Josh and Gabi had gotten engaged a few months ago. They hadn't made any wedding plans yet. Because of Josh being a big time tech guy word got out that he was getting married. He was regularly asked by interviewers and on social media about a date and he would just brush them off saying they had not yet made any plans and also that it would be a private wedding.
Then one night Gabi and Josh were out at an event where they were photographed together which they allowed but then all kind of wedding questions were being thrown at her. She was quickly overwhelmed. Josh led her away with an arm protectively around her.
The next day Elliott entered his office with his IPAD and set it in front of him while he was trying to work.
"Elliott, what?" he asked before looking down to see a photo of him and Gabi. Gabi looked wide eyed with panic.
The headline said does the bride have mega(frost)byte feet? And went on to speculate that because there were no wedding plans in place that perhaps there was trouble in paradise.
Josh was livid. "I cant believe this, who do these people think they are?" he said standing up and pacing around.
"Josh this is a real problem, You need to get chef barbie to make some plans or these stories are just going to continue. Unless there is an actual problem and you need me to handle your break up PR. Rich. Successful, tech guru jilted at the alter, that would be pure gold" he said too excitedly.
"Elliott stop, we are getting married. You could at least pretend to be happy about that for me"
"That doesn't sound like me at all" he said waving his hand dismissively. "Now are you going to talk to Gabi or should I?" he asked.
"You definitely should not talk to her, about anything, ever" he said. "I'll talk to her"
Gabi came in to see him a little while later "Hey handsome" she greeted from the doorway with a big smile.
He smiled at the sound of her voice and scooted away from his desk to face her and invite her into his lap. "Hey gorgeous" he greeted her happily.
She sat in his lap and put her arms around him and kissed his lips.
"So have you thought any more about any wedding plans?" he asked out of the blue.
"Oh, um no, not yet" she said, caught off guard.
He nodded "Oh okay, any idea when you might?" he asked
"Whats going on Josh?" she asked curiously, wondering what the sudden interest in wedding plans was about.
"We got a little negative press last night" he said and pulled up the photo on his computer.
Gabi's jaw dropped as she saw her face on the screen and read the headline.
She got up "Oh my God" she said staring at the screen, mortified by the picture and accompanying story.
"Elliott's on it" he said showing her a photo he had posted from the same event which showed them sitting together with his arms around her and her leaned back into him with his face pressed into her neck whispering to her and they both had big cheesy grins on their faces
"Awww cute, I want that picture" she said.
"Wait, are you worried about this?" she asked, concerned.
"I wouldn't say worried but I was just curious about why we aren't making plans. Do you need some help? I could get you a wedding planner" he suggested.
"Lets just get married now, call a justice of the peace, today's the day get them over here" she said snapping her fingers.
"Gabi, I'd marry you anytime, anywhere, but I don't believe that this is what you want. You want the dress and the flowers and your dad walking you down the aisle" he said.
"Yeah I do, but you know who helps you plan all that Josh? Your mom does and I don't have a mom" she said tears falling down her cheeks now.
He stood up and took her into his arms, kissing the side of her head as she let it out. "I'm so sorry baby" he said stroking her back as she clung tightly to him.
"I'm so stupid" he sighed and ran his fingers through her hair.
"You didn't know" she said wiping her eyes.
"I should have" he said taking over wiping her tears away. "Gabi, I didn't know your mom but I bet she wouldn't want you to being feeling sad right now"
"No, she would be so happy but I cant help it, I miss her and need her for this" she said sniffling
He pulled her back into his arms and held her close, kissing her temple.
"Take all the time you need" he told her.
A few weeks later she decided she was ready to go dress shopping. Sofia was going of course and she also asked Yolanda to go.
Josh also asked his mother to go, after confirming that she would be nice. He also arranged for her dad to be there, despite his best judgment about putting them together again.
Josh set them up with a spa day to include a massage and mani/pedi's prior to dress shopping so she would be relaxed.
Afterward they got to the bridal salon which appeared to be closed. "Oh no, did I get the appointment wrong?" Gabi frowned as they approached the door.
Knowing this day would be hard for her, Josh had arranged for the store to only be open to them.
The door opened and several ladies appeared with champagne. "Welcome Miss Diamond, please come in, your party is waiting"
"My party?" Gabi said confused. "This is my party" she said indicating Sofia and Yolanda.
They just smiled and led her into the salon to where her dad and Josh's mom were waiting.
"Dad" she said hurrying over to hug him. She turned to Cathy who held roses and a note for her.
"From Josh" she smiled and gave her the note.
She opened it and read "I know how much you're missing your mom today and I wish she could be there with you. Unfortunately that's not something I can do for you, but what I can do is give you my mom. I know it isn't the same but I hope it helps. I love you so much, Josh."
She got teary eyed and looked at Cathy, who opened her arms to her, bringing her in for a hug. She hugged her tightly "Thank you for being here" Gabi said sincerely.
She ended up having a wonderful day and found the dress of her dreams. Josh had also provided an unlimited budget but Nick had insisted on paying. Gabi, true to form had picked out a reasonably priced but absolutely beautiful gown that she knew Josh would love. It had made every single one of her entourage teary eyed.
"Baby girl you look so much like your mom" her dad told her, causing her to full on cry as he hugged her.
Josh was joining the group for dinner afterward, Yolanda dropped Gabi off to get him when they were done. She entered the house and he was coming down the stairs "Hey, how was your day?" he smiled at her..
She crossed the room to him and grabbed him kissing him hard. They kissed deeply for a minute. When they broke apart they were both breathless.
"Thank you for the most amazing day" she told him.
He smiled tenderly at her "I just wanted you to be happy"
She hugged him tight "You make me happy" she sighed happily.
"And I cant wait to marry you" she said pulling back to look in his eyes.
"Name the time and place and I'll be there" he smiled lovingly.