Three days before the wedding, Liz's mother arrived, and Liz was overjoyed. The rest of the family would arrive on the day of the event.
The next day, Liz and Penny, along with their mothers, went out to pick up their dresses. They all looked stunning. Afterward, they stopped at a restaurant for lunch.
By coincidence, Maik was at the same restaurant with some business partners for a meeting. He greeted Liz and said he was very happy to see her again. Liz introduced him to her mother, and he said it was a pleasure to meet her. "This is Henry's mother, my future mother-in-law, and you've already met Penny," Liz added.
Maik asked if they wanted to join them, but Liz politely declined, thanking him for the offer. She explained they had a lot to do after lunch.
"Are you staying around for a few days?" Liz asked.
"Maybe. I might leave tomorrow. We're just finalizing a business deal here, and then I'll head back," Maik replied.
Liz smiled and said, "Tomorrow is our wedding day. I'll send you the details. If you're still in town, you're very welcome to come. It was great seeing you."
"Likewise," Maik responded. "If I can stay, I'll definitely come to the wedding. Have a great lunch."
"You too," Liz said as she turned and led the group to their table.
Henry's mother remarked that Maik looked familiar, as if she had seen him somewhere before.
Liz explained, "He's a prominent businessman and is often featured in magazines. I met him at an awards event where our company was being recognized. Our company was invited to the event, and I was there representing us with some partners."
"As you know, I'm not a fan of appearing in social media or magazines. But unfortunately, I happened to be standing next to a partner who's friends with Maik, and that's how I met him."
"And he had quite the crush on our girl here," Penny chimed in, forgetting that Henry's mother was listening. Liz shot Penny a look and clarified that nothing happened between them.
"I told Maik I was in an unresolved relationship and still in love. When Henry came to be with me, they met at a business dinner between the companies—quite normal in our field. At the time, I wasn't feeling great, so Penny came to stay with me, and that's when I found out I was pregnant. I had thought it would just be me and my baby, but our love was stronger, and fate played its part in bringing us together. And tomorrow, we'll be committing to a lifetime together."
"Henry was so jealous when he saw you in that magazine," Mrs. Carl said. "I was the one who showed him, and I immediately regretted it."
"I don't know why we're still talking about this," Liz said with a smile. "We came here to have lunch, and we still have so much to do. The only man that matters to me is my fiancé, the father of my child, the love of my life. And I'm so excited for tomorrow."
"And my dear future daughter-in-law, don't worry," Mrs. Carl said warmly. "I know you will make my son very happy. You two are destined for each other. After all these years of knowing each other, it's only recently that your friendship turned into this beautiful, true love. But he's loved you since the day he met you."
"And I've always loved him too," Liz replied, "first as a dear friend, and now as the love of my life. My heart belongs to him, my Henry. And soon, it will belong to our beautiful child too."
"Now, let's finish up here. I need dessert—your grandchild is craving something sweet!" Liz said with a laugh. Afterward, they completed their shopping and headed home. Liz couldn't wait to see Henry again.
As they were leaving the restaurant, Maik noticed them walk out with Liz's family. He returned his attention to his business partners, continuing their meeting.
That night, Henry went out with his friends while Liz had a girls' night in with her friends for their respective bachelor and bachelorette parties. However, Liz insisted that Henry be home by midnight. True to his word, he returned on time, and the two celebrated their last night as unmarried individuals together, sipping juice and enjoying each other's company.
In their bedroom, they played soft music and shared one last night of love in the room where their child was conceived.
"Liz, I love you so much," Henry whispered.
"I love you so much too, Henry," Liz replied.
They ended the night, ready and excited for the day ahead, full of anticipation for their wedding and the life awaiting them.