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(Gabrielle’s POV)

I woke up to the feeling of warm arms wrapped around me and the steady rise and fall of Matthew’s chest beneath my cheek.

For a moment, I just lay there, soaking in the quiet, peaceful moment. The past few days had been an emotional whirlwind, but now, everything felt perfect.

My fingers absently traced the band of the ring on my finger. Engaged.

The word still felt surreal.

A few months ago, I never would have imagined this—being wrapped in the arms of a century-old vampire who, despite his arrogance and stubbornness, had somehow managed to steal my heart entirely.

And now? He was mine.

I smiled to myself, tilting my head up to look at him.

Matthew was still asleep, his usually sharp features softened by sleep. His dark lashes cast faint shadows over his cheekbones, and his lips were slightly parted.

I resisted the urge to kiss him.

Instead, I carefully slipped out of bed, not wanting to wake him just yet.

But, of course, I should have known better.

The second my feet touched the floor, a strong arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me back.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Matthew’s voice was thick with sleep, his grip tightening slightly.

I laughed softly. “I was trying to let you sleep.”

Matthew’s lips brushed against my bare shoulder. “I’d rather wake up with you here.”

I rolled my eyes, but my heart fluttered at the tenderness in his voice. “You’re so clingy.”

He hummed in amusement. “Only with you.”

I sighed dramatically but settled back against him. “Fine. Five more minutes.”

Matthew smirked. “I was thinking more like forever.”

I playfully nudged him. “Smooth.”

He kissed the back of my neck in response.

And just like that, my resolve to get up completely disappeared.

I finally managed to escape Matthew’s grasp (after a lot of bargaining) and made my way into the kitchen to make coffee.

As I waited for it to brew, I couldn’t help but think about everything that came next.

The wedding.

The thought alone sent a mix of excitement and anxiety through me.

There was so much to plan. The venue, the guests, the dress. And, of course, I had to mentally prepare for Julian’s inevitable chaos because there was no way he wouldn’t insert himself into every decision.

I sighed, already feeling overwhelmed.

Matthew walked in, looking effortlessly perfect as always, despite having just woken up. He leaned against the counter, watching me with amusement.

“Thinking too hard?” he guessed.

I groaned. “There’s just… so much to plan.”

Matthew shrugged, completely unbothered. “We’ll figure it out.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “That’s easy for you to say. You’re not the one who has to pick between a hundred shades of white for a wedding dress.”

He smirked. “You’d look stunning in anything.”

I scoffed. “Flattery won’t get you out of helping.”

Matthew chuckled, stepping closer and wrapping his arms around my waist. “I want to help.”

I blinked. “Wait. Really?”

He nodded. “I want this day to be perfect for you. For us.”

My heart melted.

I leaned up and kissed him softly. “Okay. Then let’s do this together.”

Matthew smiled. “Always.”

And just like that, wedding planning officially began.