Once Upon a Dream

Mari Belle

 

In a perfect world, my life would have reflected my heart. My dream wedding, my dream life would have begun on a beautiful fall day …

The ivory lace fit my body like a second skin. The satin underlay felt soft and smooth against my flesh as the dress covered me to the floor with just a slight flare at the bottom. The top dipped into a scoop neck where the material stopped at my shoulders leaving full lace sleeves all the way down my arms. The off-white shade only enhanced my naturally tan skin. My shoes were dyed to match the fabric covering my body with only a slight heel so I would not trip and fall. I wanted to be steady on my feet as I made my way to my love.

I felt like I was on top of the world. Today was my day. It was going to be every fairytale come true. Actually even better because this was a story no one could write any better than the way I lived it. This was Javi and me, one love and one life, together forever.

Rather than a train on my dress, I wore a veil. It was cathedral length tulle with antique lace trim along the edges. It was long, flowing, and classically elegant. The piece matched the simple beauty I was aiming for. The lace edge clipped into my hair and I flipped the front down to cover my face as the back followed behind me with every move I made. I wore my hair down in long waves that fell to my waist. My makeup was the way Javi loved it with just a touch of eyeliner and mascara and ruby red lipstick. I was comfortable, confident, and beyond ready to walk down that aisle to the man I loved.

With a kiss to my cheek and tears in her eyes, Estella stood back and admired me. Since my mother had passed away, Estella had stepped in. She always told me I was beautiful and today was no different. She looked at me with love and loyalty, always. The love she always gave to me was as if I was a child born to her, not just an orphan left behind by her friend. We had a special bond that I would forever treasure.

Today was the biggest day of my life. Today, I would become Mrs. Javier Almanza, for better or worse until death do us part. We would all become the family it seemed we were truly meant to be.

“Tan hermosa, hija,” she whispered as the emotions clearly overwhelmed her telling me I was her beautiful daughter. “Today you become my daughter in God’s eyes and to the world. Today all my dreams come true for my hijo. You will be a wife that will respect her husband, be loyal to him, and love him. You will give Javier the home, the familia I never did. Fill his heart, hija. Give him happiness and babies.” She smiled with every word she spoke. “Lots of babies for this old woman to spoil.”

She loved the idea of being a grandmother as much as I loved the idea of being a mom. Javier and I were going to have five babies, maybe even six. I wanted a boy first to be his father’s sidekick and then a little girl. I couldn’t wait to dress her up and put bows in her hair. Javi made good money with his position in the cartel. We would be taken care of so I could focus on our babies. It was all in the plan. Estella would live with us and help with our kids. It was going to be perfect.

“I can’t wait to see you holding our baby,” I told her with a soft smile. In my mind, I could picture it clear as day. Estella rocking a tiny bundle all clothed in blue or pink. She would sing lullabies and coo softly. Our son or daughter would smile up at her knowing this was family, this was unconditional love. We were all going to be together, one unit, forever. With the past we had, there was nothing in the future that could touch any of us as long as we faced life together.

“Me too, hija. I can’t wait for my son to get spit up on.” She laughed, no doubt replaying fond memories of her time with him being so little in her mind. “He was always spitting up on me and his sister. It’s time to see him get it.”

“They say your children give back to you what you gave your parents tenfold.”

“While it will be a challenge for you, Mari, I’m going to love watching Javi be challenged in the many ways he has pressed his luck with me over the years.”

We both laughed as the knock came at the door for me to walk out. Javi and I both wanted children right away. He loved me and wanted nothing more than to build a life with me. Our family would grow in my belly, our love would multiply. Luciana smiled big as she opened the door and moved to the side for me to walk out.

While it had been a while since she had been home, she returned for this special occasion. She was my matron of honor today. Frederick, her husband, and Anna, their young daughter, were also with us to share in the joyous occasion. The mass was planned and Javier was at the altar waiting for me to make my way to him.

“It’s time,” Luciana whispered before leaning down to give me a soft kiss on my cheek. She wore a floor-length, fitted burgundy dress with a lace overlay in the same shade of deep red. Her hair was down, one side pinned back with a flower clip. She smiled bright as I blew out a breath and stepped into the hallway. This was my dream wedding for my dream life with this picture perfect love from a man I had known my entire life. We were comfortable and happy together.

Time passed so slowly yet rapidly all at once as I made my way to stand in front of the doors to the sanctuary. The moment was here. I would have my every dream come true. Everything began today by becoming his wife.

“You are a beautiful bride, Mari,” Luciana said as she beamed with pride. “My brother is going to go weak in his knees when he sees you.”

“Thank you,” I muttered as I swallowed back my own emotions. “I love him, Luciana.”

“We all know you do.”

I was born to be his wife. My destiny, my fate, my entire existence was for this day right here. God made me to become Mrs. Javier Almanza. He made me as Javi’s helpmate, his lifemate, his partner, and his lover. Today, we became one. What’s mine was his, what’s his was mine. I would give him every part of me before God and our family. Our souls would become one for eternity, he was it for me.

Javi and I had love, family, and happily ever after. This was just the beginning of it all.

Except it wasn’t.