Knot Scared

Mindy peered at her reflection one last time before heading out. She wanted to make sure she looked her best. This was her last night as a single woman as in a few hours she would become 'Mrs. Miller'. She was about to marry the man of her dreams so every time the smallest bit of uncertainty crept into her subconscious, she quickly dismissed it without a second thought. Tonight, was the night of her supposedly surprise bachelorette party which her sister Malin was throwing. Liana her best friend had accidentally spilt the beans a few days ago and then begged her to pretend she was surprised so she could avoid Malin's wrath. Malin was a bit of control freak and she would be furious if she found out that her plans to surprise her sister were foiled by a 'Lippy' Liana.

Mindy never considered herself a Fashionista, but she made an effort to spruce things up with her outfit choice for tonight. She opted for a floral print, layered romper with a plunging neckline, and a pair of clear, strappy sandals. Satisfied with her appearance, she headed out. The minute she was out the door her phone chirped, and she saw that it was a message from her fiancé, Perry.

"Hey wife to be, just letting you know I've met up with the boys, so this may be the last sober text from me for the rest of the night. Have fun with the girls. I love you and I can't wait to see you walk down the aisle tomorrow ❤️❤️❤️."

Mindy re-read the message, smiled at the thought of being called 'wife to be', and instantly sent him a text in response. She knew Perry was only joking about not being sober. He was extremely responsible and even if he was enjoying his time he would still act responsibly. Liana was her ride, but she was nowhere in sight, just as Mindy was about to ring her, she pulled up.

"OMG Mindy, you look amazing!" Liana squealed as she unlocked the door for her friend. "I just know Perry is going to shed some tears when he sees you in your dress tomorrow." she continued.

"Thanks girl, I tried tonight," Mindy responded giving her a quick hug.

A few minutes later they were in the parking lot of Club Dulce Noche the newest, most hip club in Kingston. Liana led her through the club to the VIP section which Malin managed to reserve for the night. Mindy did a great job of acting surprised and Liana who was already across the room grabbing a champagne flute from a nearby server nodded her gratitude. The party consisted of her bridal party and a few good friends. It was a small gathering which Mindy appreciated.

"Guys thanks so much for coming out tonight." She began. "I'm not here to give a long speech since I'm the guest of honour. I'm going to turn things over to Malin so we can get our party on!" Mindy hugged her sister and thanked her for setting everything up.

A few moments later things were in full swing. Mindy was nursing her third strawberry daiquiri and chatting with Malin while Liana and a few of the girls played a game of "Never Have I Ever". Malin was called away to attend to some housekeeping matters and Mindy was left alone with her thoughts. The very thoughts that were niggling her brain all week. The thoughts that she had been dismissing as pre-wedding jitters. She was having doubts and wondering if she was making the right decision. Mindy loved Perry. Even though she was only 29 years old she was certain he was the one she wanted to marry. There was no question about that, so she was confused as to why these thoughts even crossed her mind.

Mindy was unlucky in love before she met Perry. They dated for three years before he proposed. Since they were both completing Graduate degrees they decided to hold off on the wedding until after they finished school. Both graduated last year and thought it was time to tie the knot.

Mindy's inner conflict must have been plastered all over her face as she emerged from her thoughts to find both Malin and Liana sitting across the table looking at her with concern in their eyes.

"Are you okay?" Liana asked, "You seem a little distant."

"It's my fault, isn't it?” Malin interjected before Mindy could answer. "I went overboard with the party and now you're not having any fun. I'm so sorry sis." she continued, placing her hand on Mindy's.

"I'm okay and Malin the party is perfect. I just have a lot on my mind." Mindy reassured them.

"Oh, that's completely understandable sis. You're getting married tomorrow but I'm sure whatever it is you can set it aside for a few hours and enjoy your last night as a single lady." Malin stated, standing up.

"Okay, I guess you're right," Mindy replied. She was happy she did not have to get into the details of what was really on her mind.

"Okay great, now let's get you another drink!" Malin exclaimed pulling Mindy and Liana to the bar.

Once again Mindy was able to push all doubts to the back of her mind and enjoy the party. They drank, ate, played games and laughed until it was time to go home. When she got home it was later than expected and so she hurriedly got ready for bed. She had a big day tomorrow and so she wanted to be ready and rested. She drifted off to sleep the moment her head hit the pillow.

Mindy was up the second her alarm blared at 6 a.m. She pulled back her curtains so the first rays of sunlight could stream into her room. When she opened her window, she breathed in the crisp morning air. Living in the hills of St. Andrew was a great idea she thought smiling to herself. This was her wedding day and she was filled with excitement. A short while later her phone buzzed, it was a text from Liana.

"Hey, Mindy! The girls and I are on our way and should be there soon 🤗🤗🤗," the text read. They all decided to get ready at Mindy's house and leave from there to the chapel.

Mindy wanted to get married at the church in which she grew up, the reception would then be held at the Faith Botanical Gardens. Both Perry and Mindy were nature lovers, so this was an easy choice. They also rented tents just in case it rained. Mindy had been praying and watching the weather reports for weeks she really did not want it to rain and so far, things looked promising. The planning aspect of their wedding was a breeze. They had hired a wedding planner, Penny, who was a trusted friend of the family. She allowed Perry and Mindy to make most of the executive decisions and she did all the grunt work, except she did not consider it grunt work. She referred to it as "Working her magic". They expected about fifty guests consisting of mostly friends and family. The ceremony was set to begin at 1 p.m.

Her phone buzzed again, this time it was a video call from Perry. Her face lit up.

"Hi, wife to be!" Perry whispered smiling at her.

"Hey, you, is everything okay? Don't you know it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding?" Mindy asked jokingly, she did not believe in that superstition.

"Well there's that but I wanted to see your face so I could be sure you didn't transform into bridezilla before I showed up at the chapel," he replied.

"Haha, I see you've got jokes," she laughed.

"I thought that was why you chose to marry me," he stated pretending he was hurt. "Anyway, I know you have to start getting glammed up soon, which by the way isn't necessary since you could show up wearing a crocus bag and I'd still marry you. But I know you have to go so I just wanted to say I love you and I can't wait to call you Mrs Miller." he continued winking at her.

"I love you too and neither can I," she replied blowing him a kiss before ending the call. She was certain she made the right choice.

An hour later the girls arrived, they were all buzzing with excitement. Selene the makeup artist and her crew arrived shortly after and began setting up and then came the photographer. Mindy wanted everything to be documented. The time flew by quickly and before she knew it, it was time for Mindy to see herself in the mirror. The girls got ready before her so everyone could chip in and help her wherever needed. Suffice to say she couldn't ask for a better support group. She stood up and covered her eyes and Selene helped her to the full-length mirror. She slowly uncovered her eyes.

"Wow!" was all she managed to say. She was dumbstruck.

"You look amazing Mindy," Liana stated coming up behind her.

"You make a beautiful bride sis," Malin chimed in.

The other girls echoed her sentiments. Mindy couldn't stop staring at herself. She loved everything about her appearance. The hair, the makeup, the dress.

"This is really happening," she said thinking out loud. "I'm getting married."

Then she felt it. All the feelings and doubts she had been suppressing came flooding in at once. What if Perry isn't the one? Is she settling? Will she be a good wife? What if she doesn't make him happy? Suddenly her dress started to feel hot and she felt like she was struggling to breathe. It was as if the walls were closing in on her and her heart was racing. Mindy knew she was having a panic attack. She wanted to get out of there, but she knew she couldn't leave.

Liana was at her side immediately and so was Malin. Mindy knew Liana was trying to say something, but she couldn't hear. Her head was spinning but she barely made out the word breathe. Mindy took a few giant gulps of air and then a few slow deep breaths and her breathing slowly came back to normal.

"Girl you had me worried there!” exclaimed Liana. "Are you okay? What are you not telling us?"

Malin came back with a glass of water and handed it to Mindy who gratefully accepted and took a few sips. Mindy noticed that Selene had ushered out the other girls and was closing the door behind her. She had no choice but to tell Liana and Malin everything. She unloaded and they both listened attentively. When she was finished she waited with bated breaths for the reproof or for them to say she was being silly.

"Oh honey, it is absolutely normal to have doubts or to even question your decision to marry Perry," Malin reassured her.

"That is true," Liana added. "Just focus on the love you both have for each other. I've seen you both together and it is clear you both make each other happy. That is not likely to change anytime soon." she continued.

"I agree." said Malin "I just have one question; do you love Perry?"

"I do, with all my heart," Mindy replied.

"Good, then you have nothing to worry about because I know for a fact that he's crazy about you too." Liana declared.

Mindy smiled; she knew her friend was right.

"Thank you, guys," she said to them both.

"You're welcome, now if you don't mind, we have a wedding to get to." urged Malin.

"That's true, let's go get me hitched!" Mindy announced.

They hugged each other, finished getting ready and in a short moment they were at the chapel waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Mindy was still a bit nervous but otherwise okay. The ceremony began and she watched as each of her bridesmaids made their way down the aisle. Then it was Liana turn, she looked back and smiled at Mindy before walking. She then heard the first chords of the wedding chorus being played on the organ and took her position, hooking her arms through her brother's arm. Then they began to make their way. With each stride, the feelings of doubt crept up on her like a hungry tiger stalking its prey, but she just kept her eyes trained on Perry and kept walking. When she finally made it to the end all her fears melted away as she stared into the eyes of the man, she was about to spend the rest of her life with.

"Took you long enough," he whispered teasingly.

She smiled and took his hand.

The ceremony went by quickly. In no time they were declared man and wife and Perry kissed his wife with such fervour she was left tingling all over. Mindy was on cloud nine for the rest of the time. She was finally Mrs Miller and she had no regrets. Liana made a beautiful toast about finding your 'forever love' and it made Mindy cry happy tears. The newlyweds danced and ate and laughed and had a blast with their friends and family.

They then drove off into the sunset which signified the beginning of their fairy-tale. Though they would not be going on the honeymoon tonight as the flight was the next day, Mindy thought the sunset was fitting.

That was five years ago she reminisced as she closed the pages of the wedding album Perry had surprised her with for their anniversary.

-The End-

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