simon yelled.I headed over to the table. Simon was sitting there with two other people.“Amelie, this is Alex,” Simon introduced. “Alex works in media and production. “I thought he would be a good asset to us because he can create posters and design a donation website for the project.”“Nice to meet you, Alex,” I said, reaching out and shaking his hand.“Next, we have Zara,” Simon stated. “Zara is in IT.”“Hi Zara, thanks for volunteering,” I shook her hand.“Simon, I never asked what department you work in,” I said, turning to him.“Marketing and promotions,” Simon replied.I giggled, “I can tell.”I sat down. “We won’t be doing a release on the fundraising until after the holidays, but I wanted to start now with some ideas I’d like to get your opinions on,” I advised. I think we can try to get a representative from each department to join the committee. Additionally, I was consideri
Nathan’s POVWe entered my office, and the table Desiree had set up looked fantastic.“Oh my gosh,” Amelie squealed. “Desiree, it looks amazing!”“I take it you like it?” Desiree asked.“I don’t like it. I love it!” Amelie grinned widely.“Desiree, you have outdone yourself,” I congratulated her.“Why, thank you, Dr. Michaels,” Desiree said, smiling. “We’ll look at the table in a minute. First, I want to get your feeling on the wedding venue décor.”Desiree led us over to the couch.“Please have a seat, and I’ll start up the projector,” Desiree said.Desiree turned on the presentation and turned off the office lights.On the screen was the grand room at Grandfather’s mansion.“So, as you can see,” Desiree clicked her remote. The screen transformed into the venue as the décor slowly filled the room. “Once the chairs, flowers, and stands are in place, it completely changes the space.”“WOW!” Amelie exclaimed. “Is that AI doing that? The room looks like a dream!”“Yes, AI has become one
Nathan’s POVI helped Amelie into the car and slid in next to her.“I won’t be home for supper tomorrow night,” I announced. “My mother wants to meet with Grandfather and me.”“OK,” Amelie smiled.“Are you sure it’s ok?” I asked. “Because if you don’t want me to, I won’t go.”“Nathan, I’m totally fine with it,” Amelie advised. “She’s your mother. You should see if the relationship can be mended.”“I know, but it’s no secret that she’s not happy with our relationship,” I stated. “If she can’t accept you, then there is no mending.”“Nathan,” Amelie reached up and stroked my cheek. “Please go and try to find common ground with her.”“Ok, I will, but one remark about you or our wedding, and I will put her in her place,” I expressed.I took Amelie’s hand in mine and held it the whole way home.Amelie’s POVWe arrived home to find Zander watching TV in the living room.“Welcome home, guys,” Zander said. “How was work?”“It was pretty good, actually,” I answered.“Trudy said supper is in the
Amelie’s POV“So, are we going to go check out your place?” I asked Dante. “Then after, we can come back up here, and you guys can eat pie.”“THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID!” Dante screamed.“Dante!” I scolded him.“Ok, let’s head down,” Dante laughed.I grabbed Nathan’s hand, and he kissed the back of my hand. We headed towards the elevator.It felt weird to take the elevator down one floor. I can’t believe that Dante is living underneath us.“Did you know the people that used to live here, stock market?” Dante asked.“The Anders?” Nathan replied.“Yes, Brendon and Chrissy Anders,” Dante confirmed.“I knew them a little bit through different social events, but I didn’t know them personally,” Nathan answered.“Well, they have a really good eye for décor, but there are some questionable things in the apartment,” Dante disclosed.“What do you mean, Dante?” I questioned.“Follow me, and you’ll see,” Dante laughed.We follow Dante out of the elevator and down the hall.“There are four units on this
Amelie’s POVMy style team, along with a few extra stylists, is working on everyone’s hair and makeup right now. The photographer has been snapping pictures of everything, and the champagne is flowing. I have nursed on a single glass for the past two hours. I want to be able to remember every single detail of this day. Every moment. I want to remember walking down the aisle towards Nathan. I’m fairly certain I’m going to start crying at some point. My vows, which I have chosen, tell Nathan exactly how I feel. Whether he believes that or not, I’m expressing them. At least it will be a good show for everyone in attendance.Carrington made everything perfect for us in the room. We all have matching robes and slippers that have our roles embroidered on them. He also has necklaces and earrings laid out for my ladies.The photographer advised me she had the wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses out in the flower conservatory for pictures this morning. She stated there was so much security sh
Amelie’s POVJust as I was going to leave the dining room, Carrington walked in.“Amelie, my beautiful granddaughter-to-be!” Carrington said as he walked towards me and embraced me in a hug.“Carrington,” I hugged him back. “Thank you for everything that you are doing for us today.”“Amelie, you and Nathaniel are my family. You remind me so much of my beloved Jo-Jo. You are literally the best thing that has ever happened to Nathaniel.”“He is the best thing that has ever happened to me, Carrington,” I replied.Carrington leaned into my ear, “I know you love him, Amelie.”I pulled back and nodded.“Tell him, Amelie,” Carrington exclaimed.“I am tonight,” I advised and smiled.“Good,” Carrington grinned. “Now, you and all your gorgeous ladies need to start getting ready. Your style team, photographer, and Desiree are all waiting for you. One of the spare rooms on the main floor, just beside the grand staircase, had been decorated and set up for you to get ready for the wedding.”“Thank
Amelie’s POVBeep beep beep….ugh, stupid alarm clock. Five more minutes. I didn’t sleep that well. The bed at Carrington’s mansion was comfortable enough, but the lack of Nathan’s arms around me was very noticeable.Suddenly, my eyes open in shock at the realization that today is the wedding.I’m as nervous as hell. In four hours, I will become Mrs. Amelie Michaels, but the thing that makes me more nervous is the fact that I’ve already decided to tell Nathan that I’m in love with him when we get back to the Honeymoon suite. I don’t know how he’s going to react, but I need to do it. I can’t hold back the truth anymore. I’m in love with Dr. Nathaniel Carrington Michaels. I hope the feeling is reciprocated, although it doesn’t matter either way. I can’t live 3 years of my life pining in secret.I talked to Dr. Yvonne about expressing my emotions at our last session. I didn’t tell her it was a contract marriage, however. I told her that I had a hard time telling Nathan my emotions. She ha
Amelie’s POVOf course, Vivian needs to make herself the center of attention by any means.“No worries,” Carrington stated. “I’ll get someone to clean that up. We'd better have dinner before Zander passes out.”I giggled.Soup, salad, and main entrée were served. I noticed the chicken selection was my mother’s Cordon Bleu recipe and smiled. I mouthed thank you to Carrington, and he smiled.“Carrington, you must get your chef to give me the Cordon Bleu recipe,” Vivian spoke. “It is simply divine.” Vivian took another bite and moaned.“Actually, Amelie can give you the recipe,” Carrington advised. “It’s her mother’s recipe.”Vivian started choking.“Mother, are you ok?” Nathan asked.Vivian took a swig of her water. “Yes, just a little too much seasoning on that bite.”“Your mom must have been an amazing cook,” Dutton stated.“She was,” Zander replied. “I don’t remember much about her, but I do remember the family dinners. Mom put so much love into her cooking.”“That’s a special memory
Amelie’s POVWe all made our way to the dining room. I could see that Tiff was kind of hiding from Samuel. So I grabbed her and told the others to go on ahead without us.“Are you ok?” I asked.“It’s just a little awkward,” Tiff replied. “Samuel makes my heart race when I see him, but I still need time.”“I understand,” I said.Nathan came out of the dining room and headed towards us.“Is everything ok?” he questioned.“Tiff is just feeling a little awkward with Samuel,” I stated.“Ah, I see,” Nathan responded. “I thought that might be the reason. I made sure he’s not sitting across from Tiff.”“Really?” I smiled.“Yes, really,” Nathan grinned.I moved towards Nathan and hugged him.“You’re so considerate, my schmoopie,” I squeezed him tight.“Well, the more considerate I am, the more hugs I get,” Nathan teased.“Oh, so that’s how it is. All a ploy to get me to smush you,” I said, raising my eyebrow. “I’m on to you, mister.”“Oh no, I’ve been discovered,” Nathan chuckled.“I’m onto yo
Amelie’s POVI packed up everything I thought I would need for the night at the mansion. It almost felt like I was packing to move. Luckily, Nathan had a bunch of suitcases in the storage room. While in the storage room, I looked through my mom’s jewelry case. I needed something old for the wedding tradition. I found a beautiful ring. I remember my mom wearing it all the time. It had an ice-blue diamond in the middle and white diamonds encircling it. It was just some costume jewelry, I’m sure of it. There is no way my father would have had enough money to buy her the real version. It was perfect, though. It sparkled like crazy. I slipped it on my right hand.After I was done packing, I texted Tiff to let her know we were ready to leave. She said she would meet us down in the parkade.I descended the stairs and saw Zander with his duffel bag and Nathan sitting on the couch.“Are you moving out?” Nathan joked. “I was just up in the bedroom and saw all the suitcases.”“Nah, I kind of lik
Amelie’s POVI woke up this morning cradled in Nathan’s arms. It’s my favorite place to be. I just lay there staring at the ceiling. I can’t believe that tomorrow I will be Mrs. Michaels. I sighed and snuggled into Nathan. I felt him stretch behind me.“Good morning, almost Mrs. Michaels,” Nathan uttered“Good morning, almost Mr. Cavanaugh,” I joked.“Hey, that’s Dr. Cavanaugh, alright?” he teased.“So, what’s on the agenda today, future hubby?” I asked.“Well, I need to go to work, unfortunately, for a couple of hours,” Nathan replied, “but don’t fret. You will be whisked away to the spa with Tiff, Morgan, and Kimmy. Full treatment.” “Man, I have it rough,” I laughed.“I know, right?” Nathan chuckled. “Then we have a rehearsal dinner tonight at Grandfather’s place. You need to pack up because Grandfather insists that the groom does not see the bride, so you’ll all be staying at the mansion tonight.”“So excited!” I clapped my hands together.“But first,” Nathan said.There was a kno
Nathan’s POVI stretched out my arm and smiled. It’s Wednesday morning—two days before I marry Amelie. I rolled over to hug her, but she was not there. I don’t hear the shower on. I jump up in a panic.“Amelie,” I called.No Answer.I slip on my gray sweats and head for the main floor. I hear sounds in the kitchen. She must be in there. As I round the corner, I notice it’s Trudy.“Good morning, Nathan,” Trudy smiled.“Good morning, Trudy,” I said and ran my hand through my hair.“Nathan, don’t look so disappointed to see me,” Trudy laughed.“I just thought it was Amelie in the kitchen,” I replied.“No, dear, Amelie is in the exercise room,” Trudy advised. “Go see you’re fiancée, you love-struck puppy.”I grinned at Trudy, “Thanks, Trudy.”I walked out of the kitchen and down the hall. As I approached the exercise room, I heard a familiar song, "At Last" by Etta James, playing. I smiled to myself. The door to the exercise room was open, and I leaned on the door frame. Amelie was swirli
Nathan’s POV“I like the fact that Amelie wants to work, actually,” I disclosed. “I like seeing her brilliant mind at work. I’d support her either way.”I glanced at Amelie, and she had a huge smile on her face.“Well, Alfred isn’t a billionaire, but if he were, I wouldn't lift a finger,” Fiona replied.“Fiona, you don’t lift a finger now,” Alfred chuckled.I looked at the dining room door and saw a little tiaraed head peek out.“Eliza, are you coming to visit your princess?” I asked.Amelie looked over at the door. “Queen Eliza, are you there?”Little Eliza tentatively walked into the room.Alfred had a stern look on his face. “Eliza, you know not to interrupt adult meals. Go back to your room.”Amelie stood up and headed over to Eliza. “Oh, Alfred, she’s not interrupting. She’s joining us for dessert.”Amelie scooped Eliza up in her arms and carried her to the table.“Would you like to sit on your throne, Your Majesty, or would you prefer to sit on my lap?” Amelie asked.“Can I sit