Chapter 265 Forever begins

Chapter 265 Forever begins
 Lucas gazed at him and smiled. 
   Alex ignored him and sat dramatically on the couch. His face was full of exaggerated disappointment.
   Lucas couldn't help laughing. "What now?"
   Alex looked at him. "If I were the one carrying our babies..." He shook his head. "I wouldn't work. I'd stay home. I'd sleep and I'd eat. I'd let everyone spoil me."
   Lucas burst into laughter.
   "You?"
   "Yes, me. I'd be the world's most obedient pregnant husband."
   Lucas walked over, smiling warmly.
"Oh really?"
   He wrapped both arms around Alex's neck.
   "Come on, honey. I won't do anything that could hurt our babies."
   Alex rested his forehead against Lucas's. "I know but I can't help worrying.
   "I'll only work four hours."
   "Hmm?" Alex searched his eyes.
"And if you can't handle it..."
   Lucas smiled softly. "I'll quit."
   "No arguments?"
   "No arguments."
   Alex studied him for another moment before finally smiling.
"Good."
   He tilted Lucas's chin upward and kissed him gently.
   Lucas melted into the kiss. When they finally separated, Alex took a slow step backward. Then another.
Lucas frowned. "What are you doing?"
   Without answering, Alex reached into his pocket. He pulled out a small velvet box.
   Lucas's eyes widened.
   Alex slowly lowered himself onto one knee.
   His hands trembled slightly as he opened the box, revealing a beautiful ring.
   Tears instantly filled Lucas's eyes.
   Alex looked up at the love of his life. "When we first met, I never imagined you'd become my home."
   His voice shook with emotion.
   "You've stood by me through misunderstandings, heartbreak, danger, and miracles."
   He glanced down at Lucas's growing belly before smiling. "And now you've given me the greatest gifts I could ever receive."
   Lucas covered his mouth, already crying.
   Alex took a deep breath. “So let's announce ourselves to the whole world.” Alex smiled. 
   “Lucas Westman, Will you do me the incredible honor of becoming my husband, and spend the rest of your life with me, raising our family, growing old together, and letting me love you every single day?"
   Tears were already streaming freely down Lucas's cheeks. He laughed through them, unable to speak for several seconds.
   Finally, he nodded over and over again. "Yes." His voice cracked.
   He laughed again. "Yes, my Alex. A thousand times yes." He gave Alex his left hand.
   Alex slipped the ring onto Lucas's finger before standing and pulling him into a careful embrace.
   Their lips met in a tender kiss, one filled with hope, gratitude, and promises for the future.
   Between them, two tiny heartbeats continued to grow, surrounded by the love that had fought through every storm to reach this beautiful beginning.
   A month later, the day they had dreamed of through countless trials finally arrived.
   The grand ballroom of the Westman Estate had been transformed into a breathtaking wedding venue. 
   Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead while thousands of white roses, baby's breath, and cascading orchids decorated every corner. Soft golden lights reflected against elegant ivory drapes, creating a warm, magical atmosphere. 
   Outside, a string quartet filled the air with gentle melodies as guests eagerly awaited the ceremony.
Friends, relatives, business associates, and former colleagues had gathered from everywhere.    
   Benson's Eatery had closed for the day so every staff member could partake in the joyful event. Even Doctor Kornelly and Doctor Peters were seated proudly in the front row.
   Alex stood at the altar in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo. Although he looked calm, his trembling fingers betrayed his nervousness.
   Jason leaned over with a grin.
"Nervous?"
   Alex let out a breath.
"Terrified."
   Annie laughed. "Are you kidding me? You've survived kidnappers, blackmail, and hospital scares. Yet your wedding is what scares you?"
   Alex smiled. "This is different."
   Just then, the music changed.
Everyone rose to their feet as the large doors opened.
   Lucas appeared.
   A collective gasp swept across the hall.
   Dressed in an elegant white suit specially designed to fit comfortably around his growing baby bump,    Lucas looked radiant. His pregnancy had only made him glow even more.   
   One hand rested protectively over his stomach while the other held a bouquet of white lilies.
   Mr. Westman proudly walked beside his son.
   When Alex saw Lucas, tears instantly blurred his vision.
   "Oh good heavens, he's so beautiful," he whispered.
   Lucas looked up, meeting Alex's watery eyes. Neither noticed the guests anymore. They only saw each other.
   Step after step, Lucas walked toward the man who had fought for him through every storm.
   Mr. Westman gently placed Lucas's hand into Alex's. "Take care of my son."
   Alex nodded emotionally. "I'll spend my whole life doing exactly that."
   The officiant smiled warmly.
   "We are gathered here today to celebrate not only the union of two hearts but the triumph of a love that refused to give up."
   Many guests wiped away tears as the vows came first.
   Alex looked into Lucas's eyes.
"I once thought loving someone meant protecting them from pain. You taught me that love also means trusting, listening, forgiving, and standing beside each other no matter how difficult life becomes. I promise to love you and our growing family every day for the rest of my life."
   Lucas was already crying. When it was his turn, he smiled through his tears.
   "You became my safest place, my dearest Alex.” He laughed lightly through his tears.
   “Even when life tried to pull us apart, your love always found me again. You taught me that love knows no boundary. I promise to laugh with you, cry with you, and grow old with you. I'll remind our children every day, how lucky we are to have you and how deeply their father loves us."
   Every eye in the room was wet with joyful tears. Some were sobbing, others were sniffing through their smiles.
   The rings were exchanged.
   The officiant beamed. 
   "By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husbands."
   He smiled. "You may kiss your husband."
   Before Alex could move, Lucas smiled mischievously. "You still owe me hundreds of kisses."
   The guests laughed.
   Alex chuckled. "I'll never finish paying that debt."
   He gently cupped Lucas's face and kissed him.
   The hall erupted into thunderous applause. Cheers echoed everywhere as flower petals rained from above.
   Just then, Lucas suddenly took Alex's hand and placed it on his stomach.
   Alex looked down in surprise.
A tiny kick met his palm. His eyes widened.
   "They kicked, oh my sweetness."
   Lucas laughed happily. "I think they're celebrating too."
   Alex dropped to one knee, kissing Lucas's belly with tears streaming freely down his face.
   "My little miracles," he whispered. "Daddy loves both of you already."
   The guests applauded even louder.
   The reception that followed was filled with music, laughter, dancing, and heartfelt speeches. 
   Jason joked that Alex had finally become "officially impossible to steal." That earned laughter from everyone.    
   Annie teased Lucas about making sure Alex changed diapers in the middle of the night, while Sally and Mr. Westman proudly welcomed the growing family.
   As the evening drew to a close, Alex and Lucas shared one final dance beneath a sky lit with dazzling fireworks. Holding each other close, they realized that every hardship they had endured had led them to this beautiful moment, beginning of forever.