Stolen Identity: Mute Heiress

Chapter 486: I’m Ready

The morning sun bathed Tom’s mansion in a warm golden glow.

Fresh white roses lined the stone pathway leading into the enormous garden. Soft cream drapes fluttered gently beneath a beautifully decorated floral canopy.

Rows of white chairs faced the small wooden platform where the ceremony would take place.

Everything looked simple and elegant exactly the way Stefan and Genevieve wanted.

Tom stood in front of the mirror adjusting his cufflinks for what felt like the tenth time.

Lucy smiled as she applied the final touches to her makeup. “You look like the father of the bride.”

Tom smiled as he met her gaze in the mirror. “Who would have imagined that the first person I’d be walking down the aisle would be Genevieve?”

Lucy laughed softly. “Certainly not me. Life does have a way of surprising us.”

“I guess that’s one of the beauties of life. You never know what to expect.”

Lucy turned, then gently straightened his tie. “The last wedding held here was ours.”

Tom grinned. “It feels like just yesterday.”

“Yeah.” Lucy giggled as he nuzzled her neck.

“You know, I’ve been thinking,” Tom said, making her raise a brow.

“About?” She asked, pulling back to look into his face.

“Us.”

Lucy giggled. “I know you’re always thinking about us. What about us?”

“A vow renewal would be nice. I’d love to watch you walk down the aisle again.”

Lucy giggled. “Really?”

Tom chuckled. “Yeah. Would you be down for it?”

“You know I’d be down for anything with you, my love,” Lucy said.

“Anything? Even a quickie before the wedding?” He asked, making her holler with laughter.

“We both know quickies don’t work for us. It’s almost time. I need to go make sure everything is in order. I’ll let you know when our bride is ready.”

“So much for being down for anything,” Tom muttered.

“You’ll get a slowie tonight, I promise,” Lucy said, laughing as she walked out of the bedroom.

“I’ll hold you on to it,” Tom called after her with a grin.

Lucy’s first stop was the girls’ bedroom to check on the girls. Even before she got to the door, she heard them all laughing and singing together.

She smiled as she opened the door, “I hope you girls remember you’re preparing for a wedding not a concert?”

“If we don’t keep Genny engaged and laughing she’s going to cry and ruin her makeup,” Mari said, and they all laughed again.

“Keep singing then,” Lucy said and then looked at them all, “You all look ready.”

“Yea, we are,” Dawn said with a grin.

“Genny has been ready for almost an hour now,” Emily supplied.

“Genny can’t wait,” Mari added, and they all giggled.

Lucy smiled. “Good then. In that case I’ll go make sure everything is in place and we can start.”

Lucy headed next for the room where Stefan and Jamal were getting dressed, and she wasn’t surprised to find Callan there.

“Are you ready?”

“I’ve been ready all my life,” Stefan said, and everyone laughed.

“So is your bride,” Lucy said, giggling, “You should start heading for the garden. I’m guessing everyone is downstairs already.”

Lucy got downstairs to see Tom talking with Harry and Jade. She was still saying hello to them when Bryan and Sonia walked in, laughing about something only the two of them seemed to understand.

A short while later, Matt and Candace arrived with Aaron and Deborah.

Gradually, the house filled. Andy, Alex and Jax arrived together, as did Hunter and Delilah. Jessica and Damon followed behind them.

They all turned when Stefan descended the stairs with Jamal and Callan.

“Here comes the groom,” Harry sang, making everyone laugh.

Stefan laughed with everyone else, but his gaze went to his wrist watch.

Jamal noticed. “Relax,” he murmured.

Stefan smiled looking at Jamal. “I’m trying.”

Callan chuckled. “You’ve checked the time at least six times.”

“Ten times,” Stefan corrected automatically.

The three men laughed.

Jamal shook his head. “In a couple of hours you’ll be married.”

Stefan smiled. “I know.” He looked towards the stairs. “I just… want to see her.”

“Isn’t it nice to have such a gathering without all the kids around? Reminds me of the past when there were no kids in the picture,” Sonia said, and all the others laughed.

“Yeah. We should do this more often,” Jade added.

“Yet they say mothers love their kids more than fathers. I don’t hear any man celebrating the absence of their kids,” Matt said with a shake of his head.

All the women turned to Matt at once, and Bryan who was seated close to him, moved away. “I don’t know the fool.”

All the other men laughed.

Stefan laughed too, but his fingers unconsciously adjusted the cuff of his jacket.

He took a slow breath, trying to calm his racing heart. He wished they’d stop with the small talk and jokes and begin the ceremony.

“Please forgive him,” Candace said, laughing as all the women started attacking him at once.

Matt chuckled. “Relax ladies, I was only kidding.”

“The couple are ready to be wed. Can this fight wait for later?” Lucy asked, raising her voice above their voices.

Stefan flashed Lucy a smile of gratitude and she winked at him.

“Let’s head to the garden. I can hear the music coming from there,” Tom said, and slowly they all trooped out of the house.

The gentle notes of a string quartet drifted through the garden.

Conversations gradually died down as everyone took their seats.

Harry stood beneath the floral canopy, dressed in an immaculate charcoal suit. A leather-bound marriage register rested on the small table beside him.

“Where is the minister?” Stefan asked, looking around, since Harry had told him he’d arrange for a trusted minister to officiate the ceremony.

Harry smiled innocently. “What minister?”

Stefan frowned. “The one you told me would officiate.”

Harry nodded thoughtfully. “Oh… him.”

Stefan waited. “So?”

Harry reached into the leather folder beside him and pulled out a neatly framed certificate.

“I found someone I trust.”

Stefan relaxed. “Good. Where is he then?”

Harry tapped his own chest. “Here.”

Stefan blinked. “You?”

“Yes. I am him.” Harry grinned proudly. “I’ve been waiting to say that.”

For a heartbeat, nobody spoke.

Stefan stared at him, then at the certificate in his hand. “What?” Stefan blurted. “You actually did this?”

Harry nodded as he held up the certificate. “I’m a licensed marriage officiant.”

“You actually went through the entire licensing process?” Candace asked as she walked over and took the certificate from him.

Harry nodded. “I did. You all didn’t expect me to bring a stranger here no matter how trusted he is, do you? The less people that know about Genevieve the safer she is.”

Candace laughed as she turned to Jade, “Did you know about this?”

“Do I look like I knew about it?” Jade took the certificate from Candace, “Why am I not surprised?” She asked with an amused smile before turning to Tom. “You knew, didn’t you?”

Tom grinned, “Can’t say I didn’t. I would have done it myself, but I don’t want Harry to feel completely left out since I’m walking the bride down the aisle already.”

“Thanks for your thoughtfulness, Tom,” Harry said dryly.

The garden erupted into laughter.

“Well, congratulations on your certificate, Jonas,” Jade said, making Harry grin.

“Thank you, Mrs Jonas,” he said with a wink.

Stefan shook his head, laughing despite himself. “I honestly don’t know whether to hug you or sue you for deceiving me.”

“Sue me and I’ll declare your marriage void,” Harry replied.

They all laughed again.

Stefan smiled warmly and his eyes glistened. “Thank you. You have no idea what this means to me.”

Harry’s expression softened. “It was an honour to do this for you.”

Stefan stepped forward and hugged him. “Thank you.”

Harry patted his back. “Save your tears for when the bride comes.”

Stefan chuckled as Harry squeezed his shoulder once before pulling back and facing the guests again.

Stefan smiled to himself as he looked around the empty aisle.

Come on, Genny. I’m ready.

“Now that my shocking secret has been revealed, let’s focus on the reason we are here. The bride can come in.”