The wedding hall settled into a quiet, hush as the real marriage ceremony kicked off. The golden lights dimmed further, casting a soft glow over the stage where Sara and Daniel stood, hand in hand, their faces lit with nervous excitement. I was back in the crowd now, standing shoulder to shoulder with Aeri.
The other guests stood around us, their eyes fixed on the stage, wine glasses forgotten in their hands as they watched the couple.
The priest, a kind-faced man with graying hair and a warm voice, stepped forward, his black robe swishing slightly. He carried a small book.
Sara and Daniel turned to face each other, their hands clasped tightly, and the priest began, his voice steady and clear. "We’re gathered here today to witness the union of Sara and Daniel, two souls who’ve chosen to walk through life together."
As he spoke, guiding them through their vows, the room felt like it was holding its breath. Sara’s voice trembled just a little as she promised to love and cherish Daniel, her eyes locked on his.
Daniel’s vows were quieter, but every word carried weight, his gaze never leaving her. When they finished, the priest smiled and motioned for the rings. A young ring bearer, probably no older than ten, shuffled forward, holding a velvet pillow with two gold bands glinting under the stage lights.
Daniel slid the ring onto Sara’s finger, his hands steady but his smile wide and a little shaky. Sara’s hands trembled as she placed the ring on his, letting out a small, nervous laugh when it caught on his knuckle for a second. The crowd chuckled softly
Aeri held her hands pressed to her chest, her eyes shining like she was holding back tears again.
We all clapped, keeping it quiet so as not to break the moment’s peace.
Around us, the guests leaned in, whispering to each other. "They look so perfect together," an older woman to my left murmured, her voice full of warmth. "Like they were made for each other," her friend agreed, nodding.
I leaned back slightly, my hands in my pockets, and let my thoughts wander.
Finally, Sara’s getting her happy ending, I thought. And after all that’s happened, she probably won’t try her dominance on me again. Knowing how it can break Aeri’s heart.
Aeri shifted beside me, her hands still clasped over her heart. "I also want to..." she muttered under her breath, so quiet I almost missed it.
"Hmm? You said something?" I asked, leaning closer.
She blinked, her cheeks flushing pink as she shook her head quickly. "Uh, no, no, it’s nothing!" she said, her voice a little too high. She laughed it off, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I was just saying they look so good together, you know?"
I grinned, glancing back at the stage. "Heh, yeah, they really do," I said, my smile genuine as I watched Sara and Daniel.
The priest raised his hands, his voice ringing out. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Daniel and Sara leaned in, their movements slow and tender. Their lips met in a soft, gentle kiss, and for a moment, it was like time stopped.
The crowd erupted into cheers, clapping and whistling, the sound filling the hall with joy. I clapped too, caught up in the moment, feeling the weight of their happiness settle over everyone.
The ceremony wrapped up quickly after that, the priest stepping back as Sara and Daniel turned to face the crowd, their hands still linked.
The music swelled again, a bright, upbeat tune that signaled the end of the formalities. People started moving, chatting and laughing as they made their way to the dining area.
Aeri lingered by my side for a moment, her eyes still on Sara and Daniel as they stepped off the stage, laughing together. "That was beautiful," she said softly, almost to herself.
"Yeah," I agreed, watching her more than the couple. "Really was."
I sat next to Aeri, our chairs close enough that our knees brushed under the table now and then. We were digging into our plates—perfectly cooked steak, creamy mashed potatoes, and some fancy green beans that were surprisingly good.
"This food’s amazing," I said, cutting into the steak, the knife gliding through like it was butter. I popped a piece in my mouth, savoring the savory juices.
Aeri nodded, twirling a forkful of mashed potatoes. "Seriously, this is, like, expensive restaurant-level stuff," she said, her eyes lighting up as she took a bite. "I need to find out who their caterer is. I’d hire them for my birthday." She grinned.
"So," I said, keeping my tone light as I cut another piece of steak, "you coming home tonight, right? Or you planning to stick around with Sara, maybe sit and watch her wedding night or something?"
Aeri’s fork froze halfway to her mouth, and she let out a loud *cough*, her face turning bright red as she choked on her food. She grabbed her napkin, pressing it to her lips, her eyes wide with embarrassment.
"Ezra!" she said, still coughing a little. She reached over and *thwacked* me on the back, not too hard but enough to make her point. "Stupid," she said, her voice a mix of annoyance and amusement, her cheeks still flushed. "Obviously I’m coming home tonight."
I grinned, rubbing the spot on my back where she’d hit me. "Good to hear," I said, keeping my voice casual but letting my eyes linger on her.
She caught the look and narrowed her eyes, pointing her fork at me like a weapon. "And I’ll be sleeping in my room, all by myself, nice and peaceful," she said, her lips pulling into a playful pout. She knew exactly what I was thinking, and she wasn’t about to let me off easy.
I smirked, leaning closer so only she could hear. "We’ll see about that," I said, my voice low, teasing.
Aeri’s eyes widened, and she reached over, grabbing my cheek and giving it a gentle tug. "Don’t you dare get any weird ideas, Ezra," she said, her voice firm but her smile betraying her. "I’m exhausted. Like, dead tired. Today’s been a lot."
"Sure, sure, whatever you say, ma’am," I said, my voice breaking into a laugh as she pinched my cheek a little harder before letting go. I rubbed my face, still grinning. "You’re the boss."
Before Aeri could fire back, a familiar voice cut through.
"Mother and son having their good time, as always," she said, warm and teasing.
We both turned, and there was Sara, standing behind us with Daniel at her side. Her white dress glowed under the soft lighting, and her smile was wide.