55

55
55
(Gabrielle’s POV)

Julian had taken on the role of self-appointed wedding coordinator, which meant I was subjected to his constant opinions about everything.

“The flower arrangements must be perfect,” he announced dramatically as he paced around my apartment. “I won’t let your wedding be anything less than a masterpiece.”

I groaned, sinking into the couch. “Julian, the flowers are fine.”

He gasped. “Fine is unacceptable! Breathtaking is what we’re aiming for.”

Matthew, who had been watching from the kitchen, smirked. “Julian, maybe let the bride breathe?”

Julian huffed. “You both act like I’m being unreasonable when I’m literally making your wedding iconic.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Julian, I love you. But if you don’t chill, I will replace you with a less dramatic best man.”

Julian clutched his chest like I’d stabbed him. “How dare you?”

Matthew chuckled and pulled me into his arms. “Enough stress for today. You need rest, love.”

I sighed into his embrace. “Fine. But if Julian replaces my wedding cake with something ridiculous, I will riot.”

Julian grinned. “No promises.”

•••••••••••••••••••

(Matthew’s POV)

The day had finally arrived.

Standing at the altar, I adjusted the cuffs of my suit and took a deep breath.

I wasn’t nervous. I had lived for over a century, seen things most wouldn’t believe—yet, standing here, waiting for Gabrielle, was the most significant moment of my existence.

Julian smirked beside me. “Ready to be legally and eternally tied down?”

I shot him a look. “Shut up, Julian.”

He chuckled but didn’t push further.

The music changed, signaling her arrival.

Everyone stood, turning toward the entrance.

And then, there she was.

Gabrielle stepped through the grand doors, her arm linked with Lillian’s.

My breath caught.

She looked exquisite. The dress hugged her figure in all the right ways, the lace detailing giving her an ethereal glow. Her hair was styled elegantly, soft waves cascading down, framing her face perfectly.

But it wasn’t just the dress or the way she carried herself.

It was her.

The woman I had waited a lifetime for.

Her gaze met mine, and in that moment, everything else disappeared.

As she walked toward me, step by step, I could see the emotions swirling in her eyes—love, excitement, a hint of nervousness.

When she finally reached me, I took her hands in mine, squeezing gently.

“You’re stunning,” I whispered.

She smiled, her eyes shining. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

The officiant cleared his throat, beginning the ceremony.

“Dearly beloved…”

The words blurred together as I focused only on Gabrielle, memorizing every little detail of this moment.

And then—

“Do you, Matthew, take Gabrielle to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

Without hesitation, I answered, “I do.”

“And do you, Gabrielle, take Matthew to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

She smiled, her voice steady. “I do.”

The moment the words left her lips, I felt something shift—something deeper than a mere legal bond.

A connection that transcended time.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

I didn’t waste a second.

Pulling her close, I captured her lips in a deep, tender kiss, sealing our forever.

The world erupted in cheers around us, but all I could feel was her.

My wife.

My eternity.

The reception was a dream.

Golden fairy lights twinkled overhead, casting a warm glow over the dance floor. The laughter of friends and family filled the air, and music played softly as Matthew led me in our first dance.

“You know,” I murmured, looking up at him. “I’m technically a vampire’s wife now. Does that make me part of the supernatural world?”

Matthew smirked. “You were already part of my world the moment I fell in love with you.”

I rolled my eyes. “That was so cheesy.”

He chuckled. “You love it.”

I sighed, resting my head against his chest. “I do.”

The night continued with toasts, laughter, and even Julian getting slightly emotional (which he will deny forever).

At one point, Matthew and I snuck away from the party, standing on the balcony overlooking the city lights.

He wrapped his arms around me from behind, his chin resting on my shoulder.

“So,” he murmured. “How does it feel to be Mrs. Blackwell?”

I smiled, leaning into him. “It feels… right.”

Matthew turned me in his arms, tilting my chin up. “Good. Because I plan to love you for eternity.”

I traced my fingers along his jaw, my heart full. “Then eternity sounds perfect.”