More Than Friends

Chapter 32: A New Chapter Begins

The day after the wedding, Nicole woke up feelin' like she was still dreamin'. The sun was just startin' to peek through the curtains, castin' a soft glow over the room. She turned over in bed, seein' Devin sleepin' beside her, his arm draped over her waist, peaceful as ever. The ring on her finger sparkled in the light, remindin' her that this was real—they were officially married.

Nicole smiled to herself, takin' in the moment. All the stress of the weddin' day, the plannin', the anticipation—it was all worth it. Now, they were startin' their new life together, and the future felt wide open.

Devin stirred beside her, openin' his eyes slowly. He looked at Nicole and grinned, that familiar warmth fillin' his gaze. "Mornin', Mrs. James."

Nicole's heart skipped a beat at the sound of her new name. "Mornin', Mr. James," she teased back, feelin' the joy settle deeper into her chest.

Devin stretched, leanin' in to kiss her forehead. "How you feelin'? You still on that weddin' high?"

Nicole laughed softly. "Yeah, I am. It all feels like a blur, but a good one."

Devin pulled her closer, his voice low and soft. "We did it, Nic. We really did it."

Nicole nodded, lettin' herself relax in his arms. "Yeah, we did. And now we get to figure out what's next."

Later That Day

After enjoyin' a slow, peaceful mornin' together, Nicole and Devin started packin' for their honeymoon. They had decided to take a quick trip to the coast, somethin' simple but romantic, just to get away for a few days. It wasn't about the destination—it was about spendin' time together, celebratin' the start of their life as husband and wife.

Nicole stood in the closet, tossin' clothes into her suitcase while Devin scrolled through his phone on the bed.

"You excited for this trip?" Nicole asked, smilin' as she looked over at him.

Devin nodded, grinnin'. "Yeah, I am. I know we got a lot to do when we get back, but for the next few days, it's just gon' be me and you."

Nicole smiled, feelin' her heart swell with love. "That's all I need."

At the Coast

When they arrived at the coast, the air was warm, and the sound of waves crashin' against the shore immediately put Nicole at ease. The hotel they were stayin' at was right on the water, with a balcony overlookin' the ocean. It was the perfect escape—quiet, peaceful, and exactly what they needed.

That night, they sat on the balcony, watchin' the sunset, holdin' hands as they talked about everything they had to look forward to. The cool breeze played with Nicole's silk-pressed hair, and she felt completely at peace.

"You know, I couldn't have asked for a better weddin'," Nicole said softly, her eyes on the horizon.

Devin looked over at her, smilin'. "It was perfect, Nic. But the weddin' was just the beginnin'. Now we get to build the rest of our life together."

Nicole turned to him, her heart full. "What do you see for our future, Dev?"

Devin paused, thinkin' for a moment before he spoke. "I see us growin'—together, in love, in life. I see a family, a home filled with joy, and us always havin' each other's backs. That's all I want, Nic. You and me, through everything."

Nicole felt a lump rise in her throat as she listened to him. His words were exactly what she had always wanted, and now, it was all real.

"I want that too," she whispered, leanin' in to kiss him softly.

As they sat there, the sound of the ocean in the background and the stars startin' to fill the sky, Nicole knew she was exactly where she was meant to be. This was just the beginnin', and she couldn't wait to see what the future had in store for them.