“Wake up, mate! Today is the big day!”
A muffled groan came from beneath the pillow, a blue pair of eyes peeked out from under the covers, blinking slowly at his blonde friend that was staring right back at him.
“What time is it?” he asked, groggily, sitting up in the bed and rubbing his sleepy eyes.
“Bout 8:30.” Niall replied, opening the window curtains as sunlight streamed through the glass. “Liam is making breakfast and Zayn went to grab coffee.” he added, chucking a clean shirt towards his half naked friend. “We have to be at the venue by 11. Liam said we’re getting ready once we’re at the venue. Especially so Harry can’t dawdle around in his room, and we’ll actually be on time for once.”
Niall walked out of the room, heading down the hallway to go wake Harry, who could be heard snoring through the neighboring wall. Louis threw the shirt over his body and swung his legs over the side of the bed, standing up slowly. He couldn’t believe this day was finally here.

After waiting for a little over a year for today. It took his fiancée and her friends longer than he expected to plan the wedding. The only details he contributed to were the flavor of cake and where they would be getting married. Issaka picked the rest. Louis insisted she pick everything and have her dream wedding. His eyes moved over toward the bedside table, staring at the framed picture of the two of them together. It was one of their engagement photos, taken the previous autumn. Louis studied Issaka’s smile, the way her eyes lit up when she was truly happy, and how her red curls cascaded perfectly down her shoulders. He was ready to spend the rest of his life with this woman.
And yet…change can always be scary. After their honeymoon, him and his soon to be wife would be moving into their own home. He’d no longer be roommates with the four boys who had become his brothers. And after their final goodbye world tour next spring, One Direction would be no longer be making music.  He had been a part of One Direction for the past six years of his life, and soon he would no longer have that.
“Oi! Louis! Get the hell out here!” yelled Zayn, who was clearly back with their coffee orders. Louis quickly shook off the thoughts and strolled into the kitchen, the aroma of bacon thick in the air. Liam was at the stove, plating some scrambled eggs and sliding it down to Harry. “Well good morning, groom.” Liam said with a grin, grabbing another plate. Zayn handed him his coffee. Lou gave him a nod of appreciation, taking a sip. “Good morning everyone.” He said, taking a seat in the empty breakfast bar stool next to his curly headed best friend, who was scarffing down food. “Are you nervous?” Zayn pondered, grabbing an apple from the fridge. He shrugged. He didn’t really wanna explain everything he was thinking. “A good nervous, you know?” Liam slid a plate of eggs, toast and bacon his way. Louis took a mouthful of toast, hoping he would not have to say anymore. Zayn simply nodded.
“Demi wouldn’t shut up about it last night. It was all ‘OH, what should I wear? I don’t know what I should wear. What would be considered appropriate for a wedding?’” Niall complained, rolling his eyes. Harry smirked, clearly enjoying how irritated his friend was getting with Demi,whom he did not get along well with. Liam quickly changed the topic. “So, how much trouble do you think the paparazzi will be today?” he asked, taking a gulp of Starbucks. “None.” Louis replied with a grin. They all turned to look at him, eyebrows raised. “It was Issaka’s idea. She contacted the London press offices and told them if they leave us alone today, tomorrow before we leave for the Bahamas we’d stage a wedding photoshoot. They all agreed.” he explained proudly. “Besides, I’m sure people will be tweeting photos all day anyways, so they can always use that too.”
“What would you do if I sold a shot of you two dancing to the Sun?” Harry questioned with a cheeky grin. “Ever better – Sugarscape! Imagine the headline – ‘Louis Tomlinson still trying to prove he’s not a flaming homosexual.’”
Zayn and Niall doubled over with laughter. Lou shook his head, trying not to smile. “Alright guys, finish up, get backed then we have to roll out.” Liam shouted over Niall’s loud laugh.
“For once in our lives, we should be on time for something.”

Of course, they weren’t on time. They arrived at the hotel where the reception would take place and where they were getting ready 15 minutes later. Luckily the ceremony was going to be across the street at the park under the gazebo that overlooked a beautiful pond. Louis’ mother rushed in the room as soon as they had put their bags on the floor. Her hair was in curlers and she adorned a black silk robe. “Thank god you boys are here. You need to hurry up!” she said, frantically. “Mum, calm down. We’re men. We don’t take long to get ready.” Louis replied, resting a hand on her shoulder. “You go worry about getting ready yourself. I promise all of us will be out there by 1.” His mother smiled, giving her son a kiss on the cheek, tears already starting to well up in her eyes. She left the room, closing the door behind her.
“Well Zayn, you heard Lou. Better start getting pretty right now.” Niall said with a smirk. Zayn flipped him the finger, jokingly sashaying into the bathroom like a model. Liam chuckled. “Funny how some things never change after all these years.”
Flashbacks flooded Louis’ thoughts like a movie reel. Getting signed to a record deal. Releasing their first single. Shooting their first music video. Their first album going to number one on the charts. The Up All Night tour. Releasing their second album. Winning a Grammy. Performing for the Queen of England. Their 3D movie being released. The first world tour. Meeting Issaka at one of the tour stops in Chicago, Illinois. Releasing their third album. Hosting the BRIT awards. Taking Issaka to the LA Launch party of their clothing line and realizing he was in love with her. A million more memories flooded his head, all running together. Harry broke his train of thought. “Hey. You better get ready, Lou Bear.” He said, calling him by the nickname he gave to his best friend. Louis changed into his tux and stood in front of the mirror, fumbling with his tie. He just couldn’t concentrate on anything. He was so scared of not knowing what lies ahead. He couldn’t imagine not constantly being on the go. What would he do with himself after the world tour? Sure, it would be nice to have a break after so many exhausting shows…but that break would last forever. Harry had appeared behind him, putting his hand on Louis’ shoulder, looking at their reflections in the mirror. Louis smiled. “I’m so happy for you, mate. Even though you won’t be living with us anymore, I hope you know the door is always open for both you and Issaka.”
He had to fight back tears welling up as he turned around to hug Harry. Without even knowing it, he had settled his racing thoughts. As the two pulled away from the hug, Harry fixed his tie. “Your bride awaits, Mr. Tomlinson.”

Louis stood next to the preist, smiling big as the recessional music began to play. He looked over at his mum, who was seated right beside Issaka’s mother, both hugging each other and crying already. Liam was walking down the aisle, escorting one of Issaka’s bridesmaids, her friend Danni, who looked absolutely smitten to be on Liam’s arm. They parted once they got to Louis, Liam taking his spot next to the groom and Danni standing across from Louis where Issaka would eventually stand. Zayn and another bridesmaid were next to follow, an eager teenage girl almost falling out of her seat to snap a picture of Zayn with her phone. Liam and Louis chuckled as an older woman sitting next to her swatted her with the wedding program, giving her a stern look. Zayn and the bridesmaid both took their places as Niall and a blonde girl who could possibly be his sister took their turn walking. Louis spotted Niall’s mother sitting by the rest of the One Direction mummies, beaming at her son before snapping a picture. Lou’s best man Harry and Issaka’s maid of honor, her sister followed down the aisle. The twins Daisy and Phoebe followed once Harry and the maid of honor were in their spots, sprinkling deep purple flower petals everywhere as they walked. The music changed and everyone stood up facing the aisle way to catch a glimpse of the bride. Issaka came into view on her father’s arm as the two slowly walked towards Louis and the rest of the wedding party. Issaka locked eyes with her husband to be and his stomach did flips. She was so breathtakingly beautiful. Her curls were pulled back off her softly freckled face into delicate bun, her eyes sparkling as she grinned widely, holding her bouquet close to her. The dress fit her like a glove, accentuating her curves in all the right places. Louis could not take his eyes off of her as her father handed his daughter to her fiancée. Louis took her hands, staring into her eyes. “Issaka…you look so amazing.” She blushed, staring back at him. “I always feel beautiful when I’m with you.” Issaka replied.
He looked out onto his family and friends sitting in the audience. Then he turned to his four brothers standing beside him, where they’ve always been. Finally, he turned back to Issaka. He may have no clue what the road ahead will be like, but as long as he had all his loved ones and most importantly, his wife, he wasn’t worried about what the future held.
Louis knew he would make it through just fine.

2 notes: