Screen Runner

FIVE: HEARTWARMING

Ten years before the Belatore Bombing Incident; Patrick's Wedding

Ariana stood before Patrick Wyler, her amber eyes sparkling as she gazed into his. Patrick's face lit up, a wide smile spreading across it.

"Wow, you're absolutely gorgeous, Ariana," he said, admiring her cascading blonde hair and the rosary around her neck. The bracelet on her wrist, engraved with "together forever," caught the light.

"You look good too, stud," Ariana replied, her eyes twinkling as she took in his fancy red suit with golden designs, black stripes, and neatly tailored pants. His red hair matched his green eyes, and his scruffy facial hair added a seasoned detective look. "I'm marrying the world's greatest detective."

"You humble me so well, Ariana," Patrick said, nodding. "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

The pastor approached them, his smile calming. "Hello, Mr. Wyler and Miss Rhodes. Are you ready to exchange vows, or should we hold the ceremony later this evening?"

"I'm ready to marry him, Pastor Richards," Ariana said, her smile wide. "I've never been more ready in my life."

Pastor Richards pointed to the altar. "Your pew is ready to watch you tie the knot. First, we bring in the husband, Patrick. Then we cue the music for Ariana to walk down the aisle with her father, Nicholas Rhodes. Is this correct?"

"Yes, that's correct, sir," Patrick confirmed, nodding.

"Okay then, get in there, and we'll begin the ceremony."

As Patrick took his place at the altar, a wave of anticipation washed over him. His heart raced, not from nerves, but from an overwhelming sense of joy. He glanced back at the guests filling the pews—friends, family, and colleagues—all gathered to witness this momentous occasion. Each face reflected a different facet of his life, a tapestry woven from shared laughter, late-night investigations, and mutual support.

The soft strains of a violin began to fill the air, and whispers of excitement rippled through the crowd. Patrick strained his neck, trying to catch a glimpse of Ariana as she prepared to walk down the aisle. The music swelled, and his breath caught in his throat when he finally saw her.

Ariana, radiant in her elegant wedding gown, glided toward him, her father by her side. The dress, a delicate lace creation, clung perfectly to her figure and cascaded into a flowing train that seemed to shimmer with each step. Her amber eyes sparkled with happiness, and as she approached, Patrick felt as if the world had narrowed down to just the two of them.

Nicholas Rhodes, a strong man with a kind demeanor, gave Patrick an approving nod as he handed over his daughter. "Take care of her, Patrick," he said, his voice steady and filled with warmth. Patrick nodded earnestly, feeling the weight of the responsibility and love that came with it.

As Ariana stood beside him, their hands intertwined, and the pastor began the ceremony. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Patrick and Ariana in holy matrimony. Love is a beautiful journey, and it is a bond that transcends all challenges."

As Pastor Richards spoke, Patrick couldn't help but think of the adventures they had shared—the late-night stakeouts, the laughter over takeout, and the moments when they comforted each other after a tough case. Each memory strengthened the foundation of their love, making this day not just a ceremony but a celebration of everything they had built together.

"Do you, Patrick, take Ariana to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, until death do you part?" the pastor asked, his voice resonating with solemnity.