Chapter 112 CHAPTER 112

Chapter 112 CHAPTER 112
Gabriel Morgan

Two days later.

It's today.

My God… it's today.

The wedding.

Yesterday, Ethan and I said goodbye in the hardest way possible because we couldn't see each other until the ceremony. He is going to get ready at his mother's house; I am going to get ready at mine. The tradition is clear, but the heart doesn't understand any of it.

The nervousness hasn't given me a break. I slept poorly—just a shallow nap that wasn't of much use. The anxiety took over. Our wedding is at two in the afternoon, and I have been awake since four in the morning.

I got up much too early, put on my sneakers, and went out for a run, trying to organize my thoughts. The morning air helped a bit, but not enough.

Afterward, I came back and took a long shower, the kind that feels like a ritual. Beard shaved, hair washed, hot water running down while I tried to absorb reality: I am getting married.

My mother appeared at the bedroom door shortly after, telling me to wear only underwear and a bathrobe. She said the team would arrive soon. Two, actually—one for me and another for Ethan. Knowing that drew a nervous smile from me.

I almost jumped in fright when she walked in without warning.

I lift my gaze and freeze.

She is beautiful. The blue dress fits perfectly on her body—long and fluid, with the light fabric accompanying every movement. The shade contrasts impeccably with her dark skin, highlighting even more the natural elegance she has always possessed.

The loose sleeve brings delicacy, and the discreet neckline maintains the sophistication. It's impossible not to notice how that color seems to have been made to measure for her.

"Wow, Mom… you look beautiful."

She smiles with that conceited air I know well.

"I know."

Before I can say anything else, she claps her hands.

"All right, everyone. You may come in."

The door opens and, suddenly, the room fills with people. Everything happens fast: someone styles my hair with precision, and another does light, almost imperceptible makeup, just to correct what's needed.

They take care of the nails on my hands and feet, the details that make everything impeccable. It's strange to be the center of so much attention, but I let them do their work.

When they finish, I am guided to the closet.

The suit is hanging there, flawless. Black, well-tailored, elegant in just the right measure. The vest adjusts perfectly to my body, the light-colored shirt brings contrast, and the tie completes the set with sobriety. Nothing exaggerated. Everything firm, secure… just how I want to be today.

I put on piece after piece carefully, feeling the symbolic weight of every detail.

I step out of the closet and head to the mirror.

I hold my breath.

For a second, I almost don't recognize myself. It doesn't feel real. It feels like I'm looking at another version of myself.

My mother claps her hands emotionally.

"My son looks handsome. Richard truly had good taste."

I roll my eyes but smile.

She approaches, her gaze softer.

"You look handsome, Gabriel. Maybe I don't say this all the time, but I am very proud of the man you have become. And your father would be too."

My chest tightens in a good way. My heart warms up.

"My sister didn't even answer, right?"

She sighs with a sad smile.

"No. Your sister truly wants nothing to do with us."

I shrug, trying to keep the mood light.

"Then to hell with her."

She laughs, surprised by my shift in mood.

"There. You look too handsome. Now let's go, because the groom needs to arrive first. And I hope you wrote your vows."

I let out a laugh as we head out of the room.

"I'm going to say everything there, Mom. I even jotted a few things down, but I don't want any paper in my hand. I want to hold his hands, look into his eyes, and say everything just the way it comes out."

She smiles and gives a firm pat on my shoulder.

"Good boy."

We leave the house. Mikael opens the car door, and I get in, feeling the nervousness return with full force. My mother heads to the front seat. Shortly after, the car gains motion, driving in the direction of the beach house where the wedding is going to take place.

And with every kilometer, the thought is only one: there's little time left to meet the love of my life at the altar.

Arriving at the wedding location, as soon as I step out of the car, my eyes widen. My heart races in an almost painful way, taken by an emotion that barely fits in my chest.

Everything is perfect.

The light sand extends to the calm sea, which reflects golden tones of the afternoon. Rows of round tables covered in white tablecloths occupy the space with harmony, each decorated with delicate arrangements of flowers we chose that day.

Between the tall palm trees, strings of lights are suspended, creating a welcoming, almost magical atmosphere. In the center, the white runner walks directly to the altar, set up facing the ocean, enveloped by flowers and light fabrics that dance with the salty breeze.

It's all exactly as we dreamed.

I look at my mother, who steps out of the car right behind me, with a proud smile stamped on her face.

"Did you like it?"

I can't contain myself. I run over to her and hug her tightly.

"Thank you, Mom. This is too incredible. I loved it… loved it very much. And I'm sure Ethan is going to love it too."

She laughs, returns the hug, and then pulls back a bit.

"Let's go."

I begin to walk through the space with slow steps, absorbing every detail. I greet the guests—everyone is there. I see Sabrina, my secretary, beside her boyfriend. I hug them both.

"Thank you for coming."

"Congratulations on the wedding," she says, smiling. "Everything is wonderful."

I move forward and find Fred with his girlfriend. I receive their congratulations and thank them for their presence and for the affection.

Further ahead, I spot Doctor Rodrigo. I approach and shake his hand with sincere gratitude.

"Thank you for being here. Truly."

I greet his wife too, emotionally. Shortly after, I see Paula, Verônica, and Márcia. The nurses who were with Ethan during his most difficult moments. I hug each one.

"Ethan is going to be very happy to see you here. Thank you for everything."

They smile, emotional, beside their partners.

When I get closer to the altar, something catches my attention. A priest is there. I crease my forehead, confused, and head back to my mother.

"Mom… why is there a priest at the altar? They don't do gay weddings."

She rolls her eyes, as if I had asked the most obvious question in the world.

"That one there is a former priest, a friend of mine. His payment was free food and drinks."

I roll my eyes, drawing a laugh from her.

Before I say anything else, Mikael approaches and whispers something into her ear. My mother stares at me quickly, her eyes shining.

"Now go. Your groom has arrived. Go, move, move."

She begins to push me.

"Calm down, woman."

I head toward the altar, feeling my hands sweat. The guests settle into their places. The photographers position themselves, capturing every second. I take deep breaths several times, trying to calm down.

"Breathe, son. Everything is fine," the former priest says with a calm smile.

I nod, returning a restrained smile.

I see my mother-in-law sitting in the first row, her eyes misty, but with a smile so full of love that it moves me deeply. I smile back. Soon my mother and Mikael also approach and sit down.

The music begins to play.

Then… I see him.

Ethan enters accompanied by his father, and I nearly fall to my knees. He is wearing an impeccable white suit, perfectly adjusted to his body. The double-breasted vest flatters every line of his torso; the light shirt merges into the set with elegance, matching beautifully with the beach scenery.

He looks absurdly handsome.

Hot.

Perfect.

I hold my breath, feeling my eyes burn.

This is truly happening.

We are getting married.

My God.