Chapter 22
When Rosalie turned towards the door, the butler had magically appeared. It startled her a little, because she didn’t know if he’d heard what she’d said to the lady of the house, or if he’d just appeared. It made her blush and suddenly feel shy again. She really didn’t have many moments in her life where she had outbursts like this, but when she was heated or passionate about something, then all bets were off. She kept her eyes on the floor as he led her back through the maze of rooms to the front door. He was reaching for the handle to open it when a voice rang out, echoing down the empty hall.
“Wait!” The butler’s face never changed, but it certainly startled Rosalie badly enough that she jumped. When she turned towards the voice, she saw that it was Eric’s sister. Remembering that she was on Rosalie’s side, Rosalie gave her a smile. “I’m sorry. I just need to talk to you for a minute if that’s ok?” She was jogging down the lengthy hallway. When she arrived, she was panting a little, but not enough to keep her from talking. “Daniel, you can go. I can let her out.” The man looked like he was put out a little, but he did as he was told. Rosalie let her catch her breath.
“Thank you. For being on our side. I know that it means a lot to Eric that you support us.” Roasalie’s voice was gentle, and she hoped that the girl knew exactly what that meant to both of them.
“You’re welcome. I know my brother is happy with you, and I know that we don’t know each other that well, but I’d like to change that. I’d like to help you plan the wedding in any way I can. I heard what you said to my mother, and I want to say thank you. You’re right. It does mean a lot to my brother to have her there, even if she’s a little on the rude side. She deserved to hear what you said. Maybe it will help her get her head out of her ass.” Both girls laughed, and Rosalie stuck her hand out for a handshake.
“Thank you. I could certainly use the help. I’ve never planned anything before, and even though Eric bought me a planning book, I think I’ll still need some help.” The girl checked her watch and swore.
“I’m sorry, but I’ve got to get going. I’ve got a tennis lesson and I’m going to be late. I wanted to hear what you said though.” She blushed like a little kid caught listening at the door. Rosalie smiled and shooed her off. Standing there at the door alone, Rosalie considered the trip to be a success. She went outside and almost got bum rushed by Vanessa.
“How’d it go? What did you say? What did she say?” Rosalie threw her hands up in surrender.
“Whoa! Can I get in the car first?” Vanessa almost ripped the door off its hinges in her hurry to get Rosalie into the car. She ran around the front end and dove into the driver’s seat, turning to stare at her friend. “She’s going to come to the wedding.” Vanessa let out a whoop. The girls were chatting and singing along to the radio on the way back when Rosalie decided it was time to ask her friend an important question. “Um, Vanessa? Can I ask you something?”
“Yeah, what’s up? Who I gotta kill?” Rosalie laughed.
“It’s nothing that serious. Well, ok, it is serious, but not in that sense. Would you be my maid of honor?” Vanessa slammed on the brakes. Luckily, there was no one behind her. She looked over at Rosalie with a bit of mist in her eyes.
“Of course! That’s not even a question! I just didn’t know if you’d want me to be. I have to warn you, though, I know nothing about planning weddings.”
“That’s ok. I got an offer of help from Eric’s sister, and I was thinking I would do most of the planning with her anyway so that we can get a chance to get to know each other better. I just didn’t want to hurt your feelings if I asked you to be the maid of honor, then didn’t let you help.”
“No! That’s no problem at all! That’s actually a good plan. Just keep me in the loop and everything will be fine.” Rosalie could hardly believe her luck.
***
Eric was just finishing his class when his phone went off. It was a text from his sister. She usually sent short messages, so when he saw the book she’d written him, he stepped to the side of the door and read it. He was in shock. This couldn’t be true, could it? Rosalie had marched to his house and badgered his mother into being in the wedding. He was numb. He couldn’t believe that, but here was his sister telling him that, and she wouldn’t lie. Maybe he should ask his mother. There was just something about confronting her that made him smile. Then she asked for Rosalie’s number. He found that odd, but he had no problem giving it to her. It looked like everything was working out just fine for their wedding. He might not have to do anything as far as planning went. Not that he didn’t want to, but he just didn’t feel like he was good at all that. He’d have to talk to Rosalie about when she’d feel comfortable getting married. As far as he was concerned, it could happen today and he’d be happy.
***
Months went by, and the wedding planning was coming along great. Rosalie had almost everything done thanks to the help she was getting. Eric had a tux fitting coming up, and she was going to go shopping this weekend with Vanessa for a dress. It was strange for her to have Eric’s father foot the bill for everything, but he insisted. His father had even called her a few times with ideas. It was something that she had to admit that she liked. Part of her thought that his mother should be playing this role, but per the agreement they had, they were staying away from each other until absolutely necessary. Eric’s father had let slip, however, that she had been the one to suggest the caterer, so Rosalie began to think that his mother was telling her ideas to either her husband or daughter, and was helping in that way. It warmed her heart, because she thought that maybe they would be able to get along one day. Even if she didn’t like her, she wanted to get along or at least tolerate the woman for Eric’s sake. She didn’t want to make him have to choose between his wife and his mother. Breaking up a family was not something that she wanted to do.
Eric was happy to do what he was told, or pick up anything she asked, so long that he didn’t have to come up with creative ideas. It was actually kind of cute at how terrified he was at having to participate in anything girly or frilly. He would start stammering and find someplace else to be, and all three girls would just laugh. Rosalie spent quite a bit of time with his sister, and had made her a bridesmaid. Vanessa was along for the ride, even if she did leave most of the ideas to the two of them. She was always quick to offer support. Except for on the dress shopping issue. That was something that she insisted she and Rosalie do alone. It meant a lot to her that Vanessa had taken such a stand, and she was glad that it was Vanessa going with her. She knew that her friend was blunt and honest, and if for some reason it didn’t flatter her, Vanessa had no issues letting Rosalie know. That made her both excited and nervous to go dress shopping, but she’d put it off long enough and now it had to be done so the alterations would be done in time. She was getting married in three months!
Every time she thought that, a thrill of joy went through her. She’d already sent out the invitations to everyone, even though it was only going to be a small affair, and she’d gotten an RSVP from everyone. Her parents were insistent on trying to pay for things, but she’d let them know about Eric’s dad wanting to take the reins, and she knew that they were secretly glad because they had fallen on some hard times. She was hoping that at some point, she’d be able to send money to them once she finished school and started working as a doctor. Only a few more short years, and she’d be able to make sure they never needed anything again. It made her tear up. It was the least she could do to pay them back for the life they had given her.
In the meantime, she’d managed to make the Dean’s List, which made everyone in her life proud, and had even helped in the way of getting her a scholarship. Granted it was a partial one, but every little bit of money helped because she didn’t want to rely on Eric and his family’s money. She had pride, and she was going to go as far as she could before she looked for help. That’s how she’d always been, and knowing that she was safe now that she was going to be part of a socially royal family wasn’t going to change that… no matter what his mother thought. She wasn’t in it for the money. She was just finishing her first year as a med student, now she was getting married, and it felt like her life was falling into place. She sent up a quick thank you to whoever was listening, strengthening her faith that good things come to those who wait, and who aren’t afraid to work hard. It was something that she was glad to know, that her ideals and morals that she’d had when she was younger, stayed with her and proved her right. It strengthened her and reinforced her belief that she didn’t have to change to be what she wanted to be.
Now she only had three more years before she could start giving back to the people that helped her achieve her dreams. That was a feeling that she was dying to feel. She eagerly counted down the time, almost as eagerly as the days to her wedding. With the two girls at her back supporting her, and both of Eric’s parents hiding in the wings, even if one was trying to hide, she knew that her wedding day would be perfect. Even if everything went wrong from the ceremony to the reception and after, she was still going to be marrying the man that she loved, and with him, she could get through anything the world threw at her. Life was looking up, and she was going to make sure it stayed that way. When Vanessa banged on the door at eight the next morning, Rosalie could only smile. They were going dress shopping.
“Up and at’em, Sleeping Beauty! We gotta get a dress for the princess and a little something hot for the wedding night!” The smile was instantly gone from Rosalie’s face. She’d been so focused on the wedding that she hadn’t even thought about the wedding night. Fear flooded her like ice in her veins, the color drained from her face, and she started to shake. Was she really ready for that? She’d heard stories, both good and bad, about sex, but now it was going to happen to her for the first time, and she couldn’t stop the fear going through her.