Heart racing and my hands shaking with nervousness, I stand up. The mirror is a long floor length and my white gown flows down my body like a waterfall. The lacy neck adds a touch of elegance to the dress and the trail is shorter than the regular wedding dress' since I want to make sure I don't accidentally trip whilst I walk.
As Liana turns around and puts the makeup and hair styling tools back into her bag, I pace around, trying to calm my nerves.
"Tina, are you still nervous? Don't worry, everything will be fine. I'll look after baby Carl when you walk down the aisle." Liana says, patting my shoulder comfortingly. Panda and I finally decided on a name for our baby because the parents kept scolding us for calling our son "Cub". Thus, he is now named Carl Martin King.
I smile at her, "Thank you. I don't even know why I am so nervous." I admit. I haven't been feeling well since last night. It must be what they call cold feet which people often experience before their wedding.
"Remember to keep taking deep breaths if you're feeling anxious." Liana advises gently.
"What would I do without you?" I say honestly. Liana volunteered to help me with my hair and makeup.
"Um...will he be there?" She asks, avoiding eye contact as her face flushes pink.
Raising my eyebrows at her, I grin. "Who?" Of course I know she is asking about Hans but her reaction to our teasings are cute.
"You know who." She says timidly.
"I don't." I say, keeping a poker face.
"You know I'm talking about Hans–"
Chuckling at her, I beckon her towards me with my hand, "You'll have to check yourself." I whisper into her ear.
Pulling away, she scowls at me. "You're mean Tina."
I wink, "Thank me later."
***
Stepping out in front of everyone in this beautiful wedding dress, my hands clam up again. Fortunately, I found a pair of matching ballet pumps to wear so I don't have to risk walking in heels on my special day.
I can feel the many pairs of eyes watching me as I walk up to the stage where Panda is waiting for me, looking handsome as ever in a formal tuxedo. From my side, I only have Dad and Mint as family and I invited Hans too. It seems like the Kings spared no time in going all out and inviting everyone they know.
Am I really sweating under the veil? Contrary to what Liana mentioned, the breathing method isn't helping at all.
My hands tremble as I step up onto the stage. Panda smiles reassuringly at me as I stand beside him. As we are prompted to take our vows, I nervously turn to face him. The butterflies inside me are making me more aware of all the eyes watching us.
"Now it's time to exchange rings." The MC announces after we have finished saying the vows.
My left hand is still slightly shaky as Panda gently holds it towards him and slides a silver ring embedded with a diamond onto my second-to-last finger. Fortunately, they can't see my face under the veil.
Taking the other ring from the best man who is none other than Wade Rider, I turn back to Panda. Holding up his hand, I slowly slide the ring on. A warmth erupts inside me as I smile. We are finally official.
Wade coughs from behind us and my face heats up. Glancing at Panda, I don't miss the red tint on his ears and cheeks. For a moment, I forgot the audience we have.
"You may kiss the bride Mr Groom." The MC announces loudly and I bite my lip as Panda wastes no time lifting the veil off my face. I must look like a whole mess right now but it doesn't deter him from holding my waist, tilting his head and kissing me passionately. The audience becomes invisible as he kisses me deeply and lovingly. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I kiss him back.
"Hey, we...should stop..." I whisper, panting slightly.
Panda pulls away reluctantly, "I forgot people are watching. Sorry Tina." He mutters.
I shake my head and slide my hand into his. "It's fine. We have a whole lifetime ahead of us."
He smiles, "Tonight, I'll let you know what your husband is capable of."
Blushing at his words, my heart races. "I already know." I mumble shyly.
"I love you." He suddenly pecks my cheek and the crowd cheers loudly.
"I know." I say in embarrassment.
Panda gestures to the bouquet of roses in my hand and I glance down. When did I receive these? I hadn't noticed.
"Let's find out which lucky couple will be destined to marry next." The MC says and on cue, I turn my back towards the guests and throw the bouquet.
There is a moment of silence before loud cheers and applause echo behind me. Turning back to face them, I grin when I see a bewildered Liana King holding the roses with a shocked expression.
I exchange a triumphant look with Panda. Even destiny is helping us.
After the main ceremony, we walk around and greet the guests. My legs are hurting but I can't complain since it is my special day. Liana, who has recovered from her shock, hands Carl to me and I smile as he grabs my finger, his big ocean blue eyes staring up at me.
"How are you baby? Are you hungry?" I ask. I fed him earlier but he must be hungry again.
Gesturing to Panda that I am taking Carl, I leave the hall. Fortunately, the wedding party is almost over so I should be alright heading back to Panda's house.
"Wait Tina, I'll take you." Panda runs up to me and unlocks his car.
"Shouldn't you stay inside with the guests? I don't think it's good if both the bride and groom are missing." I say, glancing back at the glamorous banqueting hall.
"Don't worry, my mum and dad will take care of it. I can't let my wife leave by herself." He says, hugging me. "Carl looks hungry too. Let's go."
As we travel home, I lie my head lightly on his shoulder. Carl is in the baby seat in the back. I still can't believe we are finally married. All the ups and downs, all the obstacles which came within the past year and a half, everything made us realise how much we actually meant to each other.
Panda gently holds my hand with his spare one and drives with the other, a small smile engraved on his handsome face.
"What are you thinking about love?" He asks softly.
"I love you." I say quietly. "Thank you for not giving up on me."
"Silly girl, I should be the one thanking you for not giving up on me when I was awful to you. I'm truly sorry and I regret how I treated you. I realised it was because I had already started falling for you somewhere along the line, even before the accident." He pauses and entwines his fingers with mine, "I love you a lot Tina. I'll never leave you."
I smile, "Let's get home before Carl starts crying."
Panda grins, "Of course. I can't wait to get home tonight." He wriggles his eyebrows, keeping his attention straight ahead.
Laughing, I whack his arm, "Pervert."
"But I'm only your pervert." He teases.
"I can't deny it anymore." I chuckle.
Maybe this was a trick of fate which played with us, maybe it was an accident when I agreed to be his bodyguard but now, I am content and happy with knowing how much I love this man who has grown on me during the happy and sad times, the easy and difficult times, the smooth and dangerous times which we spent together.
Of course, we have had our own prejudices and opinions of each other but in the end, we have found that we cannot live without each other.