Arrivals

Timothy stood near the window in the bedroom Caleb was using today. Both men were wearing light gray tailored suits with white dress shirts and lavender ties. They looked handsome in their expensive wedding clothes. Tim wondered how Mia looked in her dress.

Caleb heaved a sigh for the fourth time. "Why did we decide to write our own vows? This is so foolish. I have no idea what to say."

Timothy raised his eyebrow at his friend because they had been going back and forth over this for an hour and he really wanted to go see Mia but wouldn't abandon his friend. He was the best man, and it was his responsibility to see his friend happily married today.

"If you were talking to Jasmine alone, what would you say to her?" Tim asked, finally unable to bear his friends' turmoil.

Caleb looked away awkwardly. "I would tell her that I love her and that she is the best part of my life. I would tell her that there is nothing I wouldn't do for her. That I would give her anything if only she asked for it. That our life will always be happy, and I can't wait to have a family with her and share our joy with the people around us that we love. I would tell her I can't live without her, and I have no wish to exist unless that existence is together."

"See, that wasn't so hard. That is what you tell her Caleb. You are vowing your life to this woman. I wish I had said any of those things to Mia. Jasmine will always remember what you say to her today so make it count. Who cares if people are watching. This is about yours and Jasmine's lives together. How you start them is what is important. Let people call you sentimental because at the end of the day you will have what you care about forever." Tim told his friend earnestly. Who cared what other people thought? They weren't the ones living it.

Caleb grinned and started writing. Timothy sighed in relief, knowing they were in the home stretch.

*

Mia and Laura walked into the guest room that was Jasmine's bridal suite for the day. The hair and makeup specialist were just putting the final touches on Jasmine as she sat at the vanity table in her robe. Jasmine's hair fell half down her back in curls and the rest was gathered at the back of her head in intricate curls and had tiny white and lavender roses woven into it. She looked amazing.

Mia walked up to her friend telling her she looked beautiful. The trio sat and talked for the next hour just passing time until it was time for Jasmine to put on her dress. A glass of sparkling wine was shared since Mia could only take a sip. Finally, it was time for the dress and the attendant helped Jasmine into the designer gown.

The dress was strapless and corseted. It hugged Jasmine's figure to right past her hips then spread out into a voluminous skirt. The bodice had intricate appliques of lace with pearls and Swarovski crystals sewn throughout. The dress was beautiful and Jasmine was beautiful in it. The skirt did not have a train but that was made up for by the long veil that the attendant placed carefully in her hair. It didn't cover her face but flowed regally behind her.

Mia smiled at her friend telling her she was a vision. Jasmine was so excited she was practically vibrating with energy. Mia told her friend to have a glass of wine and relax because it was almost time. Laura smiled and told Jasmine she was happy for her. Then the two women left the room to start greeting guests.

*

Mia and Laura went downstairs and out the front doors to wait past the parking attendants for guests to arrive. This was a by invitation only event, so each guest needed to be greeted and verified. Peyton had the official guest list and was responsible for marking people as they arrived but the personal touch of having Mia and Laura greet them would keep people feeling important and keep the naysayers to a minimum.

The ladies perched themselves on a bench. There was no use straining themselves with no one to greet. Finally, cars began to arrive, and Mia and Laura greeted each one, Peyton marked them on the list, and the parking attendants either took their car or directed them where to park. It was all running very smoothly.

The next car caused Mia to smile as it pulled up. The passenger climbed out helping a young woman. The man paused upon seeing Mia. It seemed like he hadn't expected to see Mia greet them.

"You look lovely as always, Mia." Nicholas said smoothly.

"You're not half bad yourself Nick, and Rebecca Howard, Miss Howard it is lovely to see you again." Mia told her kindly. She had met Miss Howard a couple of weeks ago at an event at Aide Castle in the company of Nicholas. Mia wondered if they were an item. Laura watched Nicholas watch Mia noting that there was something there that made her uncomfortable.

"Nick told me that you are the one that designed his house. It really is so lovely there." Miss Howard remarked causing Nicholas to frown then look at Mia awkwardly. Mia winked at him and that made Nick snort. He adjusted his tie unable to stop the smirk on his face.

Mia smirked back, he was caught, and he knew it. Mia directed them where to go. "I'll talk to you later. There's a line." Nicholas nodded to acknowledge her, and the pair walked away.

"You and Nicholas are close." Laura noted. It wasn't a question but an observation. Mia nodded but said nothing.

The Lanes were next. All seven of them plus Connor's girlfriend made eight. They said hello quickly though Dominic wouldn't look at her. They moved on since the line was long vowing to catch up with her later. Approximately, six or seven cars full of guests were greeted when Mia spied the mayor's car.

The mayor climbed out of the car helping Luna out behind him. Mia had hoped that Luna wouldn't come but here she was on her property.

"Mayor Shelbert, Luna welcome to Barrett estate." Mia exclaimed. She noticed that upon the introduction Laura had quickly sat down on the bench and was staring at Luna.

"Grandma Laura, I did not know you were here. When did you leave the hospital." Luna cried looking nervous.

"I haven't been here long. It's not public knowledge." Laura told Luna quietly.

"Mia I would like to see my daughter before the wedding starts. Father's prerogative." Raymond asked Mia.

"Of course, mayor." Mia replied with a smile.

"Grandmother, could you take the mayor to see Jasmine." Mia requested. Laura stood and gestured for the mayor to follow her. Luna went to follow but Mia stopped her with a hand on her arm.

"You do not enter my house." Mia said coldly. "The venue is that way, go before I have you removed from the property." Mia gestured to the guards behind her. Luna huffed but went.

Mia continued to greet guests for the next thirty minutes and nearly everyone had arrived. Chuck Nolan stepped out of a car a few minutes later and didn't help his wife Shelly out of the car. Chuck walked up to her arrogantly, but Mia refused to address him until his wife had joined him. When she did Mia noticed a huge bruise on Shelly's cheek that the makeup didn't hide. She didn't like Shelly, but the woman didn't deserve to be beat. Mia would make a point of speaking to Timothy about this.

"Good afternoon Mr. And Mrs. Nolan. Welcome to Barrett estate. The event is just through there, if you head there, I am sure you'll have a wonderful time." Mia said robotically. Chuck smirked; he couldn't stand Mia either. He didn't mind that the feeling was mutual. He strolled off as arrogantly as before.

"Thank you, Mia. This estate is beautiful." Shelly said shyly before following her husband.

Mia welcomed Judge Morell and his wife and eldest daughter next and a few other notable figures until Peyton finally let her know that everyone had arrived. Mia sighed with relief and headed inside to find Laura. It took her a minute, but she finally found Laura with Timothy in his study. The looks on their faces told her something was wrong.

"What is it?" Mia asked, walking over to the pair.

Laura urged Mia to come and sit in the other chair beside her. "The woman that tried to kill me at that party was Luna Maynard." Laura said seriously. "As soon as I saw her, I remembered clearly. I should have known because I couldn't remember what Luna looked like even though she had lived in my home for weeks at the point of the attack."

"I knew it." Mia exclaimed. "That damn tattoo she had removed. I saw it when I grabbed her ankle after she hit me over the head."

The three of them stared at each other for a minute until Tim finally spoke. "I have contacted the police. They are on their way in an unmarked car and will stay outside until after the wedding. Between the attack on Laura, the attack on you, and nearly killing a claimed heir with the bone marrow stunt, Luna is going to prison this time. Let's just get through the wedding. I don't want our friend's day ruined by this."

"Agreed." Mia said succinctly. Laura reached over and squeezed her granddaughter's hand. They would make this work for everyone.