Isabel The Beauty Next Door Pt 10

Hello all, and welcome to the last instalment of our look into James Stokes's life, through meeting Isabel, and their first years together. It's taken me a little over four years to get to this point. So many things have happened in the last four years. The world is a different place from the one that we lived in 2020. I started writing because of the lockdown and boredom, although I had been toying around with the idea for a while.

Once again, I would like to thank Peter and Jeff for their time in sorting out my mess. We all give our time for free so you can be entertained.

If you follow my other stories, please keep an eye on my bio. It should be updated whenever something happens and will give you a little insight into my progress on all my active projects and some that are in the planning stage.

As always, and following Literotica's rules, all people in sexual relationships are over the age of 18 years of age.

Remember this is a work of fiction and sometimes doesn't follow what would happen in reality.

Enough of the serious stuff. Here for your pleasure one last time:- Isabel, the beauty next door.

******

Sam taps her glass with a spoon to get everyone's attention. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Jay." Sam momentarily smiles at her joke. "The father of the bride," she announces.

Harry stands and takes a large drink of whatever he's got. "Ladies and Gentlemen. Firstly, I would like to thank you all for coming," he begins and then pauses. "I honestly thought I would not see the day that I would be standing up giving a speech as father of the bride. Before we moved to Devon, Isabel was a motivated career woman and had her mind on only one thing. Circumstances changed, and we were forced to sell up and move to a place we had only visited a couple of times on holiday. To say Isabel wasn't happy would be the biggest understatement of the century."

"You can say that again," someone shouts to a burst of laughter.

"Our first day here changed her. When we arrived, Heather Stokes, Bradly, and Sarah welcomed us. The moving lorry hadn't arrived, so they opened up their home. Bradly tried his best to get Isabel's attention, but by lunch, she had locked herself in her room."

"You left that out of your story, Bradly," Megan says to more laughter.

"After lunch, we had another offer of help, this time from James. By this time, most of the furniture was in place, other than Isabel's, which was stuck on the driveway. To this day, I don't know what he said, but ten minutes later, he had her down, helping him take everything up, and then he spent the afternoon patiently arranging and rearranging her room. I have to admit that it was the first time in quite a while that I had heard my little girl laugh. I remember commenting that I had almost forgotten what her laughter sounded like." Harry takes another drink. "It took James ten minutes to capture her heart, and as they say, the rest is history. Heather once told Isabel that if we had a choice in who she should date, we would have chosen James. He is one of these rare people who is honest without being rude and confident without coming across as arrogant. I stand in front of you today not only as a proud father but also as a proud father-in-law. Friends, Romans, Countrymen. I toast the bride and groom."

"The bride and groom," everyone repeats.

Sam stands again. "Ladies, Gentlemen. The Groom......ummmm," she looks at her notes. "Jay."

I pause and look up at my smiling best friend. As I stand, I shake my head and take a drink of water. "Thank you, Sam," I begin. "Harry, to answer your question, it was 'Hey.'" Isabel nods to her father as a ripple of laughter runs around the room as people realise what I meant. "Today seems to have been a long day coming. I had Isabel's engagement ring in my pocket for what seemed an eternity. There never seemed to be the perfect moment to pop that question. Then my great friend Mac turned to me at Exeter airport before we boarded a helicopter and asked, almost quoting Beyoncé, 'When ya gonna to put a ring on it.' I knew the moment he said it that the right moment was fast approaching. I should have been shaking, but because it felt so right, I was calm and contented. Isabel and I have been together a long time, but even from that first day, we seemed to know where our relationship was heading. Not many people know this, but the first time we met wasn't when the Richards moved next door, but years before when they had their first holiday down here. It was Sam who first talked to a very shy Isabel about helping her with a sandcastle she was building, but it was me who comforted her when the tide came in and destroyed our two hours of work. That was the only time we were together, but it was a moment I feel that shaped our future. We didn't know until a while later when Heather, my mother-in-law, found a picture of us proudly standing by our sandcastle, but both Isabel and I feel it was the reason we felt so at ease with each other. That first summer turned from the worst with Sam moving away to the best because I found love, or did she find me?

As for my wife? Christ, where do I start? They say that beauty is only skin deep, but with Isabel, it goes right through her. She is what makes my heartbeat and the reason I draw breath. To explain how much I love her is physically impossible, but from what people say, I show it in my actions." People nod in agreement. "All I can say is that she's perfect for me." I pick my glass up. "I would like you all to stand and toast my beautiful wife, Isabel."

Everyone stands, "Isabel."

"Now, I will apologise for rabbiting on, but there are some people I would like to thank. First of all, I would like to thank my best mate Sam for being my best person and for organising what you see before you today." I start clapping, and everyone joins in. "Next, Mac and Emma, you have the privilege of coming the furthest and giving me a lift home at the same time." Mac nods and smiles. "Mum and Dad, I think we've come to an understanding recently, but over the years, I have had the best upbringing a child could ask for. If you've seen my room in North Devon, you would have seen what my father helped me create. That gave me the incentive to pursue what I do today, so I thank you for making me what I am. Finally, Heather and Harry. Do I need to say what I am thankful for? They created Isabel, but they also supported our relationship and treated me like a son-in-law from the beginning. So one last time, I would like to toast Sam, Mum and Dad, and Mum and Dad," I say. I raise my glass and nod to all five. Sitting down, I blow out the biggest breath.

Sam stands again and taps her glass to get everyone's attention. When there is silence, Sam looks at me and then at her notes. She takes a sip of water and then a deep breath. "You know, I have written a speech that is filled with jokes and stories of Jay and me growing up, but if I am honest, I want to start with James Stokes, the person. There was never a time that I can remember when Jay wasn't in my life. Many people thought it would be me sitting in that seat, and if I am honest, yes, I love this man enough to have married him if I wasn't the way I am. Jay, being Jay, has supported me and understood me when many didn't. He helped me accept who Sam Squires is and has come through for me on so many occasions." Sam places her hand on her stomach. "The day he met Isabel changed not only his life but mine as well. Isabel is much like Jay in many ways, and we have become close friends since the first time we met on Skype. Much like Jay, Isabel isn't one to get on the wrong side of. The first time we met on Skype, she stormed up Jay's stairs, demanding to know about me. She had been misinformed that I was his girlfriend. Isn't that right, Bradly?" Bradly's face shows his embarrassment. A couple of people laugh at his discomfort.

Megan nudges him, "Bradly," she says, causing more laughter.

"By the time I had to go, Isabel was sitting on Jay's lap, and I knew this girl was for him. The first time I met Isabel was when I came out to the world. I had met my now-wife, Hannah, and it was time. Again, Jay was there to help me through." Sam takes another drink of water. "Everyone here knows what happened in Charleston, but not very many saw the aftermath. Even less will experience the feelings that Jay and I shared. I have mentioned my love, and many people who know us can see what we mean to each other. Isabel, very early on, accepted and understood, but for those whose eyes are closed or don't know. My love for Jay is equal to but different from my love for my wife. It is as unconditional as my mother's but deeper. He has given me the gift of motherhood and today involved me in Isabel and his wedding ceremony as Hannah and I involved them. The bond between Isabel, Hannah, Jay and I is such that our children will be brought up with three mothers and one father. The bond between us is stronger than ever, and I have never been happier.

We have had our moments, though. From the time we got caught stealing apples from Sensei to the moment his trousers got pulled down in front of the girl he had a crush on in school. You may remember that one, Bethany." There was a gasp from somewhere and then 'Yeah,' before a ripple of laughter. "To when we were torn apart when I moved away. This man and, more recently, Isabel have stood by me and supported me. Jay has defended me on more than one occasion when someone couldn't take no for an answer.

One thing I would like to tell you, Jay, is that I am proud- proud to be your friend and proud of the man you have become. Isabel, again, I am proud to call you my friend, proud of our relationship, and before I sit down, proud to be standing here in front of everyone, being your best person. Congratulations, and for everyone to stand to toast the bride and groom."

"The bride and groom," everyone stands and speaks. There's a lot of chatter as I turn to Isabel and see a tear escaping her eye. I put my arm around her, and we kiss to a cheer from our friends.

I turn back to Sam and put my arm around her. "That was unexpectedly beautiful."

Sam buries herself in me and says, "I love you both so much." Then I feel Isabel wrap her arms around us both, followed by Hannah.

"Get a room," someone shouts.

"Already have one," Sam shouts back to laughter. Sam then gathers herself and stands. "I have to tell the kitchen we are ready." She disappears and returns, followed by the waiting staff. "Ladies and gentlemen," Sam calls to no avail. "GUYS," she finally shouts. The room goes quiet. "Dinner will be served in due course, but if you want to order some drinks, these wonderful people will go table to table. Be patient. You will get seen." The staff are quick, get the entire room ordered, and leave within ten minutes. Then, the marquee behind ours is opened, and more staff start bringing the preordered dinner out. I haven't got the foggiest what I've got because Sam or Isabel ordered mine.

Two glasses of cider get put down in front of me, and I look at Sam with a smile. She knows me so well. The dinner goes off without a hitch, and the tables are cleared. Once dinner is done, we all retire to the hotel while the two marquees are reconfigured for the evening's entertainment.

More people have arrived, and we are making our way back to the Marquee. I notice a piano in the corner and look at Mac, but he's giving nothing away. Sam has organised a great three-piece band and a DJ for our entertainment. Mac was more than happy to play for us, but he is here as our guest and good friend. Isabel and I stand at the entrance, greeting people as they arrive. The hotel has put the sides back on and put heaters in place to keep the place warm. The day was unseasonably warm, but now the sun has gone, the temperature has dropped.

It's time for Isabel and me to perform the first dance. The band stand waiting as we take to the floor to a generous round of applause. We stand there and looked into each other's eyes lovingly as we waited for our chosen song to start.

Suddenly, all the lights in the marque go out, and Isabel pulls me in tighter. "What's happening?" she asks.

"Nor sure, looks like a power cut," I reply.

Then I hear the first notes of Emma being played on the piano. Then, the unmistakable voice of Miley Cyrus starts to sing. I hear Isabel gasp, "no, it can't be," she says. Then the lights come back, illuminating the two people holding each other, slowly swaying to the music, and the two artists responsible for one of the most beautiful records ever created. There's a sudden movement in the dark as the guests suddenly realise what is happening and move to get a better vantage point, and then the phone lights come on, giving an out-of-this-world effect.

I pull back and look lovingly into Isabel's eyes. "Shit, we have Miley Cyrus and Mac singing Emma to us at our wedding," I say more to make it real than to make a statement. She smiles at me, and we move in to kiss as Mac's voice starts the second verse. "I love you, Mrs Stokes," I say.

"I love you, Mr Stokes," Isabel replies. Emma appears next to us with Isabel's father. Then, we seem to be surrounded and swallowed in the throng.

As Mac plays the last note, all our friends and family clap and cheer. There are shouts of 'more' as the dancefloor clears, leaving Isabel and me alone.

"Isabel, Jay, I couldn't be in England and let this day pass without helpin my friend, Mac," Miley says. "Plus, I sort of owe you with those relaxation exercises." Miley walks over and hugs me, followed by Isabel.

"It's good to see you again," I say. "Are you staying?"

"You bet your sweet little tush on it. Besides, Mac is my lift home." We walk off to the side, and Harry walks up. I noticed Mac was still sitting at the piano.

"Are you doing another song?" I ask Miley.

"Not unless we do something later," she answers. The lights above Mac go out, and Harry escorts Isabel to the centre of the dancefloor. I move over to my mother and escort her to the middle of the floor.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," Mac says. "The Father of the Bride, Harry Richards, and our Bride, Isabel, also your groom, James, with his mother, Heather Stokes." There's a round of applause as Mac starts to play his guitar. This time, he begins to play a song that's still in the charts. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to introduce Adele."

Isabel and I automatically lock eyes, and the unmistakable tone of Adele's voice comes out over the sound system. We start to move as Adele's voice floats out and penetrates our very souls. I smile at my mother's look of disbelief at such a surreal moment.

Again, the dance floor fills, and the room is lit with phones making a record of the moment. I lean across when we move close. "Make that Miley Cyrus and Adele," I say. Isabel just shakes her in disbelief.

The song seems to be over way too fast, and again, everyone claps enthusiastically as I escort my mother back to her chair. Isabel is straight over, and we make our way up to the stage.

"James, Isabel," Mac says. "Surprise?" We both laugh. "Guys, let me introduce you to Adele. Adele, this is my good friend and the man who saved my life, James Stokes, or Jay, and his wife, Isabel."

"Bloody ell, it's an honour to meet the man who saved Mac," Adele says. "Now, come here for some sugar and a proper welcome."

I frown at Isabel, a little taken aback and not knowing how to react when a pair of arms wrap themselves around me. I return Adele's hug the best I can. All our friends and family were keeping a respectful distance as Adele released her bear hug. "Now you're a beauty, nice one, Jay," Adele said, pulling Isabel into her arms. Isabel's eyebrows raised in shock but relaxes as she accepts the greeting and returns it.

"Are you heading to The States with Mac tomorrow?" I ask Adele when she releases Isabel.

"Yes, we have a couple of performances to do," she says.

"I hope you are staying the night," Isabel says.

"Yes, we have rooms in the hotel, so if it's okay with you, I would like to stay."

"You're always welcome. Mac's friends are our friends," Isabel says. "And if you have any problems with this lot, just let Sam know," she adds.

"Sam, I've got to meet Sam; she seems such a scream on the phone."

"I'm here," Sam says more shyly than I have ever seen her.

"Come here, girl, and stop hiding. Since Mac told me about you and since we talked, I told myself that you are one girl I need to meet." Sam has gone bright red, and she's rooted to the spot. Adele doesn't wait. She covers the three or four paces to her and wraps those arms around Sam. Sam is so dazed at someone she's idolised for years.

I walk over to Miley Cyrus, who is next to Emma, watching what's going on. "Hey, Miley, that goes for you." Miley smiles, then points toward Sam.

Sam turns to our friends and family. She calls out, "Guys." Then she shouts, "Guys," Getting everyone's attention. "I know you are all very grounded, and I don't think I need to say this, but please treat our guests like one of the family. I'm sure if you choose your moment right, you can get a selfie with either Miley, Adele, or Mac, and they will be happy to help. We will be getting a photo done soon with everyone in, so don't stray too far."

I see Bradly hovering. I laugh to myself at his desperation. "Miley, I would like to introduce my twin brother Bradly and his beautiful fiancée, Megan."

"Hey, little lady, who's a cutie? I saw you play against Manchester United when I was in London, Bradly. Did you know that Mac owns an American football team?"

"Uh uh...."

"Yes, Miley," Megan says, cutting in to save her Fiancé. "He googled Mac before we left, and there was a picture of him with you and your pa at a game."

"That's right. My pa wanted to go but couldn't get any last-minute tickets. Mac was visiting and made a call. Olivia is a great woman."

"Olivia?" Megan asks me.

"Mac's right-hand person, she's incredible," I say.

"Do I detect a little o-man crush, Sugar?" Miley says, bumping me with her hip.

"Not a crush. Mutual admiration would be closer."

"Jay, before we leave tomorrow, will you have time to do some more relaxation techniques?"

"Sure, if we get time."

I clap my hands together, walk up to the stage and grab a mic. "Excuse me, everyone. It's time for one last thing before the band starts up. Mum, do you have that envelope I gave you?" My mother nods and gets it out of her oversized handbag. Now, Mum, can you confirm I gave you this envelope on my arrival on Thursday?" My mother nods and hands me the envelope. "Isabel, my love, can you read this for me?"

Isabel walks up, takes the envelope and opens it. She reads it and bursts into laughter. "Right, I will read this as it's written. I, James Stoke, declare myself of sound mind, declare that I predict Sam will do the following on my wedding day." Isabel stops and looks around for dramatic effect. She sees Sam looking with her mouth open. "First, she will tell me when we are waiting for Isabel that Isabel's had second thoughts. Second, she will tell me at some point that it's not too late to run. Third, Sam will sing 'Here comes the bride, all fat and wide.'" Isabel gasps, "SAM!" she shouts.

"Thanks, Jay," Sam says. I smile triumphantly.

"Fourth, and most obviously, she will pretend to have forgotten the rings. Fifth, she will cough when the vicar asks if anyone here present knows a lawful reason for us to marry. Six, during her speech, she will refer to everyone and Jay. Finally, when all is said and done, she will show me just how much I mean to her. Sam is a handful, but she loves nobody like she loves me. And Sam, thank you for being you. I love you, too... Oh, Jimmy. That is so beautiful." Isabel says as her eyes fill up.

The band starts up, and we joined Sam, Mac, Emma, Hannah, Miley, and Adele at a table. My family must have gotten too used to Mac being around because we were left pretty much alone. Once in a while, someone would come up and ask, and the guys just happily had their photo taken. Isabel and I are continually asked to dance, and we are having the best night of our lives.