Page 110 of Holly Jolly Heat
RegularViewer: the cozy crew is HERE FOR THIS
More guests arrived, Michelle's extended family, some of my friends from Seattle, a few industry colleagues who'd supported us publicly. Bill's entire side of the family. Janet's book club. The house filled with warmth and celebration. Our families were too far away to get here on such short notice so we’d decided to do a secondary celebration with them later, though I knew some of them would be watching the stream as well.
And at 6:45 PM, fifteen minutes before ceremony start, I took my position by the fireplace with Ro and Dex.
We were all wearing suits, me in navy, Ro in charcoal, Dex in black. Professional but personal. Formal but comfortable.
The streaming setup went live.
CozyFan22: OH MY GOD IT'S STARTING
HolidayVibes: 50,000 VIEWERS ALREADY
StreamSniper: WE'RE ALL HERE FOR THIS
RegularViewer: cozy crew representing
"Welcome, everyone," I said to the camera, my voice steadier than I felt. "Thank you for being here, both in person and online,to celebrate with us. Myself, Ro, Dex and, of course, Michelle wanted to share this moment with you because you've been part of our journey from the beginning. Your support has meant everything."
Through the bond, I felt Michelle upstairs, her nervousness spiking.
It was almost time.
"We're going to start in just a few minutes," I continued. "But before we do, I want to thank you all for being the most supportive community any creator could ask for. You've watched us fall in love. You've defended us when we needed it. You've celebrated with us. And now you get to watch us make it permanent."
CozyFan22: I'M CRYING ALREADY
HolidayVibes: LUCAS YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE US ALL CRY
CalliesCrossed: So proud of you all! This is beautiful!
Janet appeared at the top of the stairs.
Our signal.
Michelle was ready.
My heart started pounding.
"She's coming," I whispered to Ro and Dex. "This is real. This is actually happening."
"Breathe," Dex advised. "In through your nose, out through your mouth. Don't pass out on camera."
"Not helpful."
"Very helpful," Ro corrected. "Breathe, Lucas. You've got this."
Music started, something soft and instrumental that Janet had chosen. The guests quieted, turning toward the stairs.
And Michelle appeared.
The white dress was perfect. It was simple and elegant, flowing to the floor. Her dark hair was loose, the way I lovedit. No veil, no excessive decoration. Just Michelle, beautiful and nervous and absolutely radiant.
Janet and Bill both walked beside her, giving her away, supporting her, and both beaming with pride.
And as Michelle descended the stairs, her eyes found mine before moving to Ro and Dex.
Through the bond, I felt everything she was feeling: fear, love, determination, joy, nervousness, absolute certainty.
