Page 184 of Deacon

We’d survived our own wreck, fought through the dark, and earned this second chance.

Loving him wasn’t a choice anymore; it was woven into my soul, unshakable and undeniable.

The double doors to my room swung open, breaking my trance as laughter spilled into the suite.

Christina, Sofia, Roxy, Shalini, Divina, and Lucia walked in carrying garment bags, makeup kits, and three bottles of prosecco.

‘Look at you, daydreaming on the balcony while we have a schedule to keep,’ Lucia said, setting her tote on the sofa with a grin.

‘Time to move, bride,’ Roxy said, walking over to take my espresso cup away. ‘Into the shower before the hair and makeup team, AKA us, loses their shit.’

‘Wait, let me finish,’ I said, laughing, but Divina and Christina already had their hands on me, guiding me toward the marble bathroom.

‘No time, Ana. We’re moving on to champagne, too. Pop the cork, ladies,’ Sofia called out over the sound of running water.

Within minutes, steam filled the washroom, and music echoed off the tiles from Shalini’s portable speaker.

We gathered around the vanity mirror, passing lip glosses, handing out eye masks, and sipping prosecco.

We shared easy laughter, jokes, and teasing as Roxy did my makeup while the rest of the girls got prepped for the day.

Deacon was in a separate villa on the same property, getting ready with his groomsmen and Raff.

My mum Théa, Yumi, and Simon were relaxing in a garden suite.

As a photographer and ex-model, I still had contacts in the industry and managed to wrangle timeless pieces for both mothers.

Théa was slated to wear a stunning Alexander McQueen sequin couture gown, and Yumi would be in a draped, champagne silk Chanel dress that highlighted her radiant dark skin.

Once our makeup got done and our hair styled into loose waves, the girls helped me into my gown.

Lucia and Shalini smoothed down the lines of my Rime Arodaky ensemble, adjusting the tailored corset, drop waist, and voluminous skirt.

I shifted, wanting to see myself in the full-length mirror.

‘Hold still, Ana,’ Lucia said, giving the garment a final adjustment. ‘If you wrinkle this dress before you reach the altar, I’m resigning as your sister.’

‘She’s right, you’re unreal,’ Shalini said, fastening my vintage satin flats and retreating with a smile. ‘Deacon is going to lose his mind.’

‘He better,’ I laughed, securing my heirloom diamond earrings. ‘I didn’t squeeze into this corset for him to keep his composure.’

A gentle knock rattled the wooden door frame.

Raff stepped into the room in a tailored black suit that made him appear so grown up that I caught my breath.

He held the velvet ring pillow tight in his hands.

‘Look at you,’ I whispered, stepping over to him. ‘You’re so handsome, Raff. I can’t even handle it.’

My gorgeous son smiled up at me and shrugged. ‘Forget about me, Mum, you’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen. For real.’

Lucia clapped her palm to her heart. ‘Oh, stop it! What a total charmer.’

‘On a serious note,’ Shalini agreed, smiling. ‘He’s taking after his father with those lines.’

Raff offered me his forearm with a proud grin. ‘Ready to go marry Dad again?’

‘More than ready,’ I said, slipping my arm through his as Divina handed me my bouquet of alabaster roses, pale olive foliage, and delicate sprigs of baby’s breath.