Turn Towards the Sun (49 page)

The past two weeks were a whirlwind of planning and approving. We accepted the million dollar
magazine
offer and spent days negotiating the terms.
Amazingly, it’s a national magazine and our wedding will be seen all across the country.
We’ll be surrounded by a dozen photographers whose job it is to capture those candid moments that sell magazines.

Genevieve handled every last detail and only called me for approvals. She is worth every dollar she charges.

I slip into the silky water. It smells of gardenias.
I close my eyes and enjoy the soothing bath. I feel… different.
The wall I built around my heart was made of pain and uncertainty. Enzo took it down, brick by brick and now a luscious garden stands in its place. I
’m
no longer a girl struggling to grow up. I feel like… a woman. A very loved and cherished woman.

Enzo enters the room and sits on the edge of the bathtub. He runs his hands through the soapy water. “We’ll leave here in about thirty minutes.
”

“Want to join me?” I flick a little water at him with my foot.

He grins. “I would love to bu
t no. The next time I touch your
body you will be my wife.” His eyes lock with mine. “Are you excited amore?”

“Yes. More than you know.”

“Overwhelmed?”

“Not at all. I feel very calm. I know Genevieve has it all
handled,
and she wouldn’t let anything go wrong. This is just as much her day as it
is
ours.” I laugh softly.

“I believe you’re right. Come on out.” He holds a towel up for me.

I dry off and quickly dress, throwing on yoga pants and a t-shirt. My parents arrived last
night,
and my gown and accessories are already waiting for me at Girasole.
Room 115 is my ground zero while
I prepare for my big day.

“You ready Cass?”

Cassie and Chris sit on the couch drinking coffee. Her cheeks are flushed. “Yea. I’m ready.”

“What’s the matter? You look sad.”

Chris clears his throat. “She’s been crying off and on since last night. Who knew her best friend getting married would choke her up like
this?”
He rubs her back.

“I am not choked up. I’m fine.” Cassie flips her hair.

“Uh huh, okay Cass. Let’s go.” I remember the tearful dress fitting. It’s sweet. She’s much more sensitive than she lets on.

Grayson loads the car with our things and drives us to the hotel.

Enzo rubs my hand as we drive up to valet. The entrance to the hotel is decorated with large potted pots of pink peonies and lilac colored hydrangeas. Valet attendants wear formal tuxedos.

“I want to find my parents first.”

“They’ll be waiting
in
your room for you. Camilla is coming to do your hair and makeup.”

I kiss his cheek. “Thank you.”

He gives me a brilliant smile. “Your happiness is mine Ava.”

“As soon as you take
me to my room you can’t see me again until the wedding. You know that right?”

“Yes I know that.
It will be the worth the wait.”

We walk to
the
room. Girasole has been transformed into a Tuscan paradise. Genevieve did exactly as I asked. It looks rustic, elegant, and surprisingly intimate.
The grounds are humming with activity. Waiters walk around setting up tables with water, and hotel staff tie yellow bows to the chairs. Genevieve choreographs the florists.

“A
lot of people
are
here today Enzo.
There must be hundreds of extra workers.
”
A
sudden
flutter of nausea washes over me.

“It takes a lot of people to pull off an event this large.”

“We have extra security right?”

“Of course. Don’t be worried.”

Even though we haven’t had any other incidents since the night of the break in, I can’t help but feel just a little nervous. There are so many people here, it would be impossible to keep track of everyone.

“Are you nervous?”
I ask.

“Not at all.
I’ve never been less nervous.” He kisses the back of my hand.

I see my
parents
and my face lights up.

My dad hugs me, lifting me off the ground. “Hey baby girl. Ready for your big day?”

“Yes
daddy. I’m ready.”

I walk in the room and find Gabby and Camilla waiting for me.
Camilla is just putting the
finishing
touches on Gabby’s up do. It’s very elegant.

Gabby waves. “Hi Ava. We’re almost done here.”

“No rush. We have plenty of time.”

Genevieve knocks on the door. “Ava?”

“Come in.”

She
enters with a bottle of champagne. “The hotel sent this. Your dress is hanging on the back of the door. I put your shoes and jewelry in the bathroom. You should have everything else you need.” She looks at her watch. “I’ll be back thirty minutes before the
ceremony,
but you can text or call if you need anything before that.”

“Sure.”

“I don’t want you to worry about anything. It’s going exactly as I planned and everything will be perfect.” She claps her hands.

“I’m not worried. I know you have it under control.”

She smiles. “That I do. See you soon.”

Cassie pops open the champagne and pours everyone a glass. I feel sick to my stomach. My nerves are really
kicking
in.

“I don’t know if I should drink. I feel a little nauseous.”

Camilla walks over to me and rubs my back. “It’s normal. I felt the same way on my wedding day. You should have a drink, to relax.”

I nod my head. “Yes, you’re right.” I take a sip.

Gabby massages my shoulders. “Don’t be nervous Ava. It’s going to be an awesome day. You’re marrying an amazing man.”

Cassie nods in agreement. “
They’re both
right.
O
nce you see him waiting for you at the end of the aisle, you’ll be good.”

I sink into the comfy chair in front of the mirror and wait for Camilla to work on me. “I know. I’
m sure I’ll be fine. Let’s get to work on this mane of hair.”

“Just remember,” Cassie’s eyes glimmer with mischief, “as soon as you say I do,
the party is on. Raise the roof!
” She cackles and pumps her arms in the air.

We all fall into a fit of laughter.

Almost
four
hours later, I’m just about ready to go.
I stand and check my appearance in the mirror. Camilla did wonders on my hair,
somehow
taming it into a romantic chignon
. M
y makeup looks amazing.

Francesca came in a couple of hours ago.
Cassie and Gabby fuss around me making sure my dress is in place and I have everything I need. Francesca fluffs my veil as I slip on my ivory platform pumps and adjust my diamond necklace, my birthday gift from Enzo.

“Ava honey? Are y
ou ready? Everyone is waiting.”
My mother looks great
in her
pale yellow dress.

“Yes mom.
Okay everyone, go take your places. Tell my dad I’ll meet him in the hall in front of the ballroom. I just want a minute alone to collect my thoughts.”

I sit on the sofa for a moment, taking in my surroundings. It all
started in this room, how appropriate to be here today. I never thought my silliness on the plane would have led to all of this.

“Time to go make this man your husband.” I take a deep breath.

I open the door and take a step back.

“Hello Ava.”

It’s The Bitch.

The story continues…

What started out as a dream quickly became a full-fledged love story. One book simply isn’t enough to tell the complete story for Enzo and Ava. The author is hard at work writing book two of the series.

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