The afternoon sun was golden, spilling through the windows as I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting an earring and checking my reflection. My dress fit just right, the fabric flowing in soft waves around me, and for once, my hair had decided to cooperate. I felt beautiful, the kind of beautiful that made me stand a little taller, but what I really wantedâwhat I was waiting forâwas to see Luigi's reaction.
And when he stepped into the room, I got exactly what I wanted.
He had just finished getting ready, adjusting the cuffs of his crisp white dress shirt, the dark suit fitting him perfectly. His hairâthose tight curls I lovedâwas freshly cut and styled, and for a moment, he just stood there, staring at me. His eyes traveled over me, slow and warm, and when they met mine again, something softened in his expression.
"Wow," he murmured, almost to himself.
I grinned, turning to face him fully. "Yeah?"
He let out a breath, shaking his head like he couldn't believe it. "My love, you look... unbelievable!"
His voice was low, almost reverent, and I could feel my cheeks heating under his gaze.
I stepped closer, smoothing my hands over the lapels of his suit, pretending to inspect it. "You clean up nice too, you know."
He smirked. "You think?"
I hummed in response, reaching for his tie. It was slightly crooked, and I took my time fixing it, looping the fabric and tightening it gently. He let me, standing still as I adjusted it, his hands finding my waist like he just needed to touch me.
"You do this better than I do," he murmured, watching me.
I smiled, smoothing my hands over his chest once I was finished. "That's why you keep me around."
"That's one reason." His voice was teasing, but there was something else in his eyesâsomething deeper, something unspoken.
We arrived at the wedding just as guests were beginning to take their seats, the venue glowing with soft candlelight and fresh flowers. Everything was beautiful, the kind of beauty that made you a little breathless, and as we settled in, Luigi reached for my hand, lacing his fingers through mine.
The ceremony was sweet, heartfelt. I could feel Luigi watching me at certain momentsâduring the vows, the quiet I-love-you's exchanged, the way the groom looked at his bride like she was the only thing in the world. And when I glanced at him, he just smiled, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.
The reception was full of laughter, good food, and music that made it impossible to sit still for long. We ate, we drank, we celebrated, but what I was really waiting forâthe part I knew he was waiting for tooâwas the first slow song of the night.
When it finally played, he didn't hesitate.
"C'mon," he murmured, already pulling me toward the dance floor.
I laughed softly but followed, letting him lead me into the center of the room where other couples swayed in the dim, golden light. He pulled me close, one hand at my waist, the other holding mine against his chest, and I melted into him easily.
"This is nice," I whispered, resting my head against his shoulder.
His hand at my waist tightened slightly. "Yeah," he murmured, his voice low, content. "Real nice."
We moved together, slow and unhurried, like we had all the time in the world. The music wrapped around us, the warmth of the room, the sound of soft laughter and clinking glasses fading into the background.
Luigi leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to my temple. "You havin' fun?"
I smiled, tilting my head up slightly to look at him. "With you? Always."
His expression softened, something unshakable settling in his gaze. "Good."
And as we dancedâhis arms steady around me, the room flickering with candlelight and laughterâI knew there was nowhere else I'd rather be.