followed by dancing and then a fireworks show. Apparently these festivities took place every night at the resort. She hated to admit it, but she was almost as excited to see what the night had in store for them for the evening activities as she was the actual reciting of the vows!
Within five minutes there was a knock on the door of the small room that served as a dressing room for the bride-to-be. Hustling over to the door, Cynthia answered it and accepted a large white box. Closing the door, she strutted back to Nikki and set the box on the vanity table.
Nikki gasped as the wedding planner opened the box and pulled out the most exquisite veil Nikki had ever seen. It was very simplistic, but the beauty was in the simplicity. The tiara was thin with glimmering diamonds, which Nikki suspected might be real, in combination with white wildflowers. The train was a sheer white material, with sparkling gems shimmering at random spots throughout.
"It's stunning," Nikki breathed, as Cynthia stepped behind her and placed the veil atop her head. It was far superior to the one she'd left behind and upon seeing the one in the wedding planner's hands, she was glad she had left it behind.
"It'll look beautiful on you. But we need it returned after the ceremony."
"Of course." A pang of disappointment shot through her, but she shrugged it off. Damn, I'm getting spoiled . All this fuss over me is going to my head . Yes, she could easily get used to this lifestyle.
With the veil secured by a few bobby pins Cynthia stepped back and inspected Nikki from head to toe. "You really look stunning, ma'am." She smiled at Nikki warmly.
"We've spent all afternoon together, please call me Nikki."
"You look stunning... Nikki." She glanced down at her watch. "Five minutes. Are you ready to meet with your fiancé now?"
Nikki started to nod and froze. Shit! "I have no maid of honour!" An idea struck her as soon as the realization came. "Will you be?"
" Ummm , ma- Nikki..." Cynthia crossed her arms over he chest and shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot.
"Please." Nikki caught her gaze, her blue eyes meeting the other woman's dark ones. "It would mean so much to me."
Smiling widely, Cynthia nodded. "I would he honoured."
A knock sounded at the door. "Cynthia? We're ready for the bride now."
"We're on our way," she called back and nodded her head towards the door. "Are you ready to get married to the man of your dreams?"
A rush of emotions raced through Nikki. Love. Hope. Excitement. Anxiety. They all came crashing through her and she needed a moment to catch her breath before confirming with a nod. "I am."
"Then let's go meet that handsome man of yours." Cynthia passed her a stunning bouquet of roses and wild flowers, picked a smaller one up for herself and then placed a hand at the small of Nikki's back and urged her forward.
Nikki found herself unsteady on her feet. Partly because of the high, stiletto heels of her white pump and partly because of the rush of nerves flowing through her. But after several steps she found herself getting more stable. By the time she was at the door of the bridal room her stride was confident and eager.
Opening the door, the beauty of the evening sky greeted Nikki and a sense of tranquility settled over her. She could see the gazebo roughly fifty feet away. Grant stood, tall and proud, dressed in a tuxedo, his hands clasped before him, waiting for her. It was the first time she'd ever seen him in such formal wear and the sight of him looking so distinguished put a smile on her face.
A small group of musicians played a sweet, soft melody on a number of acoustic instruments. Upon the realization that Nikki and Cynthia had exited the building - Cynthia leading the way - they began to play 'Here comes the bride'. The sound was sweet and seductive. Considering the stunning beauty of the night sky, the soft crash of water against the cliff, and the natural beauty of the area, the soft simple version of the bridal