HEART BEAT

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

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**Chapter 14**

They drifted off to sleep, comforted by each other’s presence and the certainty of the life they were about to embark on together. The days leading up to their wedding passed in a blur of final preparations, laughter, and the quiet moments that marked the deepening of their bond. The morning of their wedding dawned bright and clear, the sky a perfect, cloudless blue, as if nature itself had conspired to bless their union.

Kira woke early, her heart pounding with anticipation. She lay in bed for a few moments, savoring the quiet of the morning, the way the sunlight filtered through the curtains and bathed the room in a soft, golden light. Today was the day. The day she would marry the man who had been her best friend, her confidant, her rock.

The reality of it all settled over her like a warm blanket, bringing with it a wave of emotions—excitement, love, a touch of nervousness. But beneath it all was a deep sense of peace, a knowing that this was the right path for them both.

Kira slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Alex, who was still asleep beside her. Today, they had decided to spend the morning apart, each preparing in their own way before reuniting for the ceremony. Kira smiled as she watched him sleep, his face relaxed and peaceful. Even in sleep, there was a calm about him that soothed her soul, a steadiness that she knew she could rely on no matter what.

She dressed quickly and quietly, gathering her things before heading to the guest room, where her wedding dress hung, waiting for her. The house was still, a sense of anticipation hanging in the air. As she entered the guest room, she was met by her closest friends and family—her mother, her sister, and her best friend, all of whom had flown in for the occasion.

“Kira!” her sister, Leila, exclaimed, rushing over to give her a hug. “I can’t believe today is finally here!”

Kira laughed, the sound light and full of joy. “I know, it feels surreal.”

Her mother, a petite woman with the same dark hair and warm brown eyes as Kira, smiled at her daughter, tears already gathering in her eyes. “You look beautiful, Kira. Your father would be so proud.”

Kira’s heart squeezed at the mention of her father, who had passed away a few years ago. She had always imagined him walking her down the aisle, but she knew he was with her in spirit, watching over her on this special day.

“Thanks, Mom,” Kira said softly, reaching out to squeeze her mother’s hand. “I wish he could be here.”

“He is,” her mother replied, her voice full of quiet certainty. “He’s here with us, and he’s smiling down on you.”

Kira nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. There was so much love in the room, so much support, and it filled her with a sense of gratitude that she couldn’t quite put into words.

“Let’s get you ready,” her best friend, Sophie, said with a grin, holding up a makeup brush. “We’ve got a wedding to get to!”

The morning passed in a flurry of activity. Kira’s friends and family helped her into her dress, a simple yet elegant gown that flowed gracefully around her as she moved. The lace details and the soft ivory color complemented her perfectly, and as she looked at herself in the mirror, Kira felt a wave of emotion wash over her.

This was it. This was the day she had dreamed of, and now it was real.

As they finished the final touches—pinning her hair, applying the last bit of makeup—Kira felt a sense of calm settle over her. She was ready. More than ready. The nerves that had been fluttering in her stomach all morning seemed to fade, replaced by a deep, abiding love for the man she was about to marry.