HEART BEAT

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

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**Chapter 15**

As the sun set and the sky turned a deep shade of purple, the garden was lit by twinkling fairy lights, creating a magical atmosphere that seemed to perfectly encapsulate the day. The sounds of laughter and soft music filled the air as the small group of family and friends gathered around, basking in the warmth of the evening and the love that radiated from Kira and Alex.

Kira felt as if she were floating, her heart so full of happiness that it was almost overwhelming. She glanced over at Alex, who was deep in conversation with his father, the two of them laughing about something that she couldn’t quite hear. The sight of him, so relaxed and content, filled her with a deep sense of peace. They had done it. They were married, and the day had been everything she had dreamed of and more.

As the evening wore on, the guests began to trickle away, each one offering their congratulations and best wishes before heading out into the cool night. Kira and Alex stood by the entrance to the garden, bidding farewell to each person with hugs and smiles, their hearts warmed by the love and support of those closest to them.

When the last guest had gone, leaving the garden quiet and still, Kira turned to Alex, a soft smile playing on her lips. “It’s just us now.”

Alex nodded, his eyes shining with a mixture of love and contentment. “Just us.”

They stood there for a moment, simply taking in the stillness of the night, the way the garden seemed to glow under the soft light of the fairy lights. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day, and Kira felt as if she could stay in this moment forever, wrapped in the warmth of Alex’s embrace.

But there was still one last thing they needed to do.

“Ready to go?” Alex asked, his voice gentle as he took Kira’s hand in his.

Kira nodded, feeling a flutter of excitement in her chest. “Ready.”

They made their way back to the small cottage where they had planned to spend their first night as husband and wife. It was a short walk through the garden, the path lined with flowers that swayed gently in the evening breeze. The cottage was quaint and charming, with ivy climbing up the walls and a small porch that looked out over the garden. It was the perfect place to begin their new life together, a place that felt like it was just for them.

When they reached the porch, Alex turned to Kira, a mischievous smile on his face. “Wait here.”

Kira raised an eyebrow, curious, but she stayed where she was as Alex disappeared inside the cottage. A few moments later, he reemerged, carrying a small bundle wrapped in a blanket. Kira’s curiosity turned to confusion as she tried to make out what he was holding.

“What’s that?” she asked, tilting her head to get a better look.

Alex grinned, his eyes twinkling with excitement. “You’ll see.”

He carefully unwrapped the bundle, revealing a small, sleepy kitten with soft, gray fur and big, round eyes. The kitten blinked up at Kira, letting out a tiny meow as it stretched and yawned.

Kira gasped, her heart melting at the sight of the little creature. “Alex! Where did you—how did you—?”

“I found her a few days ago,” Alex explained, his voice full of affection as he gently scratched the kitten behind the ears. “She was wandering around near the hospital, all alone. I’ve been taking care of her, waiting for the right moment to introduce her to you.”

Kira’s eyes filled with tears as she reached out to gently stroke the kitten’s soft fur. “She’s perfect. Oh, Alex, this is the best wedding gift ever.”