shivian: a forbidden love 🖤🫶🏻

chapter 38: preperations

Third person pov:

Siobhan stood in front of the mirror, her reflection shimmering in the soft morning light. Her tight, black wedding dress clung to her curves, an unconventional choice, but one that suited her perfectly. The fabric, sleek and elegant, seemed to reflect the boldness in her eyes. Her blonde hair, cut just above her shoulders, was styled in soft waves, a delicate contrast to the striking dress.

"You're absolutely stunning," Marjorie said as she stood behind Siobhan, gently adjusting the hem of the dress. Marjorie had been Siobhan's best friend for years, and her calm, precise nature was exactly what Siobhan needed on a day as chaotic as this.

"Stop fidgeting," Autumn chimed in with a laugh, stepping forward to offer a small glass of champagne. Autumn was the wild spirit of the group, and her vibrant energy filled the room. She wore a deep emerald dress, her auburn hair falling in loose curls down her back. "It’s your wedding day! Enjoy it!"

Siobhan smiled, but her nerves were starting to creep in. “I just want everything to be perfect. Do you think the dress is too much?” she asked, smoothing her hands over the sleek fabric.

Marjorie shook her head, her eyes soft with reassurance. "Not at all. This is you. It’s bold, elegant, and unforgettable—just like you.”

Autumn nodded in agreement, twirling in front of the mirror. "You’re making a statement, Siobhan. Besides, who says a bride has to wear white? You’re rewriting the rules.”

Siobhan took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day settle on her shoulders. But with her friends by her side, the anxiety began to melt away. Marjorie carefully added the final touches—delicate silver jewelry and a small black veil that draped lightly over Siobhan's face. Autumn helped pin a single white rose in her hair, a small nod to tradition amidst the sea of bold choices.

As the three women stood together in the quiet of the dressing room, Siobhan glanced at her friends, the two people who had been with her through every laugh, tear, and adventure. Today wasn’t just about her marriage; it was about love in all its forms—romantic and platonic, fierce and soft.

“I couldn’t have done this without you two,” Siobhan whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

“Of course you could,” Autumn grinned, her eyes sparkling. “But it’s way more fun with us here.”

Marjorie chuckled softly and handed Siobhan her bouquet—black calla lilies and deep red roses. “Ready?”

Siobhan took one last look at herself in the mirror. The dress, the hair, the boldness of it all—it felt right. She was ready. "Let's do this."

With Marjorie and Autumn by her side, Siobhan walked out of the room, her heart racing not just with nerves, but with excitement. Today, she was making her own rules, surrounded by the people who loved her most.

*in the other room*

Vivian stood in front of the mirror, her fingers smoothing the lapel of the dark green suit she had finally decided on. It was deep and rich, a shade that made her emerald eyes pop, and she felt more herself in it than any dress could have managed. Her heart thudded with excitement as she thought about what lay ahead—marrying Siobhan, the love of her life.

Around her, the room buzzed with activity. Winter and Reece, her closest friends, fluttered about, making sure every detail was perfect. Reece was on twin duty, expertly juggling both Hailey and Harper, who were ten months old and squirmy as ever. Winter, ever the calming presence, was keeping five-year-old Jamie entertained, holding up a tiny tie and coaxing him into it with exaggerated seriousness.

"Look at you, Jamie," Winter said, smiling at the boy in the mirror. "Like a little gentleman." Jamie giggled, pleased with himself.

Vivian caught her own reflection again, but her thoughts were elsewhere—on Siobhan. Just the thought of her made her heart swell. She remembered their first date, how easy it was to talk to her, how quickly she fell in love with the sound of her laugh. And now, after years of building a life together, they were about to seal it with marriage.

As Winter finished adjusting Jamie's tie and Reece had both twins settled, Vivian turned to her friends. "Do you mind giving me a moment with the kids?"

"Of course," Winter said, smiling warmly. She motioned to Reece, and the two friends slipped out, leaving Vivian with her three children.

Vivian knelt down so she was at eye level with Jamie, Hailey, and Harper. Jamie looked at her curiously, his blue eyes wide, while Hailey was busy pulling on Harper's sleeve, making little sounds of contentment. Vivian smiled softly at the scene, her heart full of love for these little humans.

“Hey, you three,” she began softly, her voice full of warmth. “Today is a big day for all of us. You know that, right?”

Jamie nodded, his small face serious. “You’re marrying Mommy Siobhan.”

"That's right." Vivian grinned, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "And I want you to know something. No matter what changes, or how big this day feels, nothing is more important to me than you three."

Hailey, distracted by the sound of Vivian’s voice, let out a little gurgle, and Harper, as if on cue, babbled something unintelligible. Jamie shuffled a little closer to his mother.

“I love you,” Vivian said, her voice soft. “And I love Siobhan too, and the life we’re all building together. We're a team. Forever.”

Jamie leaned in, hugging her tightly, his small arms wrapping around her neck. Vivian kissed his head, the soft scent of baby shampoo reminding her of all the gentle moments they had shared. The twins, now realizing their brother was getting all the attention, began to wriggle in her direction, their hands reaching out for her.

Vivian scooped them up, one in each arm, and smiled. “You three are the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I can’t wait for us to keep growing together.”

Harper pulled at her collar, her tiny fingers fascinated by the green fabric. Hailey let out a squeal of joy, and Jamie stood up tall, as if already understanding the significance of this day.

“Alright, my loves,” Vivian said, standing up with a deep breath, holding each twin tightly in her arms. “Let’s go meet Mommy Siobhan and make today unforgettable.”

With her children around her, and her heart fuller than ever, Vivian knew she was walking into the next chapter of her life surrounded by love—the kind that would carry her through anything.