Chapter 537 Rachel's Wedding Date is Set
After Rachel moved in with Nicholas, they were surprised to find how much they had in common. For example, they both had mild OCD and liked to keep things tidy, they both enjoyed taking walks after meals, and they both were workaholics who could get completely absorbed in their work.
After Christmas, when Nicholas successfully proposed at the company's appreciation banquet, their wedding plans were put on the agenda. They began to prepare for the wedding step by step.
First, they arranged for their parents to meet. To show their respect for Rachel, Nicholas's parents personally brought gifts from Horizon City to visit Esme in Frostpine in March.
Rachel and Nicholas went along as well. Now that the two were officially settled, both sets of parents were very happy.
Esme didn't accept the gifts from Nicholas's parents and instead gave them to her daughter and future son-in-law, along with the gifts she had prepared for her daughter over the years.
The first meeting between the two families was harmonious and warm.
They set up a simple table of home-cooked dishes in Rachel's courtyard, all made by Esme herself. Nicole Jenkins helped with washing and picking vegetables, just like a close family.
Originally, Rachel and Nicholas planned to have their first meal at a restaurant that evening, but Nicole and Ignatius Johnson insisted on eating at home, saying, "We're not outsiders."
Esme was happy to hear this and said, "Then let's eat at home. Your mom's cooking is quite good."
Early the next morning, she went to the supermarket to buy a lot of groceries. When Rachel and Nicholas brought the Johnsons back from the airport by taxi, Esme was still busy cooking. She prepared a large table full of dishes, far more than they could eat.
The Johnsons couldn't stop praising Esme's cooking, repeatedly saying, "It's really delicious."
That night, Rachel shared a room with Esme.
The room Nicholas had previously slept in was given to the Johnsons, and Rachel's own room was given to Nicholas.
Lying in bed, the mother and daughter couldn't sleep and started chatting.
Rachel sighed. "Mom, it seems like we haven't shared a bed in a long time."
She had been sleeping alone since elementary school, only sharing a bed with her mom during holidays when relatives or friends stayed over. It had been many years since they had lain in the same bed.
Feeling like a child again, Rachel hugged Esme's arm and said, "Mom, you must be tired today. You had prepared so many dishes."
Esme lay flat, smiling at the old house's ceiling. "Silly child, it's not tiring at all. I'm just relieved to see you find a good husband."
"Mom, don't worry. I'll definitely live a good life," Rachel said, turning to face Esme.
"Yes, I believe you. Nicholas's parents seem very nice, but marriage is about two people. Once you become a family, you need to understand and trust each other for the marriage to last. I can't give you much advice on this; you have to live it yourself," Esme advised.
"Mom, I know," Rachel replied.
"You've always been more mature than your peers, and I sometimes feel bad that you didn't have a more carefree childhood," Esme said regretfully.
"Mom, why did you say that? I've always been happy, especially being your daughter. It's my honor," Rachel said, hugging her mom's arm.
Esme laughed. "It's my honor to be your mom too. So I believe you'll have a good marriage."
"Yes, I will, Mom," Rachel replied softly, her tone unusually serious.
They chatted for a long time, finally falling asleep in the early hours.
After giving the gifts, they held a simple engagement ceremony in Frostpine before returning to Horizon City.
The two families discussed the wedding plans and set the date for October 1st.
Nicholas's new house hadn't been handed over yet, so they planned to renovate their current small apartment to use as their marital home.
Once the wedding date was set, they became busy. They had to take wedding photos, book the venue, arrange the decorations, and purchase items.
Despite their busy schedules, they always made time to discuss and decide on these matters together.
Nicholas always asked for Rachel's opinion, and if she had any ideas, he would immediately make adjustments based on her thoughts.
Rachel felt deeply respected and loved by Nicholas.
When Madison learned that they had set a date, she began designing Rachel's wedding dress. With half a year to go, she wasn't in a rush and could draw a little each day. Knowing they were renovating their apartment, she immediately offered them to stay at Springside Villa.
Initially, Nicholas and Rachel planned to rent a place near the studio temporarily.
However, Madison insisted they move to Springside Villa. She told Rachel, "Springside Villa is close to the studio and has convenient transportation. Why look for another place? It's such a hassle, and the villa is just sitting there empty."
"Thank you, Madison," Rachel said sincerely.
"Why thank me? You're Quentin and Hannah's godmother. I could give you the house, but it's not suitable as an old house," Madison said with a smile.
She had already arranged for a new wedding gift for Rachel through a real estate agent. When she contacted the agent, she learned that the area was highly sought after, with new homes selling out quickly. She had the agent keep an eye out for a resale, and they finally found one.
When the agent called, Madison immediately secured it, planning to surprise Rachel by taking her to sign the papers. So, when Nicholas's apartment was being renovated, they moved to Springside Villa temporarily.
After Ryan turned three months old, Madison gradually returned to work, completing the backlog of orders.
Rachel, busy with wedding preparations, had trained Sarah to handle many of her tasks.
After discussing with Rachel, Madison promoted Sarah and gave her a raise, making Sarah so happy that she vowed to work at the studio forever. Her earnestness made Madison and Rachel laugh.
Madison laughed and said, "Alright, let's work together forever then."