I’ve literally never been this happy. I couldn’t believe we got engaged yesterday. It probably would’ve been more romantic if I were the one asking the question, but I knew it was important for her to really want it. To say it out loud.
The bedroom door creaked open just as I finished adjusting my cufflinks. My breath caught in my throat as Hazel stepped into the room in a gown of lavender and gold, cascading gracefully down her legs. The hem at the back trailed slightly longer, the silken fabric hugged her figure flawlessly, accentuating every curve, her bare shoulders glowing in the soft light. She was breathtaking.
I pressed a hand over my chest, trying to ground myself in front of the overwhelming grace in front of me. My lips parted in a silentwow, because speech had suddenly left the building. She smiled, just a little, leaving a rose-tinted color on her cheeks, and I swear the room tilted.
And she was mine.
“Alex, I’ll see you at the wedding.” I hung up the phone and crossed the room in slow steps, never faltering in my gaze. She turned, giving me the full view, the fabric of her dress catching the light as she spun. I pulled her into my arms just as she made a full circle.
“Gorgeous,” I said, my lips brushing against her knuckles.
“Thank you. You look very handsome yourself.”
My thumb followed the curve of her jaw, following the signals her body couldn’t hide. A faint shiver ran through her, and I couldn’t help but marvel at how effortlessly beautiful she was.
“How long would it take you to put this dress on once more?” I asked, my voice low as I let my fingers lightly graze the strap on her shoulder, brushing it aside with deliberate slowness.
“Once more?” she asked, confused. I leaned in and kissed the base of her neck while her arms tightened around my biceps for support, and she smiled in realization. “Too long, unfortunately.But I promise I’ll allow you to do it after the reception,” she said in a low husky voice. My blood ran to all the wrong places, and I tugged at her curly locks, providing me with more access to her parted lips. Our mouths met for a second, and I let her go.
Hazel arranged my bow tie, looking at me all lovingly. I stared back, wondering how on Earth I got this lucky. I grazed the smooth skin on her arm and noticed her hand was missing something.
“Yes, about that,” Hazel said, her tone apologetic. “Do you mind if I... if just for tonight I wear my ring here?” She pulled out a small chain on her neck, secretly hidden under the fabric. “I just don’t want to upstage Mady. You know, I don’t want to be one of those people who declare marriage and pregnancy at other people’s weddings,” she chuckled.
I froze, my eyes widening in shock. Pregnant? Is she...?
“Oh no, no, no. NO. I’m not pregnant, just an example.”
I wouldn’t hate it if she were. I just didn’t want to share her yet. As childish as that sounded.
I wanted to create a life with her. Travel the world. Smoke some weed together and make her come on an abandoned beach somewhere in Europe while her senses are all heightened. But... I’d also like the sleepless nights, weird food cravings in the middle of the night.
Pancake Sundays!
“Is it the samenoas yesterday?” I teased, pulling her closer in my arms.
“No,” she giggled, “but I’ll wear it if you really want me to.”
I pressed my forehead to hers and let out a slow breath, her presence enough to steady me.
Hazel’s way of moving through the world changed my heart in a way, too. Her will to live life fully was bigger than the loss she’d experienced, and through her, I began to see more clearly.
“No, it’s okay,” I said, gently swaying her. “It’s their big day. I understand.” My palms landed on both of her cheeks, and I put a light kiss on her lips.
“But later tonight...” I whispered into her ear, letting my breath linger against her skin.
“It’s a date,” Hazel murmured, as I leaned in again, helpless to resist.
Her eyes said she was only mine anyway.
* * *
The reception was in full swing. People were tipsy, relaxed, drifting between tables and the dance floor, lost in the kind of joy that only happens at weddings.
The ceremony earlier had been beautiful, but truthfully, I only half-registered the vows or the flowers or the officiant’s words. Most of the time, my eyes were on Hazel. She was glowing. Not in that cliché way people describe bridesmaids, but in a very real, very distracting kind of way, moving with a quiet grace.
She was nervous at first, triple-checking the seating cards and fluffing Mady’s dress until it was practically floating. But once the ceremony started and the music swelled, Hazel softened. She took her place beside her best friend, shoulders lowered, lips curled into a genuine, relaxed smile.
And it hit me like a wave—soon, it’ll be her at that altar.
