The long-awaited day had arrived. Liz and Henry woke up early.
"Good morning, Miss Liz. Did you sleep well?" Henry asked.
"Good morning, Mr. Henry Carl. Yes, I slept well. And you? Are you ready to stop being single and admired by the ladies? Think carefully, because after tonight, there's no going back. You'll be mine and mine only," Liz teased.
"Miss, soon-to-be Mrs. Carl, I've always been yours. And you? A very sought-after young woman, are you ready to stop being the single woman desired by some businessmen around you?"
"I'm more than ready. My eyes are only for you, my love. But I'm curious about where our honeymoon will be. You still haven't told me."
"You'll find out soon. Don't worry."
"Shall we go down for breakfast?"
"Yes, let's go. I'm going to the bridal preparations at 1 p.m., so we'll only see each other tonight at the church. Our moms and Penne will be with me. So, you and your dad should get ready. And no asking for help from any other woman. Remember, only I can touch you from now on," Liz said, smiling.
"But can we at least have lunch together? That wa
"Of co
"That's fin
"
After breakfast, Henry left, promising to return soon. Liz went to the veranda, where her mother was sunbathing. S
"Are you okay, Mom? Will you be alright?"
"I
"I
"And I love you even more, my daughter."
At that moment, a delivery person arrived with a package for Miss Liz Morrison. She received it, signed, and placed the large package on the table. Liz opened the card to see who the gift was from and read the message:
"I WON'T BE ABLE TO ATTEND YOUR WEDDING, BUT PLEASE ACCEPT THIS SMALL GIFT FROM YOUR NEWEST FRIEND. WISHING YOU MUCH HAPPINESS."
MAIK LENNON.
Liz opened the gift and showed it to her mother, who was impressed by Maik's good taste. It was a metal wine set in a European style—very beautiful!
"After showing it to Henry, we'll send him a thank-you message together. He knows I like wine. He must have remembered," Liz commented.
"Daughter, I think he didn't want to come to your wedding to avoid seeing you marry someone else. Let's hope Henry doesn't hear me," her mother remarked.
"He travels a lot. He probably had another important commitment."
Liz stored the gift in the bag, left it on the table, and went for a walk in Henry's mother's garden with her mom.
"I love this garden. It brings me so much peace," Liz said as she chatted with her mother. Soon, they bumped into Mrs. Carl, who was also walking and tending to her roses.
They greeted each other and chatted for a bit.
"The time is almost here," said her mother-in-law.
"I'm already feeling nervous," Liz replied. "But we're going to relax at the spa. So no stress today." They all smiled.
"Let's head inside. Auntie and Antony must be awake by now. They arrived before dawn. The others will be here this afternoon, according to Henry. I've already asked the maid to prepare lunch for everyone here," Mrs. Carl said.
"This mother-in-law of mine is a sweetheart. Thank you so much!" Liz said, giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. They said their goodbyes and headed back to Henry's house.