Don't take it Personal

The Rehearsal Dinner

Trey POV

The drive to the countryside with Stephanie was a journey filled with anticipation and excitement. The picturesque scenery unfolded around us as we navigated winding roads, the lush greenery providing a serene backdrop to their adventure.

Upon reaching my childhood home ,Stephanie's hand gently tugged at mine's guiding me towards a quaint, rustic swing nestled beneath the cool shade of an old oak tree and coconut tree. The swing seemed like a perfect place to take a break and soak in the tranquility of the countryside.

With an enigmatic smile, Stephanie produced a small bag, her eyes dancing with excitement. From within it, she pulled out a tiny baby shirt bearing the words, "Daddy's Love." The shock of this unexpected and heartwarming gift washed over me, filling me with immense joy and a profound sense of wonder.

Overwhelmed by the emotions coursing through me, I couldn't help but pull Stephanie close. Our lips met in a sweet, tender kiss, a symbol of the shared happiness and the promising future that we were embarking upon together as a family. It was a moment etched in my memory, one that I knew I would cherish forever. "We got this" I said and Stephanie smiled and nodded in agreement.

The setting for the wedding rehearsal was nothing short of enchanting. As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, the garden transformed into a magical wonderland illuminated by a mesmerizing array of lights. Twinkling fairy lights draped gracefully over branches, delicate pepper lights adorned the tables, and elegant lantern lights cast a soft, inviting glow.

I was dressed impeccably for the occasion, donned black pants paired with a stylish black and gold print shirt. The combination exuded a sense of sophistication and understated elegance, perfectly befitting the special event that lay before me.

However, it was Stephanie who truly stole the spotlight in her attire. She graced the garden with her presence, resplendent in a stunning black and silver gown. The gown featured a daring high slit, revealing the graceful curve of her side legs with every step. Stephanie's choice of attire exuded confidence and allure, captivating everyone's attention as she moved gracefully through the garden.

Together, amidst the enchanting ambiance and our stylish attire, Stephanie and I were a sight to behold, a reflection of the love and elegance that would define our impending wedding day.

The wedding rehearsal unfolded with meticulous precision. Stephanie and I dedicated ourselves to perfecting our walk down the aisle and the graceful dance we'd share during the ceremony. We also took time to ensure that every detail regarding our seating arrangement was thoroughly sorted. The sense of readiness permeated the air, leaving us with the comforting assurance that tomorrow's celebration would be flawless.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, Stephanie engaged in a warm conversation with my mother, their bond evident in their smiles and laughter. With a quiet moment to myself, I gravitated towards a swing nestled beneath the embracing branches of an oak and a coconut tree. The night was adorned with the soft, enchanting glow of pepper lights, and a gentle breeze, flavored with the freshness of December, rustled the leaves. In this serene setting, I found solace, reflecting on the journey of love that had brought me to this beautiful moment in time.

As I gazed at the the oak and coconut trees, memories from their childhood came rushing back like an old melody. I remembered the days when Stephanie and I were just kids, our hearts brimming with innocence and dreams.

We used to play games under the very same trees that now stood as witnesses to our grown-up love story.

One vivid memory stood out above the rest. At around five years old, I had told Stephanie with all the seriousness a child could muster that we would get married on this very swing one day. She had blinked in bewilderment, innocently asking "what is married", completely unaware of the significance of my words at the time.

Now, a decade later, as I stood beside that swing on the eve of our wedding, I couldn't help but smile at the poetic full circle of our journey. Tomorrow, our wishes from those innocent childhood days would be fulfilled in the enchanting garden we had come to cherish, the very place where I had first fallen in love with her.

It was a beautiful testament to the enduring power of love and destiny.

My uncle Lionel approached me, holding a beer in his hand. "You seem to be in deep thought," he remarked, and I nodded in acknowledgment. He extended the beer to me, and as our bottles met in a clinking gesture, I couldn't help but think about how my uncle had recently divorced but seemed to have found love again with his girlfriend Sasha. Sasha had been working at my company since September, and despite their age gap, their relationship seemed to be thriving.

"Trey, if your dad were here, I know he would tell you how proud he is of you, and I believe he's watching over you," my uncle continued. "You've grown into an incredible man. Did I ever tell you about the time when our mom had to reveal that we had different dads?" he asked.

"No," I replied, intrigued by this revelation.

"When she told us, I was angry," my uncle confessed, "but your dad, he said something I'll never forget. He told me that when you love someone, you should never hurt them. Love means loving unconditionally and growing at every stage, much like a tree. I want you to hold onto that wisdom, Trey. No matter what challenges you and Stephanie face, remember to love each other and communicate. It might be difficult at times, but always work through your issues," he advised.

I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the profound insight my uncle had shared with me on that memorable evening.

I approached Stephanie, extending my hand to gently clasp hers, the strains of Ed Sheeran's "Perfect" filling the air with its melodic sweetness. In that moment, amidst the harmonious notes and locked gazes, I discerned a hint of emotion welling up in her eyes.

"I can't wait for tomorrow when I say 'I do' to you," I uttered with unwavering sincerity, my voice resonating with love and anticipation.

"I can't wait to be yours and become Mrs. Williams," Stephanie replied, her voice filled with equal fervor and devotion. Lost in our connection, we were oblivious to the passage of time, completely unaware that everyone else had departed. The clock now displayed 10:30 pm, and the countdown to our wedding at 1 pm the following day had officially begun.

Stephanie tenderly cupped my face, her lips meeting mine in a passionate kiss. As we parted, she whispered, "This is your last kiss as my fiancé. See you tomorrow. I'll be the one in white," accompanied by a playful wink. With that, she gracefully strolled away, leaving me brimming with happiness and eager anticipation for our impending nuptials.