Fragments of Us

Chapter Forty-Five: Vows

The morning had started in a blur of last-minute adjustments, misplaced ties, and Sandra’s ongoing battle with a particularly stubborn flower arrangement. The ceremony was set by the lake—their lake—the place where Milo and Atlas had spent countless nights under the stars, wrapped in blankets, sharing whispered confessions by the campfire. It was only fitting that they would promise forever here.

Richard adjusted his tie for the third time, sighing dramatically. “You’d think after raising two kids, I’d be able to tie a proper knot.”

Lila, standing beside him, smirked. “Dad, it’s not the knot that’s the problem—it’s your patience.”

Meanwhile, Sally and Alejandro—better known as Ali—were busy being the life of the pre-wedding gathering. “Ali, stop messing with the cake decorations!” Sally scolded, swatting at her husband’s hand as he sneakily attempted to adjust one of the sugar flowers.

   “It was uneven,” Ali defended with a mischievous grin. “I was just helping.”

Atlas, overhearing, rolled his eyes. “Dad, I swear if you ruin the cake before we even cut it—”

Milo snorted. “I think it’s a little late for that.”

Nearby, Jason was attempting to calm Chev, who was stressing over the gift table. “Chev, I promise, no one is going to care if the gift table isn’t perfectly symmetrical.”

Chev shot him a glare. “Jason, I will personally haunt you if we have a lopsided gift display in the wedding photos.”

Jack, Jason’s younger brother, leaned in. “For the record, I think an asymmetrical table adds character.”

Sandra, sipping champagne like it was her job, nodded sagely. “I agree. This wedding already has enough perfection, a little chaos is necessary.”

   “Thank you, Sandra,” Milo said with mock seriousness. “Finally, someone who understands our aesthetic.”

Atlas’ coffee shop crew—Raul, Emma, Dante, Lester, and Jenny—stood in a huddle, watching the scene unfold. Emma, the unofficial team leader, grinned. “You know, I’ve worked a lot of weddings before, but this one takes the cake for pure entertainment value.”

Dante chuckled. “Yeah, I think I’ve already got enough blackmail material on Atlas to last a lifetime.”

Atlas groaned. “Fantastic. Just what I needed.”

Raul patted him on the back. “Relax, boss. You’re marrying the love of your life. What’s a little public humiliation compared to that?”

Lester smirked. “I don’t know, man, have you met Sandra?”

Sandra, raising her glass, grinned. “I accept that as a compliment.”

Finally, the moment arrived.

Milo and Atlas stood facing each other by the lake, the sun casting golden reflections on the rippling water. The hush that fell over the guests was almost reverent as they pulled out their handwritten messages.

Atlas shifted on his feet, clearing his throat. He looked at Milo, really looked at him, like he still couldn’t believe this was real. “So, I was going to write something poetic, but then I remembered you’re the poet between us.” He let out a nervous chuckle. “But there’s so much I need to say, and I’m not leaving anything unsaid this time.”

He exhaled, his fingers gripping the paper tightly. “I messed up, Milo. Five years ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life. I let fear, selfishness, and my own insecurities destroy something beautiful. And I paid for it every single day. Five years without you felt like living in a world that had lost all its color. I smiled, I laughed, I worked, but nothing felt real—because you weren’t there.”