Bella had expected to be nervous when the priest asked her to say her vows. What if she forgot about it? She could always read it - after all, her mother had the paper with the written vows tucked into her purse - but as Bella looked into Nathan’s loving eyes, she knew it would be easy to speak from her heart. A little smile budded on her lips as she began to speak.
“My incredible husband to be… I know things for us weren’t the typical boy-meets-girl-and-they-fall-in-love story. Yet… when I first met you, we were both incomplete. I didn’t know back then, when Phil escaped from you and got me all tangled up i up in his leash, that I was missing something. I especially didn’t know that the something was you. Ever since I was a teenager, I have been searching for you. I’ve had this big, gaping hole in my chest for so long. I didn’t know how to accept help from others. Even worse, I was used to being pitied. But you… You never pitied me. You cared for me. You took care of me even when I resisted. Even when I seemed to bring nothing but problems. I seem to draw bad luck. Broken legs, bizarre side-effects, snake bites… and none of that has ever scared you away. I look forward to continuing to build our lives together just as we continue to build Ithemba, just as we continue to nurture our furry babies. You, Nathaniel Dwyer, are one of a kind and I love you with all my heart and soul.”
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(Continued from Nathaniel's blog) Nathan’s lips against hers was a sensation she always loved, but today it had an even greater power. Even while their friends and family cheered as they were official named Mr. and Mrs. Dwyer, she felt the kiss deepen and she had to restrain herself from wrapping her arms tightly around him and stealing him away. They broke apart gently, little smirks remaining on both of their lips. A light chuckle broke free from Bella before she turned triumphantly to gaze upon the faces of their loved ones. They’d really done it; they’d said their vows before a priest and the family. The golden rings on their fingers proved it. ╰ ☆ ╮ The delighted laughter of children, happy chatter of various adults, and even intermittent animal calls filled the garden. Bella and Nathan sat together, underneath the tree that stood between the garden and the house. Toasts had been given, food and sweets served. Bella felt full. Not only from the food she’d consumed, but with all the love she felt. It was nearly overwhelming and at times, she found herself randomly reaching out to squeeze Nathan’s hand. Was she really Mrs. Dwyer? It was so surreal. Years ago, she wouldn’t have even dreamt of a moment like this, yet today certainly felt like a dream come true. How many dreams had become a reality since she met Nathaniel? Her academic goals, the move to South Africa, their wildlife refuge, and now this union. Things couldn’t get any better, could they? Bella felt a light tap against her arm. She looked down and saw her niece, Lucie, beaming up at her. “Aunty Bella. Can we see the cheetahs now?” Bella laughed and glanced sidelong at Nathan. The kids had asked so often already. Especially Lucie, Aubrey and Angelo. Asha was locked away for the night. After all, a cheetah - no matter how tame - was not idea for a social event. Especially one that involved food. There was a playful little glint in Nathan’s eyes and with the subtlest nod of his head, Lucie exclaimed happily. “Not yet,” Bella immediately said. “You’ll have to ask your mummy and daddy first.” She winked at her and Lucie ran off. Luckily, Bella knew her siblings would make sure that the kids waited until the next day perhaps. After all, no one was leaving South Africa right away. ╰ ☆ ╮ The colours of the beautiful African sunset had disappeared into the darkening sky. The younger children were half asleep in their parents’ arms and most of the older kids were no longer running around. Amanda retired to her room, baby Nicco in her arms, and some of the other adult guests gave some last-minute advices and well wishes before retiring as well.
Bella leaned close to Nathan and whispered in his ear, “Maybe it’s time for us to escape as well?” The little smirk that touched his lip was enough of an answer for her. She grinned widely and brushed a soft kiss against his earlobe. A romantic little lakeside cabin was awaiting them, and Bella was quite looking forward to getting away from everyone and enjoying her first night with her husband. She was lost in her thoughts when he suddenly rose from the chair and held his hand out to her. “Shall I take you away, Mrs. Dwyer?” Bella willingly took his hand. “You shall.” Bella had expected to be nervous when the priest asked her to say her vows. What if she forgot about it? She could always read it - after all, her mother had the paper with the written vows tucked into her purse - but as Bella looked into Nathan’s loving eyes, she knew it would be easy to speak from her heart. A little smile budded on her lips as she began to speak.
“My incredible husband to be… I know things for us weren’t the typical boy-meets-girl-and-they-fall-in-love story. Yet… when I first met you, we were both incomplete. I didn’t know back then, when Phil escaped from you and got me all tangled up i up in his leash, that I was missing something. I especially didn’t know that the something was you. Ever since I was a teenager, I have been searching for you. I’ve had this big, gaping hole in my chest for so long. I didn’t know how to accept help from others. Even worse, I was used to being pitied. But you… You never pitied me. You cared for me. You took care of me even when I resisted. Even when I seemed to bring nothing but problems. I seem to draw bad luck. Broken legs, bizarre side-effects, snake bites… and none of that has ever scared you away. I look forward to continuing to build our lives together just as we continue to build Ithemba, just as we continue to nurture our furry babies. You, Nathaniel Dwyer, are one of a kind and I love you with all my heart and soul.” Bella’s arms looped around Nathan’s torso as she pressed her face to his chest. His heart beat strongly against her cheek, making a smile split across her face. She hugged him tighter and heard his muffled laughter resound in her ear. “It’s just one night, you know,” he said. Bella heard the amusement in his voice before she glanced up at his beautiful face. She could see some nervousness there, but there was mainly happiness.
“I know.” She loosened her vice grip from around Nathan. “You have no idea what one full night with my mother and my sisters would be like.” There was a playful spark in her eyes. “Girly stories, shared secrets, make-up and hair tips…” She was exaggerating of course and she couldn't help but laugh. She was actually quite grateful that her mother was here and had insisted on a unique version of a Hen Night. They’d have a girls’ night in instead. Isa, Belie, and Zelda were there, as well as Ada and Eli's girlfriend Aelin, even Amanda and Rico’s wife Ceci. Years ago, Bella had been able to witness her favourite elder brother fall in love with his now-wife. Their children were absolutely beautiful too. Heads full of lovely curls. Blue and greenish eyes. Gods… They could almost be her own children. Bella rested a hand on Nathan’s chest. “Am I allowed to call my future husband to bail me out if these women - or the kids - are driving me crazy?” Nathan laughed lightly. “If the men don’t kill me in an attempt to protect you,” he responded. Bella grinned. Rico, Niels, Eli, Stuart and Teun were staying with Nathan in the guesthouse. Hopefully when men gathered it wasn’t as annoying as the women’s gathering. “Good luck with that,” Bella told him. She got onto her toes and brushed a soft kiss against his lips. “I love you. See you tomorrow.” Ramsey’s excited barking sounded outside as Bella rushed from the office to the living room. Nathan had been gone for hours now. Out on some mystery assignment while Bella kept track of the animals and wrestled with annoying paperwork. Yet, as she left the office, she heard another voice accompanying Nathan’s. She stopped suddenly, in the living room, as she spotted Nathan and someone else standing at the front door. Isa, her hair tousled by the wind, her luggage clutched tightly in her hands until her knuckles were white, looked absolutely terrified.
Nathan couldn’t help but chuckle. “She’s friendly. I promise,” he was saying. When Isa’s eyes wandered elsewhere and her face lit up, Nathan turned to see what she was looking at. Noticing Bella standing there, a smirk played across his lips. “Surprise,” he said. Bella had to practically pick her jaw up off the floor. “Isa? How…? When?” Isa quickly explain that she’d arranged the whole surprise visit with Nathan. It had been a long trip back to Ithemba, but they’d made it. Bella greeted her old friend, her step-sister, with the biggest of hugs. It was so good to see her again. And here, in her home! “What are you doing here?” Bella asked, nudging her rather roughly. Isa, made a little sound as she held her balance. “Well,” said Isa. “I thought to myself: who is making sure that Bella gets her dress and hair and makeup and etc ready for her big day? And knowing you, you’d just want to walk down the aisle in sweat pants.” Bella folded her arms over her chest and scowled at Isa. “I’m not /that/ bad. And who says there’s even an aisle?” “Whatever,” said Isa. She giggled and glanced at Nathan. “Your future hubby here says that I am free to kidnap you.” “But--” “I will take care of things,” Nathan assured. He smiled encouragingly at her. “Go on. Have fun.” He smiled and pressed a kiss to her cheek, leaving her at Isa’s mercy. |
Isabella Kaylee DwyerWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
December 2017
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