The morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow in Bella's bedroom. She stirred in bed, her heart already racing before she had even opened her eyes. Today was the day. Her wedding day.
A deep breath. Another. Bella sat up slowly, pressing a hand against her slightly round stomach. It wasn't noticeable under most clothes, but she knew. And soon, everyone else would, too.
Rachel was still asleep beside her, curled up with her stuffed bunny. Bella smiled, brushing her daughter's hair from her face before slipping out of bed. She barely made it to the kitchen when her phone rang. Lucas.
Her fingers hovered over the screen for a second before she answered.
"Good morning, future Mrs. Costanzo." His voice was warm, teasing.
Bella rolled her eyes, but the nervous flutter in her chest softened at his familiar tone. "Good morning, Mr. Groom. Shouldn't you be getting ready?"
"Not before making sure you're okay." His voice dropped slightly, turning serious. "How are you feeling?"
Bella bit her lip, leaning against the counter. "Nervous. A little overwhelmed. It feels... like a dream."
"I know." There was a brief pause. "Your dress will be arriving soon. My mom and Aunt Vivian are coming over to help you get ready." Bella blinked. "They're coming here?"
"Yes. They insisted. My mother wants to be involved, and aunt... well, she wants to help too."
Bella wasn't sure how to feel about Vivian's presence, but she nodded to herself. "Alright."
"I'll see you soon, Bella. Eat your breakfast first and don't starve yourself." His voice was softer now. "Just relax, okay?"
"I'll try." When the call ended, Bella exhaled shakily. This was really happening.
An hour later, a delivery van arrived with her wedding dress. Bella hadn't even fully processed the moment before Alessandra and Vivian stepped into the apartment, carrying bags and smiling warmly.
"Bella, darling!" Alessandra beamed, pulling her into a tight hug. "Today is the big day! Are you excited?"
Bella let out a nervous laugh. "More like terrified."
Vivian chuckled, setting down a box. "That's normal. But trust me, once you see Lucas at the altar, everything else will fade away."
Bella didn't miss the way Vivian's tone was much softer now. The woman who once eyed her with cold scrutiny was now standing in her home, helping her prepare for one of the biggest moments of her life.
Rachel, now fully awake, ran out in her pajamas. "Grandma?" She tilted her head at Alessandra.
Alessandra's expression melted as she knelt. "Yes, my sweet girl. You can officially call me Grandma now."
Rachel grinned and hugged her. "Alright," Vivian clapped her hands. "Let's get the bride ready."
Meanwhile, across town, Lucas stood in front of his mirror, adjusting the cufflinks on his tailored suit. Mark stood nearby, watching him with a smirk. "You nervous, boss?"
Lucas scoffed. "No." Mark chuckled. "Right. That's why you've adjusted your tie three times."
Lucas sighed and glanced at his reflection. For a man who had faced gunfire, betrayals, and enemies without flinching, this—this wedding—felt like the most nerve-wracking thing he had ever done.
But when he thought of Bella... of Rachel... of their little baby....of the family they were building... He took a deep breath. It was worth it.
Bella sat in front of the mirror, her heart pounding as she watched Alessandra carefully arrange her hair into an elegant updo. Vivian stood beside her, sorting through jewelry, while Rachel, already dressed, sat on the bed, watching in awe.
"You look like a princess, Mommy!" Rachel beamed, her little hands clasped together.
Bella smiled at her reflection. The wedding dress hugged her perfectly, its soft fabric cascading down in delicate waves. The subtle shimmer of lace and embroidery made her feel more like a bride than she had expected.
"A breathtaking bride," Alessandra added, placing a gentle hand on Bella's shoulder. "And completely nervous," Bella admitted with a soft laugh.
Vivian smirked as she held up a pair of earrings. "You should be. Marriage is a lifelong commitment. But don't worry, dear. If Lucas tries anything stupid, I'll personally knock some sense into him."
Bella chuckled, shaking her head. "I'm sure he'll behave."
"Oh, he will," Alessandra assured her. "That boy has been hopelessly devoted since the moment he met you."
Bella's cheeks warmed, but she said nothing. Vivian leaned closer. "What? No blushing bride act?"
"I just... wasn't expecting all of this," Bella admitted. Vivian gave her a knowing smile. "Neither was Lucas. But sometimes, life surprises us in the best ways."
Once Bella was fully dressed, the car arrived to take them to the venue. Rachel sat beside her, kicking her legs excitedly, while Alessandra and Vivian chatted in the front. Bella's hands were clasped tightly in her lap. This is it.
As they neared their destination, she turned to Alessandra. "I thought Lucas mentioned it was an indoor venue?"
"Did he?" Alessandra said innocently. Bella narrowed her eyes. Something was off.
When the car finally stopped, Bella's breath hitched. It wasn't indoors.
Stepping out of the car, she found herself staring at a stunning outdoor setup. Fairy lights hung between tall trees, flickering like tiny stars. White and gold floral arrangements lined the aisle, leading to a breathtaking archway covered in fresh blooms. The evening sky painted everything in soft hues of orange and pink, creating a magical glow.
"Surprise," Alessandra whispered, watching Bella's stunned expression.
Bella turned, her heart racing. "He... he changed it?" Vivian smirked. "Let's just say Lucas knows how to impress his bride."
Bella swallowed hard, her fingers tightening around her bouquet. She had thought she was prepared for today, but this? This was something else entirely.
Lucas Costanzo always had a way of surprising her.