Page 87 of Alexander's Heart

“Okay, let’s go before we get cawt.”

We giggle all the way to the kitchen and we both make our favorite breakfast together before hiding the evidence in the dishwasher and clambering back into bed before Mom, Caroline, Eve, Betty and Lottie come barreling into the apartment, followed by .

“I made you and Alexa some breakfast Cupcake, I’ll bring it in for you,” Betty hollers as she races to the door and when she sees Alexa and I giggling she knows we’ve been up to no good.

Betty shakes her head smiling, “I’ll feed the others while you take a shower and for love of all that’s holy, use the damn shower chair or I’ll whoopee tee your butt.”

Alexa kisses my cheek and whispers, “You bettaw do as Gwanny Mae says Mommy. I loves you to the moon and back,” then runs full tilt to be with Eve and the rest of the family.

As I step out of the bathroom, I’m greeted by the sight of Frédéric and his team, diligently at work, transforming the room into a haven of beauty and elegance. The chairs are arranged around the room for everyone to sit while being pampered and relax while the team works their magic.

I settle onto the bed, Frédéric’s crawls onto the bed and has a gentle touch as his expert hands run through my hair as he looks into my eyes.

“Mon amour, will you allow me to gift you something my grand-mère gave to me, she told me it was for someone special to pass this heirloom down to?”

In Frédéric’s hands is a beautiful French diamond encrusted filigree hair comb, it is absolutely beautiful.

“Frédéric, I love it but I can’t take this from you, I’d be honored to borrow this and have it as my something borrowed but this should remain in your family belle homme,” I say with tears in my eyes.

“My Jean-Paul and I missed our chance to have a family, and what I see in you mon amour, is a woman I would want my enfant to be. S’il te plaît do me the honor of accepting this piece as I know you will cherish it the way it is meant, and then you pass it down to ton petite fille Alexa. It would make me and my grand-mère proud to see this loved for generations to come, oui.”

I have tears streaming down my face and pull Frédéric into my embrace, “Oui, Frédéric, I will accept this beautiful piece and cherish this piece until I can pass it onto Alexa on her special day. Thank you doesn’t seem enough, but I’m lost for words and... merci.”

Frédéric smiles, “oui, mon amour, let me create you sit back and sip on your tea, Frédéric will enhance your beauty.”

Frédéric crawls back off the bed and I notice his scarlet shirt and navy blue suit and smile.

He comes around behind me and begins to weave his magic through my hair. The room is filled with the soft hum of conversation and the gentle rustle of brushes and hair tools, creating a sense of tranquility and anticipation. Surrounded by the people I love, I feel a sense of calm wash over me, knowing that I am in the hands of true professionals who are dedicated to making me look and feel my absolute best on this special day. With each stroke of the brush, I can feel myself being transformed, not just on the outside, but on the inside as well, as I prepare to embark on this new chapter of my life with confidence and grace.

Through the shared experience of beauty and conversation, bonds are strengthened and hearts are touched. In the midst of wedding day myself, Lottie, Betty, Frédéric, Mom, Caroline, Eve and Alexa find comfort and support in each other’s presence, united by love, friendship, and the enduring power of shared stories, many tears are shed and laughs are had by us all.

Alexa all of a sudden races out of the room, then darts back in, “Mommy you needs to close yaw eyes, please.” Then she’s gone again.

I close my eyes and wait in wonder at what Alexa could possibly be up to and then I hear her fast little feet coming back down the hall and everyone gasps, and I hear a little sob.

“Open yaw eyes Mommy, I have a big suwpwise faw you.”

When I open my eyes, I see Alexa holding up a beautiful scarlet dress in a very similar design to Alexa’s but the colors reversed and Eve running her little hand over the material in awe. Frédéric holds tissues at the inner corner of my eyes.

“Mon amour, no more tears, oui,” Frédéric smiles warmly at me.

“Oui, Frédéric,” I say with a smile.

“You got me a special dress, Lexi?” Eve whispers in wonder.

“Yes, Evie, you awe going to be a flowaw giwl with me, Daddy wanted Mommy to have hew family in the wedding too,” Alex says proudly.

“Wow, Lexi, is so pretty, I love it and love you,” Eve grabs Alex in a cuddle and they giggle then jump up and down.

“Lils, Alexander wanted to give you your family on your wedding day to share this moment of your life that you will remember forever,” She turns to my sister, “Caroline if you feel comfortable in standing alongside me and Lils today, we have matching scarlet dresses and stunning heels to wear, what do you say, Caro?” Lottie finishes with a smile.

My sister looks to me teary eyed and I nod encouragingly because this is such a beautiful moment Alexander has given to us.

“Say yes, Auntie,” Alexa pipes in and we all start laughing.

“I would like that Lottie, thank you this means the world to me,” Caroline whispers, giving Lottie a hug.

Lottie turns to Mom and Betty, “You have dresses hanging in the back of the closet on Alexanders side at the back, let’s get into our finery and get this show on the road.” Lottie exults.

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