Strong (Book 2 in the No Control series)

The next morning, more of our guests arrive. This group includes Andy, Sara, a few more of my girlfriends, and Harry. As we greet each other, Andy gives me a big hug, telling me how pretty I look. Harry however gives me the quickest hug I’ve ever experienced in my life. Nothing like a normal Harry hug. While Liam shows everyone to their rooms, I make my way to Harry. “What’s wrong? You’re acting weird.”
He looks down, then into my eyes. “I just don’t want to ruin your special day. I was trying to just blend in.” He smiles.
I laugh. “First off Harry, you couldn’t blend in or go unnoticed in a room no matter how hard you try. Second, the only way you could ruin my day is by not being here. So just relax, and act normal. You are important to me, you are important to Liam. That’s why you are here.”
Harry smiles. “Alright. I’ll stop being weird.”
We both laugh. “Good. Now I’ll give you the tour.”
“Hold on, I forgot one thing.” Harry says before leaning in and giving me a big, all encompassing Harry hug.
When he pulls back I smile. “Thank you. That was much better.”

After lunch we take everyone on a tour of the property. Stopping first at the gazebo, where the wedding will be held. Everything is coming together beautifully there. Antonio and Rosa are working closely with the wedding planner to make sure it will be perfect. The girls all swoon as I tell them about Liam and I’s special moments that we’ve had at the gazebo.
We also show everyone the vineyards, and the park. Our last stop is the golf course. “Wait, you have your own golf course? And you didn’t think this was something I needed to know?” Niall is quite taken aback.
“Sorry, Niall, I guess our minds have been on other things.” I say.
Niall shakes his head. “What is more important that having your own golf course?” He pauses. “Alright, I guess your wedding….maybe.”
I laugh. “Liam, why don’t you guys all go play a round or two of golf before Niall’s head explodes.”
“Sure.” Liam says before giving me a hug and a nice long kiss.
Niall runs up and gives me a hug. “Thanks Liz, you’re the best.”

Later that day our guests inform us that they’ve been doing some planning behind our backs. The guys will be stealing Liam and throwing him an impromptu bachelor party in the game room. While the ladies will be throwing me a bachelorette party downstairs.
While the men are doing Lord knows what upstairs, the ladies and I are getting pampered downstairs. Rosa has arranged for her friends from the local nail salon to come and give us mani/pedis. Of course she also brought several bottles of local wine, which is making this party quite loud.
Later we all sit around the fireplace, eating the italian wedding cookies Rosa baked and drinking the wine.
One of my friends from school, who is quite drunk, asks me. “How come you and Liam do it all the time?”
I shake my head. “I think you might need some coffee. No more wine for you.”
“No, I’m serious. Like I’ve never known a couple who are so hot for each other.”
Karen stands up. “I think I’ll go make some tea. Would anyone like some?”
As she passes me I give her my best apologetic look. I touch her arm. “I’m sorry, Karen.”
“Oh don’t apologize sweetie. It’s that activity that will give me grandchildren.”
I laugh. As she heads into the kitchen I yell after her. “I love you, Karen.”
“I love you too, Liz.”
Thank goodness Rosa has changed the subject. She’s sharing with everyone the history of the villa. They are all quite interested. When she’s finished with her story, I address these special women..
“Ladies, I’d like to say something.” They all give me their undivided attention.
“As my wedding day gets closer, I find myself thinking about my parents and wishing they were here. Tonight though, as I look around this room, I realize how blessed I am to have all of you in my life. You all mean the world to me. I love each and everyone of you. Thank you for being here.”
They all come rushing to hug me. I feel my eyes filling with tears. Happy tears.

Notes