Only the best for my wife

As the ceremony settled into a joyful hum, Bella found a quiet moment with Lucas. The soft glow of lights bathed the venue in a golden warmth, and laughter echoed as their guests mingled.

She turned to him, her fingers lightly gripping his sleeve. "You told me it was an indoor venue," she accused, though her voice held no real anger—just wonder. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Lucas smirked, tilting his head slightly as he admired her. "Because it was meant to be a surprise," he said, brushing a stray curl behind her ear. "I wanted to see that exact expression on your face."

Bella shook her head with a soft chuckle. "You really do enjoy surprising me, don't you?"

"It's becoming one of my favorite things," he admitted. "Besides, I wanted our wedding to be perfect for you."

Her heart swelled at his words. The venue was breathtaking, but more than that, the thought that he had done this just for her made her chest tighten with an unfamiliar warmth.

Before she could respond, she felt a gentle touch on her arm. Turning, she found Gabrielle smiling at her with glistening eyes.

"My Bella," Gabrielle whispered, pulling her into a soft embrace. "I wish your parents were here to see this. But I know, wherever they are, they're proud of you. Just like I am."

Bella swallowed past the lump in her throat, the words striking deep. "Aunt Gabrielle…"

Gabrielle gently cupped her face. "You deserve happiness, sweetheart. And I can see you've found it." Her gaze flickered toward Lucas for a brief moment before returning to Bella. "Hold onto it."

Bella nodded, unable to speak as she blinked back tears. Lucas, having observed their conversation from a short distance, silently reached for her hand, squeezing it reassuringly.

Just then, Rachel came running up to them, her dress fluttering. "Mommy! Mr. Handsome!" she beamed. "When do we eat cake?"

Lucas laughed, scooping her up effortlessly. "Patience, little one," he teased. "First, we have to get through the rest of the traditions."

Rachel pouted slightly but then grinned. "Okay! But promise I get the first bite!"

Bella watched the two of them, a smile tugging at her lips. Lucas's ability to blend seamlessly into her world, to not just love Rachel but treat her as his own, filled her with something she wasn't ready to name.

The evening continued with heartfelt conversations, laughter, and stolen glances between the newlyweds.

As the sky darkened, a breathtaking display of fireworks lit up the night, reflecting in Bella's wide eyes.

Lucas leaned down, his breath warm against her ear. "Surprise," he whispered.

Bella turned to him, eyes shimmering. "You planned this too?"

He smirked. "Of course. Only the best for my wife."

Bella's breath hitched at the word. Wife. It felt surreal, yet perfect.

For a moment, they stood in comfortable silence, watching the bursts of color paint the sky. Then, just as another firework exploded above them, Lucas spoke again, his voice softer this time. "I've never seen you being so before. If I knew you love them, I would have set them every night."

Bella turned her head slightly, meeting his gaze. There was something in his eyes—something deep and unreadable, as if he was realizing something he couldn't put into words yet.

She didn't respond, only let the warmth of the moment wrap around her. The unspoken emotions between them lingered, heavy but not uncomfortable.

And as the fireworks continued to illuminate the sky, she realized that maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of something even more beautiful than she had ever imagined.