Chapter 3 – The Wedding

“It’s not too late to change your mind, princess” Phillip says to his daughter; admiring her reflection in the mirror they were standing in front of. ‘I wish she would forget about the whole promise’ he includes to himself with a sigh.

Turning to her father; “Dad; we’ve been over this” Simone answers him, holding back the tears forming in her eyes as she straightens his tie. “I need to do this. It’s for my benefit as much as it is for Emmett’s.”

“I know, I know” Phillip states, holding out his arm for Simone to grab hold of. “We will be late if we don’t head over to the church now.”

Walking out of her father’s house and sliding into the seat of an old Rolls Royce they hired; Simone pecks her father on the cheek. “Thanks Dad” she whispers as the car pulls onto the road for the small drive to the church. It was a small affair, only Phillip, Tiffany, Jenny, Vince and Sebastian; Jenny’s father was attending.

Getting to the door of the chapel; Simone looks down at the alter and sees a familiar face staring back at her in a black suit. His features have matured somewhat since she saw him last. He had become very handsome in his time away with messy dark hair and no more glasses hiding his chocolate brown eyes. Standing over 6 feet; ‘woah; I never thought he would be so tall’ she thinks to herself, turning to look at Tiffany as they reach the alter; giving her the bouquet of flowers Simone was holding.

Emmett’s heart skipped a beat when he saw Simone at the doorway. ‘She’s as beautiful as I remember’ he says to himself. Giving her a warm smile; he notices her look over at her bridesmaid and hands her the small bouquet of flowers before turning to face him. “You came” he whispers; grabbing hold of her hands.

‘Of course, I did’ she comments in her mind. “Yes. So did you” she giggles back, beaming her own smile at him.

“We are here today to witness the union of Emmett Joshua Peterson and Simone Marie Fitzgibbon” the priest announces to get the wedding started. Since it was a small affair, he decided to make it quick and simple; skipping over a few steps. ‘There is no point asking if anyone has any objections’ he contemplates before continuing with the service.

Pulling the plain identical gold bands out of his pocket, Emmett hands Simone his wedding band. “Do you, Simone Marie Fitzgibbon take Emmett Joshua Peterson to be your lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold. In sickness and in health, until death do you part” the priest asks Simone.

“I do” she responds, placing the wedding ring in her hand onto Emmett’s finger.

“And do you Emmett Joshua Peterson take Simone Marie Fitzgibbon to be your lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold. In sickness and in health, until death do you part” the priest questions, turning his focus on Emmett.

“I do” he answers; beaming a smile and placing the wedding band on Simone’s finger.

“I now pronounce you man and wife” the priest announces; looking towards Emmett with a grin. “You may kiss the bride” he exclaims as shock crosses Simone’s face.

‘What? Kiss?’ she says inwardly. ‘I’ll just give him a peck on the lips’ she tells herself.

Emmett had other ideas. The moment the priest said he may kiss Simone; the corner of his lips curved upwards before planting them on Simone’s, giving her a deep passionate kiss. Gasps were echoed around the church; “sorry; I got carried away” Emmett chuckles, as the pair pull apart from one another.

He planned to give her a passionate kiss. He even made sure the priest added the ‘he may kiss the bride’ part before anyone else got there.

Simone’s cheeks went pink, looking towards her father’s shocked expression before giggling along with Emmett “Dad’s book a table at the local restaurant. Do you mind if we celebrate our wedding there?” she questions Emmett.

“Sure” he smiles with a shrug as everyone leaves the church to get changed and head to the restaurant.

“Emmett, what do you do for a living?” Phillip asks his new son-in-law as they sit down at the table in the restaurant. ‘If this is going to work; I should at least get to know him’ he thinks to himself; watching Simone’s face light up at the question.

“I’m one of the journalists for Lester Drake Media. I primarily work for In the Know Magazine; however, if my services are needed in any of the other magazines or newspaper offices; I will lend my skills. You will find most of the journalists in Lester Drake Media do the same” Emmett responds; having practiced the answer all morning. He didn’t want to let them know he was Drake Spencer; co-owner and co-CEO of Lester Drake Media.

There was light conversation around the table; mainly catching up on what they had been doing for the last 15 years from schooling and work. Simone made sure to mention her role at Lively Design Studio. She told Emmett, once she left high school; she became part of the backstage crew for shows and photoshoots. She helped dress the models, displaying the latest looks in fashion; designed by Lively Design Studio. ‘I’m not lying. This is what I did for the first two years before venturing into a modelling’ Simone states to herself.

As they finished their meals. “Are you ready to see your new home?” Emmett asks Simone, looking hopeful she was ready to leave.

“I guess” she answers, her face turning slightly pink again.

‘God she’s beautiful when she blushes’ Emmett says to himself as he stands up from the table. “It was nice to see you again, Mr Fitzgibbon.”

“Please, no need to be so formal Emmett. You may call me Dad if it pleases you” Phillip says to Emmett with a smile.

“Ok” Emmett grins, grabbing hold of Simone’s hand. “Dad” he adds, before leading Simone out to his car.