My Hometown Love

Chapter 14 - Wedding Rehearsal

Lexie’s P.O.V

I walked into my parents’ store beaming with pride as they eyed me suspiciously. I quickly filled them in about all that had happened, carefully excluding certain personal parts. Occasionally I would turn and find Kevin smiling at me proudly as I narrated the incident to my parents.

“We are so proud of you for standing up for yourself but also, for being kind.”, my Mom said as she gave me a bear hug.

“Okay, enough chit chat. You guys wanna see the cake?”, my Dad said as he held open the kitchen door for us to enter.

We entered the kitchen and found ourselves in the presence of bliss as we stood there facing this beautiful grand 4-tier pearl white cake.

I don’t know what made me do it, but I found myself quickly turning my head to look at Kevin to see his response, only to him doing the same to me.

“WOW!”, we said simultaneously as we cautiously stepped closer to further examine the cake.

I was hit with a strong sense of familiarity as my eyes gazed upon the miniature bride and groom dolls on the top of the cake. Upon close inspection, I found myself stepping back in shock and confusion.

“Wait! Why does the cake topper dolls look EXACTLY like Jakey and Maria??!”, I asked abruptly, hysterically pointing at the innocent dolls.

“Because we had them specially made as a surprise. Let’s see if they notice as you did.”, my Dad said giggling along with Mom.

“Don’t worry sweetie. We will put in the same amount of work and effort to make your wedding cake special too.”, my Mom replied teasingly.

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks as my eyes met Kevin’s as soon as my Mom said that. I quickly looked away shyly as I tried my best to change the topic.

“Oh my, look at the time! I have to go and get ready! Looks like I have to leave. See you all later.”, I said as I tried to exit the bakery quickly and gracefully but instead, my exit was clumsy and slow.

*************

Kevin’s P.O.V.

I put on my favorite navy blue blazer as I stared at myself in the mirror. It had been truly an eventful day and the main event hasn’t even started yet. From Lexie confronting Liliana to seeing the most beautiful cake ever to watching Lexie clumsily try to exit an awkward situation.

To be honest, I also suddenly felt uncomfortable like Lexie did. When her Mom said that, my eyes had accidentally fallen on Lexie’s which made it so awkward as we both try to look away and pretend nothing had happened. Honestly, when Mrs. Cooper said that, I can’t believe I was actually picturing the possibility of marrying Lexie. I quickly brushed away the thought before my mind started drifting further, but it was too late, as I felt a blush creeping up into my cheeks. So, I quickly turned away made myself busy looking at the intricate details on the cake.

I backed away from the mirror, happy with the way I looked, and made my way to my car. Just before entering the car, my eyes fell on the red rose bush that my mother planted years ago. I can’t believe I was doing this but I found myself quickly plucking a short rose and placing it in my front pocket. With a huge smile plastered on my face, I drove to the church, humming all the way.

Soon, I was at the church with Jake and Sam, waiting for the girls. I took a peek into the church and saw the officiant talking to Mr & Mrs. Cooper along with Maria’s aunt.

“Hey boys. You’re all looking very sharp”, said Mindy as she made her way to us.

Behind her was Lexie looking breath-taking in a long off-shoulder navy blue dress. She made her way to Jake, adjusting his tie and whispering something to him before coming to stand beside me.

“You look lovely Ms. Cooper”, I whispered into her ears as the church doors opened and Jake made his way in.

I stepped on the aisle and extended my arm to Lexie for her to hold.

“Why thank you, Dr. Walker, you’re looking sharp as well this evening”, Lexie replied as she linked her arm with mine.

I can’t help feel a jolt of electricity as she did so, sending me smiling away as we took our first steps down the aisle.

*************

Lexie’s P.O.V.

I put my arm through Kevin’s and we slowly started walking down the aisle towards Jake. I felt the teenage Lexie in me jumping up and down so hard in disbelief and excitement that I am walking down a church aisle with the famous Kevin Walker.  

As the adult Lexie, I was busy worrying about tripping up while walking tomorrow. Turns out, apparently thinking about falling tricks your brain to make you fall. I felt a strong urge to trip as my right foot slipped.

I must have subconsciously squeezed Kevin’s arm much tighter because before you know it, his right hand was on mine holding me steady.

“Sorry. I hope this doesn’t happen tomorrow. It will be a disaster if I trip right in the middle of the procession.”, I said as I steadied myself continued walking.

“Don’t worry, I’ll always catch you if you fall.”, Kevin replied looking down at me as his grip on my hand grew tighter.

Honestly, I felt a wave of protection and security hit hard when he did so. Suddenly, I wasn’t too afraid anymore.

*************

Kevin’s P.O.V.

We left the church early to go set up the dinner. As she sat next to me while I drove, my mind drifted back to when she almost tripped earlier. To be honest, I myself was afraid of tripping and causing a scene. But when Lexie almost tripped, I felt her grip tighten and my impulse kicked in. I quickly brought my right hand to my left arm and gripped her hand to steady her. I found myself promising her to catch her if she falls. I really don’t know how or where this impulse to catch her and protect her came from, but ever since I told her that, I felt my own worries disappearing and my sole focus to protect her.

We reached Cooper’s residence and entered the backyard. I stood next to Lexie as we watch the backyard we decorated come to life.

“It’s beautiful! I can’t believe we created something so wonderful.”, I said as I reached to touch the hanging lanterns.

“Well, I told you. We make a great team.”, Lexie replied as she gave me a sweet smile.

We found ourselves smiling staring at each other for a while before the caterers disturbed us.

The caterers made themselves busy and set up the main table with great food, before graciously disappearing into the kitchen just in time as the remaining wedding party walked in.

“You guys! This looks so beautiful.”, Maria exclaimed, mesmerized by the light and candles.

“Wow. This is perfect.”, Jake added as he looked around at the backyard.

“Great job, you two. I have never seen our backyard this elegant.”, Mr. Cooper added, clearly impressed.

I reached out to fist bump Lexie, who at first was a tad confused but quickly realized what I was doing and fist-bumped me back. We realized how weird what we just did was and broke out laughing. 

************

Lexie’s P.OV.

It’s been a long day and week, to be honest. But getting praise for hard work helps in feeling better. I truly couldn’t have done it without Kevin. Despite his awkward taste in fist bumps, he’s a great guy.

I’m really glad Jakey and Kevin became best friends. As I looked at my family and close ones, I could help but feel like I was completely at home. I felt contended. I took my seat next to Maria and watched the dinner unfold.

The night slowly caught up to us and one by one everybody slowly retired early for the night in anticipation of the big day tomorrow. Soon enough, only me and Kevin were left, cleaning up and adjusting everything for the next day.

“Everything went perfectly, didn’t it?”, I said as I dusted the last table cloth.

“Yeah, it did. Tomorrow will be perfect. Don’t worry.”, Kevin replied as he blew out the last candle.

“Thanks for helping out”, I said gratefully as Kevin stepped down from the ladder.

“Hey. It’s my pleasure. I can’t leave you to do this all by yourself. It’s my duty too.”, he replied as he wiped his hands on his handkerchief.

“You’re sweet.”, I blurted out before my mind could even realize what I was saying.

Kevin looked up surprised at my words before pulling out the rose from his front pocket.

“Here. I wasn’t sure when or how to give this to you. But I guess this is a better time than any.”, Kevin replied as he offered me the rose.

“Wow. It’s beautiful. Thank you. But, can I ask why?”, I replied curiously despite being over the moon about what just happened.

“No particular reason. Just for you being you. You’re special Lex, own it.”, Kevin replied as he slowly backed away, giving his famous smirk that used to make girls swoon.

I truly felt like I was floating and my feet weren’t touching the ground as I walked towards the gate. I stepped out of the gate just in time to see him give a little salute before getting in the car and driving away.

I leaned against the gate sighing deeply, delicately processing everything that just took place. I lighted tapped the rose on my head, in disbelief of how I was reacting like a teenage girl. I smiled to myself as I stepped out to fold up the big blackboard sign and drag it into the compound.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of heels tapping on the ground behind me, alongside the sound of a bag being rolled, growing louder every second until it stopped completely, only to be replaced by the sound of someone clearing their throat.

I turned around to see this gorgeous tall blond girl standing at the gate, with a luggage bag beside her. She had this fashionista vibe about her and she didn’t look like she was from around here. She was busy typing on her phone and finally looked up at me to ask me a question.

“Hi. I’m looking for Kev? Is he here?”