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In this moment, nothing else matters. Not the doubts that have plagued me, not the fears that have held me back. All that exists is Marissa and the love we share, the promise of a future together that stretches out before us like an endless horizon.
As we finally break apart, both of us breathing heavily, I rest my forehead against hers. "I love you," I whisper, my voice rough with emotion. "I love you more than anything in this world."
Marissa smiles up at me, her eyes shining with happiness. "I love you too, Bryce. Forever and always."
We stand there, wrapped in each other's arms, surrounded by the soft glow of the park and the gentle music of Mozart. I feel grateful for this moment, for this woman who has captured my heart in ways I never thought possible.
Suddenly, I notice movement out of the corner of my eye. We turn to see our family and friends emerging from the shadows, their faces filled with joy and excitement.
"Congratulations!" they chorus, their voices ringing out in the night air as they surround us with hugs and well wishes.
With Marissa's hand in mine, surrounded by the love and support of our loved ones, I know that this is just the beginning of our happily ever after. And as we stand together in the soft glow of the park, I can't help but feel grateful for the love that has brought us to this moment and hopeful for the future that lies ahead.
Chapter 29
Marissa
As I slip into my wedding dress, a flurry of emotions swirls within me. The satin fabric glides over my skin, the delicate lace detail adding a touch of elegance to the gown.
Today is the day we celebrate my love for Bryce in front of our family and friends, the day we share our heartfelt vows in a beautiful ceremony.
Though we exchanged our legal vows in a simple courthouse ceremony, this grand wedding feels like the true beginning of our happily ever after. The reality of it all is finally sinking in—the love we share, the journey we've been on, and the future we're building together.
Cindy and Hailey stand beside me, their faces filled with awe as they take in the sight of me in my bridal attire. "Marissa, youlook absolutely stunning," Cindy gushes, her eyes shining with admiration. "Bryce is going to be speechless when he sees you."
My cheeks turn a dark shade of red at her words, a wave of warmth spreading through me at the thought of Bryce's reaction. "Thanks, Cindy," I say, my voice filled with gratitude. "I just hope I don't trip and fall on my face walking down the aisle."
Hailey chuckles, her laughter filling the room with a sense of lightness. "Oh, please," she says teasingly, "you're going to be the most graceful bride ever. And besides, Bryce will be too busy staring at you to notice anything else."
I roll my eyes playfully at her comment, though I can't deny the flutter of excitement in my stomach at the thought of Bryce's adoring gaze. "I guess we'll see," I say with a grin, trying to hide my nerves.
As we continue to get ready, the conversation turns to more lighthearted topics, and I'm grateful for the distraction. We talk about everything from the weather to our favorite memories of our friend group.
It's moments like these that remind me of the bond we share, the friendship and camaraderie that has carried us through the ups and downs of life.
As Cindy and Hailey help me into my veil, I take a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach. "Are you ready?" Cindy asks, her voice filled with excitement.
I nod, my heart pounding as I prepare to take that first step down the aisle. "As ready as I'll ever be," I say with a smile, trying to muster up the courage to face the unknown.
“I couldn't be happier that you're the one marrying my brother because you've got a good heart. There's no perfect match for him than you. You compliment Bryce so well, and my brother has got a good heart, even though he's rough around the edges. I'm certain that he's going to be the best husband ever. You deserve only the best.”
I'm emotional by the time Cindy is done, but I keep my tears in check so that I don’t ruin the makeup.
“Thank you,” I manage to choke out, and she smiles lovingly at me.
And as I stand there with my closest friends, ready to start this new adventure, I savor the love and support that are all around me.
The soft glow of candlelight fills the church, casting a warm and intimate atmosphere over the ceremony. The sound of classical music fills the air, adding to the sense of elegance and grandeur.
Bryce's eyes crinkle at the corners, his lips spreading into a grin. The tailored lines of his black suit accentuate his tall, lean frame. His jet-black hair is neatly combed off his forehead, highlighting his chiseled features.
As he turns to smile at me, his deep brown eyes seem to sparkle under the glow of the candlelight. I feel my heart skip a beat. He looks so handsome and elegant, like he just stepped out of a fashion magazine. I can't believe this gorgeous man standing before me is about to become my husband.
As the ceremony begins, emotion rises within me, a mixture of bliss and apprehension as I prepare to exchange vows with the man I love. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart as I listen to the officiant speak.
Bryce reaches out to take my hand, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. I squeeze his hand tightly, drawing strength from his presence as we exchange vows. His words are filled with sincerity and love, each one a promise of commitment and devotion that fills my heart with joy.
As we exchange rings, sealing our vows with a kiss, it's almost as if I'm about to burst with happiness.