54

54
54
(Gabrielle’s POV)

Wedding planning.

Two words that should have excited me.

Instead, I was currently staring at an overwhelmingly thick wedding planner book, wondering if eloping was still an option.

“Why are there so many decisions?” I groaned, flipping through page after page of floral arrangements, table settings, and venue options.

Matthew, ever the calm one, sat across from me, sipping his coffee with an amused look. “Because humans like making things complicated.”

I shot him a glare. “You’re also getting married, you know. This isn’t just my problem.”

Matthew smirked, setting down his cup. “I never said it was.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Then why are you just watching me suffer?”

He chuckled and reached for my hand, pressing a slow kiss to my fingers. “Because you’re adorable when you’re frustrated.”

I groaned, flopping against the couch dramatically. “Ugh. You are no help.”

Matthew grinned. “That’s not true. I’ve already made one major decision.”

I lifted my head suspiciously. “Oh? And what’s that?”

He leaned in, his lips ghosting over mine as he murmured, “The most important one—I’m marrying you.”

…Damn him.

Even when I wanted to be annoyed, he knew exactly how to make my heart melt.

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t fight my smile. “Fine. You win.”

By the time Julian showed up, I had barely made a dent in the planning.

“Alright, lovebirds,” he announced, stepping into our apartment as if he owned the place. “Let’s talk wedding.”

I sighed. “Finally, someone who actually wants to help.”

Julian gasped, feigning offense. “Are you implying Matthew has been useless?”

Matthew, unbothered, took another sip of his coffee. “She doesn’t need to imply anything.”

Julian cackled. “Ah, I love you two.”

I waved toward the disaster of papers scattered across the coffee table. “Okay, Mr. Expert. Where do we start?”

Julian plopped down beside me, scanning everything. “First thing’s first—venue.” He glanced at Matthew. “I assume we’re going big?”

Matthew raised an eyebrow. “That depends. Do you want a private ceremony or something grand?” he asked, looking at me.

I hesitated. “I don’t want something too over the top, but… something beautiful. Romantic.”

Julian clapped his hands. “I love that. Now, question....are we inviting vampires or just keeping it human-friendly?”

I blinked. “Wait. Vampires?”

Julian smirked. “Darling, you are marrying a vampire. Might as well embrace the whole experience.”

I turned to Matthew. “Would vampires even attend a wedding?”

Matthew leaned back, smirking. “Some might. Some might not. Julian just wants an excuse to cause chaos.”

Julian gasped. “How dare you? I only cause minor chaos.”

I sighed. “I don’t care who comes, as long as they don’t try to eat the guests.”

Julian grinned. “I’ll add that to the ‘rules’ section.”

I groaned. “We need rules now?”

Julian winked. “You’re marrying into the supernatural world, my dear. You’ll get used to it.”

After hours of debating (and Julian being way too enthusiastic), we finally settled on a venue,an elegant estate just outside the city, surrounded by gardens and fairy lights.

It was perfect.

Matthew and I sat on the balcony, the cool night air wrapping around us.
He pulled me onto his lap, his arms secure around my waist.

“Tired?” he murmured, pressing a kiss to my shoulder.

I sighed, relaxing against him. “Exhausted. But excited.”

Matthew smiled. “Good. Because I plan on making you the happiest bride in history.”

I tilted my head, smiling. “You already do.”

And as we sat there under the stars, I knew,despite all the chaos,this was going to be the most incredible journey of my life.