𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐕𝐨𝐰𝐬

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟓𝟕

ZADE

The day started early, right around six. Elena woke me up by nuzzling into my chest, her soft hair tickling my neck. She had this lazy, content look in her eyes, the kind she gets when she's happy but still half-asleep. I wanted to keep her there, in bed with me, but we had too much to do. It was the kind of morning where the world felt light—like everything was perfectly aligned, and nothing could ruin it.

By seven, we were already showered and dressed. Elena wore a loose, flowy sundress, something light and summery that drove me crazy with how easy it would be to slide off her. But she gave me one of those looks—the playful "don't even think about it" looks—so I kept my hands to myself.

We had breakfast on the terrace overlooking the villa's garden, just the two of us. She had coffee, of course, and barely touched her food until I gave her one of my stern looks. Then she rolled her eyes, stole a bite of my croissant, and made a big show of how annoying I was for caring. Typical Elena.

Around mid-morning, she got a text saying Olivia, Claire, Atlas, and Christopher had landed and were heading from the airport to the villa. I saw the excitement light up her face the moment she read it. She loves her people, and I can't blame her—it's hard not to get caught up in the energy she brings when everyone's together.

The next couple of hours flew by. We made sure the rooms were set up for everyone, talked logistics for the next few days, and went over some wedding planning ideas. She keeps bouncing between different ideas for the ceremony—outdoors or indoors, big or small—and I know she's still figuring out what she wants. But honestly? As long as she's there in white, nothing else matters to me.

By noon, the first car pulled up, and Olivia and Claire spilled out, looking every bit as glamorous as you'd expect. Claire had this oversized pair of sunglasses perched on her nose like she was trying to blend in with the Italian locals, while Olivia strutted out like the world was her runway. They hugged Elena for what felt like forever, and for a second, I just stood back, watching her laugh and glow in their company. I love seeing her happy like that.

Then Atlas showed up with Christopher not long after. The four of them started catching up like they hadn't just seen each other a few weeks ago, while I hung back, giving them space. I grabbed a beer with Christopher at some point, and we talked business—nothing too heavy, just checking in on things.

It wasn't until early afternoon that the others arrived. Uncle Joshua, Jeremiah, and Alex came in from Greece, straight from one of their little business ventures, as usual. They brought that easygoing, laid-back energy they always carry, and the whole vibe of the villa shifted. The laughter got louder, the conversations deeper, and it felt like everyone was right where they belonged.

And now, here we are—sitting around a bonfire on the beach as the sun dips low over the horizon, the sky turning shades of orange and pink. The breeze carries the salty scent of the ocean, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore fills the air. We're all circled up, and it feels like one of those moments you know you'll remember for the rest of your life.

To my left, my mom is wrapped in one of my dad's jackets, her head leaning on his shoulder as they whisper to each other like teenagers. Dad has this rare, soft smile on his face—the one he saves for her. Next to them, Uncle Joshua and Andrew are talking in low voices, probably about some new business deal they're cooking up. Summer's sitting between them, looking completely at ease. I noticed her glance at Andrew a few times, but I didn't comment on it. Yet.

Olivia and Claire are huddled close, sharing a blanket, talking about wedding dresses and throwing in ideas that are getting crazier by the second. I heard something about a circus-themed reception, and I had to tune them out before I lost my mind. Jeremiah is next to them, laughing quietly, probably at how ridiculous they sound.