Be The One

03.

CHAPTER THREE

The day of Kaede and Jacob's traditional Samoan wedding arrived with a warmth that felt like a blessing.

The venue was a stunning outdoor space adorned with vibrant flowers and flowing fabrics, each detail meticulously planned to celebrate their love and heritage.

I could already hear the sound of drums in the distance, setting a joyful rhythm that filled the air with excitement.

As the maid of honor, I felt a mixture of pride and anticipation. Kaede had always dreamed of this day, and now it was finally here.

She looked radiant in her traditional attire, a beautiful puletasi that highlighted her curves and a tiara made of flowers nestled in her hair. I couldn't help but marvel at how effortlessly she embodied the spirit of the day.

When it was time for the ceremony, my heart raced with a mix of joy and nervousness. I was about to walk down the aisle, but this time, I wasn't alone. Joseph stood beside me, his presence both comforting and electrifying. We had spent so much time together in the lead-up to the wedding, rekindling our friendship and, somewhere along the way, perhaps something deeper.

"Ready?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"More than ever," I replied, feeling a thrill run through me.

The music shifted, and I took a deep breath. As the doors swung open, I felt the sunlight wash over me, the crowd falling silent in anticipation. I glanced at Joseph, and the warmth in his gaze reassured me. Together, we stepped forward.

Walking down the aisle was surreal. I could feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, the scent of flowers in the air, and the weight of tradition surrounding us. As we reached the front, I could see the deep emotions in Jacob's eyes.

Then the music shifted again and Kaede walked out, radiant and glowing, and my heart swelled with love for her. I focused on Kaede, who was beaming at Jacob, a vision of love. Each step felt momentous.

The ceremony began with traditional Samoan blessings, the officiant weaving together stories of love, family, and commitment. I listened intently, but my mind kept wandering to Joseph, who stood across from me, quietly supportive. We exchanged knowing smiles, and I felt a rush of nostalgia mixed with the thrill of the moment.

After the vows were exchanged and the crowd erupted in applause, it was time for the couple to take their first steps as newlyweds. I felt a swell of happiness as I watched Kaede and Jacob embrace, their joy palpable.

Once the ceremony concluded, it was time for the wedding photos. We gathered in various groups, and Joseph found himself by my side more often than not.

Each time our arms brushed, I felt that familiar spark. "This is your chance to shine," he teased as we posed for a few silly pictures, making me laugh and lightening the mood.

"Only if you promise to make a ridiculous face," I shot back, unable to resist the playful banter.

As we posed in front of the beautifully arranged floral backdrop, I felt a sense of ease. Joseph and I fell into a rhythm, joking around and capturing candid moments that felt genuine. The photographer guided us, but it was our laughter that truly brought the photos to life.

"Just one more!" the photographer called, and I felt Joseph pull me closer. The warmth of his body next to mine sent a thrill through me, and we exchanged glances that lingered just a bit too long. In that instant, I felt a pull toward him, a connection that was deeper than friendship.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of posing and laughing, the photographer declared we were done. I stepped back, still feeling a rush of adrenaline. "I can't wait to see those," I said, catching my breath.

Joseph smiled his expression a mixture of warmth and mischief. "You were a natural. If only I could have captured that ridiculous face you made earlier."

"Hey!" I laughed, playfully nudging him. "That face was a work of art!"

As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, the atmosphere shifted again, transforming from ceremony to celebration. The reception area was alive with energy, filled with laughter, music, and the delicious aroma of traditional Samoan dishes. I felt a sense of belonging as I moved through the crowd, sharing moments with friends and family, but my attention kept drifting back to Joseph.

The time came for the first dance, and I watched as Kaede and Jacob took to the floor, swaying gracefully to a beautiful song that celebrated their love. The way they looked at each other was magical, and I felt a lump in my throat. It reminded me of what true love looked like—pure, unwavering, and inspiring.

"Would you like to dance?" Joseph asked, breaking me from my reverie.

"Me? Dance?" I replied, my heart racing at the prospect. "I don't know if I can keep up with your moves!"

"Trust me, it'll be fun," he assured me, extending his hand.

With a mix of excitement and nervousness, I took his hand, and we moved to the dance floor. The rhythm pulsed around us, the music enveloping us in its embrace. As we began to sway, I felt the world melt away, just the two of us lost in the moment.

"I've missed this," he said softly, pulling me a little closer. "Just being together like this."

"Me too," I admitted, feeling an undeniable warmth between us. The way he held me felt familiar yet exhilarating, like coming home to a place I never quite left.

We danced in comfortable silence for a moment, my heart racing with each step. The intimacy of the dance floor made everything feel heightened—the laughter around us, the scent of the ocean, and the distant sound of the drums that echoed the spirit of the celebration.

"You know," Joseph began, breaking the comfortable quiet, "I've thought a lot about us since we reconnected."

"Yeah?" I replied, trying to keep my voice steady, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Yeah," he continued, his gaze locking onto mine. "I've realized how much I appreciate having you back in my life."

His words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. "I feel the same way," I confessed, my pulse quickening. "I didn't expect to feel so connected again, so soon."

Joseph smiled, a softness in his eyes that made my heart skip a beat. "I've been thinking... maybe we could explore this connection further."

A surge of hope rushed through me. "You mean, like dating?"

"Yeah," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know it's sudden, but I can't ignore the feelings that keep resurfacing."

As the music swelled around us, I felt a sense of clarity. My heart ached with the weight of unspoken words, feelings that had lingered for too long. "I'd like that," I said, my voice steady. "I'd like that very much."

We danced on, our conversation enveloped in the rhythm of the music. With each turn, each sway, I felt more at ease, as if all the pieces of our past were falling into place. The connection between us was undeniable, a tapestry of memories woven into the fabric of the present.

As the evening progressed, the dance floor filled with more friends and family, and we were swept into a whirl of laughter and joy. I felt lighter, buoyed by the happiness surrounding us. Joseph twirled me around, and I couldn't help but laugh, the sound mingling with the music and the echo of joy around us.

Eventually, we stepped back to catch our breath, and I watched as Kaede and Jacob embraced, lost in their world. I felt a rush of gratitude for this moment—the love, the laughter, and the chance to reconnect with someone who had once meant so much to me.

"Tonight has been magical," I said, glancing up at Joseph, who was watching me with a smile.

"It really has," he replied, his expression softening. "And it's only the beginning."

With the night winding down and the stars twinkling overhead, I realized that this was a night I would never forget—a celebration not just of love, but of rekindling connections and embracing the possibilities that lay ahead.

At that moment, with Joseph by my side and the ocean as our backdrop, I felt a sense of hope for what was to come. The future was bright, and I was ready to embrace it with open arms.