Chapter 18: A Love Worth Waiting For.

Chapter Eighteen : A Love Worth Waiting For

Wedding preparations were in full swing for Celine and Nathan. The air buzzed with excitement and hope as the couple entered the final phase of their journey toward forever. Every passing day brought them closer to a new beginning, one built on understanding, second chances, and a love forged in healing.

The first thing on their long checklist was the wedding attire. Together, hand in hand, they visited one of the finest bridal houses in the city. Celine had dreamt of this day for years — but never imagined it would come like this, not with Nathan. And yet, standing beside him, laughing softly as he tried on three different suits, she felt at peace. He looked dashing in a navy blue tuxedo that matched his calm and dependable nature. The tailor praised his build, and Celine teasingly whispered, "My fine doctor," earning a playful wink in return.

When it was her turn to try on dresses, Nathan sat quietly and watched, his eyes glued to her every movement. As she stepped out in a flowing white gown with delicate lace around the bodice, his breath caught. "You're stunning," he said simply, his voice laced with awe. Celine blushed. It wasn't just the compliment — it was the sincerity in his eyes, the kind she had longed to see in someone's gaze. The fitting room became their private little moment of magic.

Back at Nathan's apartment, which would soon be their home, Celine got busy. She had always had a good eye for detail and décor. With Nathan's permission — and a little playful teasing about how plain men could be — she began redecorating the place. The walls were repainted in soft tones, with hints of pastel blues and creamy whites. She added indoor plants, family photo frames, scented candles, and cozy throws. Nathan watched it all with amusement and admiration.

"You've made this place feel like a home," he said one evening, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind as she placed fresh flowers in a vase. "It was already a house, but now… it's alive."

They spent many evenings talking — sometimes deeply, sometimes lightheartedly. They discussed their future like children planning the perfect dream. How many kids should they have? Nathan thought two was perfect, a boy and a girl. Celine smiled and argued for three — two boys and a girl. They debated names, parenting styles, and even bedtime story routines. Nathan promised to do diaper duties at night since his job had trained him to function with little sleep. Celine laughed, calling him a "super dad in training."

Their parents were equally involved and thrilled. Both families had witnessed their children suffer heartbreak in the past. Seeing them happy again — especially together — was a gift. Plans for an elaborate wedding were set in motion. Celine's parents insisted on a traditional ceremony to honor their roots, followed by a lavish white wedding in a grand hall. Nathan's parents readily agreed and added their own flair to the celebration. Invitations were printed on glossy gold-accented cards, with hundreds of guests expected. No expense was spared. It wasn't just a wedding — it was a celebration of restoration.

Meanwhile, Celine's friends had formed a "bridal team" group chat that buzzed all day with ideas for her bridal shower. They were planning a surprise, though Celine had already guessed it. She would often catch them whispering or changing topics when she walked into a room. Her best friend, Anita, was in charge and promised it would be a night to remember. There were talks of matching robes, scented candles, games, and even a surprise video montage of Celine's journey — from heartbreak to happiness.

Nathan's friends were equally busy planning his bachelor's eve. It was set to be a classy, relaxed evening — no wild antics, just good food, music, drinks, and brotherly toasts. His best man, Dr. Felix, joked that it would be Nathan's last night of freedom, to which Nathan replied with a grin, "I've been free all along, but I've only now found peace."

As the days went by, emotions ran deep. One evening, sitting on the balcony with soft music playing in the background, Celine rested her head on Nathan's chest.

"Sometimes I still wonder if this is real," she said softly. "After all I've been through…"

Nathan kissed the top of her head. "It's real, Celine. I'm real. And this — us — it's not a mistake or a rebound. It's a blessing, a second chance God wrapped in grace."

Tears welled in her eyes. Not of sadness, but of gratitude. She had once given her heart to someone who couldn't cherish it. But now, she had found someone who not only held her heart gently but made sure it healed.

With every invitation sent, every flower ordered, every rehearsal meeting attended, their love story grew deeper. It was no longer just about the wedding — it was about the journey that brought them here. A journey filled with trials, heartbreak, hope, and healing.

And as the sun set on the final week before the wedding, Celine and Nathan stood in the middle of their now-cozy living room, dancing slowly to no music, just the rhythm of their hearts. In that quiet moment, they both knew — they were ready. For the vows, the rings, the "I do's," and everything beyond.