It was a gathering of around twenty people in the church. Because Tom kept telling everyone that this was a business arrangement and not a real marriage Daisy wanted to skip the veil but the Hispanic woman convinced her that no matter what Tom says she should treat it as a full traditional wedding and put on the veil.
'I am Julia by the way. Tom may have mentioned me.' she introduced.
'So you are the therapist? Nice to meet you. It must be interesting to peek inside his eccentric head.' Daisy assumed.
'You have no idea. Do you know when he found out that you bought a wedding gown on his tab he called me in the middle of the night because he thought who ever you are marrying won't let you hang out with him. He doesn't have many friends. Those that he have he treasures more than anything.' she explained.
'That doesn't make sense. He was the one who blocked me. I partially get why he was congratulating me for but why would he block me if he wanted to stay in touch with me?' Daisy asked perplexed.
'Tom was afraid of sabotaging your marriage by his presence. When he is there for someone he goes all out for them and he wondered if it may hamper your relationship' Julia elaborated.
'But I still don't understand. Does that mean if tomorrow I want to befriend a guy he will stop me because I am married to him?' Daisy asked.
'No, you don't understand. Tom doesn't see himself as a regular guy. I guess he has told you something about his parentage?' Julia assumed.
'He told me his mother's occupation.' Daisy admitted looking down.
'Tom's parentage is such that he believes his birth to be the gravest of sin and often calls himself devil spawn. He doesn't consider himself human. He grew up with a hypocritical clergy in a church and started believing himself to be a demon by the age of fifteen. We were surprised when he spoke about having a child with you because in all probability he wouldn't have considered extending his bloodline because of what he thinks he is. But I guess you must have convinced him in some way or the other that he was what you wanted or needed.' Julia said.
'I didn't do or say anything. He just woke up this morning and we spoke about the misunderstanding about the dress when I clarified that I never intended to wear this or any dress and then the conversation led to him offering to father a child I intended to have through artificial insemination in the near future. He even promised to get me a job with Melinda International. Claimed to have some in with the Chairman. May be it's because of Mr. Bartolli.' Daisy surmised.
Julia smiled at her. 'Tom is right about you being innocent and clueless. You have no idea who the Chairman is, do you?'
Daisy shook her head. 'Do you?' she asked in return.
'It's a patient doctor confidentiality.' Julia said cryptically.
'Is that how he knows him?' Daisy asked excited.
'I can't tell you. But he can and he will. All in good time.' She replied.
A clearing of throat drew their attention. It was Bartolli standing at the door. 'Since I am the only one other than Tom who knows Ms. Durant closely I have been entrusted to walk her down the aisle.' he announced. The women both nodded and Julia helped Daisy bring her veil to cover her face. Stella was still in the bathroom struggling with her make-up.
'Stella you are up now.' Daisy called out. Stella rushed out wearing an off shoulder pale pink dress. She was glad to have her cross on her which looked nice resting above her bosom, perfect for the chapel. She had decided to let her honey blonde hair flow lose behind her. As she came out Bartolli let out a sharp breath which drew the attention of all the women. His eyes widened in disbelief. He couldn't believe his eyes that this young brat could look this sophisticated in a dress.
'You look fabulous' he said involuntarily.
Stella gave a cheeky smile. 'You don't too bad yourself Daddy' she said winking at him. Bartolli blinked a few times and visibly swallowed at her cheekiness.
'Well you are giving away the bride, so that makes you something of a father figure.' It was Julia who said that but Bartolli's eyes were focused on Stella who openly blushed at his heated gaze.
'Shouldn't we be heading out Fred?' Daisy reminded.
Reluctantly he tore his eyes from Stella and nodded. 'After you Ms. Wilson.' he grunted out while the woman in question giggled before strolling out to take position in front of Fred and Daisy. Fred tried to take a steadying breath as he waited for the Wagner's march to begin on the Mp3 player they had arranged. The chapel was small and they had managed to book it for the entire afternoon but there was a limit to how much could be done. At that moment he couldn't help his eyes from going to Stella's well rounded rump and he closed his eyes trying to reign in his wayward mind. He was glad for the music to start because he could step into the motions and let his mind wander without the feeling of guilt. As the maid of honour took her place and eyed the Best man, Rupert Mornington, Bartolli was however brought down to earth. Then it was his turn to lead Daisy towards the altar where Tom waited.
As Tom's eyes fell on Daisy his face lit up in a smile. She was a vision in the fish tail diamond encrusted lace dress with organza veil making her innocent flow out. He reached out his hand to receive her as Fred put her hand in his. Then the Minister started the service. All throughout the service Tom kept looking at Daisy, smiling reassuringly while firmly holding her hand. The gold band that Fred had got was simple and contrasted well with the opulence of the engagement ring. Daisy was glad because that meant she could keep it on at all time as she was meant to. If anyone told her twelve hours ago that she would get married to the man of any woman's dreams she wouldn't believe them. She knew Tom was a catch but what bothered her was the fact that she didn't deserve him and he knew it too, When the Minister finally finished speaking there was a gleam in Tom's eyes as he opened the veil and took in her flawless face. Tom had not seen Daisy with make-up and the minimal work that Julia did brought out her hazel eyes and thin lips. Tom bent down for a kiss whose intensity Daisy did not anticipate and it knocked the air out of her. What did her in was however the words that followed the kiss.
'Now you are mine, whether you want me or not.'