Chapter Twenty-Nine

Eleanor's POV 

That night, I went to sleep with a heavy heart. Everything that happened today was such a whirlwind of emotions. I couldn't think straight. I cursed myself for giving in to Parker rather than leaving to get my head around the situation. I woke up earlier than my usual time due to the lack of sleep and couldn't stand it anymore. 

I sat up removing Parker's arm that was draped across my waist that kept me close to him all night. I stared at him for a moment, stirring when I gently placed a kiss on his cheek. I loved him, and I believed him when he said that we could make this work. I just hoped that Heidi wouldn't do anything else to ruin it. In the back of my mind, I kept hoping and hoping that the baby was someone else's. That she's just doing this to destroy my relationship with Parker. I couldn't wait until the baby was born for the DNA test. 

I slipped out of bed quietly as to not wake him up and headed to the bathroom. I took my phone with me to apologize to Summer for making her wait up for me when I never came. I dialed her phone and waited for her to pick up.

"Elle babe?" Her sleepy voice came through the phone. 

"I woke you up didn't I?" I asked apologetically. "Sorry, Summer."

"No, no it's fine." She said her voice a clearer whisper. "Just hold on a sec." I heard a movement and a door closing before my friend spoke again. "Okay, now I can talk. I didn't want to wake Finn up. What's up? Where have you been? I tried calling you yesterday when you didn't show up. You got me worried that some psychopath got in your way and kidnapped you." 

"Sorry," I said sheepishly once again. "It's just that..." I was about to tell her what's happened but momentarily stopped. "Parker seduced me to staying that night and you know how I can't resist that..." It was somewhat true. Not the seducing part but knowing Summer, she would believe me.

There was silence then Summer's light voice. "He must have really given you hot, raunchy sex to stay huh?"

I blushed a deep scarlet red. "Summer! This early?" 

"Hey, you're the one that called. Anyways, are you still going to be at the hotel for the wedding rehearsals?"

Oh shoot. I totally forgot about that. "Yeah, of course. What time does it start again?"

"At three in the afternoon. Listen, I gotta go get ready to pick up my parents from the airport for today. Bye Elle."

"Goodbye Summer," I said and hung up. 

After hanging up I did what I came to the bathroom for and showered afterwards. Walking out of the clothes whilst drying my hair, I overheard Parker on the phone. 

"I can't go over there right now," he hissed through the phone. 

I walked slowly, so he wouldn't hear that I was in the room. I peered at his back trying to wonder who he was talking to.

"I may not be an expert on pregnancy, but I'm pretty sure morning sicknesses are normal." A pause. "Look, Heidi. Go to a doctor if you need to, but I will not be driving to your place just for this." He hung up and muttered something under his breath. Parker turned around and saw me standing on the other side of the bed.

"Maybe you should go," I suggested without looking at him. "I know how morning sicknesses really suck."

He stared at me for a few moments and shook his head. "Heidi's just overreacting."

I nodded slowly and began to walk out of the room. I stopped when he called out my name. "Eleanor?" I turned around and cocked my head for him to continue. "Are... Are we okay?"

I shrugged. "I thought we are."

He ran a hand through his hair sighing. "You've just been on edge ever since last night. Different."

I laughed humorlessly. "Would you have wanted me to skip around the house singing damn musicals after the news I was bombarded with yesterday?" I shook my head smiling to myself. "Unbelievable."

Then I walked out of the room and headed towards the kitchen to whip myself a breakfast item. I may not be a good cook, but I do know how to make some warm, delicious oatmeal. I checked the time only to be disappointed. A few minutes has only passed by. I was excited to go to Summer's wedding rehearsal just, so I have a valid reason to step out of the house without Parker being overbearing.

I strummed my fingers against the counter top while waiting for my oatmeal to heat up. All of a sudden, a pair of hands covered my face which sent my heart into an erratic beating. I could distinguish these hands anywhere. They'd touched me in places one could only dream of. They'd done so many amazing things with these hands that could send an old woman blushing. A hand that wore a wedding ring that betrothed me to him.

"Parker," I said sighing. I removed his hands from my eyes and stared straight ahead trying not to let him know how much his touch affects me.

"You don't sound too happy," he murmured wrapping his arms from my waist and trapping me between the counter and him. He nuzzled his face in my neck, making traces with the tip of his nose all over my skin. 

I wriggled in his hold only able to get my arms rested on the counter. "I'm just tired."

He lightly kissed my neck rubbing his thumb over my belly. "I can see. You only slept for a few hours last night." I let out a soft sigh that ended up being an appreciative moan. Parker chuckled against my skin. 

I squirmed once again and was finally able to free myself from him. I didn't dare a look back to see his reaction. Turning the stove off, I placed the oatmeal in a bowl and grabbed a spoon from one of the drawers. Still not looking at him, I ventured for the breakfast nook area and sat down.

I should have known he would follow me as he sat down at the opposite seat. "I'm hurt that you didn't make me some." I could so see that he was trying hard, trying hard for things to be normal. His attempt at a playful comment received a small smile from me.

He sighed and leaned forward staring right at me even if I was focused on my food. "I'd like it if my wife stopped with her silent treatment and talk to me."

I shrugged and looked at him. "Silent treatment? I'm not giving you the silent treatment. I just don't have anything to say."

"I've been making two-way conversations with you. You know, when the person is suppose to reply back?"

"Sorry, I'm just awfully hungry." To make my point, I shoved a spoonful of oatmeal in my mouth. Which I shouldn't have because it was still hot. I made a face that I hoped wasn't giving my discomfort away. I finally had the nerve to swallow the oatmeal and smiled at Parker only to find him laughing to himself.

He sighed and stood up walking into the kitchen only to come back a few minutes later with a glass of water in his hands. He placed it in front of me, kissing the side of my head quickly. "I hope you talk to me soon. I can't go a day without hearing your beautiful voice all the time." Then he straightened and walked out leaving me to eat breakfast all by myself.

"I come Mum?" Peyton asked trailing right behind me as I walked to the front doors. I was getting ready to leave for Summer's wedding rehearsal.

I shook my head. "Sorry, sweetheart. You're already getting sick from the cold. I wouldn't want you getting sicker."

"I go too!" He yelled stubbornly sitting down on the floor starting a tantrum.

I smiled sadly and bent down to his level. "No. Peyton, you are staying here with Luke and Daddy."

"I go! I go!" He continued, his lip quivering, and eyes watering. Oh no. Please don't start with me! 

I picked him up in my arms trying to soothe him before I leave. I was already running late thanks to my nap from exhaustion. "Shh. Don't cry, Peyton. Next time, okay?"

"Here hand him to me." A new voice appeared, and there was Parker, arms out for Peyton. I smiled gratefully at him and handed Peyton over who miraculously ended his tears.

"Thanks," I said zipping up the boots. Boots that Parker gave me for Christmas, and he definitely noticed.

"Agatha was right. They do look good on you," he commented patting Peyton's back softly. 

I nodded hesitating on opening the door. "Rehearsal's over by six, but Summer and I are making plans on having dinner tonight. Don't wait up for me."

He mocked saluted. "Got it."

"Thanks for watching over the boys." I said walking over to him just to kiss Peyton one last time. "Make sure you check his temperature before he goes to bed. See if it got higher or lower."

"I'm not Charlotte. I'm their father. I know what to do."

My eyes met his before looking away. "I know. It's my motherly instincts."

Parker's head swooped down and stole a lingering kiss from me. "I love you."

I looked away and touched Peyton's head once more before turning around.

I opened the door without hesitation this time and closed it just as fast as I opened it. Wind was blowing harshly, and I was glad I put on my warmest coat. I hurried and walked to the car where Parker appointed a 24/7 driver in case I needed it. I slammed the door closed willing the cold to go away and told the driver the address of the chapel.

I sat in the backseat playing with my fingers. I found myself pondering over what's happened this past few days and shook my head clearing away any thoughts. Everything will be okay. I took a deep breath and let it out with a heavy sigh, watching the new scenery before me. 

Finally, the car came to a stop by a quaint, small church located in the countryside. There were a few people milling about outside despite the harsh weather. I told the driver I would just call when I needed him again, but most likely I wouldn't. I stepped out of the car and closed the door behind me gently. I headed towards the doors, ignoring the curious looks from the bystanders huddling in groups. 

Pushing the door open, I roamed around the room for a familiar face. Summer said Laura and her husband, Greg, would be here. They were the only friends I have beside Summer. It was a bit sad, I know. Inside, there were even more people than outside. I guessed everyone was waiting for the rehearsal to start.

"Elle!" A voice called out from behind me, and I spotted Laura waving me over all the way on the other side where there were refreshments. 

I started to relax once I saw somebody I know and made my way over to Laura and Greg. "Hey. It's good to see you guys again." I hugged her and Greg. 

"Definitely," Laura grinned hooking her arm through mine. "So how have you been? How's your husband and the kids?"

"My kids and I are doing great!" I said then in a much softer tone, added, "Parker's doing just fine."

"Has he knocked you up yet?" Greg teased but with a little bit of curiosity. Laura tuned in as well. 

I paused for a moment before answering with a tight smile. "No. Not really." He knocked up another woman though! "Where's Summer and Finn? I haven't seen them when I walked in."

"Apparently, Summer's running late. Her parents flight got delayed at another stop on the way to Heathrow," Laura answered handing me a cup of hot chocolate. I drank it greedily to warm my freezing body. "Finn's here somewhere. I guess talking to his parents to behave around Summer's relatives." She laughed. 

I smiled too and laughed genuinely, the first time I had since yesterday. "Greg, I heard about your promotion. Congratulations!" Summer told me recently about Greg's promotion as head nurse at the same hospital Finn worked at. 

He smiled proudly. "Thanks. Hard work pays off. Look at you, owning your own gallery." 

I copied his smile. "It is an amazing feeling." I looked over his shoulder and saw Finn coming out of an adjacent room. "Hey, I'll be right back. I'll talk to Finn for a bit."

I left the couple talking amongst the other guests and weaved through the people to get to Finn. He was talking with a man around our age. Finn turned around to see me before I could reach him. I lifted my hand for a wave. "Hi Finn." I greeted as soon as I reached him.

"Elle!" he hugged me and pulled back away with a smile. "I'm glad you could make it, although I did hear Summer threaten you if you didn't come, so I guess that left you no room, huh?" He grinned widely.

I shrugged. "What can you do? It's Summer we're talking about. Do you know when she's coming back?"

"I called her a few minutes ago. They're on their way." A cough interrupted my conversation with Summer's fiancee. It was the guy Finn was talking to earlier. "Ah, Elle. This is my cousin, Trent. Trent this is Elle. Summer's maid of honor and best friend."

I turned to face Trent who was already looking me up and down, and suddenly I felt grateful for the long coat covering my body. I extended my hand out. "Hi. It's nice to meet you."

Instead of shaking my hand like expected, he brought it up to his lips and kissed the back of it. What was this? The Victorian era? I smiled shyly at him and gently pulled my hand away.

"It's my pleasure to be meeting a beautiful woman such as you," he purred. His longish dark hair swept over his eyes. He was a very tall man, seeming to be a foot higher than me. 

Finn rolled his eyes. "Come on, Trent. Knock it off." To me he added,"He's just messing with you. He's not this formal. At all."

I laughed and nodded. "I deal with people like him all the time."

"Is it because of your beauty?" Trent piped up. 

"Why yes," I joked playing along with him. 

"I'm here! I'm here!" A loud, female voice boomed out throughout the entire chapel. "Sorry I'm late everyone! There was a little delay, but no worries! We can start now!"

Finn's face lit up by a hundred percent at hearing his fiancee's voice. "Ah, that should be my bride. I'll catch up with you two later." He didn't seem to acknowledge us fully, his attention solely on Summer. Their relationship was so sweet. It was easy to tell how in love the both of them are to each other. 

Everyone started to crowd around the wedding coordinator in the aisle way telling people where to go and get in places. Out of all the weddings I'd been to, Summer and Finn had the largest amount of groomsmen and bridesmaid. Ten of each, not including the maid of honor and best man. I shrugged my coat off, since I was warmed enough already. 

"Let me help you," a pair of callused hands touched my bare upper arms tugging downwards on my coat. I momentarily froze at the unexpected help and then regained the control of my body. 

"I got it, thanks anyways," I said hurrying to take the coat off and placing it over one arm. I turned around to see who it was that helped and found it to be Trent. I didn't recognize him from his voice. "Oh. Thanks Trent."

He smiled. "No problem."

I left the conversation at that and turned back around to pay attention. I caught Summer's eyes and waved. She gave me a nervous smile in which I returned a thumbs up of encouragement. Everyone was getting into places. Laura and Greg were already in line to practice walking down the aisle.

"Where's Eleanor and Trent?" The wedding planner called out. "We need the maid of honor and best man pronto!" 

I stared dumbly at Trent's back as he walked over to the woman in charge. He was Finn's best man? I recovered from my shock and hurried to follow him, saving myself from being yelled at. I stood beside him and listened intently on her orders.

"I find it better if the maid of honor and best man walk down the aisle together instead of Eleanor walking by herself, and you," she pointed at Trent, "waiting by the groom's side. You two will walk just as soon those two reach the fourth pews. Understood?"

We both nodded, and she went off to give instructions to Finn's parents. I let out a sigh of relief. That woman knew how to take in charge. 

"So, I didn't know you were the best man," I told Trent as we stood off to the side waiting for the actual rehearsal to start. 

"Well I am," he winked down at me. "Surprised?"

I shrugged. "A bit. You just seem really different from Finn. He's more serious and earnest, whereas you're a bit of a goofball. It just doesn't match."

"Finn and I grew up together. I started to live with him when I was seven years old when my mom died. My dad was never around."

"I'm sorry," I said sympathetically. 

He waved his hand. "Nah. Anyways, Finn and I are close. We have different personalities, yeah, but we understand each other."

"That's how Summer and I are," I smiled quickly reminiscing over my memories with Summer. "Except I'm more like Finn in our relationship, and Summer is you. Those two will be perfect for each other."

"They sure will," he chuckled and got in line pulling me with him when the music started. 

He hooked his arm in mind giving me a flirty look by doing so, which I ignored. We walked down slowly trying to match each other's footsteps and the beat of the song. When we reached the front, I stood beside the person standing in for the priest and watched as Summer walked down between her parents. I couldn't believe it; she was already pouring tears down her face!  

When she came up and stood next to me, handing me her fake bouquet, she hissed, "Don't laugh at me. It's the hormones."

"That's your excuse for everything," I muttered smiling at her. "Oh Summer, you look wonderful walking down the aisle."

"Thanks," she beamed wiping off her tears. "I think this went wonderfully for our first try."

"That was a bit rough!" The planner said in her loud voice from the back of the church. "Let's do it again. That's why we have rehearsals!"

Summer and I looked at each other cracking up. "She doesn't think so." I commented. "Where'd you get such an uptight planner?"

"It's Finn's mother's friend," she rolled her eyes whispering to me. "I think she hired her specifically, so I wouldn't have a say. It's like Cinderella. Except with an evil mother-in-law."

I burst out laughing always counting on my best friend to make me laugh. "Shut up and listen to the wedding coordinator."

Wedding rehearsals went on for two hours straight, only breaks here and there. We practiced with walking down the aisle for the beginning of the ceremony and walking after the ceremony. Everything went smoothly except for Summer's occasional banter with her soon-to-be in laws. I got reacquainted with Summer's parents again, only meeting them once or twice before since they lived in northern England.

Trent and I became fast friends just by walking together. I could see why Finn was so close to him. He wasn't always the jester her seemed to be. After the rehearsals I waited for Summer and Finn to wrap up, because I was having dinner with them.

"What are you still doing here?" I turned around in the middle of putting my coat on to see Trent standing by the doorway.

I nodded my head towards the couple who was having a conversation with Jill, the wedding planner. "I'm having dinner with them."

A look of realization dawned on him. "Ah. Well, I can't let you be the third wheel."

I cocked my head to the side. "You're having dinner with us?"

He nodded grinning at me. "Now I am."

"Ready Elle?" Summer asked me appearing by my side. "Trent, what are you still doing here?"

"I invited myself along to your dinner," he replied.

"As far as I know, you weren't invited," Summer pointed out.

Finn slapped him on the back. "I thought you couldn't wait until you could get away from