the fire between us

chapter 56

The sharp sound of the alarm jolted us awake, and as my eyes blinked open, the realization hit hard: today was the day. We both lay there in silence for a second, absorbing the gravity of it, our minds a swirl of excitement and nerves. Nora was the first to break the quiet, sitting up and glancing over at me with a nervous, but thrilled, smile.

"It's here," she whispered, her voice barely containing the joy and apprehension bundled up within it. "I'm getting married today."

I laughed, rolling out of bed and pulling her up with me. "You are! And I get to help you get ready to walk down the aisle and marry the love of your life."

The next few hours were filled with a rush of activity, like a well-rehearsed dance we'd practiced in our minds a hundred times over. Between hair, makeup, and final touches, we laughed, shared old memories, and stole glances in the mirror as Nora slowly transformed into the beautiful bride we'd both dreamed she'd be.

As the stylist pinned the last piece of her veil, I stood back, taking in the sight of her in her wedding gown. Nora looked ethereal, glowing with a beauty that seemed to radiate from within. She glanced over at me, and I could see her eyes were shining with both joy and the realization of how far we'd come together.

"You look perfect, Nora," I said, my voice catching a little.

"Thank you," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Then, she reached over and took my hand, squeezing it. "Let's go make some forever memories."

We headed downstairs, Nora's hand tucked into mine as we took each step slowly, savoring the last moments of calm before the big day truly began. Waiting for us outside was a sleek, elegant car, decorated with delicate white ribbons that fluttered in the morning breeze. It was the car that would take us to the church, where everyone was already seated, waiting for the bride to arrive.

Nora squeezed my hand a little tighter as we approached the car. "This is it," she murmured, her voice soft with awe.

With one last reassuring smile, I opened the door, helping her inside before sliding in myself. The drive was quiet, the air thick with anticipation. I could feel Nora's nervous excitement radiating beside me, and I reached over, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

"You're going to be incredible," I whispered, and she nodded, a small smile breaking through her anxious expression.

The church came into view, its tall spires reaching toward the sky, draped in morning sunlight. As we pulled up, a sense of calm settled over me. Today was a celebration of love, friendship, and the journey we had all taken to reach this moment.

The car door opened, and I stepped out first, holding out my hand to Nora. Her face lit up as she joined me, and we exchanged a look that said everything words couldn't. Side by side, we approached the grand doors, which stood open, inviting us into the warmth and love awaiting us inside.

Taking a deep breath, I walked down the aisle first, my steps measured and steady, my gaze sweeping over the familiar faces of our friends and family, all there to witness the beginning of Nora and Marcus's forever. And then I reached the end of the aisle and turned back, catching sight of Nora in the doorway, her figure framed by the morning light. She took her first steps, her gaze fixed on Marcus, who was waiting with a look that held a lifetime of promises.

Each step she took was filled with purpose, her face glowing with happiness as she made her way toward her future. And in that beautiful moment, surrounded by love and laughter, we all knew we were part of something truly unforgettable.

As Nora reached Marcus, she turned to me with a radiant smile and handed me her bouquet. I took it, barely able to hold back the tears that welled up, my heart swelling with love and pride for her. This was her moment, the beginning of something beautiful, and I felt honored to be right there, sharing it with her.