Chapter 784 - It begins! (1/2)

3:24 PM…

All the guys (except for Jeff) are in the 'hallway-tunnel' when the girls arrived. Guys' attention got drawn to the girls' chatter mixed with laugh.

Each of the bridesmaids has matching chiffon gowns, and each gown has some unique features.

The gowns are a soft blue color, but depending on how light hits the fabric, color changes to pastel green. This color change of the fabric depending on the light angle is something that Ellie perfected and it's one of the signature features of her latest creations.

Each bridesmaid is happy with her dress. Halter draped bodice with high neckline and a flowing skirt is undeniably flattering to both tall and slim bodies like Millie's as well as petite ones like Bridgette's.

The bodice is draped in such a way that it provides an inverted 'V' shape where chest and sides of the waist are held snugly by the fabric while area in the middle is covered loosely by the skirt part of the gown. Sophia loves it, because it accommodates her growing belly and she has a matching dress with the rest of the bridesmaids without looking like it came from the maternity section. In the area of Sophia's left collarbone, Ellie added diamond accessory which Felix designed to make it extra special.

Keyhole back has two sheer strips of fabric flowing from each side, from below the shoulder blades where bodice ends, toward the halter in the back of the neck. Sarah's dress has additional fabric which is sewn to look like roses in full bloom over the sheer strips on her back. She is very happy with this, because it covers her scars from the surgeries which she had few months ago. Scars healed well and are barely visible, but Sarah is still aware of them and prefers them covered.

Each of the bridesmaids has blue, teal and green ribbons and small jeweled flowers braided in their curly chignon hairstyle, making them look like fairies.

Girls observed that all the guys look dashing in their suits, and few girls even playfully whistled as they approached them.

Sarah went straight toward Aiden, Sophia to Felix, Emma to Bradley and Jill to Vincent.

Millie and Sharon (of course) went to Jasper.

Ellie and Bridgette came last, since Ellie adjusted draping in the back of Bridgette's gown, making sure that everything looks perfect. Bridgette's gown has a wide sash as a unique feature, accentuating her narrow waist. Based on the way Steve almost gaped at Bridgette, he approves of her look.

Ellie saw that Millie and Sharon approached Jasper and paused her steps. She has no intention of fighting for his attention with those two, or anyone else.

Ellie was surprised to hear Jasper's words: ”Don't you two ladies have partners to go to? You are blocking the way for mine.”

Jasper didn't sound polite at all but to Ellie that was one of the most pleasant things she heard coming from him.

Sharon and Millie grimaced and went to Russel and Christopher while ignoring Ellie.

When two of them moved, Ellie saw that Jasper is more than dashing in the gray formal suit which has blue details on the lapels and at the bottom of the sleeves. Blue handkerchief peeking out of the breast pocket and a blue necktie completed the color-matching part with girl's dresses. And somehow, the whole outfit made his icy-blue eyes a deeper blue color and Ellie had to remind herself to keep on breathing.

Jasper extended his arm to Ellie, palm up, and she placed her hand in his, allowing him to pull her closer.

”You look lovely.”, he said in a low voice when she was less than a half of step away from him.

”Thank you. You too.”, Ellie awkwardly responded. She really didn't know how to react to this... attitude change.

Ellie pulled her hand out of his grasp and kept her hands behind her back.

Did he just chase those two because of her? And what is with that charming smile? She decided to do her best in avoiding to meet his icy-blue eyes. She can't allow herself to lower her defenses just because he did one decent thing... it will take much more than that.

Ellie's awkwardness was cut off by Sophia.

”Don't rub the belly! You will wrinkle the dress…”, Sophia was whispering with urgency to Felix.

”I will not rub. Let me just touch.”, Felix was not willing to give up easily.

”You two! Now I see why Anna told me to make sure you don't kiss. You are spoiling your make up!”, Sophia was scolding Sarah and Aiden whose lips were locked in a kiss.