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chapter thirty, honey, I'm in love with you.
THE NIGHT BEFORE THEIR WEDDING, Francesca stood in front of the mirror, her heart fluttering with a mixture of excitement and nerves. She looked at her reflection, her eyes taking in the wedding dress that draped over her body, the lace and beads reflecting the soft light of the room. The door opened quietly, and Aaron entered, shutting the door behind him. He stood behind her, his tall, muscular frame reflected in the mirror.
"You look beautiful," he said, his voice a low rumble. "Are you nervous?"
Francesca's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze in the mirror. "A little," she confessed, a hint of a smile on her lips. "It's a big step, you know?"
Aaron's hands came to rest on her hips, his touch firm and reassuring. "I know it is," he said, his voice soft. "But you have nothing to worry about. We're meant to be together."
Francesca turned to face him, her hands coming up to rest on his chest. "I know we're meant to be together," she said, a hint of a quiver in her voice. "But what if I'm not good enough for you? You're a prince, and I'm just... me."
Aaron's brows furrowed in disbelief, his grip on her hips tightening. "How can you even say that?" he said, his voice laced with emotion. "You are more than good enough, my love. You are everything to me."
As they stood facing each other, Francesca couldn't help but voice her insecurities once more. "Are you really sure you're okay with being married to me?" she asked, her eyes searching his face for any hint of doubt.
Aaron's expression softened, his hands coming up to cup her face tenderly. "Okay with it?" he repeated incredulously. "Honey, I am in love with you. I am yours, okay?" He paused, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I'm more than okay with it."
As the weight of his words sank in, a mixture of relief and joy washed over Francesca. She reached up to touch his face, her fingers tracing the strong lines of his jaw. "You have no idea how much that means to me," she whispered, her voice quivering with emotion.
Aaron smiled softly, his eyes filled with tenderness. "I do know," he said, his own voice slightly hoarse. "Because I feel the same way, my love."
Aaron's hands drifted down to her waist, pulling her closer to him. "The thought of marrying you, waking up next to you every day, seeing your beautiful face first thing in the morning... it makes me the happiest man alive," he murmured, his breath warm against her cheek.
Francesca's heart felt as though it would burst with the overwhelming affection and love that coursed through her veins. "And here I was, worried that you might regret marrying me," she said, a mix of laughter and tears escaping from her.
Aaron's arms encircled her completely, holding her tightly against his chest. "How could I ever regret marrying the most incredible woman in the world?" he asked, his voice sincere. "You are my everything, my love, my best friend."
Francesca melted into his embrace, her body relaxing against his strength and warmth. She rested her head on his shoulder, her eyes closed as she reveled in the closeness of their physical bond.
"And you are mine," she murmured, the words muffled against his shirt.
"I always have been, and I always will be," Aaron replied softly, his lips brushing against her temple. "From the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were the one for me."
Francesca pulled back slightly, her eyes glittering with emotion as she looked up at him. "You really mean that, don't you?" she asked, her voice tinged with wonder.
Aaron nodded, his gaze intense. "With all my heart, my love."
Aaron's hands gently caressed the curve of her hips, his touch leaving a trail of tingles in its wake. "You're the only one for me," he murmured, his voice filled with conviction. "There's no one else I see, no one else I want. Just you, Francesca. Always and forever."
A soft gasp escaped from her throat, the raw emotion in his words leaving her breathless. She could feel the depth of his love enveloping her, wrapping around her like a warm, comforting blanket.
As their gazes locked, the tension between them became palpable. Aaron's hand moved up to cradle the back of her head, his fingers tangling in her hair as he pulled her even closer.
Without another word, he lowered his head, capturing her lips in a gentle yet passionate kiss. Francesca melted into his touch, her arms encircling his neck as she responded with equal fervor. The kiss was deep and needy, a desperate plea for more.
Their lips moved together in a dance of lust and affection, their bodies pressed tight against each other, craving more closeness. Aaron's tongue explored the sweetness of her mouth, his hand grasping her waist, digging gently into her flesh. Francesca let out a soft moan, her own tongue meeting his in a tangle of heat and desire. Every inch of her ached for him, every nerve ending alive with the delicious electricity that crackled between them.
As they broke apart, both gasping for breath, the room was silent save for the harsh sounds of their ragged breathing. Aaron's forehead rested against hers, his eyes still closed as he fought to regain some semblance of control over his racing heart and mind.
Francesca's own heart was pounding, her chest heaving as she tried to regain her composure. She reached up to touch his face, her fingers tracing the planes of his cheek, her touch soft yet needy. It was as though the kiss had ignited something deep within them both, an unquenchable fire that refused to be doused.
Francescas voice was a mere whisper, barely audible over the rapid thump of her heartbeat. "Stay with me tonight?" she asked, her words filled with a mixture of hope and anticipation.
Even in the dim lighting, Aaron's eyes darkened, a mixture of desire and something deeper flickering in their depths. He brought his hand up, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice gruff.
Francesca's gaze remained locked on his, her eyes unwavering as she answered. "I'm more than sure," she replied, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. "I need you, Aaron."
A low growl escaped from the back of his throat, his restraint beginning to fray at her words. Her honesty, the sheer need in her voice, was enough to make him lose all semblance of control.
Even though his heart was racing and the need to claim her as his own was fighting against his sanity, Aaron had to refuse. "We can't. I want to wait to make love to my wife," he said softly, leaning his forehead against hers.
"Then at least just stay, just stay and hold me." Francesca pleaded, to which Aaron couldn't refuse. He helped her out of her dress and into her nightgown, leading her to the bed that would only be hers for one more night.
They lay in each others arms, sleeping blissfully. In the early hours of the morning Aaron wakes up, kissing Francesca on the forehead. He left the room with one final glance. In a mere 6 hours, she would no longer be Francesca Heart. They would no longer be just fiancés. They would be husband and wife.