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"He's going to think I'm crazy isn't he?" Isabel asked self consciously as she stared into the full-length mirror and continued to play with the short locks of her wavy hair.
"Oh, I don't think so," Elena said as she waved her hand dismissively before resuming buttoning up the back of Isabel's wedding gown. "I mean, at least Gabe wasn't the one who walked in to see you cutting off your hair in some half-hazard chunks."
Isabel giggled. "I didn't know Esteban could make that type of noise."
"Oh, I've heard him make that noise a couple times. Trust me," Naomi said from one of the nearby couches as she put the finishing touches on Isabel's bridal flower crown. "And, to be honest, you could have picked a better time to do a hair cut."
"I know, I know," Isabel said, tucking her chin down like she was getting scolded for stealing pan dulce. She knew how serious her cousin and cousin...-in-law took party planning.
"I just woke up this morning and looked in the mirror and realized..." Isabel shrugged, "I don't know exactly. I just know I didn't like it."
"Do you think it's pre-wedding jitters?" Naomi asked. "Because I know I certainly had a bad case of them."
With one great push, Naomi got herself up on her feet, one hand resting against her large baby bump. "Well, I did the first time around. Second ceremony was definitely a vast improvement."
Isabel smirked, remembering full well the unusual, for lack of a better word, circumstances surrounding Naomi and Esteban's impromptu marriage a few years back.
She was glad that it had worked out for the two of them. However, she also couldn't deny that she was glad her marriage wasn't going to be like that. Nor was it going to be like Elena and Mateo's either: where they were oblivious of each other and it was almost lost until their love epiphany rolled in just at the Knick of time.
A sudden realization hit Isabel as she realized that her and Gabe's relationship fell between both of these relationships. They had known each other for years, she had even had a crush on him when she was younger. But it wasn't till she had been in the midst of College and he had been a General in the Avaloran Army for a few years that is just felt right.
Perhaps that's why Isabel had decided that she needed to cut her hair. Between color schemes, and flower arrangements, and cake flavors, and guest lists, and so many other details on top of their usual duties as Avalor's Chief Engineer, and a high ranking officer for the Jaquin infantry, a few things had gotten away from them. Especially a haircut.
Just not having that weight on her shoulders already made her feel lighter and more like herself. And if felt perfect when Naomi then fashioned the laurel-like crown of pale blue hydrangeas, her signature color, upon her head where she normally wore her headband.
“And…voila!” Naomi spread her arms wide, taking pride in her handy work, which was well deserved.
See everything finally come together, and not just be a sketch in the Royal Tailor's sketchbook, took Isabel's breath away.
Compared to all the silhouettes of her other formal ballgowns, her wedding dress is in a simplistic muslin form, hugging her curves more. It was not without it's flare though, as the dress still had an impressive flowing train (that she was able to get designed to have it be detachable for the reception party later) and long flowing bell sleeves. The whole dress was also made out of a beautiful cream beaded lace.
“It's perfect," Isabel said softly, her mind still clashing how much she looked like a bride. After all, marriage had never really been given too much thought when she had first made her 10 year life plan right after her 18th birthday.
“Not just yet,” Luisa said as she had slipped back into the bedroom so quietly, a slim velvet box in her hand.
Isabel felt a smile grow on her lips are she recognized the box, but she still let out a gasp as her Abuela opened up the lid to reveal at beautiful white chain necklace with a large, heart shaped ruby pendant. The Family heirloom.
Without needing to be asked, Luisa gently took the necklace out and clasped it around Isabel's neck. Isabel was grateful for this since she didn't know if her shaking fingers would've been able to do it.
“You look just like your mother," Luísa cooed, and causing tears to form in Isabel's eyes.
Isabel let out an embarrassed laugh as she quickly fanned at her eyes so her make up wouldn't be ruined. The other women of her family laughed along with her, subtly wiping their own tears.
Luisa pressed a gentle kiss to Isabel's brow. “Now you're ready.”
As if right on cue, there was a knock at the door. In turned out to be Armando.
“Gabe is in the Courtyard with Senor and Senora Nunez,” the Chief-of-the-Castle said excitedly. “Everything is ready for The First Look Ceremony.”
Elena looped her arm tightly through Isa's. "Are you ready?"
Isabel pressed against her older sister, absorbing her strength the she had always done since she was a child. "As ready as I'll ever be."
The First Look Ceremony had been an Avaloran wedding tradition for hundred of years. It had been originally started when arranged marriages were very common among Royalty. And therefore, most couples didn't know what the other even looked like outside of one or two portraits. So, it gave the couple an opportunity to see and fully take in their spouse before they vowed to be together forever in front of the entire kingdom.
However, while the tradition stuck, rather than feeling of contempt, the small ceremony now allowed couples to let out tears of joy, to hold each other, and feel reassured in their love matches.
The First Look in Avalor always took place in the Garden Courtyard, which had been decorated with beautiful pots and arches of orchids, the symbol of everlasting love. Isabel remembered how her heart had soared when her Abuelo had decorated the Garden exactly like this for her Abuela one Sweethearts Day.
And now it was for her and Gabe, and their own everlasting love.
Exactly as Armando had said, Gabe was already here, with his back towards Isabel as his parents stood in front of him, their eyes for full of love and pride as they shared some hush conversation with the groom.
His parent's then caught sight of her and they grabbed onto him eagerly.
Gabe was just about to turn around as well, before Esteban's voice called out, “Eye's facing the other way, Nunez.”
Ever the solider, Gabe took the order seriously and immediately stood at attention. Isabel's Abuelo and Mateo, holding little Reina and Ro, who had been standing to the side shared a look over her cousin's excessive response.
“Be nice,” Naomi warned as she took Esteban's arm.
“Before we start,” Blanca said hurriedly as she crossed the courtyard over to Isabel. “Roberto and I have something our future hijastra.”
Blanca lifted up a velvet cloth and quickly unraveled it to reveal a pair of small white gold hanging earrings.
“Our own family heirloom,” Blanca explained. “I know it's not much compared to--”
“It's stunning,” Isabel hastily interjected, a flurry of emotions surging through her again as she released Elena and grabbed her soon to be Suegra's hands. “I'm honored, truly.”
Blanca's cupid brow smile grew wide, and she formally presented the earrings to Isabel.
Isabel delicately picked up each earring, as if she were handling a test tube of precious substance, and put them in her lobes.
Blanca looked like she was on the brink of tears as she quickly leaned forward and placed a light kiss on Isabel's cheek. Roberto who had been standing quietly but equally as happy, then leaned down and pressed a kiss as well to her other cheek.
They both then looked and gave a slight head bow of acknowledgement to her Abuelo who took his place in front of Isabel next.
“You look so much like your mother,” Francisco said, placing a hand on her cheek.
“I'm beginning to think you all say that at every wedding.”
Francisco chuckled. “But it's true, you look like your mother did, and your Tia Margarita,” He said casting a glance at Esteban, who smiled shyly as Naomi laid her head against his arm comfortingly.
“And of course your beautiful Abuela," Her Abuelo said with a wink, causing her Abuela so shake her head.
"And what is that look exactly?" Isabel couldn't help but ask.
Francisco brought up his other hand to cup Isa's face. "A bride, glowing with true love and happiness."
Then ever the gentleman, he brought one of Isabel's hands up to place a kiss on the back of her hand.
“I don't mean to be rude,” Gabe's voice then cut in. "But I would very much like to see my bride."
"I think General Nunez is right. We should give the happy couple some privacy," Elena declared, having taken a spot next to Mateo with one of the babes now in her arms.
“Of course. Of course,” Francisco said, ushering with his hands. “There will be plenty of time for words and cheers later.”
With that, everyone gave the Bride and Groom last kisses, handshakes, and pats on the shoulders until there was only Gabe and Isabel left in the courtyard.
Isabel took a deep breathe and for once didn't overthink as she took a couple of quick strides to close the distance between them. She did however take one more deep breathe before reaching out and tapping Gabe's shoulder.
Gabe swiveled expertly on his heals, and they were suddenly face to face.
It really was fortunate that no one was with them at this moment, since that meant neither of them had to feel embarrassed about the dropped jaws, gasps, and small chuckles they let out upon finally seeing each other.
Gabe looked handsome as always. But just like her own outfit, it felt so right and surreal to his new military uniform all done up, which now included a Royal Family Sash. Isabel was also glad he had forgone his usual hat in order to show of the slicked pompadour style that he had been sporting that last few years, as she reached up and grazed the hairs at the base of his neck.
"I love you so much," Gabe then said as he cupped her face, his voice cracking on the last word.
Isabel felt tears spring to her eyes and she quickly covered her quivering lip.
“Oh no, what's wrong?” Gabe asked in a slightly panicked tone. For all the bravado and cool he had on the battlefield, it was instantly lost in the face of his family and friends.
“You can't say it that way!” Isabel exclaimed as she crashed herself into his chest and buried her face in his jacket. "Because if you start crying, then I'm going to cry."
"What? No. No. No. I'm not crying," Gabe said hastily in a choked voice as he let made a loud sniff. He then wrapped his arms around Isabel.
"You look so amazing," Isabel sighed out. "I can't believe you're going to be my husband."
"Hey, if you don't want to me cry then you can't say stuff like that in that soft and breathy voice of yours," Gabe said as he began to rub circles on her back.
Isabel smiled as she wrapped her arms around his middle and they stood there, quietly enjoying everything about this moment. The sound of the sea in the distance, the cool breeze, their soft breathes, and the sweet smell of the orchids.
But there was one thing that was keeping this moment from being truly perfect.
"Does...does my hair bother you at all?" Isabel asked, touching her hair for the millionth time that day, even though Armando and his infinite skills had done a fantastic last minute cut.
"Well I have to admit that I was surprised," Gabe replied as he broke their tight hug, but still kept their bodies close together. "But of course it doesn't. It doesn't matter what your hair looks like because you always look beautiful to me."
Gabe reached out and wrapped a lock of her hair around his finger. “Actually, it kind of reminds me of how you had it when I visited in Satu that very first time.”
Isabel's cheek heated up at that comment. She hadn't thought about that since she had kept her hair relatively short these past couple years as it was easier to maintain.
But the fact that he had remembered that time specifically, when everything between them changed forever, made her heart thump a little more intensely now.
"Besides, I've seen you after you've spent a week cooped up in your lab."
Isabel barked out a laugh. "I hope that's not in your vows, Mr. a-week-spent-in-the-jungle-and-stinking-so-bad-that-Migs-THROWS-you-off."
"Touché"
They both let out a genuine laugh as they met to touch foreheads. Gabe pressed a kiss to the crown of her head. Isabel wished she could do that same, but she knew if she kissed him, she would want to keep kissing him and her makeup would surely be ruined. So she settled for nuzzling into his neck.
After all, there would be plenty of time for kisses. The rest of their lives in fact.
Isabel let out a long breathe. Thinking about the long day and evening of traditions they would have to get through before they could reach those many kisses, especially during the honeymoon. "We're really doing this."
"Not regrets on your end, right?" Gabe asked as he laced their fingers together.
"Never." Isabel then rolled her eyes slightly and said, "But we're pretty low maintenance, even if the rest of our family is most certainly not."
"This is true," Gabe said with a mock impression of Esteban that made Isabel snort. "But they are our family."
Isabel nodded. "Our big, noisy, growing, loving family."
The palace clock then loudly chimed, breaking the spell of tranquility as the couple knew that said loud and noisy family would be returning any moment in order to whisk them away to take their official places for the wedding ceremony.
But the couple still had just enough time to whisper to one another:
"I love you Dr. Crown-Princess Isabel Castillo de Nunez."
"And I love you too, Lord General Gabriel Nunez."