It had been a mostly quiet day as Wren and Simon made their way into the city. The air was cool, the light drizzle misting their faces, but they didn't let it deter them. Each raindrop felt like a reminder of the day's significance, soft and fleeting. Today was going to be special, and Simon was determined to keep it that way.
He would never admit it, but Jennifer had scared him all those weeks ago when she tried to push Wren into confessing her love for someone else. Simon knew that Wren would never love anyone but him, but the thought still haunted him. Maybe there was someone better for Wren, someone who could take care of her in ways he couldn't. Maybe Jennifer had seen that clearly, and maybe Fletcher was the one she had in mind.
But none of that mattered now.
What mattered was that he would do whatever it took to keep Wren safe. He loved her deeply, and he knew, in the quiet moments when they were alone together, that she wouldn't have anyone else either. He was going to be by her side, no matter what. So, what was the point in waiting?
They continued walking, their footsteps almost lost in the rhythm of the rain-soaked streets. The city around them bustled on as usual, but the sounds felt distant, muted, as if they were in their own world. Simon's plan for the day was simple: first, a visit to the courthouse, then to the dancing hall where they could twirl and sway without care, lost in each other's presence. After weeks of quiet discussion, they had finally decided—today was the day to make it official.
They wanted something quiet, something simple, something just for themselves. Wren had felt bad about not inviting the others, about keeping it a secret, but Simon had been resolute. He was still wary of Jennifer, afraid she might try something to derail their day. She was too much of a wildcard for him to even consider involving anyone else.
"They'll figure it out in time," he had reassured Wren when she voiced her concern. "For now, it's just us."
Their shoes splashed lightly on the wet pavement as they reached the courthouse steps. Simon smiled, glancing up at Wren. Her dark hair shimmered with raindrops, each one catching the light like tiny flecks of stardust. She always carried that quiet magic with her, something Simon never stopped marveling at.
She was absolutely breathtaking. He couldn't wait to hold her close tonight as they danced, their feet moving in perfect synchrony. The thought of twirling her across the dance floor, the world disappearing around them, made his heart race in anticipation. He looked into her eyes as they approached the doors of the courthouse. Her exterior remained calm and collected as always, but in her eyes, he could see the flicker of excitement, a warmth she let him in on.
They stepped inside the courthouse, the cold blast of air conditioning hitting them almost immediately. The chill was a sharp contrast to the damp warmth they'd just left behind. They were drenched from the rain, water dripping from their clothes onto the smooth tiles below, but neither of them cared. The cold air seemed to stir something in Simon, making the moment feel all the more real.
It had been a long journey to this point. The path hadn't been easy, especially since they weren't citizens when they first arrived. There had been paperwork, interviews, endless waiting, but they had done it. After finally becoming citizens, they had wasted no time getting the ball rolling on their marriage license. And now, here they were, walking through the quiet halls of the courthouse, ready to take the next step.
As they made their way toward the judge's office, Simon felt a quiet sense of satisfaction wash over him. This was right. This was theirs.
