Breaking Free

25.

The days following their romantic dinner were a whirlwind of excitement for Kierra and Tasha. They'd been on cloud nine since their engagement, and it seemed like everyone around them was just as thrilled about their future together.

Kierra found herself spending more time on the phone with her mom, Karen, who was eager to start planning the wedding. "I'm telling you, Kierra, you need to pick a date sooner rather than later," Karen said one afternoon while Kierra sat on the couch, Tasha's head resting on her lap.

"We're still trying to figure out the details," Kierra replied, absentmindedly running her fingers through Tasha's hair. "It's only been a few weeks. We don't want to rush anything."

"You don't have to rush, but you should at least think about the time of year. Spring weddings are lovely, but summer might be easier with everyone's schedules."

Kierra sighed softly, knowing her mom had a point. "We'll talk about it, Mama. I promise."

After hanging up, Kierra looked down at Tasha, who had been listening to the conversation. "What do you think? Should we start figuring out when we want to do this?"

Tasha sat up, stretching a bit. "I think it's a good idea to start thinking about it. Maybe we can start with what kind of wedding we want. Big or small, indoor or outdoor?"

Kierra smiled, leaning in to kiss Tasha's forehead. "As long as I'm marrying you, it doesn't matter where it is. But I do love the idea of something intimate, just close family and friends."

"Same here. Something simple but beautiful," Tasha agreed. "Maybe we should sit down and make a list of what's important to both of us."

The next few days were spent doing just that. Kierra and Tasha talked about their dream wedding, discussing everything from venues to colors to guest lists. It was a mix of excitement and occasional disagreements, but they both loved every moment of it.

One evening, they decided to visit a local venue they had heard great things about. The venue was located on the outskirts of town, surrounded by beautiful gardens and a serene lake. As they walked through the grounds, hand in hand, Kierra could already picture their wedding day.

"This place is gorgeous," Kierra said, her eyes wide as she took in the scenery. "I can imagine us standing by the lake, saying our vows."

Tasha nodded, a smile playing on her lips. "It's definitely a contender. We should check out a few more places before we decide, but this one's high on my list."

After their venue visit, Kierra and Tasha headed home, where they spent the evening discussing their day over a glass of wine. As the night went on, their conversation drifted from wedding planning to their future together.

"I can't believe we're really doing this," Kierra said softly, looking at Tasha with love in her eyes. "I've dreamed about this for so long, and now it's happening."

Tasha took Kierra's hand, squeezing it gently. "I feel the same way. I can't wait to start our life together. Just you and me, forever."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying each other's company. The love between them was palpable, filling the room with warmth.

Eventually, Tasha leaned in and kissed Kierra softly. "You're everything to me, Kierra. I can't wait to marry you."

Kierra smiled against Tasha's lips, her heart swelling with happiness. "And I can't wait to be your wife."

Their kisses grew deeper, more passionate, as they lost themselves in each other. The night was still young, and there was so much more they wanted to share. Kierra pulled back slightly, her eyes locked on Tasha's, leaving an unspoken invitation hanging in the air.