Love protection (book 1: to be loved)

Wedding night

Abby POV:

Later that night, they were finally alone in their room, the distant sounds of the celebration fading as the door closed behind them. The soft glow of candlelight filled the space, casting a warm and intimate atmosphere. Abby stood in front of the mirror, still in her wedding dress, her heart swelling with the weight of the day— the joy, the love, the magic of it all. Samuel stood behind her, a tender smile playing on his lips.

Without a word, he stepped closer, gently reaching for the delicate buttons on the back of her dress. His fingers worked carefully, undoing them one by one, his touch soft and full of care. The fabric slipped down her shoulders, and he helped her ease out of the gown, his movements slow and deliberate, as if savoring each moment. She caught his gaze in the mirror, and there was nothing but love in his eyes.

As the dress fell away, revealing the simple slip she wore beneath, Samuel's hand brushed a strand of hair from her face. He moved behind her, his fingers gently unpinning her hair, letting it fall in soft waves down her back. She closed her eyes, feeling the tenderness in each movement, the way his hands held her as if she were something precious.

Once her hair was loose, Abby slipped into her favorite pajamas— a soft, comfortable set that felt like home. Samuel, too, changed out of his suit, into something simple, something familiar. They were no longer the bride and groom standing before the world, but just Abby and Samuel, in the quiet of their room, in the peace of their first night as husband and wife.

She turned to him, feeling the warmth of his gaze still lingering on her.

— What? she asked softly, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

He stepped closer, his eyes never leaving hers:

— You're beautiful," he murmured, his voice soft and sincere. "You always are... but this, right now, this is my favorite version of you.

Abby felt a blush rise to her cheeks, the simplicity of his words making her heart flutter. She looked down for a moment, then back up at him, her eyes full of affection.

— Just like this. You. Me. You're perfect.

She smiled back, feeling the weight of his words settle into her heart. They moved together, slipping into bed, the world outside forgotten. As they lay there, side by side, the warmth of his hand in hers, Abby felt the peace of the moment wash over her. They didn't need words. Just being there, married, finally, was enough. In that quiet, peaceful space, they lay together, content, the rest of their lives stretched out before them, full of promise.