Gilded Wings(86)
They each held a small box in their hands.
“Here’s mine,” Alaine said, handing me her box. I opened it and inside was a necklace. It was a very elegant, dainty golden heart filled with diamonds, hanging on a delicate gold chain.
“Go ahead, open it,” she whispered.
“Oh my,” I breathed.
Inside of the locket were the markings of Samuel and Alaine engraved in each side. Alaine’s, the same as Michael’s. “I don’t know what to say. This is the best gift I’ve ever been given. Thank you so much,” I said, hugging her tightly.
She took it and fastened it around my neck.
“The chain is from your grandmother, so it’s very old, but the locket is new.”
“Mine is next,” Lia said, handing me her box.
When I opened it, it was an elegant golden bracelet.
“Oh wow,” I exhaled. “It’s beautiful.”
“It’s actually Alaine’s. It’s something borrowed, so you’ll have to discuss giving it back to her later,” she added.
I giggled putting on my wrist. “Okay, I will. Thanks, Lia,” I said, hugging her.
Courtney was next and handed me her box. When I opened it there was a tiny blue pin, in the shape of angel’s wings. “Thank you so much, Courtney,” I said. “I love this.”
“I actually found it in a little store in Washington. It reminded me of you, so I bought it. I guess it was for this moment.”
“It couldn’t be more perfect,” I said, pulling back the top of my gown and pinning it inside. “There,” I said patting it. “Hidden wings.” I winked and Courtney smiled.
“Now you’re set,” Lia said. “Something old, new, borrowed, and blue.”
“Thanks to all of you. I cannot tell you how lucky I am to have you here. This day would not have been the same without you. I love you guys,” I said.
They all leaned in carefully for the most awkward group hug, all not wanting to mess up the masterpieces just done by the hairdresser.
Alaine peeked out the window. “Alright ladies, it’s just about time. Lia, you should go get ready, and Courtney, you can go down and take your seat.”
“I’m already gone,” Lia said, slipping out of the door.
“Me too,” Courtney said. “I’ll see you soon, Emma.”
“See you,” I said, my voice trembling with excitement.
“Okay, Emma,” Alaine said standing in front of me, doing another quick look-over to make sure everything was in perfect shape. When she was done tucking and fussing, she placed her hands on my shoulders and gazed lovingly into my eyes. “All you have to do is wait here for Samuel. He’ll come escort you down. I’m going to go down now and make sure the guys are ready. Alright?”
“Okay,” I replied. “Thank you so much.”
When she left, I took in a deep breath and walked over to my closet. On the inside of the door was a floor length mirror. Glancing down, I opened the door, and then backed away. Slowly looking up, I saw myself for the first time.
“Oh my God.”
I couldn’t believe the transformation. I hardly recognized myself. I felt like I was in a fairytale, and I was Cinderella getting ready to marry Prince Charming. I slowly turned to each side trying to soak in all the intricate details of the dress. It was perfectly fit for a princess.
THERE WAS A SOFT TAPPING at the door.
“Come in,” I called.
When the door swung open and his eyes landed on me, Samuel paused. His face softened and his eyes began to tear.
“Emma,” he exhaled, shaking his head. “You’re enchanting.”
He was wearing an all-black tuxedo, with a matching black bow-tie and cummerbund. His hair was slicked back and he was clean shaven. He looked so handsome, and definitely not old enough to be my dad.
I smiled. “And, you look very dashing… dad.”
His face beamed with happiness.
“I can’t believe how fast this is all happening. It seemed like only a moment ago I was holding you in my arms. We thought we’d lost you, but look at you now. You’ve grown up into a beautiful young woman,” he said softly, stepping in.
“I just got both of you back into my life, and I will make sure our relationship continues to grow. You can’t get rid of me that easily.”
His smile grew even brighter. “That really means a lot. You were the missing part of our lives for so long.”
“And little did I know, so were both of you.”
“I would hug you, but I don’t want to ruin any of that,” he said gesturing to my wedding ensemble.
“Dads get hugs no matter what,” I said, wrapping my arms around him. He carefully hugged me back and then held out his arm to me.