Chapter 5 THE PROPOSAL WEDDING

Samantha awoke to soft kisses trailing down her shoulder. She smiled drowsily, rolling over to see Luke gazing adoringly at her wearing a tuxedo.

"Rise and shine, my beautiful bride," he said. "We have a big day ahead."

Samantha's pulse quickened.

A year later, their wedding ceremony was planned and today was their wedding day, the culmination of a whirlwind year since Luke proposed over candlelit dinner. She could hardly believe it was here.

Luke stroked her cheek. "I'll meet you at the altar in a few hours. I can't wait to make you my wife."

After another long kiss, Luke headed off to greet guests at their tropical resort venue. Samantha snuggled back into the pillows, imagining the ceremony on the beach at sunset, saying their vows as the waves lapped gently.

A knock at the villa door disrupted her reverie. She opened it to find Luke's sister Isabelle waiting excitedly. As maid of honor, she was there to help Samantha get ready.

"Let's pop some champagne and get this party started!" Isabelle said, rolling in a cart of bridal pampering items - robe, slippers, mimosas.

Samantha laughed. "It's only 10am! But I won't say no to celebratory bubbles."

She slipped on the plush robe and they clinked glasses, toasting to the wonderful day ahead. Isabelle had become like a sister to Samantha this past year. She was thrilled to have her here on this special day.

After sipping mimosas, they headed to the resort spa for massages and facials. Samantha sighed in relaxation, feeling all the pre-wedding stress melt away.

Back in the villa as hair and makeup artists worked their magic, Isabelle offhandedly mentioned, "So I heard Mom is coming after all..."

Samantha stiffened. Isabelle was referring to Luke's mother Beatrice, who had vocally opposed their relationship from the start. Beatrice came from old aristocracy and didn't think Samantha was refined enough for her son. She had refused to attend the wedding.

"What? I thought she wasn't coming," Samantha said sharply.

"Apparently she changed her mind. Decided not to miss her only son's big day," Isabelle said with a shrug.

Samantha's stomach churned with anxiety. She took a few deep breaths, reminding herself nothing could ruin this cherished day.

Hours later, dressed in an elegant lace gown with lightly curled hair, Samantha took her father's arm, ready to head towards the beach ceremony. She felt radiant and nervous.

But when they arrived at the aisle's start, a commotion broke out. Shouting echoed from the guests. Luke's ex-girlfriend Scarlett was there yelling that she objected to the union. Security swarmed to drag her away as she screamed she was carrying Luke's child.

Samantha reeled in shock. How had Scarlett even gotten in? Was there any truth to her wild claims? Heart pounding, Samantha rushed down the aisle to find Luke.

Luke stood at the altar looking distraught, surrounded by the chaos. He grasped Samantha's hands desperately. "Do not listen to her lies. You're the only woman I love. I don't know what she's talking about"

Before Samantha could respond, Beatrice marched over glowering. "Well, this is an utter disgrace," she announced. "I gave you the chance to avoid humiliation and marry a proper woman. But you chose scandal."

Luke stepped forward furiously. "Mother? What-t-t-t are you doing here" he Stammered "I thought you said you will never show up for me on my great day now you've come to disrupt my wedding with your cheap scandals? "Now please leave I don't want to see you around this ceremony get out now." Luke thundered. He has never ever talked back at his mum for any reason in time past this was the first time he did such just because of love.

Although Samantha wanted the ceremony to continue unabated, but was unhappy because of the way Luke disrespected his mum. "Baby this is not right you should'nt have spoken harshly to your mum like that, it is uncalled for, I understand that she doesn't like me, but it does not matter."

Beatrice huffed in outrage but security began escorting her away too. The crowd murmured excitedly over the dramatic confrontation.

Samantha blinked back panicked tears. "Luke, I can't do this right now..."

He pleaded with her not to postpone the ceremony, insisting they could still have a beautiful day. But Samantha felt overwhelmed. She hitched up her dress and fled the scene in distress, unsure of anything anymore.

Samantha rushed blindly from the disrupted ceremony down the resort's tropical garden path. Her pulse was still racing as Scarlett's shrill objections echoed in her mind.

She collapsed onto a stone bench, overcome with emotion. How could what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life have gone so wrong?

Samantha startled as she heard footsteps approach. She looked up to see Luke walking towards her, holding the train of her wedding dress. His eyes were full of anguish.

"Samantha, my love," he said breathlessly. "Please talk to me."

She shook her head as tears spilled down her cheeks. "I just don't understand what happened back there. Your crazy ex suddenly shows up claiming she's pregnant? And your mother stirring up more drama?"

Samantha covered her face with trembling hands. "It was all too much."

Luke knelt down and grasped her hands in his. "Scarlett is delusional, you cannot believe those lies. My mother is toxic and will do anything to come between us." His voice cracked with emotion. "You are the only woman I have ever truly loved."

Samantha searched his eyes. "I want to believe you, Luke. But this day has been so traumatic already."

Luke moved to sit beside her on the bench. He gently turned her face towards his. "Samantha, from the moment I met you, I knew you were my soulmate. Our love can withstand any storm. We will come through this together."

Samantha felt her doubts start to thaw at his heartfelt words. She knew in her heart Luke was devoted to her. She leaned into him, taking comfort in his embrace.

They sat that way for awhile, gazing out at the tranquil ocean as Samantha's breathing returned to normal. The faint sound of string music still carried from the ceremony site nearby.

Luke stood suddenly, eyes blazing with purpose. "Dance with me," he said, holding out his hand.

Samantha looked at him quizzically. "What, here?"

"Yes. This spot is as good as any." A smile broke through the worry on Luke's face. "We came here to be married, after all. Let's not wait another moment."

Samantha allowed a small laugh, amused at his determination. She took his hand and stood up. Luke pulled her close, one hand resting on the small of her back.

As they slowly revolved beneath the hanging vines and tropical blooms, he began murmuring his vows. Samantha gazed up at him, his striking face illuminated by moonlight peeking through the palm fronds. She was reminded powerfully of why she fell in love with this man.

"With this dance, I promise to be your faithful partner, in good times and bad," Luke whispered, his breath tickling her ear. "To stand by your side through any storm that comes our way..."

His words flowed earnestly as they danced, the peaceful night air cocooning them. Samantha was transported back to their first dance in Italy, when she had given her heart so completely. This was real love - choosing each other again despite the obstacles.

When Luke finished his improvised vows, eyes glistening with emotion, Samantha pulled him into a deep kiss. "I promise all that and more," she whispered against his lips. "You're my soulmate, Lucas Wilson."

They held each other close, laughing and crying joyful tears under the stars. The rest of the world melted away. They didn't need witnesses or fanfare. This little garden ceremony was sacredly theirs.

Later, they walked hand in hand back to face their waiting guests, toughened by the rediscovered devotion between them. Come what may, they would take this leap of faith together.