I couldn’t stop the tears now.
As we exchanged rings, a heaviness settled in my chest—a quiet, aching hope for a miracle I prayed for every night.Please… just give us more time.
The priest smiled warmly.“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Cole’s lips met mine, and a heartbeat later, the world disappeared again.
It was just us.
The reception unfoldedin the backyard, transformed into something magical.
Will and the restaurant staff moved efficiently, clearing the ceremony chairs and setting up for dinner. A long table dressed in white satin, adorned with fresh flowers, candles, and fairy lights, created a glow that felt almost dreamlike.
A small band played softly in the corner, and a photographer moved quietly, capturing every fleeting moment.
Then the music changed.
A singer in a red dress began to singHow Long Will I Love You?byEllieGoulding.
I looked into Cole’s brilliant blue eyes as we swayed together for our first dance as husband and wife.
I wanted to remember everything.
The scent of his cologne.
The feel of his hair beneath my fingers.
The warmth of his breath against my lips.
The way his arms held me beneath the stars.
Every second.
Every heartbeat.
Because I knew…
Every moment mattered now.
48
COLE
Our wedding night was something I would carry with me for whatever time I had left.
Standing behind Jiya, my fingers trembled slightly as I began unbuttoning her wedding dress, each delicate clasp giving way under my touch. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Even now, after everything we had been through, after all the moments that had led us here, she still took my breath away.
She was now my wife.
My wife.
The weight of that brought equal parts joy and agony.
When I finally turned her toward me, I paused for a second, just looking at her, memorizing every detail.
I closed my eyes as I pulled her closer, pressing myself into her, grounding myself in her warmth. I moved gently, slowly, letting myself forget everything else for just a little while.
Because I knew.
