Is this destiny?

As much as everyone was eager to move along with the rehearsal, Julia and Heather wanted everything to be perfect. That caused Jeff to stand next to Mr. Price at the makeshift altar for more than ten minutes while watching Jasper and Ellie with their arms linked standing at the opposite end of the imaginary red carpet without moving. Two wedding planners were going several times over every little detail related to pacing, size of steps, straightening the back, head position, etc.

Because Ellie and Jasper were in a position to start walking, all the commotion with wedding planners was happening behind them and neither of them felt the need to turn around and listen to endless rant of two wedding planners.

After few minutes of standing, Ellie exhaled and started shifting her weight from one leg to another.

Jasper didn\'t miss that his walking-partner is restless. "You seem to be eager to eat the cake…", his deep voice almost startled her.

They met, but they didn\'t really talk much, and she didn\'t expect him to start talking, not to her at least.

Ellie looked up at Jasper, her sight brushed over the dimple of his chin, his full lips which were slightly curved into a smile, his straight and narrow nose bridge until she met his icy-blue eyes partially obstructed by few unruly strands of his blonde hair. Intensity of his eyes made Ellie hold her breath. It took her a second to respond: "I\'m not a cake person."

"Are you hungry, or thirsty? Or you need to use the restroom?"

Ellie was not sure from where that barrage of questions is coming. And why is he leaning closer to her with every word? She cleared her throat while her discomfort increased. "No. None of that."

Jasper lifted his eyebrows questionably. "Is it me? You don\'t like being near me?" His eyes flashed toward their linked arms for a moment before returning to her light brown eyes which grew slightly wider in surprise.

Ellie was unable to look away and she definitely didn\'t expect him to say that. His serious expression and insecure question didn\'t match with the feeling she has that he is… flirting with her. But even if she thinks that he is exceedingly handsome, all the signals he is sending are too confusing, and there is no way she will fall into his trap. Only playboys hit on girls like this, as soon as they meet. And she will not become a pray of one such person. After all, she is not born yesterday.

Ellie smiled. "Why do you think it has anything to do with you? I just don\'t like being idle."

Jasper was surprised by her answer. And he noticed that her full rosy lips make an amazing smile. But did she just brush him off by insinuating that she is not interested in him? He found it impossible that a woman can just brush him off.

He smirked confidently. "I can help you not to be idle."

"How can…", Ellie\'s question was cut short when his arm moved under hers, landed on her back, pulling her closer and she ended up almost sticking to him.

"What are you doing?", Ellie whispered with urgency while her eyes darted over his face. She was not able to figure out what is on his mind.

"We can dance. Then you will not be idle.", Jasper explained in a low voice while seducing smile enhanced his handsomeness several folds.

"There is no music… And this is not the place for dancing!" She squirmed out of his hold and took a step back.

"OK. Everyone into position!", Heather said from behind them. "You two, back in position. Closer, closer…" Heather pushed them to move closer to each other. "Arms… Yes, like that."

Ellie took a deep breath and ignored Jasper\'s amused expression. She wanted to finish this walk toward the altar as soon as possible, and then she can take her place to the right and be few steps away from this outrageous man. At that time, her only wish was that her expression does not show how flustered she is.

After this small delay, the rest of the ceremony rehearsal went smoothly.

They all reached altar as expected, lined up as explained, and JoAnna and Edward went last.

Jeff was standing at the altar and his eyes didn\'t leave JoAnna\'s. They know that it\'s just a rehearsal, but it\'s still too exciting. Both of them had silly grins on their faces while their thoughts matched: in two days

.

Sarah and Sophia were overwhelmed when they saw how happy JoAnna is. Two of them held hands and struggled to keep their tears from falling. It was impossible not to see how much JoAnna loves Jeff. And his loving gaze matched hers.

Edward placed JoAnna\'s hand in Jeff\'s and he stepped away.

JoAnna and Jeff both said that they don\'t want to practice their vows at this time, but they did \'kiss the bride\' part few times before everyone dispersed toward their designated seating for dinner.

As much as it seemed like forever for many people present, the rehearsal for the ceremony including the explanations from Mr. Price didn\'t last more than half an hour.

Jeff and JoAnna allowed Julia and Heather to organize this event for practice and also as an intimate gathering with friends and family. Wedding will be more… formal, because they need to maintain the image of a power couple who is becoming new leadership of the White family. But here, now, they can relax and enjoy.

Grandparents from both sides refused to attend this rehearsal, saying that it\'s too troublesome. They assured Jeff and JoAnna that they will not miss the real wedding.

Jeff and JoAnna were surrounded by their parents, siblings and closest friends. And the whole atmosphere was reflecting that.

Now that the ceremony rehearsal was done, they can start with the fun part.

Julia and Heather almost lost it when they realized that people present are not sitting at their pre-assigned spots.

But the food was on track and served swiftly. JoAnna is proud that staff of her resort is so reliable.

Just as appetizers and salads were served, Sarah and Aiden got a message that their presence is needed from the guards at the main entrance.

"I will take this." Sarah told Aiden.

But the time he swallowed food in his mouth, Sarah was on her feet and walking out. He didn\'t have a chance to say anything and if he just prevented her from going, she will definitely get suspicious.

Sarah saw that Stella is throwing glances her way, and she wants to reduce chances that Stella has to approach her, as much as possible. If Aiden leaves her alone, that is a chance for Stella to approach.

Seeing that Sarah walked out, panic washed over Aiden as he asked hurriedly who is trying to get in. A second later he relaxed… it\'s Jeff\'s pursuer. If it\'s someone after him, there is no way that he would let Sarah go and handle the situation. Aiden does not think that any of his headache-inducing individuals will appear and pose any threat before the wedding day, but one can\'t be too careful.

He looked at the delectable appetizers in front of him and pushed his plate away.. All this stress is making him lose his appetite.