Page 44 of Ghost Of You

We all turn to see her standing at the doorway, and my heart swells with pride. In her stunning tulle skirt, adorned with 3D floral lace and crystal embellishments, she looks like a vision of grace. Her dark blonde hair is elegantly pinned, with delicate strands and crystals adding the finishing touch. Sheholds a bouquet of pastel pink roses and baby’s breath, radiating elegance and joy.

My mum has always been a beauty, though her love life has been fraught with disappointments. I remember her coming home from dates, venting about men who weren’t ready for commitment or who lacked the decency to treat her with the respect she deserved. Despite the heartaches, she always assured me that I would be the only man she ever needed. But now, seeing her so happy and fulfilled, I’m overjoyed that she’s finally found someone who appreciates her.

This is my mum’s first wedding, and I hope it will be her last. She conceived me young and has been open and honest about our past. Today, I’m giving her away to a man who, like me with Laelia, adores her completely.

As I walk down the corridor to my mum, a tear escapes my eye. She reaches out, her hand trembling slightly, and I grasp it firmly.

“You look stunning, Mum,” I say softly, watching her eyes well up.

“Oh, Killian,” she replies, trying to hold back tears. “Don’t make me cry. I don’t want to ruin all the hard work the makeup artist has put in.” She dabs at her eyes, trying to keep the tears at bay.

“He’s one lucky man, Miss T,” Ethan interjects with a smile as he approaches.

“What have I told you about calling me Miss T?” My mum chides.

“Sorry, Poppy,” Ethan replies sheepishly.

“Be a good boy and fetch me a tissue,” she requests. Ethan nods and returns with a tissue. “Thank you,” she says, dabbing her eyes gently. “Is my makeup still intact?”

“You still look exquisite,” I reassure her.

She waves a hand dismissively. “Don’t make me tear up again.”

Outside the church, I admire the light oak doors adorned with pastel pink rose vines, perfectly echoing my mum’s wedding theme. The church’s grey cobbled stones, covered in verdant vines, create a picturesque setting for the day.

My mum’s closest friends, dressed in elegant pastel pink dresses, wait in the doorway, holding smaller bouquets that match my mum’s. As I extend my hand to Laelia, she takes it with a smile and steps out of the car, planting a kiss on my cheek.

“Thank you,” she says warmly.

“My pleasure, beautiful,” I reply, my heart swelling.

Laelia steps aside to help Mum with her dress, ensuring it doesn’t drag on the ground. As we reach the church doors, Laelia adjusts the dress, and my mum gives her a grateful kiss on the cheek before taking her seat. Laelia heads to her place, leaving me alone with my mum.

My mum looks at me, a mixture of emotions in her eyes. “What’s on your mind?” I ask.

“You need to marry that girl,” she says, her voice filled with hope.

“I plan to,” I admit with a smile.

Her mouth falls open in awe, then she beams with a smile that lights up her entire face. "Really?" she asks, her voice rising in excitement.

"I bought the ring a while ago," I confess, my heart pounding with anticipation. "But every time I planned to propose, something went wrong. So, in March, when we go to Norway to see the Northern Lights, I'm going to propose to her under their enchanting glow."

She squeals with joy and rushes to me, wrapping me in a heartfelt embrace. "I'm so happy for you, Killian. I already adore her, and I can’t wait for her to become my daughter-in-law." Shepulls away, fanning her face with a flutter of emotion. "No more crying," she says to herself, "I need to be ready."

With no one else in the foyer, I move through the first set of doors and see the bridesmaids and groomsmen waiting, Ethan included, trying his luck with one of the older women.

"Do you like a man with stamina?" he asks, his tone full of cheeky confidence.

She scoffs, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You're barking up the wrong tree. I’d eat you alive," she retorts. Ethan smirks, about to say something, but I cut in.

"Ethan, pack it in," I say firmly before he can make another comment. I turn to everyone else. "Are you all ready?" They nod in unison while Ethan huffs in exaggerated disappointment.

I give a nod to the man at the front of the church. He acknowledges me, and the music begins to play. Each bridesmaid takes the arm of a groomsman and walks gracefully down the aisle. Ethan, being the last groomsman, offers his arm to the woman he was flirting with, causing her to roll her eyes and sigh.

"I have no choice," she says, though she accepts his arm with a resigned smile, which makes Ethan grin triumphantly.

Turning to my mum, I see her hands trembling with nerves. I offer her my arm, and she takes it with a deep breath. We start our walk down the aisle together. As we approach, the guests turn to gaze at her in wonder, some with tears glistening in their eyes, others marvelling at her stunning dress. A few people, annoyingly, snap photos on their phones, blocking the view of our professional photographer. There’s nothing more infuriating than seeing amateurs intrude on moments meant for the expert.

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