Sitting in my somber mood I catch myself starring out into the oblivion, only to be brought back down to earth by Niall walking by and snapping his fingers in front of my face. I jump and laugh.
"You know you're going to miss us" he says as he sits down to tie his shoes.
"Seriously doubt it", I answer back jokingly. Then take a look around at everything going on, tonight its a well oiled machine.
"So you're leaving right after? Will we be able to tell you good bye?"
"Yes, right after. Pretty much it will be a hug and good bye and I'm gone, if I'm to catch my flight and make it back to the US in a decent amount of time. I'll still be cutting it close. Plus, just think, only one more week and your off for two months."
"Will you come see me on that tour?"
"Depends on my traveling schedule. With the luck we've had, I'll probably be in Europe the months y'all are in the US and vice versa. We'll work something out, we always do."
Well, just in case I don't get to ya in time," Niall leans over and gives me a big hug and tells me he'll miss me, I hug back and tell him the same, he gets up and walks away.
They've started the count down so Liam comes over, hugs me and plants a kiss on my forehead before he and the guys are corralled and ushered on stage. I stand on side stage again tonight since I have no time to be in a crowd. I think I cried through most of the concert, torn from not wanting to go, but knowing I have to.
As the last song is being sang I am taken to the exit where I wait. The singing stops and I know they are headed this way. As the guys make their way to the vehicle they each stop and hug me, tell me good bye and they'll see me later. Liam is pulling his ear pieces out, battery packs off his back and handing them off to someone. He pulls hsi shirt off, gets a new one and we get into the SUV to go to the airport.
We sit down and it takes off, he looks towards the back and takes my hand, pulling me to the back seat.
"Its dark back here and I need a little more time with you." he starts to put his dry shirt on and I take it from him and put it behind me. "I'm going to get cold" I do my pouty face but give it to him anyway. I put my legs up in his lap and we start to kiss. He kisses me with such a longing and passionate kiss, its as if it were a drug, one I cant get enough of. I slide my hand in his shirt just to feel his skin. His hand does the same but reaches up and slides my bra strap to the side and cups my breast, rubbing his thumb across my nipple. We arrive at the airport and we don't want to let go of each other. I fix my shirt and we get out. They've called my flight as we enter and know its time to leave each other. One last kiss. People are taking pictures, but right now, I don't care. We pull way and don't say good bye. I turn and walk away. He is rushed away. As I turn to catch a last glimpse, him and security are running through the airport.
I find my seat in first class and get situated. I am exhausted so sleep is first on my schedule. I have plenty to do on the flight home, so being bored will not be one of them.
We touch down in Nashville and I'm home. Well, home away from home. My friend from work is picking me up and she's waiting on me with a sign and balloons. "Welcome home future Mrs. Payne" . That is the absolute worst thing she could have done, but she really doesn't know better, she's just happy I'm back, so when I get to her, all hell breaks loose. Reporters, camera men, paparazzi and fans stream in from every direction. We cant move and I'm trying hard not to panic. The next thing I feel is someones hand grab my wrist and start pulling me out of the crowd, security. I breathe a sigh of relief. My friend, is left and there is nothing I can do to help her. Once they notice I've pulled away they start to follow me. I am taken to a car and driven off.
"Hello Ms. Harrison, nice to see you again." Its the driver I've had before.
"So nice to see you again." I sit back and collect myself, try to calm my nerves. That was intense.
An hour later my friend pulls up with my bags, shes beside herself with guilt, apologizing over and over. I assure her she had no way of knowing and it was fine. I appreciate what she had in mind, it just cant be done like that anymore. I invite her to sit down so she can get a handle on herself. Upon sitting down she grabs my hand and is in shock over my ring. "So . . . what date are we looking at?"
"October 10 th, back home in Ga, at my parents place, an outside wedding. There's plenty of space for everything and we can bring in security. With the way our property is set up, only allowed press will be able to witness it, that's if we allow any. I have just about everything how I want it and what I want in my mind, I've just got to put it on paper and start shopping. That's the fun part."
"Are you going to have a wedding planner?"
"I don't know. I like being in control too much but if it gets too much with my job and all, I guess I'll have to. I might interview some just to have in case I need them." After I think about it some, it sounds like a really good idea and will get on it first thing. After she leaves I go straight to bed to hopefully sleep the sleep away.
I wake up Sunday around noon. I have no clothes so laundry has to be done first. I have to leave first thing in the morning for Miami, thank goodness they are in the same time zone. Everything I need is here, I just have to pack, again. I text Liam and to say hey and catch up and to call me when he can.
Another day, another plane. I just hope this week flies by. I have picked a couple of bridal magazines to get a feel of what I want and have contacted some wedding planners in Nashville and back home. I'm starting to think a planner is the way to go, I just don't have time for all of this.
As I sit in the hotel relaxing, my phone rings and I don't recognize the number. Normally I do not answer, but this time, I do. I almost fall in the floor, its People magazine wanting to cover our wedding and for quite a substantial amount of money. I write everything down because I am in such shock, I know I wont remember it later, nor would I believe it. I cant wait to tell Liam this. I did not agree to it until I talk it over with him.
Liam texts me the next day and I reply that I'll call him at lunch. I call him and tell him about the offer from People. After talking out the pros and cons of having the press there, we agree that they will be the only press allowed in and that any monies that would be given to us, would be given to a local charity. Liam is so ready to be home, all of them are. He is tired, too tired. He needs sleep.
My week does fly by and I board the flight home. I write things down so I don't forget them, things to talk over with the planner. I have two places in mind where I want to look for a dress at and I want Liam's mom and sisters as well as mine to be there with me. One is in Atlanta, the other in New York.
When I get in I call his and my mom to set up a date for dress shopping, especially since his will have to fly in. I then call the dress shops to let them know we are coming.
Wedding planner interviews are in the morning.
I meet the first lady and know right off the bat, she is not the one. I merely humor her for one hour. The second isn't much better but would suffice if the ones in Georgia lined up are no good either. I don't let them know this is a high profile wedding. If they figure it out, fine, but I want to be treated like a normal person. I hate people acting like they are kissing my ass, I can see right through it. I'm supposed to go to Atlanta this weekend to meet with them and look at dresses with the moms and sisters.
I get the call from Liam that he has landed in London and is going home to sleep. I know good and well he'll sleep a couple hours and be up, ready to go. I have a few things to finish before heading out this weekend, so I get those sent to my assistant so we can get them finished.
I have called Jeff to pick me up in Nashville so that is squared away. Maybe I wont have to deal with paps, press and over zealous fans. I have few errands to run before I head to the airport so I run downtown to do that. I see a boutique I know my nieces would love so I pop in there and get them something. While leaving I hear whispers and know I've been spotted. One, I get out of there or two, stop and smile and do my thing. I decide on the second, should have done the first, my knee jerk reaction. Upon stopping and turning a 13-15 year old girl proceeds to yell at me that Liam is hers and I need to fuck off, then throws her chocolate milk shake on me. Yep, all down the front of my bone colored sweater and pants, brand new I might add. Its really all I can do not to grab her by her messy little bun and jerk her hair out. But, I don't, though I did consider it. That is rude. You would think they would want their idols happy. I nod my head and find the nearest restroom to wipe off.
After returning to my condo and changing, I head over to the airport and find Jeff. Home is what I need right now.
My mother and sisters are meeting me in Atlanta along with Liam's family,his dad has decided to come also. After finding them, I see my dad has joined them to meet Liam's dad. They are due in at any time.
I get call from his mum letting me know they have arrived and where to meet up at. I catch site of them but what catches me is Liam is with them, all smiles. I run to him, jump at him and wrap my legs around him. It is all short lived because we have to move quickly. A SUV limo meets us at the door and we all climb in. Lunch is first so we decide to go the Buckhead Diner Club, nice, clean and private. Introductions were made on the way over and everyone is getting along wonderfully. At the table embarrassing stories of both of us are told, much to our dismay. I was never happier to announce it was time for us girls to head out shopping.
I know what I want, if they have it great, if they don't I can get a dress maker. I'm not hard to please, I just know what I want. I show them pictures of the styles I want and they go start pulling dresses.I turn to the sisters, "All I ask is that you wear navy blue. Your dress is your style. So while they are pulling dresses, if you want to go see what they have and if it comes in navy. They are escorted to that area. Liam's mom is already crying as she is looking at mother's dresses. She finds something she says he likes and asks me to come look at it. "If you like it, you wear it. I don't want you to wear something you are not comfortable in or with." She takes it off the rack and is helped with trying it on. My mom says hers is already purchased and is home in the closet but shows me a picture of it.
"Ms. Harrison, we have you ready" we all turn and follow them. They are sat in a semi circle in front of a mini stage so everyone can get a good look at the dress. A girl comes around with flutes of champagne for everyone. While they sip and talk I am put in the first dress. Upon putting it on, I'm not impressed but have sworn to them I would let them see, all of them. I walk out and I get the same reaction from them. Next. I find something wrong with all of them. "We have something in the back that just came in, but only if price is not an option." I assure them it is not. What they bring me is perfect. Exactly what I want. it fits as though it was made for me. I start shaking, this is it. The owner of the shop comes back and brings a veil and puts on me for the full effect. I'm shaking so much I can hardly walk. I step around the corner and everyone's jaw drops. Then it becomes a cry fest. Were all crying. They walk me up on the stage and poof it to shake the bag shape off of it and hand me a make do bouquet of flowers to hold. "I think we have a winner with this one." All I can do is shake my head, yes.
They assist me taking it off after the alterations that are needed are measured and written down. I breathe a sigh of relief. My biggest fear is no more.
The girls pull me over to look at what they have picked out and its all good. Today was a success in the area of dresses. After everything is paid for we head out. Tomorrow is the wedding planner interviews.
We all have reservations at a downtown hotel and decide to eat dinner in their restaurant since we are rather tired. The guys went to the World of Coke to waste time and seem to have enjoyed it. After eating, we all meet up in my parents room and play a couple games of cards and talk, getting to know one another as families. My parents invite his family to come in to town early before the wedding and stay at the house, if they would like and they accept. Liam has laid down on the one of the beds and is out cold, sleeping through everything. I nudge him as I sit behind him. "I got a private room, want to go to it?" He sleepily nods his head. I bid everyone good bye and good night and we head to our room.
I help him undress and put him in the bed, he's asleep as his head hits the pillow. I know he'll be awake in a couple of hours but at least he is sleep now. I do my nightly routine and slide in behind him, wrapping my arm around him, my forehead resting in the curvature of his spine at his neck.
When I wake up, he is there, asleep. I scoot up next to him and he puts his arm around me, maybe not sound asleep. "Feels good to be next to you again" he says as he pulls me in closer. I throw my leg over on his.
"Thank you for surprising me"
"I figured I could sleep as well with you at your place as well as mine. I do have to go back in a couple of days, but I will be back after I take care of some business." I listen to his morning voice rumble in his chest. "Are you busy today?"
"I have a meeting with a couple of wedding planners. One here in a banquet room, another at their office. Shouldn't take too long, I don't think. Why, do you want to do something?'
"I want to go to the aquarium, could we do that? You think our parents would like to go?"
"I'd love to go. Why don't you call and see if they have any reservations available and get that set up while I do the interviews."
"You do know they will have an opening right?"
"Oh yeah, right, I forgot" The only time I am really reminded of his name is in the public eye and when he chooses to use it, like now. I call down to the others rooms and make sure they are alright with it and they all agree it would be fun. As he is talking to someone, making reservations, I give him the thumbs up that they are on board.
I get dressed and head downstairs to meet the wedding planner. She tells me what I am looking to hear. I inform her I have one more to interview but I would get back with her by the end of the day. I take a cab to the next one, it's in town a few blocks over. As I enter, My senses are bombarded with vanilla butter cream and chocolates. I am seated and the lady comes out. She displays in front me a portfolio of all types and flavors of cakes, colors of decorations, flowers, foods for the reception and photography studios they work with. As we flip through the cakes a lady brings out different cakes with different icings and different flavors. Pictures of what is popular versus traditional, custom cakes and grooms cakes. The grooms cake is no brainer for me, the batman signal. The brides cake, traditional with a popular design. Colors, flowers and theme are also picked out. We discuss these and see if they are do-able. She assures me they are. Since it will be in the fall, I want sunflowers with navy being the prominent color. Theme, is somewhat rustic but classy. It will be held at my parents house. We have a huge barn that can be opened up and a huge oak tree that could also be used, plenty of open, grassy areas where tents, tables and chairs can be set. Upon telling her this she pulls out a book and says, "Something like this?" It is exactly what I had in mind. She is the one. She pulls out her calender and makes sure the date is open and it is, I book her. Deposit made and I'm out the door, another check on the list.
On the way back to the hotel I have to call and let the other girl know that I will not be using her. I liked her but I'm a visual person, and this company had me when I walked in the door.

Notes

Here are a few pictures of what I Imagined for the wedding. Other pictures to follow in the next chapters
I know the chapter was long, a lot of info to get in.
Again, thank you all for voting me back up to a 10 - you're the best! Muahh!