[EDITED]
♥︎ATHALIA♥︎
Six years later, it’s our wedding day. The morning sun filters through the large windows of the bridal suite, casting soft, golden light across the room.
My heart is racing, and I can’t help but feel a mix of nervousness and overwhelming joy. As I stand in front of the mirror, smoothing down the lace of my dress, it all feels surreal.
Today, I get to marry the love of my life, my best friend, the person who has been with me through every storm and every moment of happiness.
Brandon and I have been through so much together—his healing, our growth, the fights we overcame, the love we built brick by brick.
It hasn’t been easy, but every challenge we faced made us stronger. Strong enough to be here today, about to start the next chapter of our lives together.
I take a deep breath, my hands trembling slightly as I adjust my veil. There’s a gentle knock at the door, and my mom steps in, her eyes already glistening with happy tears. “You look beautiful, sweetheart.”
"Mom," I whisper, trying to hold back my own tears. I’ve been so emotional all morning, but in this moment, it all feels overwhelming.
She steps closer, her hand resting on my arm, and we both just look at each other, sharing a silent understanding of how far we’ve come.
“You’re ready,” she says softly, her voice thick with emotion. “You and Brandon... I always knew you two were meant for each other. I’m so proud of you.”
Her words sink in, and a wave of calm washes over me. We hug tightly, and as we pull apart, I can feel the strength in her support. She has always been there for me, and today is no different.
Mom steps back, wiping her eyes, and I glance out the window again. In the distance, I can see the tent set up on the beach, where the ceremony will take place.
White chairs, flowers swaying in the breeze, and a view of the ocean—everything is exactly how we imagined. I know Brandon’s out there somewhere, probably pacing nervously. The thought makes me smile.
As if reading my mind, Mom says, “Brandon’s been waiting for you for a long time, Athalia. He’s ready.”
And I am too.
~~~~~
♥︎BRANDON♥︎
The air smells like salt and the sea. My palms are sweating, and I’m pretty sure Luke, my close friend since college, is trying to distract me with jokes, but all I can think about is the moment I’ll see her walking down the aisle. I can’t believe this day has finally come.
Six years ago, I wasn’t sure if I could ever feel whole again. The memories of my mom’s accident, the pain I carried, and the bitterness towards my dad were heavy burdens.
But Athalia… she changed everything. She helped me heal, and now, I can’t imagine life without her.
Dad is here today, sitting a few rows back. We talked things out about a year ago, and though it took time, we’ve found some form of peace. We’re not perfect, but we’re okay.
He even apologized—a moment I never thought would happen. Seeing him here, ready to witness the biggest day of my life, fills me with a strange sense of closure.
“Man, stop pacing.” Luke says, chuckling beside me. “You’re making me nervous just watching you.”
I laugh, though it’s shaky. “I just… I can’t believe it’s real.”
YOU ARE READING
Cold Water
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