Chapter 76

Ailee

I can’t believe this day is finally here. I’m getting married to my Lug. I’m going to be Mrs. Travis O’Sullivan-LeBlanc. I can’t help but giggle to myself. Last night was rough. Lug an dI spent our first night away from each other since the night I went into the hospital over eight months ago. Grandda didn’t have a problem with us living together but he did say that we should spend the night before the wedding apart. You know the whole the groom can’t see the bride before the wedding thing. I wasn’t a fan of the suggestion but Lug thought we should go with grandda’s wishes. So I sucked it up for one night. Lug went to the clubhouse and Katrina and I stayed at the condo. I tossed and turned all night, not used to sleeping alone. So I got Katrina and brought her into bed with me so I could sleep.I know you aren’t supposed to do that but I was very cautious.

The ol’e ladies came over early this morning to help me gather everything I needed to go to the church. Anna was meeting us there with my dress. Then she was going to stay to help me and the girls get ready. Including the wee lasses. We have a bridal room to get ready that is big enough for all of us. Grandda and da and helping with the lads in another room in the church.

When we all arrive the wedding coordinator is there waiting for us. “ Ailee, everything is set up and the decorators will be here in an hour. If you ladies will come with me I will get you settled.” She helps carry a few of our bags so we can handle the little lasses. She leads us to a beautiful room that is set up for us. It has a large lounge for all of us to sit around while we wait. There is an old fashioned white vanity with a large mirror in the front and two smaller ones on the side. And a large white wooden stool with a pink padded seat in front of it. There are several cherry wood high back chairs and tables. There was a table set up at the back of the room with bottles of water and juices. There was a tray of crackers, cheese and fruits. Even fruits snacks and fish crackers for the kids.

We set our bags by one of the chairs and set up a play area for the girls. “ Ailee, sit and relax. The hairdresser and make-up artist will be arriving in thirty minutes. The guys are scheduled to arrive in an hour. Now your job is to sit and relax. And enjoy your day.” she says. I thank her and she turns to leave. She suddenly stops and says “ I forgot one more thing. Lug told me to tell you to make sure you at least have a snack.” I laugh because it sounds just like Lug. “ I will.” I said, I knew Lug was going to ask her.

When the coordinator left Anna and Merigold started organizing the dresses and making sure they had all the accessories like shoes and earrings to go with it. They had them all hung up so they would get wrinkles. I tried to help but I was told to have a snack and go play with the girls. So that is what I did. I got some snacks for all of us and played until the hairdresser and make-up artist arrived. Then there was a flurry of activity that I could barely keep up. Merigold, Lilly and Gretchen got made up and dressed first so they could help me. And get the wee ones dressed.

I’m getting my hair done when the nerves kick in. Suddenly I’m worried. What if Lug changes his mind? What if I can’t be a good wife and mother? Am I able to keep the ice queen away from my family? What if I let Lug down? Or my grandda? What if Lug doesn’t show up? I didn’t notice my hands were shaking until I felt my hands on mine. I look down and see Anna kneeling in front of me. “ Getting nervous?” she asks. I swallow a lump in my throat “ Aye.” “ Ailee, that is perfectly normal. Your life is about to change in a big way. It is expected to be a little nervous.” All I could do was nod slightly since my hair was in the stylist's hands.

Anna runs her thumb over the back of my hands and looks into my eyes. She can tell I’m not completely convinced. “ Ailee, are you having second thoughts? If you are, we can talk about it. It isn’t too late to cancel or postpone the wedding if you are unsure you want to do this.” she says. I want to shake my head but I can’t . I rushed to tell her “ No, Anna. I’m not having second thoughts. I’m worried Lug might be. What if he realizes I’m too much trouble? What if he doesn’t show up? What if one of the brothers convinces him he is making a mistake?”

Anna reaches up and wipes a tear from my cheek “ Oh sweetheart. I can see that you are scared. I have known Lug since he first came to the club. He is a good man with a big heart. And that heart belongs to you and Katrina. Everyone can see how much that boy loves you. Even grumpy Cormac. I know in my heart he has been looking forward to this day since he bought that ring. There is no way he isn’t going to show up. But I have an idea that will put you at ease.” She pulls out her phone, hits a few buttons and I can hear it ringing. Anna must have put it on speaker. On the third ring I hear Lug’s voice. “ Hey Anna. Is everything ok?” “ Yes, Lug everything is fine. Where are you?” Anna asked. “ We are on the way to the church. Did you need us to do something before we got there?” Lug asks. I let go of the breath I was holding with a whoosh.

“ No, I don't need anything. I just have a nervous bride that needed to hear your voice. She got it in her head that you may one to back out and was worried.” Anna said. “ Let me talk to her.” Lug said. “ I can hear ye.” I said. “ Good. Ailee, honey. Nothing. I mean nothing is going to stop me from being at that church and marrying you. So take a deep breath. Have Anna help you get into what I’m sure is a beautiful dress. And when you are done and that music starts to play, have Cormac march you down the aisle because I will be standing in front ready to make you mine.” Lug said. I sniffle and wipe my eyes “ I will Lug. I love you.” I said. “ I love you too. See you soon.” he said. Anna hung up, grabbed a tissue to wipe my eyes.

“ Feel better now?” Anna asked. I nod. “ Good now let’s get you ready to marry that lucky boy.” Anna said. She stands and I see her hold the tissues out to the stylist and the artist. I look up and see them wiping their eyes. I look over and see Merigold and the girls smiling and wiping tears. I hear the stylist sniffle “ You heard probably the most romantic thing ever. Let’s get this lady ready to get married.”