They’re too simple for something this big.
I sayI dowhen I’m supposed to, like the words belong to someone else.
Julian says his like it’s a statement, not a vow.
Then there’s paper.
A marriage license.
My hands are shaking again as I sign it.
And then...just like that...
I am someone’s wife.
No music.
No witnesses that feel safe.
No kiss.
Just ink.
Julian reaches into his pocket and pulls out a velvet ring box.
My breath catches as it opens.
A band and an engagement ring.
And then I realize... Julian is already wearing a wedding band.
The sight of it does something confusing to my heart.
Like he prepared for this.
Like he’s been living in this future while I’ve been trying not to drown in the present.
He takes my hand.
His fingers are warm and steady.
He slides the band on first and then the ring.
He’s so close now that the world narrows to the scent of him and the warmth of his breath and the electric awareness between us.
For one heartbeat, I think...
He’s going to kiss me.
His gaze drops to my mouth.
His hand still holds mine.
And then something shifts in his expression.
His jaw ticks, and he steps back.
His absence is colder than his presence ever was.
