Chapter 993: You Got It All Mixed Up
Chapter 993: You Got It All Mixed Up
As the party time drew closer, Andrew and Desmond bubbled with excitement at the secrets they both were safekeeping.
While Desmond was excited about Lucy's plan to propose to Tom, Andrew was excited about Tom's plan to propose to Lucy, and both men couldn't wait to see the joy on their wife's faces to see their babies engaged.
"Is there a reason you're in such a good mood?" Desmond asked Andrew curiously, wondering if Lucy had mentioned her plans to him.
"I should be asking you that," Andrew retorted, and then raised a brow. "I suppose Tom told you," Andrew said, looking around to make sure no one hears them.
"Tom?" Desmond asked, wondering what Tom could have told Andrew.
Seeing that Desmond didn't seem to know, Andrew shook his head, "Never mind."
"C'mon! You know if it's a secret I'm going to keep it. Tell me what's going on," Desmond urged Andrew.
Andrew grinned remembering how Desmond had played everyone the last time by keeping Lucy's and Sonia's trip a secret from everyone and causing Tom and Bryan to arrive at Heden after Sonia and Lucy had left for Ludus. (Chapter 516)
"Tom is proposing to Lucy tonight," he whispered, and Desmond raised a brow.
"What? You got it all mixed up. Lucy is the one proposing tonight," Desmond said and Andrew shook his head.
"No. Tom told me himself," Andrew said confidently.
"He did? Lucy told me herself that she is proposing tonight," Desmond said, and they both looked at each other when they realized what was going on and they broke into a peal of happy laughter.
A few feet away from where they stood, Evelyn and Janet sat watching them, "Do you have any idea why those two have been so excited all day?" Evelyn asked Janet as they watched Desmond and Andrew who were laughing and slapping each other at the back.
They were all dressed in beautiful outfits and ready for the evening.
"I was going to ask you the same. Drew has been bubbling with excitement all morning," Janet said, and Evelyn shook her head.
"I hope they don't have any tricks up their sleeves," she said and Janet nodded in agreement. "Let's hope so."
Away from there, the house buzzed with activity. Candace and Andy were supervising last- minute decorations, their chatter blending with the soft strains of classical music playing in the background. Jade was overseeing the caterers, ensuring every dish was perfectly placed, while Amy coordinated with the waitstaff to keep the champagne glasses filled.
Once they were certain that everything was in place and they had marked everything on Lucy's list, they went upstairs to dress up in Jade's room.
Inside dressing room which Tom had set up specially for Lucy upstairs, Lucy sat still as the hairstylist worked her magic.
Sonia moved around the room, inspecting every detail to ensure everything was perfect. The light chatter between them filled the room, but Lucy's mind wandered to the evening ahead as she tried to rehearse the words she planned to say to Tom.
"Hold still, ma'am," the stylist said gently, holding a curling iron in one hand and a strand of Lucy's hair in the other.
"Sorry," Lucy murmured, her lips curving into a sheepish smile. "I'm just... nervous."
Sonia set down a small tray of jewelry on the vanity and leaned against the edge of the table. "I still don't get why you're so nervous when it's Tom we are talking about. You've planned this night to perfection. Trust me, he's going to be blown away."
Lucy's cheeks flushed as she met Sonia's gaze in the mirror. "It's not just about tonight. It's about... everything. He's done so much for me, and I want to make sure this whole plan is just as special as he deserves."
"You've been saying that all day. And I'm still saying it's going to be perfect," Sonia said with an exaggerated sigh.
The stylist stepped back, her work on Lucy's hair complete. Soft curls framed Lucy's face, cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall. "There," the stylist said, beaming. "You look stunning already, and we haven't even started your makeup."
Lucy turned her head slightly, examining herself in the mirror. The elegant curls brought out the delicate features of her face, and for a moment, she felt like she was seeing herself the way Tom often described her- radiant and beautiful.
"Now, let's work on your makeup," the stylist said, reaching for a palette of warm tones.
Sonia picked up the note Tom had left on the bed and read it aloud again. "You should feel and look as beautiful as you make my world every day," she recited with a dramatic sigh. Lucy laughed softly, shaking her head.
"I mean, Lucy, how do you not melt into a puddle every time you look at that man? He sure has a way with words." Sonia quipped.
"A way with everything. Tom has a way with everything," Lucy said, her eyes glowing with love for him.
"Now, close those loveshot eyes and let her do your makeup. No more distractions," Sonia said, and Lucy giggled as she obeyed, letting the stylist apply soft strokes of color to her eyelids and cheeks.
The process was calming, and with each passing minute, her nerves began to settle. She imagined Tom's face when she asks him to marry her tonight, the surprise and love in his
eyes.
When the stylist finished, Lucy opened her eyes and gasped softly. The makeup was flawless, enhancing her natural beauty without overwhelming it. Her lips were painted a soft rose, her eyes framed by subtle eyeliner and a hint of shimmer.
"You look perfect," the stylist said, her voice filled with pride.
Lucy smiled, standing to inspect herself in the full-length mirror. She ran her hands down the fabric of her robe, her reflection glowing with confidence. "I almost feel so."
Lucy's gaze drifted to the emerald green gown hanging nearby. "It's time," she said, her voice breathless with excitement.
Sonia and the stylist helped her into the gown, carefully adjusting the delicate lace sleeves and smoothing out the train. Lucy turned to the mirror as Sonia fastened the last of the tiny buttons along her back.
The fabric hugged her frame perfectly, and the jeweled belt cinched perfectly at her waist, accentuating her figure and adding just the right amount of sparkle.
Lucy's breath caught as she took in her reflection. She felt like she was stepping into a dream.
"Lucy, you look breathtaking. Tom is going to lose his mind. I swear his jaw is going to hit the floor," Sonia said after she stepped back to look Lucy over.Nôv(el)B\\jnn
Lucy smoothed the skirt, the last of her nerves fading as excitement took over. "Let's hope he doesn't faint," she joked.
Sonia laughed. "If he does, we will catch him. Now, grab your shoes and let's get you
downstairs."
The stylist helped Lucy slip on a pair of silver heels and then Lucy turned to Sonia, her smile bright and full of gratitude. "Thank you, Sonia. For making all the plans with me and for
being here."
Sonia waved her hand dismissively. "Save the thanks for later. Now go. Guests will be arriving soon, and you have a fiancé to surprise."
"Are you sure I shouldn't have gotten a ring?" she asked Sonia, thinking now that it would be weird to propose without a ring.
"I'm sure. Trust me, okay?" Sonia said, and Lucy took a deep breath and nodded, her heart pounding with excitement.
"Now head downstairs before you start second-guessing anything," Sonia urged her.
"Why don't you get ready so we go down together?" Lucy suggested, wanting to rehearse her lines once again while Sonia got ready.
"This might take a while. Don't keep the man waiting," Sonia said, and Lucy sighed softly.
"Alright. I'll go down in five minutes. I need to go over my lines once more," Lucy said, and while the stylist attended to Sonia, she paced around the room, rehearsing her lines over and
over again.
While Lucy did that in the dressing room, Tom was doing the same in their bedroom. Standing by the mirror as he rehearsed his proposal speech.
He was dressed in a sharp black suit with an emerald green tie and pocket filler that matched Lucy's gown. His hair was perfectly combed, and his smile was as warm as the heat emanating from the electric furnaces.
Once he was ready, he glanced at the clock, his excitement building as the time for the party- and his own surprise- drew closer.
He knew that Lucy would be ready soon, so he walked out of the room and went to stand at the door of the grand staircase as he waited eagerly to see her in her gown while the activities around the house carried on.
He turned when he heard Harry's chuckle, and saw him approaching with two glasses of wine, "I didn't know you were here already," Tom said with a grin.
"I came in a while ago and was checking in with the security team. And just so you know, You look like a kid on Christmas morning," Harry teased and Tom chuckled, taking one of the
glasses from Harry.
"Can you blame me? Tonight's special," Tom said, and Harry grinned.
"Special indeed," he replied with a knowing look. "Are you sure Lucy doesn't suspect
anything?"
Tom shook his head, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Not a clue. She's been so focused on planning the party that she hasn't even noticed I've been sneaking around."
Harry laughed. "Well, good luck. I can't wait to see her face."
Tom's smile softened as he gazed toward the stairs. "Me neither," he said, parting his pocket
where the ring box had been carefully tucked into.
Upstairs, once Lucy was certain she was ready, she turned to Sonia, "I'll be heading out now."
"Go get him, girl!" Sonia urged her excitedly.
As Lucy left the room and headed for the grand staircase, the house below was alive with warm light and the soft hum of Christmas carols.
The scent of pine and cinnamon filled the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of the staff and family on various corners of the house.
Lucy reached the top of the step, her hand gripping the banister for support as she looked
down.
She smiled when she saw Tom standing by the foot of the stairs, deep in conversation with
Harry.
The sight of him, tall and confident, with his easy smile and sparkling eyes, made her heart skip a beat.
Tonight, it was her turn to create a moment Tom would never forget, Lucy thought with a smile and took a step forward, her emerald gown shimmering under the chandelier's glow.
As Lucy descended the grand staircase slowly, Tom looked up and his eyes locked onto hers. For a moment, everything else faded- Harry, the bustling house, the carefully planned event, the lingering nerves. It was just Tom, looking up at her as if she were the only person in
the world.
Watching them, Harry smiled to himself as he walked away, leaving them to bask in their
love.
"You look... perfect," Tom said softly, his voice thick with emotion as Lucy stopped in front of
him.
Lucy blushed, her heart racing. "As do you. Let's go welcome our guests," she said, and Tom held out his arm to her and she took it.
As they headed for the ballroom which had an outer door through which the guests could
come in, the sight of the glittering decorations and the gentle glow of candlelight filled her
with warmth.
"You've done a perfect job, Jewel. Are you sure you don't want to become an event planner? I think you'd be the best in the world," He said, and she giggled, pleased with the praise. "The only events I want to plan is ours. And it's too early to tell if it's perfect yet. Let's wait
until the party is over," she suggested.
"I know tonight is going to be perfect," Tom said confidently, and Lucy smiled. Yes. Tonight was going to be perfect, she thought. She would make sure of it.