The Wedding Planner

Chapter 13

A hush falls over the crowd as Adrien and Nino, with the other groomsmen, step out in front of the rows of pews. The officiant stands at the center, nodding towards Adrien, who responds back with a silent nod as well.

Melodious music drifts in as the bridesmaids appear at the other end of the aisle. Alya leads the train of women, holding Manny in her arms as he shakes a small pillow which has the rings securely attached to it. The crowd has a collective 'aww' moment when they see the toddler ring bearer.

Once they get situated at the front, there's a moment of silence.

The guests rise to their feet and gaze expectantly up the aisle.

Adrien feels his heart trying to leap out of his chest, growing anxious in this short breadth of time.

Then, the first note of a wedding march rings out. Everyone's eyes are fixated as Marinette steps out onto the aisle with her father.

With all eyes on her, she glides in time to the music, her eyes only focused on Adrien.

When they lock eyes, Adrien feels everything, and everyone fall away, as if they're the only two people in the world. He feels a serenity wash over him. Nino tugs at Adrien's suit jacket when Adrien, a bit dazed, tries to step forward and meet Marinette halfway up the aisle. He blinks in realization of the situation, and sheepishly steps back in line. Nino shoots Alya a knowing look, and she smiles and rolls her eyes.

Marinette's father walks with her, arm in arm. He laughs silently, slightly squeezing her arm to remind her to breathe. Her eyes widen as she takes a breath, squeezing her dad's arm in thanks.

Tikki and Plagg watch from the rafters, out of sight of the guests.

"I never thought this day would come! It's finally happening!" Tikki squeaks excitedly, shaking Plagg.

Plagg scoffs, "Yeah, those hopeless idiots finally did it." He turns away from Tikki and quickly wipes a tear from his eye.

When Marinette reaches Adrien, he takes her hand and mouths "Wow", a slight smirk on his face. She turns her face to hide her blush as they position themselves before the officiant.

They motion for the guests to sit and the ceremony commences.

"We are gathered here today to celebrate the love that has blossomed between Adrien Agreste and Marinette Dupain-Cheng. A love that shows us that a partner can come from where we least expect it, and that time is one of the most important factors to finding true love."

They continue, "Love is a balancing act. A give and take, a push and pull, but always returning to center. Finding the one whose rhythm compliments yours, is like discovering a long-lost symphony that one the two of you can hear..."

Adrien and Marinette's hands stay linked between them throughout the ceremony. His thumb gently rubs the back of her hand. His eyes never leave her, wishing time would slow down so he could live in this moment forever.

"Do you, Adrien Agreste, take Marinette Dupain-Cheng, to love and to hold, in sickness and in health, for rich or for poor, as your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do" he swears.

"Do you, Marinette Dupain-Cheng, take Adrien Agreste, to love and to hold, in sickness and in health, for rich or for poor, as your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do"

"May we have the rings?" The officiant asks and Alya steps forward, having had them removed from Manny's grip. They hand Adrien Marinette's ring first, "If you have vows prepared, now is the time." They prompt.