Flowers of Gold

The aisles and walkway were filled with yellow and light orange. Yellow and orange flower petals covered the outside aisles while yellow streamers hung on the chairs and from the rafters. Bouquets of marigold flowers were place around the stage as well as on the food table. For most attending it would seem like a party but then again it wasn’t a typical wedding ceremony.

Emily looked down at her growing belly and smiled. She was six months along and starting to show especially in this dress Nikki picked out for her. The dress wasn’t too tight on her midsection and it flowed down making it super cute for the ceremony. Emily was excited, it had been a few months since the triple surprise party at the barn and everything was coming together. She stepped out of the bathroom to show off her dress.

“Oh you look so beautiful!” Nikki said.

“Absolutely stunning!” Maddie replied.

“Thanks I just love the color. It reminds me of a sunset the way it starts as yellow and then flows down to light orange.” Emily said to Nikki.

“And you can always wear it again, well once the baby comes.” Nikki chuckled.

“Mom is it my turn now?” Rosie asked.

“Sure sweetie did you figure out which one you liked the best?”

“Yep!” Rosie said running towards the bed and grabbing the yellow dress. She held it against herself and spun around a couple times smiling which made Nikki smile.

“This dress please” Rosie said, “I gonna be a flower princess!”

“How many dresses did you get her?” Maddie asked looking at the pile on the bed.

“A few, that way she can pick out her own. Plus she can wear them again so no biggie.” Nikki replied.

“Yellow is my favorite, I want yellow.” Rosie said trying to put the dress on.

“Very pretty. You are going to look so cute in it.” Maddie said helping her.

“So I know it’s your day and all but why didn’t you do the typical wedding colors?” Emily asked Nikki.

“Well we are already married but it was at the first base Ron was stationed at and wasn’t very well… magical. So we wanted something our family and friends could be a part of. It’s more of a renewing of our vows but with everyone getting dressed up. Honestly though I just want everyone to be comfortable and happy. They don’t have to spend money on a new dress or suit they will only wear once. That’s why I got comfortable dresses for us, that way we can wear them again.” Nikki smiled, got her dress and started getting ready.

While Nikki got dressed and did her hair and makeup Maddie helped Rosie finish getting ready by fixing her hair and getting her shoes. Emily took Rosie into the living room to wait for Maddie and Nikki to get ready. About fifteen minutes later Maddie and Nikki walked into the living room.

“Wow! And y’all said I looked good.” Emily said whistling at them. Nikki wore a light yellow dress that from a distance looked white. The straps at the top were thin, smaller than a tank top, and it flowed down her body showing off her curves. Maddie’s dress was light blue and went down mid-calf, the bottom blended into a darker turquoise.

“Thanks for helping with Rosie. I’ll load the rest of the stuff into the car and we can head on out.” Nikki said gathering the rest of the things needed for the ceremony like the bouquet and Rosie’s basket and flower pedals. Ron was meeting her there because he wanted things to be a little traditional and not see Nikki until the wedding. When they arrived Chase and John were already there finishing the set up.

“I do gotta ask though, what is with all the marigold flowers?” John asked.

“I’m surprised you know what a marigold is” Chase said with a chuckle and John gave him a look.

“Some girls like sunflowers, some want roses but my sister’s favorite is marigolds.” Maddie replied.

“Well ok then… Oh wow Em you look… Wow.” John said towards his wife.

“Thanks but it is Nikki’s day…” Emily said nodding towards Nikki.

“Oh right,” John cleared his throat, “Nikki you look beautiful.” He said giving her a hug.

“Thanks John and I agree Emily does look fantastic, feel free to admire her all you want.” Nikki said with a wink and laughed.

“So need help with anything else?” Chase asked walking down from the stage and noticing everyone for the first time, “You all look beautiful, but I’m a little partial to the gorgeous woman in blue.” He said winking at Maddie.

“Everything is all ready. Thank y’all for the help” Nikki said while guests started arriving. A few moments later the ceremony started.

“You look amazing” Maddie told Nikki hugging her.

“Thanks sis, we clean up good don’t we?” Nikki said with a chuckle. Putting her arm in her sisters they walked down the center of the barn. Rosie walked in front of them throwing marigold petals along the path. At the front of the barn on the stage stood Ron who had a big smile on his face as he watched his daughter twirl every time she threw flowers. Reaching the front Rosie took a little bow and stepped up beside Ron. The guests laughed at Rosie’s antics then turned to watch as Nikki and Maddie continued down the walkway.

The ceremony went by fast, Nikki and Ron renewed their vows and everyone cheered. Then they ate some food, danced and had cake. A few hours went by and slowly the crowd cleared out. Rosie was worn out and fell asleep while dancing with her dad so Nikki and Ron decided to head out.

“Are you sure we can leave? I hate to put the clean up all on you.” Nikki said to Maddie.

“Yes Nik, its totally fine. You go take that little girl home, me and Chase got this.” Maddie said hugging her and sending her off.

“Well guess we should head out too.” John said.

“Listen I may be pregnant but I can still be helpful.” Emily said.

“Oh wasn’t saying you aren’t helpful. Just figured you might be tired from all the fun. We can stay and help if you want to though.”

“My feet do hurt. Chase you sure you don’t need help” Emily said hugging John.

“We got is sis. You go rest.” Chase replied and walked over and gave her a hug. Maddie walked over and gave Emily a hug too then Emily and John left. Maddie stared at the decorations and noticed Chase looking at her.

“What?” She asked with a grin.

“Nothing. Just admiring your beauty.”

Maddie smiled and said, “Yeah ok, well we have some cleaning to do. So come on.”

“What kind of flowers are we going to have at our wedding?”

“Who said we are having flowers?”

“Uh… well I just thought… isn’t there always flowers at weddings? Unless you don’t want flowers” he stammered.

Maddie laughed then went over a kissed him on his cheek, “We still have months before we get married. I haven’t really thought about the details yet because I’ve been helping Nikki and Emily. Don’t worry though as soon as I figure it out I will let you know.”

Chase smiled, nodded and then turned on the music and grabbed Maddie by the waist.

“Can I have this dance?” He asked swaying to the song.

Maddie smiled put her arms around his neck. The cleaning could wait.