A particular red head sat in a daze, her eyes focused on the spicket of the clawed bath tub as it poured more warm water from its opening. Each drip of water forming a bond with others to create her early thursday morning bath. She generally enjoyed such past-times with the man in her life, but he was sure to be going about his own morning tasks across the hotel.

Her mind, which should have been racing with last minute worries, was off in a haze at the moment. In fact, there was nothing she was really worried too much about. Everything about this day was going to be grand.

After all, it was her wedding day.

On the other side of the door, she could hear voices murmering. Surely Chase or Gretta had let themselves in. It was almost time to be getting out of the tub; but she couldn't find it in her bones to rouse from her watery comfort. Aurelia hoped her feet wouldn't hurt by the end of the day, but it doubtful; her shoes weren't horribly uncomfortable, but they weren't her usual crocs from the hospital or plain flats she'd been running around in for the last few months.

With a little lift of her leg, she pushed the spicket off with her foot, sinking it quickly back into the water. It was a thoughtless effort as she enjoyed the muffled silence of the water sloshing around.

She sat there in silence. Surely someone would give the door a knock when it was time to get out.. Right?

If they didn't come to the door in the next five minutes, she would get out on her own accord. But for the time, the quiet was nice.

Though the hotel was absolutely luxurious and thoroughly impressed everyone in the wedding party, including Chase, the raven-haired maid of honor couldn't help the vague undercurrent of anxiety that had kept her relatively on edge since her arrival a few days prior. Naturally, both Trevor and Darren had attempted to coax her out of the controlled frenzy with which she whirled about meeting deadlines, but Chase had still managed to work herself into a little bundle of nerves.

Between instructing the caterers and filling in for Hugh when the band had asked for a run-through because he was off placing the last touches on the 'final exit', she had had nary two free seconds to breathe. Somehow, the clock read near 9 AM just as she slipped into her bathroom, having scrubbed herself clean before meeting Aurelia in the bridal suite for final cosmetic touch-ups before the ceremony commenced.

The fact that she hadn't had other obligations to occupy her efforts didn't help, certainly, but Darren had tried not to remind her of their scheduled meeting with Kristy Forbes later that evening. For the moment, she glided noiselessly down the hallway and - having heard no response at her initial knocks - let herself into the spacious chamber. Noting that it was completely vacant and dismissing immediately the absurd bubble of panic ('Auri got cold feet!') that came and went, Chase glanced towards the closed door that led, presumably, to the bath, as the wardrobes had been flung wide open and all manners of powders and toiletries adorned the rest of the prep area.

"Auri, darling - in the bath?"

Aurelia had been popping the sudsy remains of her bubbles into non-existance when a voice had called out to her. She hesitated replying a moment as she realized that the day was about to start for her, for real now.

Sitting up straight, the red head shifted the peaceful calms of the water she sat in. It slopped around as she plunged her hand into the tiny abyss and gave the great stopper a pull. This made the pipes gargle and slurp down the water in a quick manner.

"Yes." She replied loudly over the noise of the tub.

Quickly, she got to her feet and slipped out of the tub. Her dripping feet made a few imprints on the tile before she pulled a towel from the rack to dry off with. Once she had her personals on, hiding her lady bits and such, she pulled on a white silk robe.

Hair. Makeup. Then the dress.

Or did she want to do her makeup first? Either way, she was going to wait for her dress; the idea she might spill something on it rather terrified the redhead. It was funny, considering there were a million and one other things to worry about.

With one last inhale, Aurelia padded across the room to the door, giving it a quick open and close behind her so that the water wouldn't be too much a distraction as it finished draining.

"Chase. You look so beautiful. I knew that color would suit you well, luv. I hope the rest of my ladies can keep up with our stunning beauty." She smiled and gave her a wink. Aurelia was certain they would all look fabulous for the day.

Having remained absolutely silent from the moment she had tapped her fingers gently against the gilded white doors (L'Hotel Olivarius certainly hadn't spared any expenses), Chase noted the faint 'pop' of the bathtub stopper and the subsequent gurgling of the refuse water as it whirled its way back down the pipes. The hotel hadn't been constructed expressedly for wizarding folk, but Chase had managed her way around handily, though she had to fetch Trevor when returning the concierge's call had proved vexing.

She had retreated a few paces in waiting for her redheaded friend's arrival and was now stationed by the large vanity set, gilded in a very similar pattern as the door had been. Trays of jewels, baubles, trinkets, and all means of powders and more palettes than Chase could count properly littered its varnished surface, and the proliferation of glittering light was dizzying.

Glancing up from her amazement to behold her soon-to-be wedded friend, Chase shot her a warm smile and drew up a jacquard upholstered chair for her near the vanity, while she herself perched atop a stuffed stool. Surveying the redhead, Chase let out a laugh.

"Ohh you flatter me, love. You did a lovely job of picking these out for us," she reminded her, giving a complimentary whirl. Despite the frantic pace of errands, Chase had to admit her relief at slipping into the cool satin number.

She gestured to the vast landscape of the vanity with an impish glint in her eyes.

"What first? Hair? Makeup? ...Gossip?"

Early had never been a shadow of a problem for Gretta. With two children - and one on the way - there was never really a moment of rest. She was always up at the crack of dawn and in bed no later than ten pm. It had become rather ritual in her busy life, so her morning started before most of the world.

Gretta made a quick and quiet task of getting prepaired. Her dress fit fabulously and the pearl earings were bright against her golden curled locks of hair. Fresh faced and ready for the finishing touches, she gave a quick kiss on the cheek to the kids and a silent giggle at the dishoveled look of her sleeping husband. They had about an hour before they had to get up, so she set an alarm and took leave of the hotel room.

She padded down the hallway in a cheery mood, arriving quickly at the bride's suite. There was a moment when she thought she saw a groomsmen, but she was sneaking inside to catch the end of Auri and Chase's banter.

"I should hope it's makeup and gossip simultaneously.. I think I just saw Jacob Darney scuttering off the hall. Not to speak ill of people, because you both know I don't, but why on earth does he have Tamora Gray here?"

Gretta stood, hands on her hips with a small sigh. There was no way she was going to allow any sort of harm or ill will come to her friends on such a beautiful day.

As Abby entered the lobby of the hotel, she let out a stifled yawn. She had considered staying at the hotel with the rest of the wedding party, but her grandparents had happened to be in town for a social gathering and insisted that she stay with them in their apartment. It had been a good night's worth of catch up for her; she enjoyed spending time with her grandpapa and grandmama as they were always acting as though they were years younger than their actual age - that and she got to practice more of her French as well.

Their driver had dropped her off at the hotel in the wee hours of the morning and Abbigale rushed up to Aurelia's suite, a few dark ringlets bouncing against her cheeks as they escaped from the bun she arranged. She could hardly believe that the red head was getting married. Of course she knew that it would only be a matter of time until Auri and Hugh tied the knot, but still, the day was really here. Oh bother, was she tearing up?

As she arrived at the door, she saw a flash of blonde enter the room and she quickly followed suit, knowing that it belonged to Gretta. She came in and laid a hand lightly on the blonde's shoulder and shot a smile to the red head and Chase who were already there. "Worries catching up with you already, love? Let's not worry Auri more than we need to."

No sooner than Auri had seated herself than Chase also lowered her own figure to perch atop the cushioned stool that accompanied the vanity. Although both had been scrubbed well clean, Auri had such a glowing aura about her that it was hard to believe she would be Mrs. Kenrick in mere hours. Noting that her friend's red tendrils still curled about her face with water droplets, Chase raised her wand in an attempt to cast a drying charm on her friend's locks but before she could utter the incantation, the door swung open to reveal one of Auri's other bridesmaids, the flax-haired Gretta. Her characteristic cheer seemed infectious, and Chase rose to offer her a quick embrace. This was quickly followed by one for the dark-haired Abby, who had made her way into the suite as well.

At Gretta's remark, however, Chase couldn't help but let out a chuckle.

"Gretta darling, you know how famously Miss Grey and I got along back at school. Have to admit - when I saw her name on the guest list under Jake's I was ever so slightly peeved. Bit of a surprise that I haven't strangled her yet, isn't it?"

A roguish grin interrupted her words there, and she shot an apologetic glance at her redheaded friend as she drew up another chair for Gretta and Abby and the four clustered about the vanity.

"No worries, Auri - " she quickly added, taking up the task of drying her hair once again, " - I promise, no bloodshed on your special day." Can't promise anything after it's all said and done, though, she mused wryly, focus seemingly drawn to Auri's long strands.

"Abby, would you be a dear and get set on her makeup? Your cosmetic charms are far better than mine, I'd imagine," Chase gestured to the massive color palettes arranged on the vanity's hard cherry surface.

Would I be a good wife? Would I make a good mother?

These questions (and more) had been rolling around in her head this morning of Auri’s big day. Jennifer had risen early and was partly dressed for the day. She stood now in front of the mirror, and tried to decide on earrings. She looked a the little box of them she’d brought with her, and selected a pair of diamond studs that were pretty, but not ostentatious. She’d slept well, and had a strange dream about angelic figures singing 'Happy Birthday to Auri' as the wedding party stood nearby. When she woke, the dream was still vivid in her mind, and it made her smile. But what about the questions?

Auri had it tough. She had to figure that out all at once. In Jenn’s opinion she was a smart, pretty woman with a husband-to-be that loved her. That was a good start, and she’d no doubt weather any storm. They seemed happy together. But ever since her lunch with Auri and the rehearsal dinner, she’d been wondering to herself, privately, how well she’d do in Auri’s situation. She wasn’t adverse to marriage, or to being with one man exclusively. It was just a balancing act. You had to juggle life and love and children and career, and it was – scary.

Her own family was large, and many of her older siblings were married and had families already. She, being the youngest, felt that pressure every day. Being with Preston took some of the pressure off: At least her mother and dad saw she could actually hold onto a boyfriend and be happy, but then they wanted to know how serious she was.

I am serious. I love him. Today is good practice.

"Enough!" she said out loud to the mirror in front of her. Still in her bra, camisole and slip, she quickly put on a pair of Slinkums All-Spider-silk, Anti-run Charmed stockings. She had finished this when she heard a couple of the other girls going by the door, possibly to do makeup or help each other with their hair. She got up and looked out. She saw no sign of Sam yet. However, Abby, Chase and Gretta were at Auri’s suite, so she slipped on a robe and slippers and padded after them.

"Good morning!: she said brightly. "What's the plan for hair and makeup?"

She also heard the tail end of a conversation about Tamora Grey. All she offered to that topic was a sigh. Poor Jake.

Aurelia grinned at the arrival of the rest of the ladies, becconing them in to gather theirselves and get further ready for the day. Gretta had mentioned something of Tamora, but Aurelia simply brushed the comment off. There wasn't a thing in the world that could ruin her day; besides the prospect of her groom not attending, but she was absolutely certain he'd be there.

"She's not even a blip on my radar today." Aurelia shot an impish grin at Chase. "Though, so long as you save it for later, you can hex her five ways from Sunday." Her focus turned to the other ladies as she stood and wandered over to her wardrobe.

As they all moved about the room and the redheaded bride reached into her cupboard, there was a sharp knock at the door. Aurelia paused and leaned her head back a little, looking at the door curiously. She asked Gretta to open the door, and she nod, closing the gap between her and the door to pull it open.

A petite brunette smiled and greeted the bridesmaid, introducing herself. "My name is Ella White. Mr. Kenrick hired me to help you ladies with the morning prep.. I'm a hairstylist and makeup artist."

"Seems Abby won't need to work any magic today afterall," Gretta announced with a grin, opening the door and leading Ms. White into the suite. "Everyone, the groom has set us up with our own expert in preparations.."

Ella wandered in, greeting each of the ladies before she caught a glimpse of Aurelia. She was a little in awe of the redhead; she was just as pretty as Hugh had made the blunder about. He was right too; she wouldn't need much help at all, her natural beauty was exceedingly stunning on its own.

Aurelia extended a free hand to the woman, her other holding up her dress. "Lovely to meet you." She excused herself to hang her dress next to the vanity she had decided to lay claim to. "Perhaps you can help me with my curls.. I'm leaving it down, but sometimes my curls fall out or turn a tad frizzy. I'd like them to look nice for the day, you understand.."

"Well, I wouldn't say that exactly," Abby replied to Chase's comment but moved towards the various palettes on the vanity. She had got up to make her way over to the vanitycontemplating her choices; growing up with a former model for a mother had its perks she supposed. Her mother had taught her the neuiences of doing makeup and had told her that sometimes less was so much more. Auri wouldn't need much, Abby decided. She was glowing anyway and putting on lots of make up would make her look trashy - the farthest thing her friend was from.

As she contemplated her choices, Jenn entered the room greeting everyone and the gossip started up again filling the room. Despite being engrossed in her thoughts, Abby did catch the name of Tamora come up in the conversation and figured that the group must have been talking about the brunette before she had arrived. In most situations, she would have snapped something back to defend her friend. Yes, Tamora was a bit of a riot in herself, but Abby still considered her a friend. She held her tongue, reminding herself that it was Auri's day today and that she wasn't going to dredge up a fight, especially today of all days. That, and Abbigale knew she was greatly outnumbered in good opinions about Tamora.

When she had finally decided on what sort of make up she was going to put on Aurelia, there was a knock at the door and Ella, the makeup artist, entered the room. Abby pouted, but all in good fun. "Oh, bother. And here I was all ready to get Aurelia all ready." Leave it to Hugh to look after all of the little details.

Abby's initial contradiction had surprised her just a bit, though Chase didn't pursue the topic or tease the girl any further. She had tended to be somewhat touchy about her looks back at school, if Chase remembered correctly, and she certainly didn't want to accidentally antagonize any member of the wedding party so early on in the day. Instead she engaged Jenn in brief conversation, asking about she and Preston and the darling spider-silk hosiery that she had on and such, before there was a gentle knock at the door once more and Chase whirled around, slightly befuddled.

With all the girls of the wedding party present, she half-expected Trevor to come sailing through the doors, but Gretta's cheery announcement drew an 'oh Hugh' expression from her and she set to conjuring up a place for Ella's things, making her introductions and all that. When the fuss had settled, the girls had all been set up in rather cushy armchairs, with a basin at their feet filled with rose petals and other nice-smelling tonics, matching robes, and self-combing brushes and other handy tools bewitched to do Ella's bidding.

Chase shot Auri a look - Ella certainly knew her stuff! Despite being somewhat still a tad tightly wound from the morning's errands, Chase had to admit that the crushed rose petals were terribly inviting, and the self-massaging combs didn't hurt either. Ella held consultations with each of them, custom-designing their hair and makeup based upon what Aurelia had instructed as the theme for the entire wedding, and soon enough Chase found herself settling into a soothing chamomile-cucumber compression, allowing her eyes to close briefly.

As Ella worked, Chase grinned devilishly at Gretta.

"Gretta dear, I couldn't help hearing last night after the rehearsal dinner that you and Tom are expecting again! Congratulations!" She smiled warmly. Having so many children was mind-boggling to her, whose daily life revolved around little more than the quills and parchment around her research and the stiff muscles from training.

Gretta had been working with Ella on her own tied back curls when she heard Chase's mention of her soon to be babe of her own. Her cheeks flushed almost scarlet as she nod, her hair falling from the woman's hold.

"I was going to wait to tell everyone, but I suppose the proverbial cat is out of the bag now." She shot a look at Aurelia, who had quite the grin of her own. The blonde was throughly excited to be expecting around the time of her friend; it would be an instant friend for the kids, and who knew, maybe some day down the line her child and one of Aurelia's could perhaps be having their own wedding.

Gretta smiled and turned, her feet playing with the pretty pale petals as Ella went about her work

Aurelia shared the excitement with Gretta, and was quick to add to the girl's assumption of friendship between their children. "Little Amelia and Alexander will have someone besides themselves to play with." She grinned and turned back to her vanity, eying the selection of lip tints and glosses. There were too many to pick from.

At first, Jenn listened more than she talked, and the plan – at first – seemed to be to help out each other on their hair. It was a very lovely group, taken all together, and very different in appearance from one another. There were going to be some very pretty pictures! She sat on a chair and looked at the various blushes, eyeliner and other items laid out. Someone had spared no expense. She was just looking at a particular shade of lip candy when Chase asked about Preston and the stockings she had.

“I have more of them in my bag for everyone,” she said to Chase. “I picked up a few pair last nigh, just in case you all got a run or something. Mrs. Kenrick was kind enough to open up her store on Diagon Alley after we talked about it at the dinner, and I grabbed some. Exotic stuff, but she’s the only one I’ve ever seen that has them. They’re charmed for color, you see? I can make them do weddings.” She touched the silky stockings with her wand and they blended perfectly for the rose colored dresses. “Or I can do sexy” she said, and touched them again, and they became darker Cuban-heeled style with a seam up the back.

“Just for fun,” she said. “They’ll be nice when Preston go out.” She was going to say something about their encounter with Nolan Lythgoe, but it didn’t seem appropriate, so she merely explained to Chase that she and Preston were going to do a little French tour when the wedding was done, and make it a vacation.

When Ella the stylist came in, Jenn was content to let the girl do her hair. It was one less thing to worry about, it left more time for chatting.

“I think those are fine names, Auri,” said Jenn, smiling, as the talk turned to the babies everyone seemed to be having. “Does Hugh have an opinion on names? Ours are all J’s for the girls, and C’s for the boys. I think to help remember everyone.”

She let her thoughts drift a little on the idea of having children. If she and Preston stayed together, well, he was certainly father material as far as she was concerned, but she said nothing about it. She smiled at Aurelia as the girl worked on her red tresses. She did make a beautiful bride, and she wasn’t even done up yet.

Abbigale couldn't help but be impressed when Jenn started telling them about the stockings. She was always intrigued with fashion and what not and these were the first of their kind that Abby had ever seen. "How absolutely darling," she crooned. "They certainly would save a few knuts when shopping, wouldn't it? That's one less pair that you'd have to go and buy. I think I need to go shopping with you more often, Jenn."

Having someone style her hair for a change was a nice one and Abbigale happily obligied. Ella looked like she knew what she was doing, and today wasn't a day to be picky. Besides, she thought that her messy bun was a bit out of place now that she took a second look at it.

As the talk turned from fashion to babies, Abbigale had to try to hold her tongue. It wasn't that she didn't like babies, it was just that it was odd to her to be having them so soon. Yet, when two of her best friends were expecting, she couldn't help but feel a tad jealous. To be completely frank, she had no time at all to be worrying about those kinds of things. Babysitting was as far as she was willing to go. She had learned of Gretta's news at the rehersal dinner and she had already done her part of gentle teasing and congradulations, but she couldn't help but smile all the same at her flustered nature. "My family never had to deal with remembering names. There was only my brother and I in our household growing up," Abby piped up. "We did of course have plenty of cousins, but they were all back in France."

Ella was enchanted with the group of women in their dresses as they prepared for their morning. She had never seen such an awkward bunch that seemed to just mesh so perfectly. Each had their attentions turned toward the bride, who was one of the most stunning ladies she'd had laid her own eyes on. It really was true about the glow pregnancy gave a woman, because she was absolutely radient.

"Those are charming.." Ella piped up in refrence to the stockings Jennifer had produced for the girls. "No pun intended.." She added with a small laugh. Her body shifted as she moved her weight from one foot to the other; leaning over for a look.

-----------

At that moment, the final member of her bridesmaid ensamble hurried into the room. Aurelia smiled and turned her attention back to the mirror. Something had been said about the rest of the hotel being wide awake and a few of them already out and about.

The redhead was beginning to get giddy, and her stomach did a little flip as she combed out the rest of her hair.

She had been about to ask about her aunt when there was a loud rapping at the door. Gretta clammered to her feet and wandered to the door with her wand drawn. Aurelia stiffled a laugh and waved her off. She rose to her feet and padded over to the door, opening it just slightly.

A lady she recognised from the councierge desk held out a small package with a smile. "From your aunt; she says to tell you she'll see you at the church, but that you needed something old and borrowed."

Aurelia took up the package and nod, eyeing the cooridor behind her as she noticed a few men in suits. No sign of Hugh, but of course he was probably busy doing those final last minute preperations.

"Thank you." She closed the door and opening the box; a warm smile lit her features as she pulled a pair of hair clips with pearls on them. How classic and pretty they were.

She eyed the group with a small breath. "Shall we stick me in this dress? I guess it's now or never.. And I'd much rather wear a dress than a robe to the alter." Aurelia winked with a laugh.

Jenn was certainly impressive when it came to knowing her fashion; Chase recalled fondly that the girl was always well put-together, if a bit polished for her own tastes, and definitely appreciated her bringing backup. Noting that Ella had wrapped up the majority of her preparations, Chase rose to her feet in anticipation of the knock at the door, but Gretta had beat her to it. When Aurelia revealed the contents of the package, she let out a small, thrilled gasp.

"Lovely," she nodded approvingly, and Ella secured them into Auri's coiffed hair with an expert eye. They sat like two pearls in a bed of intensely red moss and were a lovely contrast with the candy shades that adorned the bride-to-be. At Auri's cue, Chase waved her wand and the wardrobe doors opened to reveal the cloud of cream and white. Ooh's and ahh's circled the crowd of bridesmaids and Chase nodded at both Gretta and Abbigale.

"We'll set up a silk screen for privacy but let us know if you want help in zipping and whatnot, dear," Chase smiled, conjuring the panels that sectioned off Auri and the vanity dresser.

Jenn waited her turn with the stylist, and watched the girl's rapid work in trnsforming them a into hair goddesses. Abbigale's dark tresses one way; Gretta's blonde curls another, and Chase's very different hair another, and so on. She opted for putting her hair up since it was straight, and she admired the way the girl worked deftly with brush, comb, and wand. When Auri got a package delivered thaat had some special heirlooms to use she watched as they helped finish her hair, and added the pearl hairclips.

She smiled, and made approving noises when the pearl jewlery was in place. Jenn lent a hand with anyone tht needed help: A touch-up here, a zipper there and then it was amost time to get ready herself, but she waited to see if Auri needed any help with the gown. It looked even better in the wardrobe than it had when she'd shown the deisng to Jenn. It was so lovely and definitely 'ahh-worthy'

It was dramatic without being over the top, and as she'd told Auri before, she thought it complemented everything that she had to advantage. She coud hardly wait to see her actually in it.

Gretta settled close to Abbigale and questioned the girl here and there about what to do with her hair. This lasted awhile as they pondered a few options and Ella even managed her way over to discuss the manner.

She decided to pull it let it all down with all but a few strands clipped back with her own clips. They weren't nearly as beautiful as the pair Aurelia's aunt had had delivered to the girl for the big day, but they went so pretty with her own dress.

As she mauled over her own lipgloss, she heard Aurelia mention something about her dress, and Chase set out to put up a curtain.

"Hollar if you need help.." She called, grinning with excitement. She'd never been able to actually see the dress; the day she'd tried it on, she had to stay home with her darlings, as they'd been a little under the weather and she needed them to be at their best.

-----------

Aurelia hurried behind the curtain and slipped out of her robe and into her form fitting garments to secure her form in the seemingly flawless dress she'd chosen for the day's event. She relished the feel of the soft silky fabirc against her limbs. It felt rather spectacular.

From another small box, she pulled out a small white garter with rose trimmings (even her garter matched the color scheme). She slipped it onto her leg and gave it a gentle tug, situating it properly on her thigh, close to her knee.

"Chase, will you zip me up?" Aurelia called from behind the panels. "I can get the bottom, but mid back, i can't reach.. And I don't wanna zip my hair in.."

At Auri's beckoning, Chase moved behind the silk panels, letting out a small gasp of joy.

"It's just as gorgeous as when you first showed me," she remarked, and set to work immediately getting her friend's long red tendrils out of the zipper's path. As soon as she had securely disengaged those and set them in the hands of her lovely friend, Chase carefully moved the zip along its toothed path, and within seconds the fastener had smoothly found its place - no muss, no fuss. The gown was tremendously flattering - Auri's figure was an enviable as it had been at Hogwarts, but the dress only accentuated her tiny waist and slender limbs.

"Absolutely breathtaking," she appraised, directing her friend to the vanity dresser's mirror to find both of their reflections grinning back at them: Chase in the pale rose dress, its tone bringing out the pink in her own complexion, and Aurelia, all fresh-faced and dazzling in the white. With a few final touches - including replacing a stray lock in her up-do and securing the remainder of her blossoms for the bouquet - they were ready to emerge from behind the silk screen.

"Oh my," whispered Sam, and her expression said much more than the rest of the women assembled could with words.

Abbigale tutted and fussed over Gretta's hair along with the blonde. It brought back fond memories of their days at Hogwarts when they were getting ready for dances and what not, and a wave of nostalgia hit her. She shook the feeling away, scolding herself; she promised herself no tears. When Chase set up a screen for Aurelia to get changed behind, Abbigale waited on baited breath with Gretta. She had been away at the fitting as well; an emergency had come up at St. Mungo's and they had called her in spoiling her plans for the day.

"You're going to look gorgeous no matter what you wear, love," Abby called reassuringly as Chase disappeared behind the curtain to help the red head zip up. The woman fell into girlish chatter and gossip as they waited and all at once, they quieted when Aurelia came out. Abbigale let out a little gasp, her mouth falling open. The dress practically fit like a dream on the red and she was lost for words. Okay, now she feeling the tears coming.

"You look absolutely spectacular." She grinned then and went towards Aurelia and gave her a gentle hug. "Hugh is going to eat his heart out."

Aurelia was rather taken aback from the silence of her bridesmaids and their stylist. She was pleased that they thought her spectacular, not because she doubted her own beauty, but to hear it from others was quite the boost.

She held her arms out and collected Abbigale, who seemed almost ready to cry. "Oh darlings. You're too sweet to me." Her limbs held the brunette there and she patted her shoulder as they stood there for a moment.

After the pause of silence, she held her friend out at arms length and slipped a hand to her face. "I should like him not to; for if he eats his heart out, I'll be widowed before the day is done, and i'd much rather be married." She let out a small, playful laugh before looking around the room at the ladies.

They were all staring at her, and it made her cheeks flush just the slightest bit. Aurelia wandered over to her vanity and stood, looking herself over in the mirror. There was a woman, who had once been a young girl who took a nap in a carriage on a train to school and woke to make friends with a boy, who had turned into the man she was ready to marry and have her own family with.

She half wished her own parents could be with her to celebrate the day; but she had no lack of family. A handful of them were already with her in the room, and the rest were waiting for her at the church.

"Enough gawking at me ladies, you've got to finish getting ready, yanno.. I can't be the only beautiful girl at the church.. If anyone's eating their hearts out, it needs to be Trevor, Thomas and Preston.. Darren already eats his heart out.. And there's a handful of single men I'm certain are going to be captivated with our Abby.." Again, she laughed and gave them a playful wink.