The FuBu

Chapter 44: Love to Last

The wedding was set for a crisp autumn day, with the leaves just beginning to turn shades of gold and crimson, framing the outdoor venue in a warm, natural glow. Fox and Yanna had chosen a rustic estate on the outskirts of the city, a place that felt intimate yet grand, nestled among tall trees with sprawling fields stretching beyond the horizon. It was the perfect setting—both elegant and laid-back, just like them.

Yanna stood in front of the mirror in her bridal suite, her hands trembling slightly as she adjusted the delicate lace on her gown. Her reflection showed a woman she barely recognized—elegant, radiant, and filled with a quiet confidence she hadn't always had. She smiled softly, thinking back on the journey that had led her here.

Her best friend, Ava, walked up behind her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You look stunning, Yanna," she whispered, her voice full of emotion.

Yanna smiled at Ava in the mirror, her heart swelling with gratitude for the people who had supported her along the way. "I can't believe this is happening," she admitted, a mix of disbelief and happiness in her voice. "It feels like just yesterday I didn't even think I'd ever want to get married."

Ava chuckled softly. "And yet, here you are. Fox knew what he was doing all along."

Yanna's heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name. Fox. The man who had seen her at her most vulnerable, who had been patient through all her fears and uncertainties, and who, even when she tried to push him away, had loved her with unwavering devotion. And now, today, they were about to start the rest of their lives together.

A soft knock on the door interrupted their conversation, and Yanna's grandmother stepped in, her eyes welling with tears as she took in the sight of her granddaughter in her wedding dress. "You look just like your mother did on her wedding day," she said, her voice thick with emotion.

Just as Yanna was about to respond, a familiar giggle echoed from behind them. "Well, I have to say, I agree!" The warm, lilting voice of Yanna's mother filled the room as she stepped in, her eyes twinkling with pride and joy. She was beaming, her usual playful smile lighting up the room as she took in the sight of her daughter.

"Mama!" Yanna exclaimed, her voice cracking as emotion rushed over her. She hadn't expected to feel this overwhelmed, but seeing her mother there, vibrant and joyful, made her heart swell. It was as if her presence completed the circle of women who had shaped her life.

"Oh, sweetheart," her mother said, stepping closer, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. "Look at you. You're absolutely stunning. I always knew you'd grow into the most beautiful bride."

Yanna's mother was dressed in a soft, pale blue dress, simple yet elegant, a perfect reflection of her nurturing and playful nature. She circled her daughter, playfully inspecting every detail of the gown, but the emotion in her eyes betrayed how deeply moved she was.

"I can't believe this is happening," Yanna whispered as she hugged her mother tightly, fighting back tears.

Her mother pulled back, holding Yanna's face in her hands. "Oh, believe it, darling. You're about to marry the love of your life, and I couldn't be happier for you. And, if I may say so, your father and I couldn't have picked a better man for you."

Yanna laughed through her tears, the tension easing as her mother's familiar warmth enveloped her. "You and Dad always knew," she said, shaking her head with a soft chuckle.

Her mother grinned, playfully nudging her. "Mothers know everything. Remember that."

Ava watched the scene with a smile, her heart full. She glanced at Yanna's grandmother, who was wiping away tears, smiling softly at the tender exchange between mother and daughter.