Never Not You

Forever...

A/N:  A short one because the next part will be the vows and I was going to have their vows in different parts but decided to have it all in one because when i wrote this part i really liked how i ended it because of the title of this chapter being forever...

also I haven't actually finished the vows yet 

and just a little thing to keep you guys entertained whilst you wait, for the alternative plots, there are 5 parts of an alternate of this story

The small venue was filled with a soft glow as warm, natural light filtered through the gauzy white curtains that framed the altar. Simple arrangements of white roses and eucalyptus leaves adorned the space, creating a serene, almost ethereal atmosphere. Delicate string lights were strung overhead, casting a gentle, golden hue that added to the intimate feel. This wasn't just any ceremony—every corner, every flower, every flicker of candlelight was a reflection of Leah and Aurora's journey together.

At the altar, Leah and Aurora stood facing each other, their eyes meeting in an unspoken promise of forever. Alexia stood to Aurora's side, holding a giggling Mateo in her arms, while Alex, with a quiet pride in her expression, stood beside Leah. It was just the five of them—two friends, one little boy, and two souls ready to make a lifelong commitment.

Leah took a small, nervous breath and softly said, "Hi."

Aurora's lips curved into a gentle smile. "Hey."

For a moment, they simply looked at each other, taking in every detail, as if committing it to memory. Leah took in the way Aurora's lace-covered jumpsuit fit her perfectly, the softness in her gaze, and the way her hair fell in waves over her shoulders. Aurora, in turn, couldn't look away from Leah's breathtakingly elegant dress, the delicate way it hugged her figure, and the light blush colouring her cheeks.

"You look amazing," Leah whispered, her voice barely audible, as if afraid to break the spell.

Aurora's eyes sparkled. "Have you looked in a mirror, amor? You're breathtakingly beautiful, as always."

Leah's blush deepened, her eyes dipping shyly before returning to meet Aurora's. It was as though they were the only two people in the world at that moment. They exchanged quiet, loving words, hands instinctively reaching for one another's, and Aurora gave Leah's fingers a gentle squeeze.

Their small bubble was suddenly interrupted by the officiant's warm, amused voice. "Is this everyone?"

Aurora's smile widened as she looked around. "Yes, it's all we need."

Leah nodded in agreement, and their small gathering settled into place, the brief interruption serving only to ground them in the moment. The officiant's question reminded them of the beauty of what they were doing—no fanfare, no crowd, just the pure, quiet intimacy of promising to love each other for the rest of their lives.

Aurora took a final, steadying breath, gazing at Leah with a love that filled every inch of her. Leah's heart swelled as she looked back, knowing that in mere moments, they would be married.

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The officiant began with a warm, gentle voice, reading from carefully chosen words meant to mark this extraordinary day. But as Leah and Aurora stood so close, the rest of the world blurred around them, and the officiant's words faded into a soft hum, more like a comforting background melody as they focused entirely on each other.

Aurora's gaze traced over every inch of Leah's face, catching on the small, shy smile that softened her lips, the subtle way her lashes fluttered with each quiet breath, and the faint tremor in her fingers wrapped within Aurora's hand. She gave Leah a tender smile, squeezing her hand as if to say, I'm here, and I'm never letting go.

Leah, too, couldn't take her eyes off Aurora. She let her gaze linger on Aurora's features, feeling each look like a promise sealed in silence. She mouthed, "I love you," the words barely a whisper, but enough to make Aurora's eyes shine a little brighter, her lips curving into a smile that held all the affection of their years together.

Around them, the officiant's words continued, floating through the air like a melody. They caught only fragments here and there—"unity," "devotion," "forever"—each word brushing against them like an echo of their own quiet promises. They glanced at each other and shared tender smiles, each look a world of meaning.

Unable to resist, Leah moved a little closer, her fingers drifting to the edge of Aurora's jaw, as if she couldn't bear another second without touching her. Aurora closed her eyes for just a second at Leah's touch, feeling a quiet thrill at the warmth of her skin. She bit back a smile, whispering with a teasing edge, "Be patient, amor."

Leah's soft chuckle made her eyes sparkle, and for a moment, they both let themselves get lost in each other, forgetting everything around them. The officiant cleared his throat, a gentle reminder they'd missed a cue. They broke into quiet laughter—this was so perfectly them, caught up in each other, even in the middle of their own wedding ceremony.

The officiant smiled, knowingly, and said softly, "Now, if you're both ready, it's time for the vows." His words tugged them back into the moment, their laughter still lingering in their eyes as they shared a final, loving look. 

This was it—the moment that would seal their forever, not in whispered promises or glances, but in vows spoken for a lifetime.