Bella's Choice (39 page)

For a while, he sat in the car to calm himself. This was the first time he understood the nightmares and images Anabella had to fight against, and compassion flooded his soul for her. Tears filled his eyes, leaving stains behind as they fell onto his chest.
My Bella, how is it possible that you stayed so pure in this house?
Just thinking about it and the emotions he’d experienced brought more tears, which he blinked away several times
.

When he finally calmed down, he switched on the powerful machine and drove to his father’s house. Once there, he recounted all he’d seen. The older man was speechless, but the conversation that ensued made him smile again.

“Dad, I want to marry her and take her away from all that. My sweet, innocent Bella can’t go back there.”

“You’re that sure about Anabella?”

“Yes, Dad, I am. This was the final nail in the coffin.”

“When do you plan on getting married?”

“Next week, at the beach house. Will you come?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world!” He grinned.

“Thanks, Dad. I have to go, there are still a few things I need to plan and get in order.”

Aldrich’s next stop was the jewelry store. He’d seen an emerald ring there on a previous visit, which would be perfect for Bella. It was the same color as her eyes, laced with small diamantes that reminded him of her purity and innocence; the perfect adornment for the perfect woman. Certain that everything would be perfect, he went ahead with the plans for their wedding, keeping it a surprise for her.

She was none the wiser.

Monica had helped him with a few of the smaller details. He expected her to arrive soon since she would be helping the bride-to-be. He was glad that the young woman had played along with his plans, and that she’d managed to keep her mouth from blurting it at all while there for the weekend. He’d had his doubts, but studying Anabella, who was still clueless, he knew it was going to work out. He couldn’t help but grin, pleased that the previous night’s sordid experience hadn’t left its mark. She looked energized and radiant, and he couldn’t wait to make her his wife.

He smiled as he listened to her chatter with a friend on her cell phone, her hands all over the place as she described the house.

When their eyes met, she ended the call and walked into his waiting arms. He kissed her with a hunger that overflowed from his body. The constant demand and containment up until this point had allowed his desire to grow, and today all of that would be fulfilled.

Finally, after several seconds, he let her go and patted her on the bottom. “It is time for you to finish getting ready, sweetheart.”

“Okay, love, see you later.”

“Oh, yes, you most definitely will.” He couldn’t have been more pleased.

Chapter Sixteen

W
hen Anabella stepped out of the shower, eyes squeezed shut, she tried to grab the towel which she had left just outside the glass door, but when she couldn’t find it she opened them and shrieked in sudden shock.

Monica stood there with a big grin on her face and the dry towel in her hands; a welcoming face after the night she had.

Heart pounding in her chest, she glared at her best friend. “You gave me such fright.”

Before Monica could respond, Anabella was in her arms, crying. Her friend wrapped her securely in the towel and h
eld her clumsily―the height difference making it awkward―but in spite of that, she found a way to hold on. Aldrich had phoned her at the guesthouse earlier that morning informing her of the incident. She was furious with the demented person who had tried to ruin her friend’s holiday, so she’d rushed to the beach house and made it to the bathroom in record time; she knew Anabella wouldn’t mind.

When she explained her reasons to Sam for having to leave so quickly, he just shook his head but offered to go with her. Monica thanked him, but told him it wasn’t necessary and that he should just join her later. What was important was that she needed to be with Anabella, alone, especially today of all days.

The ordeal had left Anabella shaken. The mere thought that someone meant her harm, left her vulnerable and feeling small. It was easy to stay positive in front of Aldrich, but deep down she crumbled at the thought of the crazed woman who wanted to take her life; jealousy her motivation. In those splitting seconds, Anabella had really thought her life was over. It was still very fresh in her mind and she still shook. She tried to phone Mrs. Smit, too, but she was unavailable.

When Monica arrived, Aldrich filled her in and answered the questions that tumbled from her
mouth in rapid succession. She was bowled over by what had taken place, but was thankful that Aldrich had been there to save her. To think that he had stopped and listened to the promptings of the Lord―if not; the situation could have had devastating results. Monica held on to Anabella and allowed her to cry on her shoulder for the longest time.

When she felt Bella’s body start to relax, she relieved her from the deadly grip and urged softly, “Now my friend, we need to get you dressed.”

Anabella nodded and lifted her head.

“Today’s your wedding day,” she continued with a bright smile. It took all of Monica’s restraint to hold on to the smile, because her friend was looking forlorn and miserable. “Let’s see what we can do to this red face, we need to turn you into
a radiant bride.” She smiled encouragingly. “This is, after all, a happy day.”

Again, Anabella nodded and sniffed. She blew her nose, now calm enough for them to continue.

Monica, however, had to make sure her friend was on the up and up. “You do still want to get married, right?”

“Yes, Moni, with all my heart.”

Searching her friend’s face she saw Anabella’s excitement lingering on the boundaries of her frail emotions. “Okay, then, if you’re a hundred percent certain, we’ve a bride to dress.” She winked at her, waiting for an answer.

“I’m certain, okay?” Anabella said, laughter spilling from her lips. “This is really happening, I’m going to be a bride!” Anabella screeched, and they danced around the bathroom.

Anabella’s old self had returned with gusto, something Monica was grateful for. She understood Aldrich’s reason for this quick wedding and supported his decision. When he’d phoned her on Thursday and asked for her help, she’d been over the moon with excitement. She couldn’t have asked for a better man for her friend. He was a rock-solid pillar, supportive of her career, and took a firm stand where she was concerned.

With much banter between the two old friends, Anabella was dressed, her makeup applied expertly to Monica’s great delight, but she felt a little melancholy. She couldn’t help but wonder if she was worthy of this man after all she’d put him through. He deserved so much more than what she’d given him. Would she be enough for him in the end?

When Monica stepped away from her, she caught the vision reflecting back from the tall mirror. A beautiful young woman stood there, tall and proud, with her head held high, her eyes bright and filled with laughter. Attentively, she touched her face, then let her hands run down her length as she took in the white dress. She couldn’t have chosen a dress so beautiful for herself. The delicate lace followed her slender contours, folding gently around her, wrapping her body in its softness; sleeveless, it showed off her long, gracious arms, and her strong shoulders, stopping just above her knees, which complemented her beautiful tanned legs. There were no shoes to be found and she chuckled with appreciation. He knew her very well because from the moment she’d arrived she never wore shoes again, preferring to be barefoot at all times.

Monica brushed her hair until it shone with golden tones that shimmered in the sunlight; it lay soft as silk on her shoulders, completing the breathtaking picture she made. On the dresser sat a multi-pearled bracelet that Monica fastened on to her left arm. Both girls couldn’t help but admire the well-crafted piece of jewelry and wondered if it was an heirloom. Aldrich had given it to Monica after she arrived at the beach house with specific instructions to put it on Anabella. He’d looked prideful and sheepish at the same time.

Anabella couldn’t have asked for a better wedding day. It was perfect. An already cloudless blue sky was canopying the already hot day, brightening the view with sharp colors of white and blue shimmering in the rays. It was announcing a new day and a new future, for her and the man she loved. As she twirled in the brightly lit room, she smiled as she thought of Aldrich. It seemed that he’d thought of every detail to make this an exceptional day. How could she not love him? This was the perfect place for her to become his wife, to stand with him as Mrs. Anabella Hagin; a place where his dreams were built in every log, every brick, and crafted with so much love. Dreams that were now her dreams, and she knew that Pauline would have approved of Aldrich moving on. Although she had never met Aldrich’s former wife, she felt that the heaviness was lifted as a new awareness came to life in the air, filtering through everything. She really felt welcome and at home.

Anabella
felt as if she could float with this fresh start in her life and, for the last time, checked herself in the mirror, the sun causing a halo right above her―as if it were blessing her on this day. She had no second thoughts about this marriage, or what it entailed for them; the impact would be positive in her life, and she knew she had the Lord’s consent. It just felt right.

At exactly 1pm, Monica opened the bedroom door and waited for her friend to make her grand entrance.

Anabella made her way to the living room, hearing a small number of voices resonating from inside.

Monica had changed into a soft pink sundress, her blond complexion highlighted by the beautiful dress that showed off her petite frame exquisitely.
When Sam saw her, he rushed to wrap her in his arms, kissing her soundly on the mouth to the great delight of the guests, which left her blushing as she stared lovingly up at him.

Anabella was met by Mr. and Mrs. Smit, Mr. and Mrs. Richter, Mr. Copeland, Mr. Hagin, two unknown couples, Roy, Derek, and then, of course, Aldrich. He looked beautiful in a tux, and just like her, he was barefoot, his big shoulders straight and broad under the black, cotton cloth, and his white shirt framed his neck allowing her a glimpse of his skin.

Standing to the side, he was talking to an older man she couldn’t make out, but the moment he turned and saw her, he beamed with pride. Elated at his approval, she waved at him.

Every one greeted her, but Mr. Hagin took her hand in his and said, “My dear, how beautiful you look.”

“Mr. Hagin, it’s so good to see you.”

“Who is Mr. Hagin?” he asked with a frown, but the glint in his eyes warmed her heart as he continued, “I will only accept,
Dad
, from now on.”

“Sorry, sir… I mean, Dad,” she corrected playfully, and kissed him on the cheek.

“Much better,” he concurred on a wink, hugging her with a welcoming embrace. When he let go, he glimpsed down at her arm and swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. “Do you know who that belonged to?” he queried, pointing to the bracelet.

“No, Dad, I don’t,” Anabella replied softly, the word slipping from her lips naturally. She felt at ease with Aldrich’s father.

“It was Aldrich’s mother’s bracelet; she loved it so much that she wore it with everything, every day. I gave it to her when Aldrich was born.”

She touched it softly in reverent adoration. It belonged to his mother. She swallowed at the sudden tears, because in that very moment it became priceless. “Thank you,” she breathed out, and then kissed him again.

The two unknown couples stood closer, also admiring the bracelet, and her newfound dad introduced them to her.

“Anabella, these are Aldrich’s sisters and their husbands; Teresa and Graham―his eldest sister, and Belinda and Johan.”

“I’m the middle child,” Belinda chimed in, giving her a crooked smile as everyone else in the small group chuckled. She looked just like Aldrich, but much more feminine, of course. Her dark curls were cut in a short bob that framed her face delicately. Heavy jewelry hung from her neck, ears and arms, and lightly tinkled as she moved graciously, her face expertly made up with the latest makeup. Teresa wore her light-brown hair longer with almost no makeup in sight. Both were shorter than she was.

“It’s wonderful to meet you both. I’ve heard so much about you from Aldi.”

She received a welcome hug and kiss from each. Belinda told Anabella how beautiful she looked, and what a marvel her brother had become since she had entered his life.

The men greeted her with a firm handshake and complemented her on her swimming achievements.

Happy to see her brothers, she went to greet them excitedly. “I am so glad you could come, I have missed you both so much! When we come here again, you must join us. You’ll enjoy the stay here, I promise.”

“Thanks, Bella, you look very pretty,” they said in unison.

They seemed relaxed for the first time since she remembered, and she was delighted that they had found happiness. Wanda was draped over Roy’s arm, looking charming in a light-blue sundress. She congratulated her on this day with a beaming smile of her own.

Derek introduced her to Frank who was about the same height as she was; stocky with dark-brown hair and a tanned skin, one diamond piercing glistened in the light as he greeted her. He had an open face with a wide grin that showed of perfect whites, and she could see why her brother had fallen for the guy. They talked a few more minutes before she joined Aldi, giving him a kiss.

“Did you do all this?” Her hands flailed around, taking in the whole room.

“Yes, I did,” he exclaimed with a chuckle and a toothy grin.

She continued to glance over the whole living room, now decorated with white ribbons and flowers in glass vases. She couldn’t believe that he had created all of this in such a short amount of time. “You’re truly the love of my life. I couldn’t have planned, or done it better myself.” She sighed blissfully. “I will make up for this for the rest of my life. Thanks for the bracelet, Aldi, it’s very precious and I’ll treat it in the same manner your mother did.”

“Bella, my love,” he choked out, hugging her very close to him and placing a chaste kiss on her forehead, his emotions close to spilling over. “Come, let me introduce you to the justice of the peace, Mr. Penning.”

The older man stepped closer, extending his hand.

“Please to meet you, sir.”

“Can we begin?” Mr. Penning asked after he greeted her.

“Yes, sir, please continue,” Aldrich said solemnly.

A sudden hush fell over the small gathering as Mr. Penning took to the center of the room. They stood before him, hands clasped together, a soft smile playing on their lips as they listened with intent.

“Dearly beloved, we’re gathered here today to witness these two lovely people becoming one in marriage. Not to be separated, but to complete each other as man and wife, in good times and in bad times. To accept each other’s weaknesses and build on their strengths.” He then peered at the guests and continued, “They have agreed to walk the road together, and today we are witnesses to their agreement. Their love will always be the bond that will keep them together, no matter what may lay ahead. You, as their family and friends, will remind them of this day, lifting them up so that they shall stay firm in their decision.”

“Anabella Francis Anthony, will you take this man to be your husband?”

“Yes, I will,” she replied in earnest, admiring her soon to be husband with adoration.

He beamed down at her as Mr. Penning paused, anticipation written over her face.

“Aldrich Thomas Hagin, will you take this woman to be your wife?”

“Yes, I will.”

“By the power invested in me by the high court, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” He stepped between
them, took hold of their hands, turned them to face the guests and declared, “I give you Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich and Anabella Hagin.” Smiling at Aldrich, he then announced, “You may kiss your bride.”