THEIR FIRST NIGHT

As the car pulled into the driveway, the house stood quiet, lit softly with golden porch lights. The moment Daniel and Velma stepped out, the front door opened gently.

Mrs. Williams stood waiting, her hands clasped in front of her, a warm smile already stretching across her face. A woman in her early fifties, she carried herself with grace and warmth—like a second mother to Daniel and, now, to Velma too.

"There you are," she said, her voice low and affectionate. "Welcome home, Mr. and Mrs. Daniels."

Daniel stepped forward first and gave her a hug. "Thank you for everything," he said, then turned slightly. "You've met Velma already, but not like this."

Mrs. Williams' eyes softened as she took Velma's hands. "It's an honor to welcome you into this home, my dear. May your days here be filled with peace and joy."

Velma smiled. "Thank you. I'm happy to be here."

Mrs. Williams stepped aside to let them in. The air smelled of vanilla candles and freshly cut flowers. Everything inside was clean, calm, and softly lit, just as Daniel had wanted it.

"I've left a light dinner in case you're hungry," Mrs. Williams said, taking Daniel's jacket. "But if not, I'll see you both in the morning."

With that, she slipped quietly away, giving them the privacy that tonight required.

Velma stepped out of her heels, relieved to feel the cool floor under her feet. "She's really sweet."

"She's family," Daniel said. "She's looked after me for years."

Velma looked up at him, eyes soft. "I can see why you trust her."

Daniel reached for her hand. "Come upstairs."

They moved together, steps slow and quiet as if savoring the stillness. The master bedroom was dimly lit with bedside lamps and a row of candles along the window. Velma paused at the threshold, taking it in: soft ivory sheets, a turned-down bed, and music playing low in the background—a slow jazz instrumental humming like a heartbeat.

Daniel watched her from behind, loving the quiet way she observed everything.

"You really did all this?" she asked.

He came close behind her, hands resting lightly on her waist. "I wanted you to remember tonight for the rest of your life."

She turned to face him, her eyes searching his. "I already will."

He kissed her—soft and slow, unhurried. Her lips welcomed him, their movements in sync, familiar yet brand new. The air between them warmed as he deepened the kiss, pulling her gently closer.

Velma's fingers reached behind her neck to unclasp the first of the tiny buttons on her gown. She turned around, lifting her hair. "Help me?"

Daniel stepped forward and, with careful hands, began undoing each small button, one after another. Her skin revealed itself slowly, smooth and warm beneath his fingertips. The gown slipped off her shoulders, falling into a soft puddle at her feet.

He stepped back slightly to look at her, breath caught for a second.

"You're beautiful," he murmured, his voice low.

She smiled, cheeks flushed. "Your turn."

Velma walked over to him and began unbuttoning his shirt, sliding her hands beneath the fabric and across his chest as it fell open. She leaned in, kissing along his collarbone, her fingers tracing the curve of his back. He closed his eyes, feeling every touch like it was the first.

Once they were both out of their clothes, they stood facing each other in the golden candlelight. There was no rush—only curiosity, affection, and deep connection.

Daniel reached for her hand again and led her to the bed. They settled onto the sheets, the world narrowing down to just the two of them.

His hands moved gently across her body, learning every curve with reverence. Her breath caught as his fingers traced her side, and she met his gaze, eyes full of trust. She pulled him down toward her, their bodies fitting together like they were made for this moment.

Velma gasped softly as he kissed the inside of her wrist, then her shoulder, then lower. She ran her fingers through his hair, guiding him with nothing but touch. His hands cupped her waist, anchoring her as they moved together in a rhythm neither had to think about.

They whispered each other's names, not out of formality, but as a way of grounding the intimacy in something real.

The air grew warmer, the candlelight dancing over skin and sheets. Their bodies met again and again, slow and certain. It wasn't just physical—it was emotional, spiritual. A beginning. A bond sealed not only with vows but with vulnerability.

When they finally lay still, their breaths slowing and heartbeats steadying, Velma curled into Daniel's side. He wrapped his arm around her and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

"I still can't believe today actually happened," she whispered.

"It did," he said, softly brushing his thumb along her shoulder. "You're here. We're here."

She shifted slightly to face him. "You've been calm all day. Not nervous at all?"

Daniel smiled. "I wasn't nervous about marrying you. I was only nervous about making sure you felt loved every moment."

She looked into his eyes, heart full. "I've never felt more loved in my life."

Outside, the rain had started—a gentle tapping on the windows, steady and rhythmic. Daniel pulled the duvet over them and pressed another kiss to her forehead.

"Get some sleep," he said. "We have forever ahead of us."

Velma nestled closer, fingers resting lightly on his chest. "Then let's enjoy every minute."

Their room fell into a quiet lull, with only the soft music and the sound of rain left to fill the silence. In that stillness, surrounded by warmth and candlelight, the first night of their forever slipped gently slipped into memories.