CHAPTER FIFTEEN
1541 Words
KIERAN
The morning sun crept through the tall windows of the suite where I stood, unexpectedly shaking with nerves. My usual confident smirk was nowhere to be found.
I never thought I’d be nervous on my wedding day. Yet here I am, heart pounding so loud I’m sure the entire suite can hear it.
Ethan, my best man, leans over, smirking, clapping his hands on my shoulder.
“Relax, man. You look like you just saw a ghost. You'll be okay, don't overthink it”
Michael laughed, pouring bourbon into their glasses. “First wedding jitters. It’s absolutely normal. Just breathe Kieran”
Eric, ever the sarcastic one, raised his glass. “To Kieran — may your balls stay as strong as your vows. Also…” he smirks
“Here’s to hoping you don’t faint at the altar.” He teases, and we laugh.
I swallow hard, trying to find my usual swagger. But the truth is, I’m scared — scared of getting it wrong, scared of losing control in front of everyone, scared of how much I want Rochelle right now.
ROCHELLE
I’m a trembling mess. My breaths come too fast, my chest tight as if someone’s squeezing it with invisible hands. My breaths come in quick, shallow bursts. My fingers tremble as I adjust my veil. I was a whirlwind of nerves, barely holding myself together.
The mirror reflected a bride I barely recognized — nervous, fragile, hopeful.
“Hey…you okay?” Josephine and Abigail ask as they walk in dressed to the nines as my bridal party.
I nod, not trusting the voice that might come out if I speak.
Should I even be doing this? I always promised myself I'd marry for love, but was what Kieran and I had love? Would this fragile relationship built on a contracted friendship weather the storms that married life brings?
“Pumpkin, look at me.” Becky’s voice cuts through my panic like a warm flame,her presence calm and steady as a lighthouse.
She steps closer, wrapping me in a hug so tight I can feel the steady thump of her heartbeat.
“You are going to be radiant today. And Kieran? He’s just as scared. You’re both about to make the best choice of your lives.”
I nod, taking deep breaths, letting Becky’s warmth soothe my frazzled nerves.
“Look at me,” she whispers. “You are going to walk down that aisle and own it. Kieran is waiting for you. And he’s just as nervous as you.” She says, and I nod, swallowing a lump in my throat. Her calm is contagious. I steady my breathing, feeling grounded enough to step forward.
“It's time” Josephine smiles, and I nod as I walk to the big doors as the wedding procession of ‘Here comes the bride’ starts.
THE WEDDING
The chapel glows with soft candlelight, delicate flowers, and the hush of held breath. I see Kieran — sharp in his tailored suit, emerald eyes fixed on me like I’m the only person in the room.
I start taking slow steps after Josephine, Abigail, and Hannah, the flower girl. I smile at Kieran, and I swear I see his eyes water.
Maybe our marriage won't be so bad after all.
When Kieran and I exchanged vows, our voices trembled, thick with emotion.
Our vows aren’t just words. They’re promises soaked in vulnerability and raw truth.
“I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride” the priest finally says.
When he pulls me close, his voice is low and rough, I forget the crowd, the pressure.
“You look absolutely stunning in that dress.” He whispers in my ear, sending shivers down my spine
The kiss that sealed our union sent a ripple of applause through the gathered guests, their smiles wide and tears shining in their eyes
as our lips intertwine in a deep, slow consuming kiss, sending electricity through my body.
It’s not just a seal on our vows; it’s like an explosion of everything we’ve held back.
And for a moment, the world looks like it shrinks down to just us.
THE RECEPTION
“May I have this dance?” His sultry voice whispers against my neck as I hum, and we take to the dance floor, swaying to the music, comfortable to be in each other’s arms.
The applause swells as we take our first dance, bodies moving in perfect harmony, heat pulsing between us. For a moment, the world shrinks down to just us.
The ceremony was everything anyone could have hoped for — soft music, whispered promises, and glances filled with unspoken love. The reception sparkled with laughter and clinking glasses. Everyone’s faces glowed, and mine flushed with joy and relief.
Immediately after dancing with Kieran, I was swept onto the dance floor by Theodore De La Vega himself. His hand was steady on my waist as he smiled warmly.
“You’re stunning, Rochelle. You’ve brought new light to this family.”
I smiled,my heart warming feeling the weight of his words. “Thank you, Uncle Theodore. It means the world, coming from you.”I smiled as he surprisingly hugged me.
He nodded, his eyes softening. “Kieran is lucky. But so are you.”
We danced to a slow melody, and I felt a rare sense of peace settle over me.
Next, Ethan took my hand, pulling me into a livelier beat.
“You’re officially one of us now,” he joked, spinning me lightly.
“Honestly I still can't believe it” I chuckle softly as he dips me.
“Better believe it, Mrs De La Vega” he smiles and places a kiss on my cheek.
I laugh, breathless. “Feels more real than ever.”
“Keep him in check,” Ethan teased, his eyes twinkling. “We’re counting on you to keep the family sane.”He winked.
I rolled my eyes playfully. “With how crazy you all are….I’ll try.”
Then Michael stepped in,surprisingly. His expression was serious but kind.
“Rochelle, you’re strong. Don’t ever forget that. This family will lean on you, and you’ll lean on them.” He smiled as we waltzed.
I knew he wasn't a man of many words. But when he spoke, it was always really true and encouraging.
I nodded, touched by his sincerity. “I want to be worthy of this.” I whispered, my nerves all over the place again.
He pulled me flush against his chest, and I mentally scolded myself why I blushed.
The entire De La Vega family are like people out of a sexy magazine.
Control yourself. You're a married woman!
“You already are,” he assured me before spinning again, laughter mixing with the music.
He smiled as he released me and walked away, my heart warm from all the kind gestures and words.
KIERAN
Finally…I inwardly sighed. Those wolves let her go.
I smirked as I stalked up to her.
“Nuh-uh…not so fast Kieran” a voice pulled me back - Becky.
“Ugh…” I groaned, staring longingly at Rochelle as Josephine dragged her away, and Becky dragged me to the dance floor.
“First of all, I'd like to personally thank you for the treatment. It seems to be working well.” She smiled as we waltzed.
“I'm glad. Today wouldn't have been perfect without your presence” I smiled at her.
She looked up at me, eyes bright with a mixture of pride and warning.
“Take good care of her, Kieran. She’s a treasure.” She said, her tone serious but happy.
I smiled softly, squeezing her hand.
“I promise, Becky. I’ll guard her with everything I have.”
She nodded, a satisfied smile on her lips as we danced slowly.
Once we finished, I scanned the room for Rochelle, about to walk over before I was just interrupted by Abigail.
“Dance with me!” She giggled, pulling me to the dance floor.
“You all realise I want my wife, right?” I raised an eyebrow as I reluctantly went to the dance floor.
“Oh please….you have the rest of your lives to be all lovey dovey and f**k yourselves senseless” she snorted as I dipped her, giving her a playful glare, her confident gaze unwavering.
“You’ve caught a good one, Kieran. Don’t let her go.” She smiled, her eyes feisty and warning.
I chuckled, feeling the truth in her words. “I won’t. She’s everything to me.”
Her smile deepened. “Then keep her close. I know what it's like to lose epic love” she mumbled, kissed my cheek and walked to mingle.
■■■
“I'm all packed” Rochelle mumbled, now changed into a simple jogger and tank as she walked downstairs.
“Ok love. The flight leaves in an hour.” I mumbled as we entered a Bentley that drove us to the airport
“where are we going….just tell me” she whined and groaned, excitement evident in her voice.
“It's a surprise Ginger,” I chuckled, squeezing her thigh.
This felt nice….this…this felt good…this felt absolutely right.
- Writer
