We Are In Love In NYC

Goodbye, NYC

June 23, 2029

Layla meant every word when she said yes; her love for Jordan was so deep that it felt perfectly natural for them to be getting married exactly one week after meeting, surrounded by their closest friends who had become family.

"Girl, I'd be saying I'm shocked, but I guess this is what happens when you've been pining after someone for years," Patience teased as she helped Layla adjust her dress. 

She vividly remembered the excitement during their phone call when Layla shared the news. Last-minute dress shopping had been a whirlwind, but miraculously, they found the perfect one – an ivory satin halter dress adorned with pearls cascading down the back. The shop owner mentioned that a bride had initially reserved it but changed her mind for something more traditional. Layla thought it was perfect, especially paired with the veil Hailey had tossed to her before escaping in the taxi.

Liv chose a black floral dress with soft pastels and intricate patterns that lent a touch of whimsy to her ensemble, mirroring her free-spirited nature. On the other hand, Patience exuded a vibrant energy in a stunning red short gown. The dress embraced her curves with flair, and the bold hue added an extra layer of confidence to her demeanour with the cut and style of the gown being both playful and elegant.

"The boys and Coop are ready. Are you ready for this? I didn't know Coop was ordained," Liv said.

"Coop got ordained when our friend Marcus wanted an intimate and very private, lowkey wedding," Patience explained, emphasizing the lowkey nature with a circular motion. "So, since then, she hasn't wedded anyone until now. I hope it's still valid, though."

Layla and Liv's alarmed expressions made Patience burst into laughter. "You should've seen your faces. I'm just kidding; you will have a very valid and legal shotgun wedding." Patience tapped Layla on the shoulder, and she heaved a loud sigh of relief.

"Remember, if you change your mind, there will be no hard feelings. I mean, it's just me, Patience, Coop, Spencer, and the girls from Harmonica," Liv said.

"Relax, I'm not changing my mind. I know what I'm doing," Layla reassured them. "Besides, you both have been tossing around worst-case scenarios, and I'm still not moved. That's a sign that I'm in this. I know it's crazy, but I trust my heart, and it led me to Jordan."

"Okay, because, wow, you're doing this. I can't believe my twin brother and my best friend, who is also my roommate, are having a shotgun wedding on the rooftop of our apartment."

"I guess I am," Layla said, smiling.

"Okay, let's do this."

**********************************************************************

Jordan fidgeted with his tie, nerves jangling as he waited for Layla to make her entrance. Just a few hours ago, he was uncertain about their future, hopeful that they could rediscover their connection and maybe start afresh as friends. Sensing a penetrating stare, he turned to find Spencer giving him a seemingly scrutinizing look.

They were donned in impeccably tailored black tuxedos that perfectly complemented their athletic frames. The sleek lines and sharp cuts accentuated their stature, giving an air of sophistication and classic charm. The black fabric draped them with an effortless grace, creating a striking contrast against their crisp white shirts and meticulously chosen ties.

"I know what you're thinking. I don't know what I'm doing," Jordan admitted.

"Nope, well, to a certain degree. But I'm inspired by you," Spencer remarked.

"Inspired? How?" Jordan inquired.

"You've made some bold moves since we arrived in New York. You signed with the Rams, you're moving back home, and now you're getting married to Layla. For years, you just sat still and went with the flow. But now, you saw an opportunity to take charge of your life, and you took it. I'm proud of you, bro," Spencer acknowledged.