Page 37 of Off-Limits

"Thank you," I whisper, feeling grateful for having her by my side on this crazy journey called love.

"No need," she replies, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek before grabbing her makeup bag again. "Now let's get your facedone so we can go find your groom-to-be and give him a heart attack with how stunning you look."

I laugh, feeling some of my earlier nerves melting away as Emma begins to apply my makeup. As she works, I steal glances at myself in the mirror, admiring the way the dress fits me perfectly, accentuating every curve while still managing to make me feel elegant and sophisticated.

"I can't believe Jake picked this out for me," I say softly, running a hand over the delicate lace at my hip. "He has such great taste."

Emma smirks knowingly. "Well, considering he's had six months to fantasize about you in it, I'm not surprised he chose something that'll drive him wild." She winks at me through the mirror, making me blush.

"Stop," I groan playfully, swatting her arm with my hand. "I don't need any more reminders of how much sex we've been having. My vibrator is practically retired at this point."

Emma laughs loudly, drawing a curious glance from one of the bridesmaids outside our room. She quickly covers her mouth, trying to stifle her giggles as she leans in closer to me.

"Okay, but for real," she whispers, "you and Jake have some serious chemistry. I've never seen two people more meant for each other."

I smile at the compliment, feeling a warmth spread through me at the thought of my fiancé. "He's… incredible," I say, searching for words that could adequately describe Jake. "Every day with him feels like an adventure, and he makes me want to be better, not just for him, but for myself too."

Emma's expression softens as she listens to me gush about Jake. "I'm so happy for you, Mia," she says, giving my handa squeeze. "You deserve all the happiness in the world after everything you've been through."

As Emma puts the final touches on my makeup, I take one last look at myself in the mirror before taking a deep breath and standing up. Today is the day I've been dreaming about since I was a little girl, the day I finally get to marry the man who has captured my heart completely.

"Are you ready?" Emma asks softly, giving me an encouraging smile as she stands beside me.

I nod, feeling a rush of emotion threatening to overwhelm me. "As ready as I'll ever be," I say, linking arms with her as we make our way out of the room and down the hallway towards the waiting car that will take us to the ceremony venue.

As we walk, Emma fills me in on the last-minute details she's been handling for me—flowers, seating arrangements, the cake cutting schedule—and I listen attentively, grateful for her help. Without her, I'd be completely lost trying to put together this massive event in such a short amount of time.

When we arrive at the venue—a beautiful historic church with stunning architecture and lush gardens—I'm immediately greeted by Jake's family and our common friends, all eager to offer their congratulations and well wishes. Among them is Paris, a childhood friend of mine.

"Wow," she breathes, her eyes widening as she takes in the sight of me in my wedding gown. "Mia, you look absolutely stunning."

I blush at her praise, feeling grateful for her kind words. "Thank you, Paris," I say, giving her a quick hug. "And thank you so much for everything you've done to help plan this. It would've been impossible without you."

She waves off my gratitude, smiling warmly as she takes Emma's arm. "That's what friends are for," she says. "Now come on, let's get you to your groom before he has a panic attack."

As we make our way towards the chapel where Jake is waiting, I can't help but steal glances around at all the familiar faces who have gathered to celebrate our love story with us. It feels surreal to think that just six months ago, Jake and I were still navigating the delicate balance of keeping our relationship a secret from Ryan and now here we are, about to exchange vows in front of everyone who matters most.

As we approach the doors to the chapel, Paris gives me one last quick hug before disappearing inside with Emma to take their places. I stand alone for a moment, taking a few deep breaths to calm my nerves as I prepare to walk down the aisle towards the man who has changed my life forever.

The music starts, signaling the beginning of the ceremony, and I take that as my cue to begin making my way inside. Ryan is the one helping me now. As soon as I step through the doors and catch sight of Jake standing at the altar, waiting for me with an expression of pure adoration on his face, any remaining nerves melt away, replaced by a sense of calm certainty.

This is right. This man is my future, and today marks the beginning of our life together.

I keep my eyes locked onto Jake's as I walk down the aisle, barely noticing the hushed whispers or subtle glances from the guests seated around us. All that matters right now is the love we share, and the promise of a lifetime together that awaits us after this ceremony.

When I finally reach the altar, Jake steps forward to take my hand, his thumb tracing circles on my skin as he leads me up the stairs and into position beside him. As we turn to face eachother, I can't help but smile at the sight of him in his tailored suit, every inch the handsome groom.

"Hey," he whispers, leaning in close so only I can hear him.

"Hi," I whisper back, my heart fluttering in my chest as I stare into his eyes.

"You look incredible," he says softly, his gaze dropping to take in every detail of my wedding dress. "I'm the luckiest man alive."

My blush deepens at his words, and I feel a warmth spread through me at the intensity of our connection. It's like everything else fades away, leaving just the two of us in this moment.

The officiant clears her throat, drawing our attention back to the ceremony at hand, and we both turn to face her, ready to begin.

As she guides us through the various readings and traditions, I find myself completely lost in Jake's gaze, barely able to focus on anything but the love that passes between us. When it comes time for us to exchange vows, however, I make sure to give him my full attention. After all, these are words I've been waiting my entire life to say.

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