The Alpha's Companion

Chapter 34 - The Next Morning

When Lacey woke the next morning, the events from the night before came rushing back—her family making fools of themselves, her sister's jealousy. Then Julien believing her and telling her that she had his heart. She smiled at the memory.

Lacey sat up and then fell back down onto the pillows, grateful that the wedding wasn't until that evening. At least she would have all day to get ready.

"Good morning, Princess!" Gwen stepped into the room, carrying a tray, amused when she saw that Lacey was still in bed.

"Good morning but go away." Lacey closed her eyes and pulled the pillow over her head, needing more sleep. After the events of the night before and thinking about the wedding today, she couldn’t sleep half the night.

Gwen chuckled. "Here.” Lacey opened her eyes and Gwen handed her a glass of orange juice. "Drink this. It’ll make you feel better. It'll replenish your electrolytes and hydrate you at the same time."

Lacey took a sip and sighed. It felt cool going down. "Thank you."

“You’re welcome.”

“Sorry I told you to go away.”

“No worries.” Gwen smiled. "Actually, Julien hunted me down this morning and asked me to bring breakfast to your room.”

Lacey shook her head. "Really?"

Gwen shrugged, smiling. "I think he knew you may be overwhelmed with getting ready for the wedding this morning." Then she tucked the blankets in around Lacey. "Now. You stay in bed today, drink your juice, and get some more sleep." Then she nodded over her shoulder. "Your breakfast is on the table, when you're ready."

"Thank you.” Lacey smiled, sitting up to finish her juice.

"Can I get anything else for you before I leave?" Gwen asked, raising an eyebrow.

Lacey sighed, holding up her juice. “Maybe some more orange juice?”

Gwen laughed at the pleading expression on her face. "Sure. I’ll be back with it soon."

"No rush."

Gwen laughed. "Get some rest. I'll be in to check on you in a little while.” She turned and gathered Lacey’s dirty clothes from the hamper.

Lacey set the juice down on the nightstand beside her bed. "Gwen, forget all your duties and stay with me today." Then Lacey's eyes lit up as she patted the side of the bed. "Hey! We could pop some popcorn and watch movies all day!"

Gwen looked at her as if she had four heads. "On your wedding day? I think not! Get some rest and I'll come back soon." Then Gwen walked closer to Lacey, her arms filled with clothes. "Lacey, you need to enjoy yourself today. Don't let anyone ruin it for you. That was why Julien threw your family out last night. He doesn't want anyone to ruin your day, not even your family."

Lacey nodded, understanding. "Thank you."

"Now...." Gwen headed for the door and then turned around and smiled. "Get some rest.”

"Gwen?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

Gwen smiled. "You’re welcome." Then she disappeared out the door.

Lacey turned over and tried to get some sleep, but then it sank in. Today was her wedding day. And the more she thought about it, the more excited she became.

She sat up and downed the orange juice, and then took a shower, getting ready for the wedding. She wasn't sure what time Madame Pomeroy would arrive with the gown, but Lacey knew she had to be ready when she got there. The no-nonsense woman would have her hide of she saw that Lacey wasn’t ready for her.

Lacey blew her hair dry, and then put in some hot rollers, causing her hair to fall into waves and curls over her shoulders, knowing Julien would like it. Then she sat at the table and started eating her breakfast, consisting of bacon, eggs, and grits with cheese, along with some mixed fruit. Gwen had also left a pot of coffee, so Lacey poured herself a cup.

She was sitting at the table, looking out the window when she looked down and saw Julien. He looked up at her and one corner of his lips curled into a sexy smile. He chuckled and waved, shaking his head. She waved back, smiling, and then he turned to the person he was talking to and started walking again.

Lacey knew it was bad luck for the bride to see the groom before the wedding, but she was glad she saw him. At that moment, she realized that she wanted to be his wife... for better or for worse. Not because he was the Alpha, but because of who he was.. And as she watched him walk away, she hoped that the worse was behind them. What else could go wrong?