Chapter 109 CHAPTER 109

Chapter 109 CHAPTER 109
Ethan Hartley

Gabriel reduces the speed and parks the car in front of an elegant floral studio, with large glass storefronts filled with colors and perfumes that seem to escape all the way to the sidewalk. As soon as I turn off the engine, the anxiety hits me full force.

It's real.

We are going to choose the roses for our wedding.

My hands turn cold without warning, and my heart accelerates. Biel notices in the exact same instant. He looks at me and lets out a low, affectionate laugh.

"Calm down, my sun," he says, leaning a bit in my direction. "Everything is going to work out. Let's go."

I take a deep breath, trying to organize my emotions. I nod.

We step out together. He loops his arm around my waist in a protective, firm way, and we walk inside.

The interior of the shop is even more beautiful than from the outside. Arrangements everywhere, tables with loose flowers, tall vases, soft colors mixed with intense shades. The scent is delicate, enveloping. For an instant, I stand just observing, absorbing everything.

An attendant approaches with a polite smile.

"Can I help you?"

"We are choosing the flowers for our wedding," Gabriel answers, proud.

The word "wedding" still makes my stomach take a leap.

She guides us through the space, presenting options, explaining combinations, and speaking about meanings. We touch the petals with care, bring our faces close to feel the scent, and exchange silent glances whenever something pleases us.

"These are beautiful," I say, pointing to a light-colored arrangement.

"They are," Gabriel agrees. "But I think those fit your style more."

We continue comparing, asking for opinions, and changing our minds more than once until something simply clicks. When I see the right flowers, I feel my chest warm up, and the anxiety gives way to a peaceful certainty.

"These are the ones," I speak, confident. "I can imagine everything with them."

Gabriel smiles, satisfied.

"I can too."

He requests a good quantity and talks with the attendant about arrangements, details, and combinations. Next, he provides the address of the beach house and asks for everything to be sent that very same day.

"Today, please," he reinforces. "It's important."

She notes everything down carefully, guarantees it will be perfect, and heads to the register. Gabriel pays without hesitation and holds my hand while they finalize it.

When we leave the shop, the sun feels a bit stronger.

The flowers are chosen.

One more step taken.

And little by little, our wedding stops being just a dream… and begins to take shape.

I smile, excited, lifting my gaze to the sky.

"Now I'm believing it's real."

Gabriel laughs and pulls me closer.

"It always was, love." He takes a short pause. "And I never imagined choosing flowers was so tiring. I'm already sleepy."

I let out a gasp of laughter.

"Don't even start, handsome. We still have a lot ahead of us."

"How long were we in there?" he asks, consulting his own watch. "We arrived at eight-twenty…" he calculates. "And we are leaving at nine-ten. Almost an hour."

I let out a sigh, feeling my body begin to demand its toll.

"Right… now let's go taste our cake."

Gabriel sighs, dramatically.

"We are going to taste so much to choose the perfect cake that I can already see I won't be able to eat anything else afterward."

I laugh at the exaggeration, and we get into the car. He starts the engine, and I rest my hand on his thigh, sliding down to his knee. Gabriel holds my fingers, brings them to his mouth, and kisses them one by one. The simple gesture makes me smile without realizing it. We continue like this until we arrive at the bakery specialized in weddings.

I take a deep breath before stepping out.

"Everything is set, right? We just arrive, state our names, and they take us for the tasting."

Gabriel laughs.

"Yes, love. My mother already spoke with the manager here. Let's go."

We step out of the car once more.

The shop is elegant and welcoming, with impeccable displays and a sweet aroma that envelops everything. We are received with friendliness, and, after they confirm our names, they conduct us to a space reserved for the tasting.

We talk about what we imagine. I explain that I want something special, but without excess. Gabriel agrees, attentive to every detail.

"We thought of chocolate with hazelnut," I say, certain of the choice.

The baker smiles, excited, and begins to present options. We taste different chocolates, varied combinations, and textures that complement one another. One more is delicious than the last. Next, we pass to the batter, then the frosting, then the filling—the perfect balance between sweet and smooth.

Time passes without us noticing.

We discuss the design, the final details, and the harmony with the rest of the decoration. Each decision is made calmly, until, finally, everything fits together.

"Perfect," I say, already tired but satisfied.

"Tomorrow morning we will deliver it to the location," the baker guarantees.

We thank him, relieved, and leave the shop.

Back in the car, we lean our heads against the seat at almost the exact same time. Silence settles in, comfortable, heavy with good fatigue.

We don't need to say anything.

We stay like that for a few minutes, in silence, until Gabriel takes a deep breath and checks the time on his watch.

"Love… we arrived here at nine-thirty," he comments, running his hand over his face. "And we are leaving now at noon. I am exhausted."

I let out a low laugh.

"Well, my love. Life isn't easy for anyone. Planning a wedding is truly tiring."

He tilts his head in my direction, attentive.

"Now all that's left is the suit. After that, we can finally rest… and then get married."

"Yes," he answers, with a restrained smile. "But before that, let's have lunch. It's already noon, and you still have chemo today."

I nod. He starts the car, and we head to a restaurant near the bakery. A few minutes later, he parks, holds my hand, and we walk inside together.

"Good afternoon. Table for two?" the attendant asks with a polite smile.

"Yes, please," I answer.

We are conducted to a table near a large window. As soon as we sit down, a waiter approaches and hands us the menus. The hunger is great, but I look for something light that won't irritate my stomach.

There is still that silent dread of overdoing it before chemotherapy; I leave certain things to ask the doctor about later.

I lift my gaze and notice Gabriel already observing me.

"Did you choose yet, love?"

I nod. He signals to the waiter, who returns quickly. We place our orders, and when he steps away, I let out a long sigh. Gabriel extends his hand across the table and holds mine.

"Nervous?"

I let out a short laugh.

"Very. Too nervous. And you?"

He smiles.

"A lot. I don't think I'll be able to sleep when the day comes."

"Me neither," I agree, running my thumb over his fingers. "Whom do you intend to invite?"

"I'm going to invite Sabrina, Fred… and, of course, they can bring their partners."

I nod, satisfied with the idea.

Soon our plates arrive. The hunger speaks louder, and we begin to eat without delay. Even after the sweet tasting, nothing replaces a real meal. When we finish, I drink the rest of the juice and feel my body a bit more re-energized.

"It gives you an absurd urge to lie down and sleep," Gabriel comments, drawing a laugh from me.

"You aren't the only one. If I lean my head on this table, I'll fall asleep on the spot."

He agrees, laughing.

In that instant, my phone vibrates inside my bag. I grab the device and see the message from Angela.

Sweetie, I already picked up your parents, and we are heading to the suit shop.

I reply quickly.

Right, we are on our way.

I put the phone away and look at Gabriel.

"We need to go, love. Your mother is already with my parents."

He agrees. We stand up, he pays the bill, and soon we are back in the car. Gabriel starts the engine, and we head in the direction of the suit shop.

We arrive at the suit shop and step out of the car. As soon as we walk inside, I find my parents and Angela already waiting for us.

"You arrived. Now each goes their own way," his mother announces, practical as always.

Gabriel rolls his eyes.

"Not even a 'hi,' Mom?"

She snorts.

"Hi, Gabriel. How are you, son?"

He snorts back, drawing a laugh from me.

"It was better if I had stayed quiet."

"It was better indeed," she agrees, without the slightest weight on her conscience. "Now, Richard, put some sense into his head if he finds some ugly suit."

I bring my hand to my mouth to hold back the laugh. My father also controls himself.

"Enough, Mom. Anyway… let's go, father-in-law."

My father nods, accompanying Gabriel. Before leaving, Biel kisses my forehead.

"I'll pick you up later."

I nod, kiss his lips quickly, and watch the two of them head outside.