Work Text:
"Y/N, will you marry me?"
I am amazed by the small black box filled with bright red velvet. Inside, a silver ring with a meticulously cut ruby.
It was Levi through and through. He knew how to be attentive. He was discreet most of the time but always remembered what I liked. He knew I hated gold in any form of jewelry and that my favorite color was red. Needless to say, it was the perfect engagement ring!
After 8 years of relationship, we could say we knew each other inside out. Our meeting wasn't very significant because it was a boring classic. Like our whole story actually... From dates to first kisses to the first time I brought him home. Then everything accelerated, we moved in together, we met each other's family and friends, we traveled together, and we rarely argued (hypothetically).
When you reach the venerable age of 28, your family and friends tend to ask when the famous wedding will be. I wasn't against the idea at all, but Levi always managed to evade the conversation, especially when my mother subtly brought up the age of his engagement at family gatherings. If I were a modern, self-respecting woman, I could have asked for his hand in marriage myself. But I'm still a bit naive and traditional in my way of thinking.
And besides, it's not like I was eagerly awaiting anything major. I hadn't even shared this idea with him. That's what was surprising about him, and I think fate had played its cards well.
Summer was approaching, but our budget seemed quite limited for our vacation. It was after watching a show about China on television that my fantasy about this country was confirmed. I broke our piggy bank where we saved for big occasions but had to admit we were broke. Levi reproached me for breaking his childhood piggy bank, especially when he found me with a hammer in hand and porcelain in a thousand pieces. I've always been impulsive.
It was over; we were destined to stay in our little apartment. But as if it only happens in movies, Levi's grandmother passed away and left him a small inheritance. He wasn't close to her at all. But he was quite offended to see me arrive with dollar signs in my eyes (even though we live in Europe). Rest in peace, granny...
We were able to afford this trip gracefully, and we even had money left over afterward.
Now that I think about it, Levi's behavior had been quite different since we were in China. He got offended more easily when I ruined romantic moments with my questionable jokes. Well, admittedly, he never was a fan, but he put up with it. Even though in retrospect, he could have canceled his proposal because every time we toasted, I couldn't stop exclaiming "T'chine." A bit of a weird joke, I admit... And Levi had to make sure we weren't surrounded by French tourists.
It was when I saw the ring that all my senses awakened. I realized, in fact, that I had been eagerly awaiting this moment! There it was! He was asking for my hand!!
I plunged back into my thoughts, imagining the spectacular entrance I would make at the church. I would be on a unicorn and obviously, the most beautiful bride of all time! In a dress that would make heads spin and make my worst enemy green with envy! We would have to put up banners to prevent guests from rushing toward me. And then, autographs, camera flashes, desperate marriage proposals...
"Uh... Y/N?!
I looked up at Levi, who was sipping his cocktail, waiting for an answer for far too long. I don't know how long I had been lost in my thoughts.
- Oh, sorry... Yes!" I exclaimed.
- Finally..."
And so it was, in a trendy bar in the business districts of Hong Kong, that Levi and I got engaged.
Day 331
"Oh my! I can't believe we're getting married," I exclaimed, taking the flute Levi handed me. "I can't wait to announce it to everyone.
He sat down beside me on the bar's couch after pouring himself some champagne too. Despite his distant demeanor, I could see he was happy.
"Actually, most people already know. Your parents know too. I asked to do it properly. Obviously, they agreed.
- Oh...
A bit old-fashioned, but Levi had always been like that.
- Who else knows? Iris?
- Yes.
- Bene? Kiama?
- Also.
- Luna," I sighed.
- Oh no, your sister, I forgot.
- Great! At least I'll have someone to announce it to," I said, clinking glasses.
- To us!
- T'Chine!
- Stop that!"
We partied all night in the streets of Hong Kong. As soon as we announced what we were celebrating, everyone joined us and bought us rounds. We had a great time until the last bar. The last whiskey didn't sit well with me, and I smoked too much. The next day, I was glued to the toilet in our hotel room. It was while vomiting that I was dismayed to find out that the day after my engagement was so unglamorous. I promised myself to omit this part for the rest of my life.
For the remainder of the trip, I couldn't help but talk about the wedding and the preparations, even though our vacation wasn't over yet.
During our hikes:
"Actually, I imagine something really simple with a maximum of a hundred guests. A sort of chic barbecue, of course, but with a relaxed atmosphere. Without turning into something too vulgar. We still need to remain elegant at a wedding. It's just that..."
When we were at tourist markets:
"I'm torn between a round table or a very long table, like a banquet. But I don't want some of our guests to feel left out. We should plan who's coming in advance for the seating arrangement because otherwise, it quickly turns into a nightmare. Besides, everything will depend on the type of terrain we'll have. Do you think we'll be more in the city or in the countryside? The city, it's a bit..."
At the restaurant:
"I think a floral arch would look really nice! But I wonder if we would opt for real flowers or fake ones? It's true that real ones cost more, but fake ones quickly look cheap. And of course, no balloons! It's not a birthday, and everyone will have fun popping them, I hate that!"
At the beach:
"Oh, I just thought of something! We'll have to choose who to hire for the music. Are you more for a band or a DJ? Personally, I much prefer having a band. It's classier! We'll have to ask them to play Beatles songs. It will please my father. And also a bit of jazz, it's immediately more romantic..."
At night, in the hotel:
"Imagine if we end up with a really tacky cake, with sugar flowers on top. I like croquembouches, but they shouldn't be too extravagant either. And no fakes, they look ugly in photos. Oh, with the little bride and groom figurines! I'll make them myself... or I'll ask Iris..."
In the jacuzzi:
"I could make my entrance on a white horse with glitter and a horn... But I'm afraid the noise of the party and the cheers will scare the poor animal. The carriage would also be nice... Because our cars aren't very classy. Especially mine that I rear-ended. But then, we could..."
- Stop! I beg you," Levi exclaims! "We'll do something simpler than that: you organize everything and let me know the date! I'll try to come if I'm free...
- O...okay...
- Now, I'm going to do some laps. You've given me a headache for days!
- Okay. I'll shut up..."
I watch my fiancé walk away, massaging his temples. Then, slowly, a diabolical smile forms on my face. I've succeeded in my plan. I rub my hands together, like a villain in a movie.
Challenge accepted!
Day 311
We were back to Paris by plane. Now, I refrained from mentioning the wedding at all. But I was eager to start the preparations. I was going to become a real woman.
Well... what does it mean to be a real woman? What does it imply?
"Hard work, my dear! And you're nowhere near it!"
Before that, maybe I should have a real job! Oh my! I'm not even professionally fulfilled yet and at the end of my studies. I won't get my doctorate before getting married! While Levi is already working!! And then... everyone associates marriage with children! I have no maternal instinct nor the desire to have one right now! My god... How do women manage to combine both roles. And after all, I'm supposed to remain a woman my husband would love! How is that possible? Stay attractive with a job, kids, and a house to manage. I can already imagine them screaming in my ears while I do the dishes, listening to a lecture.
It's a nightmare! What am I getting myself into?!
"Y/N! Y/N!?
I frantically open my eyes and see Levi shaking me, sitting in the seat next to mine. Phew... it was just a dream. I just dozed off.
- You've been snoring for half an hour. People thought the plane's engine had a problem.
I rub my eyes as I hear a flight attendant whispering to the passengers, "It's nothing. It was the young woman in front of you!"
But... uh!
- You should try to be a bit more glamorous sometimes.
- Don't overdo it," I grumbled, turning around.
- Huh?
- I dreamt about female pressure. And given what awaits me, if snoring brings me a bit of happiness, don't take it away from me.
His face softened, and he kissed my forehead.
- You're really weird, but that's why I'm marrying you. Don't put pressure on yourself."
When you announce your engagement to friends and family, you expect wild congratulations.
My grandmother almost swore in front of the Lord asking me if I was pregnant... Apparently not very optimistic about the romantic future of my relationship.
My college friend asked if it was for tax purposes. And she didn't understand when I told her no.
Erd and Gunter laughed heartily for several minutes... before freezing when they realized it wasn't a joke.
Most of the couples we knew said, "It's cool for you guys, but we would never do it ourselves."
And my sister, Luna, just felt offended for being the last one to know.
When I complained to Levi, he simply replied that they were jealous.
Isn't that something you say to a child?
Day 304
Levi's family is pretty laid-back. He doesn't know his biological father, and his mother remarried when he was young. In a way, his stepfather is the one who raised him, and he considers him his own father. This man is a gem and the most caring person I've ever met... aside from his cheesy jokes and easy chatter. Levi also has a stepsister, barely an adult, named Mikasa, who I know dreams of marrying her best friend.
They were all thrilled about our engagement!
We went to see them to spend some time in their pool before getting back to work.
"So Levi, how did the proposal go?" his sister eagerly asked.
I quickly sit down next to him, still wet:
- Let me tell the story!
Levi pushes my face out of his view and clears his throat. He had carefully placed a hand over my mouth to prevent me from talking. I glare at him.
- Since we arrived at that bar, I had placed the ring in his bag. In fact, several times Y/N had prevented me from proposing. Like at the beach, for example: I started making a speech about our relationship, but she was distracted by a text from Luna asking how our digestion was in China. Lovely... To be honest, I was losing patience with her. So I took her to Sewa, a bar that...
- It reminds me of the joke of the Chinese guy who goes to the..."
For your innocent eyes, I spare you the racist and vulgar joke from my stepfather that interrupted Levi for 5 minutes. He was disgusted and passed the torch to me. All excited, I continue the story:
"Actually, Levi asked me to give him the camera that was in my bag to take a picture of us with the view. Well... I admit, at first, I told him to find it himself. But when I saw his face, I...
- Floyd! Come here, my son," Han exclaimed again as the family dog arrived on the terrace. "Don't tell your mother, Levi, but since she wasn't here last night, he slept with me."
I watch him rub the head of his Rottweiler, which I find adorable. But not as cute as our dog.
- Y/N? Well... Anyway! I had put the ring box in the pouch with the camera. She found it and...
- Who wants pizza?" Han asked.
Levi sighed loudly, giving me a stern look before finishing with an exasperated voice:
- She found the box, and that's when I asked her...
- Wait," I interrupted!" What kind of pizza is it? I'm starving!
- I give up," Livai sighed. "A drink, for my sanity."
Day 299
When Levi opened the apartment door, he was greeted by a squeal that made him sigh. Translation: my friend, all excited and whom I hadn't seen since my return, arrived with a little "Hiiiii!" that any friend would say in that situation.
"Bene is here..." murmured Levi, stepping away to avoid being caught in the impact.
- Bene!" I shouted, jumping off the couch. "Hiiiii!
I left my computer behind, which almost fell into my tumble if Levi hadn't caught it in time. His annoyed voice was drowned out by my friend's:
- Hiiii! Oh my god, you're engaged!!!
We hugged each other tightly, almost to the point of suffocating each other (like true friends do). Candice, our dog, hopped around us to celebrate the moment too.
- Well, I'll be out there," Levi murmured, escaping the noisy reunion. "Far far away...
He opened the balcony door in the living room to smoke a cigarette in peace. But I was too absorbed in telling Benedict everything.
- I brought champagne to celebrate this!
Levi turned his head slightly at the mention of the golden liquid and... alcohol. Strangely, he quickly finished his cigarette after that. Bene and I twirled around the room, well into our second bottle. She leaned into my bookshelf where I kept my textbooks.
- It's going to be amaaaazing! And the advantage is, we just have to consult your binder," she exclaimed!
- What," I gasped, my heart skipping a beat?!
I returned from the balcony, but it was already too late. My friend had already pulled out my bubblegum pink binder with a unicorn drawing on it. A cold sweat ran down my temple. Catastrophe!
- Bene! No!
I dropped my cigarette, but unfortunately, Levi already had it in his hand. Inspecting it with concern at the cheesiness of the cover.
- What's this thing!?
- Um...
When he opened the binder, his eyes widened, and he discovered the whole truth. He flipped through page after page, and it never stopped. The menu, the decor, the music... I had already planned everything.
Bene mumbled an apology, a bit tipsy.
- Creepy," muttered my fiancé, handing it back to us.
- Bene didn't even have a boyfriend when she started her binder!" I blurted out, red with embarrassment.
- Oh... Low blow," he said.
- Ah, but you didn't do that when you were a kid," Levi realized. "But when we were together?!"
- Um..."
Well, maybe I was already dreaming of marrying Levi. Just a little bit.
Day 298
It was quite natural for me to get married in my hometown: Bordeaux. Well, no, it wasn't technically my hometown? More like the city where I grew up. Actually, I was born in Germany, but my parents adopted me. It's a whole story that's not very interesting and forgettable.
The fact is that I was sure one of the most invested people in my wedding would be my mother. I think she had been waiting for one of her daughters to get married for ages. And since Luna is still single, all her hopes rested on me. It was adorable, but sometimes she was even too extreme.
"Honestly, Mom... I'm not sure getting married in church is a good idea. You know, the city hall works just fine for me too... And let's not kid ourselves, it's not my belief that matters.
- Oh, don't start again," my mother said, dragging me to the city hall. "It makes us happy, and even Levi said he preferred getting married in church.
- No... It's not for him but for his mother. Kuchel and her deep faith...
- Don't start hating your mother-in-law or you'll never finish," my mother sighed.
Once we got the attention of the receptionist, we both leaned on the counter, big smiles on our faces.
"Hello, we're here for a wedding," I explained, sweetly.
The lady, about as friendly as a prison door, finished her cold coffee and tapped her fake nails against her keyboard.
- Um... We'll need to make a file. What date is it for?
- So, tell me, how does it work exactly," my mother chimed in? "Does it last long? How many people can attend? Can we decorate the ceremony venue?
- Are you getting married," the lady asked in a monotone voice?
- No, it's my daughter! Can you believe it? They've been together for 8 years and they're finally getting married! I was starting to lose hope.
- Agreed... Miss, what date," she addressed me this time?
- June 28th! Actually, everyone in my family was born a multiple of four, and when you take into account...
- 2:30 PM, would that work?
- Tell me, will the date really be reserved, huh," my mother gasped?! Can we trust you?
- Can I film you for visual proof?
The lady rolled her eyes as she handed us a paper.
- Here's the file to bring back signed, with the documents. Goodbye!
My mother and I strolled away, arms linked, completely outraged.
- What service! I grumbled.
- Yes, sweetheart! We're not helped with people like them!"
Day 297
I walk into the bathroom where I find Levi shaving. I admire for a few seconds his back covered with his tattoo that wasn't yet finished. It reminds me that my wedding dress should preferably cover mine too. It's more elegant... Or maybe I'll just apply a lot of foundation on them...
"Are you okay?" Levi asks through the mirror, noticing I'm just standing there doing nothing.
- You know... I was thinking...
- Hmm?
- It would be nice if we didn't have too many people at our wedding, just close friends and family.
I approach the sink to wet my toothbrush.
- Actually, I'd like people to have fun without worrying about anything. Do you see what I mean? And I was thinking it would be better if there were no kids.
Levi looks at me for a few seconds without responding before sighing:
- I've already told you to stop brushing your teeth like that.
He twitches, grabbing my toothbrush to do it for me.
- But you didn't anchwer me. Doech it bother you?
- About the kids? No... The farther away they are from me, the better I feel.
I grab the razor he left in the sink to remove the last traces of foam from his face.
- That'ch it. Bechides, I'd like to do everyching mychelf: the decorachions, the food... If chere are too many people, I'll never cope!
- I understand, we'll reconsider the guest list a bit. And besides, there aren't many kids in the family, so it's not that important to exclude them.
- Hey, guys! Do you have any shav... Oh!
Luna jumps in surprise upon seeing us, Levi brushing my teeth and me shaving him. She alternates her gaze between the two of us for a few seconds before wrinkling her nose.
- You guys really have weird habits...
- You'll understand when you're engaged," I chuckle.
Levi simply smiles in response.
Day 296
"What? Pardon? You're refusing to have children at the wedding?!" My mother exclaims sharply.
- Well, um... we're not refusing them. But we really hope they won't be there," I explained with my mouth full." Your cookies are really good! Can you give me the recipe?
My mother seemed flustered as she brought her teacup to her mouth. My little sister didn't seem concerned about the news, and my father crossed his arms sternly.
- You don't like children?
- We didn't say that. We just prefer if they don't come. Levi doesn't want kids running around. And I just want to be serene all evening and drink quietly among adults.
- People will take it badly...
- Oh my god, what about the Lefebvre's son?! They'll think it's because he's albino!" My mother squawked!
- What? It's because he's albino that you don't want children?" My father asked indignantly.
- That's nonsense," I grumbled, grabbing another cookie!
- Get a babysitter then! She'll take care of them, and you won't have any problems.
- It'll cost us even more... In addition to the children's menus we'll have to arrange.
- But we just don't understand. It's not done, Y/N!
- Ah, but you're the ones who don't understand anything," I cried out!
I grabbed the cookie box before standing up.
- With Levi, it's the only thing we both agree on! I'm not going to change my mind just because of a neighbor I've seen twice in my life!!
As I left the room, my parents remained speechless. I just heard my sister sigh:
- What a child! And to think she's about to get her doctorate..."
I regretted afterward eating all the cookies. Generally, people opt for a diet when they're planning to get married.
Day 292
When you're getting married, it seems like everyone knows about it. Even when I went to my esthetician for my leg waxing, she asked me about the reception venue after the ceremony. I hadn't looked into it yet. She told me it takes over a year to find a venue and that I should book very early. And that's when I started to panic. That evening, I scoured hundreds of listings in the region and made a few calls. Of course, everything was booked, and they laughed in my face when I asked them to call me in case of a cancellation. But the panic was nothing compared to the immense anxiety I started to feel.
My parents took me to a nice estate in the provincial countryside. The dream... it was a slice of paradise. Too bad Levi didn't have time off work to see it.
"We could put lanterns up there," exclaimed my mother.
- Take it easy, Mom. We just got here.
The owner showed us around, and my imagination got ahead of itself once again.
- We rent it for the weekend. We can accommodate a hundred guests, there are thirty beds, a pool, and a barn.
- Oh, that's amazing!
- Are you available on June 28th?" I asked anxiously.
- But of course, don't worry! We're on schedule," said the old man.
- Ask about the price," my father whispered.
- How much does it come to for the weekend?
- Ten thousand euros. But we offer breakfast on Sunday.
I think my father had a heart attack hearing that.
- And dinner, is that included?
- Oh no, that's on you.
- Can we pay you in kidneys then? I have one extra right now...
- Okay Dad," I said, grabbing his arm." Let's go. Thank you, sir. We'll get back to you."
Not at all. Once in the car, my father swore that he hadn't saved a penny since I was born. This magical place went down the drain in two seconds.
That night, I was more absorbed in this story than my exam the next day. Levi saw my downcast expression and asked what was wrong. I dodged the question, but he insisted for once.
"It's just that I wanted a wedding without kids in an original place, and it's going to be the opposite! You'll see, we'll have 300 people in a community hall in the middle of nowhere!
- Ah, was that it... You're not going to complain that people want to come to our wedding, are you?
- You asked," I grumbled. "And you're not exactly the most sociable either.
- Besides, if the place isn't perfect, it's not such a big deal! Playing it chic would have made me too uncomfortable.
- Yes, of course. It's like you don't care about this wedding.
- That's nonsense! I just think you're making a mountain out of a molehill.
- I'm not making a mountain out of a molehill! I'm handling ALL the preparations for YOUR wedding from A to Z!"
We continued to argue throughout the evening. But don't worry, we made up. I think my nerves were shot, and it all fell on him. Even though I wasn't any closer to finding a reception venue. But there were other things to think about.
The wedding dress! That's super important! It's my day, I have to look stunning! The problem is, it turns out I'm very picky about it. When I was little, I thought any dress was pretty. But things have changed, and... my wallet isn't bottomless. I went to several stores with friends and my mother. But none of them suited me, neither me nor my body type. That's when I started to despair about that too. But I still made progress in my wedding plans; I suggested to Levi that we hire a bouncer to prevent any guests from wearing white or black. He refused, saying we just had to forbid it on our invitations. He's really useless sometimes.
Another one who's also hard to get through to is his stepfather, Han. When Kuchel asked me about the preparations, I cleared my throat, recalling all my notes.
"So, I've thought about the style of reception I'd like to organize and...
- It would be good to get the wine from the neighbor, I'll talk to him," Han interrupted.
I kept my cool and took a deep breath.
- Okay, Han. Just listen to me for five little minutes, that's all I ask. Because I know you, well," I murmured at the end.
- Hmm...
- I imagine something intimate, just very close people. It would be a no-frills wedding, a chic barbecue, in that vein... The theme? "Rustic chic"! In the heart of nature; only recycled items for decoration. Eco-friendly, you know! A bit boho... If we're around thirty, it would be perfect!
I saw Levi roll his eyes. He could tell my mother had a hand in my story. Han and Kuchel got up, and he handed me a piece of paper.
- I see. You're well prepared, aren't you! Here, I've already noted down a few names for our guests.
- Oh, that's great. Thank you!
But my smile faded when I saw the paper unfold in my hands, displaying almost a hundred names (of people I didn't know from Adam).
- Han... Did you hear what I said," I grumbled?
- Hey, look! Floyd's eating kibble over there!"
I give up.
And maybe I threw away the list.
Day 265
I climbed into bed, taking a quick drag on my cigarette while Levi worked on his laptop. Candice watched us with big black eyes, begging to jump onto the sheets. It reminded me that I needed to plan a spot at the reception just for that adorable face. I glanced at his shoulder where his tattoo was taking shape. He looked so attractive like that!
After a while, I put down my book and he closed his work, and we got into bed. Well... he just turned off the light for a few seconds because, despite myself, I started talking:
"It's weird, I'm not religious so I don't particularly want to get married in church. But I feel like if I don't, something will be missing.
- What's the harm," replied my fiancé?" And apparently, it pleases those who have faith. My mother would probably stand outside the town hall the whole time during the ceremony.
- She wouldn't be bored with her husband there," I murmured.
- I'll give you that. But also, the church she's suggesting is beautiful...
I gave him a mischievous smile before winking at him.
- That's why I've already called the priest to reserve the church, just in case!
- You're impossible," he sighed before lighting a cigarette. "But well played!
- He says we have to go through several sessions of preparation, but luckily, we can do it in Paris.
- Good... These constant trips down south for the wedding are getting on my nerves.
- Yes, well, I hope we don't have to recite Bible passages. That might be boring.
- Tch... you really have no religious education, do you?
- I know the basic prayers, at least," I retorted.
- Go ahead. Recite one for me," the black-haired one chuckled.
- Um... Hail Mary, full of grace... the Lord is with thee. Give us this day our daily bread... and forgive us because we are poor sinners. Amen."
I looked at my fiancé without much conviction. It was after several seconds that I realized he didn't know much either. Especially when he said "that works" after a long silence.
We decided to cut that moment short for something a bit more interesting than prayers... But it's true that the religious aspect quickly bored us. The preparation in Paris consisted of four meals with other couples. For these, I put on the most modest clothes possible and hoped there wouldn't be any surprise quizzes on the Bible.
We were greeted by a somewhat strange but very friendly couple. Everyone seemed invested, except me...
"Welcome, everyone! My name is Marie-Clothilde, and this is my husband Philibert! We'll be leading the meals.
- To tell you a little about us, we've been married for eight years and we have seven children.
I couldn't help but widen my eyes. Even Levi gave me a slight shake of his head, as if to say "You can forget about me having seven kids in record time."
They continued:
- We'll be focusing on the four pillars of marriage. That is: fidelity, freedom, fertility, and indissolubility. You'll see, we think the church is boring. But here, it's exciting!"
I felt a little guilty for being here only for the beautiful church I coveted. Especially since I was bored to death while they talked about God's love. It wasn't until after a while that I noticed the bottle of wine on the table. I wasn't particularly a fan of red wine, but if it would help pass the time...
"A little bit of Christ's blood," I whispered to my neighbor.
She looked at me wide-eyed. Levi quickly whispered to me:
- Y/N, please. Don't start embarrassing us. Not here!
No sense of humor... I was left alone with my thoughts for the rest of the meal. And maybe a bit of drinking. I don't know why, but I woke up after hearing the sentence:
- So, what does it mean for you to be married?
- Hehe, we'll finally be able to consummate our marriage," I chuckled a little too loudly." Well... if we really needed that..."
The. Entire. Table. Heard. Me.
At the time, I didn't understand the discomfort, I even continued until Levi extracted us from the meal. I was still quite cheerful as I followed him to the car.
"Oh, come on! It was a joke! Aren't you supposed to forgive your neighbor?
- Don't talk to me. I don't know you!"
He may have been a little mad for a tiny week. I kept a low profile for the rest of the meals.
Day 242
While I was out shopping with my friends, I was lamenting as I sifted through the new items. I just wasn't feeling great, so they put me on a plane to London, courtesy of Bene, of course. The rich kid of the group!
"I don't feel like I'm making any progress with the wedding...
- Where are you at, concretely?" Asked Iris.
- The town hall is booked and so is the church.
- That's already something.
- No," I sighed." I still haven't found a venue for the reception. It's super important! I wanted a party in the middle of nature but to rent... it's impossible. I left it too late: everything's taken!
- Why don't you do it at Levi's parents' place?
- No, I don't want it to be in a garden. And if it's at their place, I'll have less say.
- The bride always has the final say. And it'll save money that you can spend on other things. Like your dress, for example?
- But their house is modern. It doesn't really go with the wedding theme.
- But you'll surely put up a big tent, right? You won't even see the house and you can decorate however you want.
- Hmm... That's not a bad idea..."
My phone had been ringing for several minutes, so I decided to answer it at the cash register.
"Hello?
- Where are you," Levi shouted?!" You left early this morning, I thought you went to the pool!
- No, I needed to decompress. So, with the girls, we decided to have a shopping day in London.
- I... in London? Are you kidding me?!
- 350 pounds please," ask the cashier.
- What did she say?
- Uh, nothing! I'm coming back to Paris tonight. Love you!
I hung up quickly before he could say anything else.
- That was close," I sighed.
- Well, are we going to Urban Outfitters?"
In the end, I gave in to the idea of having the ceremony at my in-laws' place. Partly because I didn't have many other choices and it was true that it would make the preparations easier for me. But of course, Han was still in the picture. The funniest part was when my mom came down for the caterer war. It was very simple. Ever since I announced our engagement, they had been fighting over who would advise me the best. And of course, I had done my research on my own.
That afternoon, there were just the three of us and an eerie silence, ready to whip out our business cards like a showdown in a western movie.
" There's only place for one of us..." Han muttered.
He drew first:
- Here! Marie, caterer for the Notaries' Chamber! Takes 120 euros per guest for a buffet of starters, main course, and dessert!
- Micheline," I continued!" Organic restaurateur, 75 euros per person and her son, a pastry chef, makes my desserts himself!
My mom gave a little smile, confident before concluding:
- Robert, 40 years of experience. He gives us a buffet of starters, hot main courses served, desserts at will, coffee, tables set, and his staff stays until 3 in the morning! All for how much? Ah yes! 50 euros per head! And he lets us taste his profiteroles...
She pulled out the box, relishing her victory.
- A delight. Help yourselves!
- Okay, mom. You won. Respect," I sighed, taking a profiterole.
Han grumbled, accepting his defeat.
Day 163
The decoration budget was crucial. Now that I had a clearer idea of the venue, I could start sketching. For that, there was nothing better than wedding fairs. Levi refused to accompany me, and he was right because I was kicked out after they caught onto my intention to copy. It's ridiculous. Nowhere did it say that it was forbidden. Anyway, I wouldn't have bought anything; everything was too expensive.
For this, I waited for the sales and dragged Levi along this time. I needed his help because the first days of the sales are a battlefield. And a strong man by my side could persuade some people. He took it lightly, but he discovered the shopping addicts in action. All the beautiful decorations at low prices were up for grabs.
He had a bewildered look all day, and to be honest, he wasn't very helpful. He just kept me from getting into a fight with an old lady who was stealing from our bag. That bitch...
It was when I threatened the cashier and counted to check if she had used all the discount vouchers that he declared that the female sex was crazy.
There was something else that my budget made complicated. My dress! After several fittings, even the ones I liked were way too expensive. I found myself starting to look at dresses online. I searched on countless websites until...
"Oh my god," I exclaimed, breathless!" It's "the One"!! I need it!
- I was sleeping, damn it!" Levi cursed next to me.
Is it too risky to buy online, though? Especially something as important as this... But now that I've seen it, I can't live without it. All the other dresses have become bland! Finally, I took the plunge. The wait was terrible. I thought I had made the worst mistake of my life.
Then one day, finally...
"Hello, I'm here for a parcel under the name of...
- Hiii! It's my dress! Come see, mommy, my baby!"
Once seated on the floor of my living room, I prayed very hard that this marvel would fit me. I even promised to go to mass every Sunday (except if I had a hangover, in which case I'd watch it on TV. That goes without saying!)
The fateful moment. A simple mermaid dress, without lace. I could finally boast that...
"I'm going to be the most beautiful bride," I confessed to my friends!
- Did you try it on?
- Yes, as soon as it arrived. I couldn't resist. It doesn't hide my tattoos, but I'll manage with makeup.
- Are you going to wear it with a bra?
- No, because it's backless. I'm wondering if I should put silicone pads for a push-up effect...
- Good idea...
- It's not shameful to have small breasts. Aren't you afraid it'll look too fake," Kiama asked?
- It's her day, she can do what she wants. And then, she won't have anyone to deceive soon.
- Well, it turns out my guy likes small breasts! He says they fit perfectly in his hands.
- A new one? How did you meet him?
- On Tinder," grumbled Kiama.
- An app? Honey, the world is at your feet! Just snap your fingers and guys fall into your bed.
- Oh, by the way! Auro plans to hook up with Petra on June 28th.
- How do you know?
- What? But he's married! What a jerk! All this just to get some side action!
- Oh no, I don't want any nastiness at my wedding.
- They won't be the only ones," Bene smirked with a wink.
- Are you okay, Levi? You haven't said anything for a while.
All my friends turned to my fiancé, who was curled up at the end of the couch, looking dejected.
- You're making one of his faces... You, who wanted to see what our girls' nights were like!
- A cupcake," Iris exclaimed ironically?
- You're scaring me," he scoffed." Women will remain the mystery of humanity."
Yet... we were quite tame, I think.
Day 118
The little ding of the bell signaled my entrance into our tattoo salon. I saw Levi sitting against the chair, with Tom focused on his shoulder.
-Hi," I said cheerfully.
- Hey, how's it going?
- Yeah, just got out of my class and heading to the post office to send out the invitations. But I realized you hadn't given me yours. Hi, Tom!
- Yeah, they're in my jacket," he murmured with a nod.
I furrowed my brows as I read them.
- You... invited Erwin? But you know we don't get along, him and me... And Farlan? Are you trying to kill me or something?
- He invited us to his wedding, remember?
- Yeah, well... to the reception," I chuckled!
- What a mentality! He's my childhood friend. You could be a bit more respectful...
- He's never been able to stand me. Every time we meet, he keeps talking to me about your high school ex. How am I supposed to take that? It's... really insulting! And you couldn't even write his last name correctly, that proves you're not that close!
- Weren't you supposed to go somewhere, though," Levi sighed?" You're distracting us.
- Yeah, sorry. I'll leave..."
I grumbled as I walked down the street, reading and rereading while walking. Inviting people I barely know... A flowery idea popped into my mind when I spotted a trash can. Hmm... I'll just tell Livai that the post office accidentally lost them.
Goodbye, freeloaders!
It was only when I had walked away from the trash can that I regretted my action. I wasn't going to make enemies over this. I'll just try really hard to ignore them. I turned back towards the trash can and plunged my hand in to retrieve the envelopes, almost gagging. Yuck! What wouldn't I do for my fiancé?
Day 100
"To be made up and well-coiffed for her wedding, no need to pay professionals!" exclaimed Bene. "We'll practice together using tutorials!
- Oh... And since we're going out right after, we won't have gotten dolled up for nothing," I remarked. "Good idea!
- Are you sure about this?" Luna murmured, lifting her nose from her book.
- Yes! Thanks to this, you'll be able to save money. That way, we can spoil Y/N on her bachelorette party!
Benedict set his equipment on my dressing table, overflowing with makeup that I didn't understand.
- Well... who should I start with?
Luna gave me a look of distress. I hadn't thought she would be so right: Bene is good at makeup, but not to this extent. She overloaded us. Then we had the brilliant idea of going out afterward, to a club in Paris. We were approached dozens of times and people mistook us for...hum.
It was at that moment that I decided to finally plan for a makeup artist and hairstylist. Just in case...
"I swear, Iris... Organizing a wedding is exhausting!
My best friend caught her breath to speak. I was trying to chat with her while we were already running for several minutes on treadmills.
- Why? Is everything going wrong?
- Well, we're going to have a lot of people, and I don't even know how many! And you know why? Because people don't even bother to respond to the invitations. It's crazy! It's a real struggle to book the equipment.
- Isn't Levi helping you?
Of course, she's always looking for trouble with him. I vaguely replied yes, but I'm the one primarily responsible for the organization.
- Impose a deadline. People won't have a choice!
- I've already done that," I grumbled. "But it seems like it doesn't scare them any more than that!
- Hey," a voice behind us said. "Can you stop chirping?! We can hear you complaining from the other end of the room.
- When you have to plan a wedding, then you can come talk! I have the right to talk to my friend.
- Y/N...
- Very well, I'll discuss it with the coaches," the man said, raising his hand.
- Snitch...
Day 88
I was waiting alone outside the church, in a big puffy white dress with my mother by my side.
"Wow, I can't believe we're already at the wedding! I feel like I forgot so many things...
- Oh nooo, sweetheart," exclaimed my mother!
- Oh my god! Yes! I forgot to buy my shoes!!
- Don't worry, darling. I got you some, she said as she pulled out...
- C...crocs?!
I stared at the neon green monstrosities on the verge of tears.
- Hey, girls! We need to go now. The priest is waiting for us.
My parents dragged me by the arm into the church. My heart sank as I noticed the empty pews. There was only an old man sleeping in the back row.
- But... There's nobody here!
- Yes, unfortunately... People didn't feel like coming. We didn't tell you so as not to upset you.
- Well.... It's still upsetting," I muttered as we reached the altar.
- Where is your fiancé," squawked the priest who looked like a pigeon!" Where is he?
I jumped and looked around.
- H...he's not here?
- Where is he," he kept repeating?
I looked around the empty church helplessly. Where were my parents? And Levi? And I'm wearing these damn crocs...
- This sucks! This is boring," shouted the old man who had woken up.
- T...this can't be happening," I cried, covering my ears!" It's a nightmare!"
I opened my eyes to find myself sitting up in bed, hands over my ears, screaming. I stopped immediately and turned to Levi, who looked horrified. I took a deep breath, smiling, before snuggling back under the covers.
"Phew! It was just a dream... I got scared!
- I got scared too, damn it! But of you!"
I think Levi didn't sleep a wink all night, fearing another episode of possession from me.
Maybe I'm taking this wedding too seriously...
Day 69
For my bachelorette party, my friends took me to Lisbon. I love this city, it was kind of our sanctuary when we wanted to escape from our daily lives. And most importantly, there was this simple rule: what happens in Lisbon, stays in Lisbon!
They were more enthusiastic than me throughout the trip, constantly telling me it was the last chance to flirt with a guy. I had to fight to keep them from pushing me into their arms. They're silly sometimes. It wouldn't even cross my mind to kiss another man than Levi.
For our last night in Lisbon, we went to a Stripoké. It's like a regular karaoke where we sang like pots (drunk on white wine) to the music of our teenage idols. Except that, regularly during the evening, there was a stripper who came into our room. We had a good laugh, and I'll spare you all the details. It was really a great vacation.
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. I had to return to Paris to resume classes. The night I came back, I was studying on the bed when Levi barged into the room with his phone.
"Hey... What's this picture of you on Instagram?
I blushed to my ears and my hair stood on end.
- It's not me! I was forced into it," I exclaimed immediately!
When I saw the photo, I calmed down immediately. It had nothing to do with my bachelorette party.
- Ah, that! That was when we were trying to practice doing our makeup for the wedding. We looked so ugly," I chuckled uncomfortably!
- Hmm... Your reaction was a bit suspicious...
- Th...that's not true," I grumbled.
- What did you do in Portugal?
- What happens in Lisbon, stays in Lisbon!"
It was only many years later that I learned Levi's best friend, Hange, had also dragged him into a strip club. My guilt completely vanished at that moment.
Day 15
After finishing my year at university, I returned to Bordeaux to finalize the wedding preparations. On the train, I kept repeating to myself, 'It's crazy, I'm getting married! Too weird... They're going to call me "Mrs." and I'm going to call Levii "my husband". What if I lose my wedding ring? What if...'
I was greeted by my father at the station. After hugging me, he warned me that my mother might be just a tiny bit stressed. And... when they say my mother is stressed, it just means she's on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
I cautiously entered the car.
"Hi, mom...
- We don't have time," she barked!" Start the car, Marc! Quickly!
She turned to me with a threatening look. She could slaughter anyone who dared to upset her.
- The wedding is in two weeks, Y/N! Do you hear me? Two weeks, okay?
- Okay," I murmured, feeling scared.
I felt like I was a child again being scolded.
- First, we'll stop by Mallard's! I ordered ten kilos of pastries for the wedding. We'll go check on the progress. Then, we'll go to the florist. We also need to stop by..."
It was like this the whole journey. Thankfully, Levi hadn't come. When we arrived at our caterer's, we were forced to see that the shop had suffered a fire. I turned as white as a sheet. Firefighters surrounded the area. One of them yelled at us:
"Ladies and gentlemen, you can't go any further. The shop burned down overnight.
- Oh my god! What about our order," my mother and I exclaimed!?
- Since you seem concerned... know that there were no casualties," the firefighter replied, judging us.
- Okay, but what about our down payment check? Did it burn too?" my father added.
My mother was a real fury for the last five days. She almost came to blows with all the employees we hired. When we went to the florist with Luna, she ended up taking the vendor's cart to do it herself. I admit she embarrassed us a bit by shouting in the store. Especially since the employee knew me, we went to high school together...
But once we were back at our apartment where I grew up, she became sweeter.
"Are you feeling better now? Are you relaxed," I murmured, sitting at the table.
- I took a little relaxant. Hehe! You two are so cute. I have the two most beautiful daughters! To think one of you is getting married.
I was stunned by this drastic change. I grabbed the box of medication next to her.
- Hehe, do you feel like having some wine, my chickadee," she cooed to my father?
- Lexomil? Seriously?!" I exclaimed.
She was completely doped, in fact. I gave my father a stern look while my mother got up.
- Tididoum! I'm going to put on some Jazz! Hehe!
- Do you want her to go back to how she was before," my father whispered? Well, then... Don't be selfish. Thank you."
Day 8
It was Father Daniel who was going to marry us, and he called us for the preparation. He had a cute little Italian accent, but his old foggy glasses were awful. Maybe I should slip him a little note asking him to change them for the ceremony.
"I'll always be up front. Then the guests will come and sit down. Next will be the groom's parents and the bride's mother.
I nodded diligently, noting each of his words. Luna and Levi watched me do it, sighing.
- Then, the groom with his mother, followed by the witnesses and bridesmaids. And finally, the bride with her father!
- Excuse me," I said, reading over my notes. "Are the witnesses before the bridesmaids?! Do they have to come in pairs or single file?
- Um... However you want, it's not very important. Miss, when you read the psalm, you should bow after the steps.
- Did you get that, Luna? Should I write it down for you?
- Breathe. I think I can remember that," my sister grumbled.
- And when you say "you may kiss the bride," how exactly should we kiss?
- Y/N!
-Listen," the priest said, ignoring me. "I have to go, but don't worry. See you on Saturday, have a good day.
I grabbed his sleeve to stop him.
- But when you start singing, do we have to sit down or stay...
- Let go of me, now," he said, pulling away.
I watched him walk away from us, unsatisfied. I muttered desperately:
- Come back...
- Y/N, are you aware he just said, "let go of me, now"? Levi whispered, a little tired.
No one tries to understand my investment in this ceremony. It's almost vexing.
Day 7
When I decided to have my wedding in Bordeaux at the end of June, I imagined that the weather would be perfect. Well, I may have stood my ground against everyone warning me to be careful and maybe postpone it to July. But I wanted it in June! And... as soon as the professionals suggested putting up a tent or having a covered buffet, I refused with confidence and a bit of disdain.
Except...
"Aaaaaah!!!!"
A week before the wedding, I was casually scrolling through the weather app on my phone while in the bath, before exclaiming in horror. A catastrophic combo: cloudy skies on Friday, rain and thunderstorms on Saturday, and a rainy but sunny Sunday.
I got out of the bath to go whine in my father's arms:
"Boohoo... Dad, help! It's going to rain on my wedding day.
He was patting my head, hoping my mother hadn't heard me, for fear of triggering another crisis. She was going to end up addicted to Lexomil.
- It's not a few drops that will spoil the party! And besides, "a rainy wedding is a happy wedding".
- Wait... Isn't it supposed to be "older wedding, happier marriage"?" I said, still teary-eyed.
- No... Don't talk nonsense. It's not the end of the world. But... just don't speak too loudly, please. Your mother has very good hearing..."
It was a nightmare, every time I mentioned it to anyone who knew about my wedding, I got the same annoying response! If my eyes were machine guns, no one in Bordeaux would be alive anymore.
I nibbled on my nail, thinking out loud while Levi read a book next to me in bed. I buried my face in the covers, unable to close my eyes.
"It's a disaster! Normally, I have great karma! Maybe it's because I laughed when that guy fell in the street last time... But I laughed in my head. I shouldn't have criticized Auro's wedding so much last time. But the decor was so ugly!
- You're completely crazy," sighed Levi. "A little rain never hurt anyone. You know what they say? "Rainy wedding...
- I SWEAR if you say that phrase, I'll cancel the wedding!" I snapped before turning over in bed to brood.
The last few days before the wedding were the most difficult. We all worked hard to prepare for the reception. Especially since it was really hot, the back and forth was exhausting. I've never made so many calls in my life. I'm going to end up on a blacklist! As I decorated the tables for the next day, I received a text from a friend from college: "Hey, can I come to the wedding with a girlfriend?"
Good grief! What kind of person asks that last minute? I was ready to tear my hair out:
"My seating plans!"
With Luna, we had to reorganize everything. We had laid out all the cards on the floor. It was worse than a math problem. We had to double-check everything. I sighed grumpily:
"It's simple. If the wedding were a person, seating plans would be a pimple on its backside! So... Erd is Flora's ex, so I can't put him on this table.
- And Rico", asked Luna?" Should we put her at the English speakers' table?
- Well, I'd hate not to put her with her best friend.
- Y/N," shouted my mother in the distance." Did you remember to tell the caterer that there were seven halal guests and six vegetarians?"
After four long hours of pondering, everything seemed to fall into place.
"Alright, reassure me, Luna! We have a full twenty-four tables, right?
- Yup."
Finally at peace, I opened my phone to see a new text: "Hello, I sprained my wrist yesterday, so we won't be able to come to the wedding. Kisses from the four of us ;)"
"Y/N," queried my sister seeing my downcast face?
- There's going to be a murder!"
D-Day
"Y/N! Wake up!
I was peacefully snoring as someone shook me awake.
- It's todayyyy!" My mother exclaimed all excitedly.
Still half-asleep, she handed me a coffee, still shaking my shoulders a bit.
- Quickly! Have your breakfast. Mary is here to do your hair. Come on!"
The preparations were the usual affair, with my mother, sister, and friends. Those who weren't there called me, excited as fleas. My mother yelled every time she thought she'd lost something; I think Luna was starting to lose her patience.
I was a bit nervous but mostly very happy. Mary straightened my hair before braiding it, which took up half of my volume. Leaving my hair down my back allowed me to hide some of my tattoos, as I didn't have the motivation to cover them all with foundation.
When we were all ready, there was a knock at the apartment.
- Oh my god, it's Levi!" My mother exclaimed, still not calm!
I kissed her cheek, whispering to her:
- I'll go down, we'll meet at the town hall. It's too late, mom. You don't need to stress anymore."
When I went downstairs, I found Levi smoking a cigarette, sitting on the convertible we had rented. He looked me up and down without saying anything; he had never seen my dress before. He flashed a smile when I nervously chuckled. The anxiety was rising a bit.
"You look very beautiful," he finally said.
- You don't look too bad either," I added, admiring him. "Aren't you too hot?
- Yes, I'm melting. As soon as the ceremony is over, I'm changing.
- Don't worry, I've got everything planned. Mist sprays, fans, and handheld fans!
- You see... It's not raining after all... You didn't need to worry."
Outside the Bordeaux town hall, all the guests were already waiting for us. They pounced on us as soon as we arrived. And I had to greet each and every one of them, one by one. All these people were here just for us; it was a strange sensation. I received lots of compliments on my dress. Benedict even whispered that it gave me an incredible butt. Hmm...
Hange hugged me tightly. She was going to be with us the whole time as Levi's witness.
"The lovebirds, pose for the photo! Some guests said, pulling out their phones. Smile!"
It was probably the only day in my life where I would have so much attention. Might as well enjoy it, I remarked, striking a pose under the flashes!
"Y/N, are you coming? We can't keep the mayor waiting," Levi remarked.
- Ooooh, I was in the middle of a shoot," I grumbled as he dragged me by the hand.
But as soon as he turned his back, I turned back to pose from every angle.
- Y/N!!
- Just two more minutes!"
Eventually, we finished at the church after filling out the town hall paperwork. Levi and I stood in front of the priest, who was talking about the sanctity of marriage, but I wasn't really paying attention.
"The Lord is our helper, and we sing his eternal glory. He was saying..."
I glanced at Levi, who didn't flinch. I wonder if he was really listening... He looked a bit... moved, well... for him anyway... He just wasn't frowning. But my parents had tears in their eyes, even Luna had a big smile next to the bridesmaids. I was glad they were all with me.
Well.... It wasn't so complicated after all... All that was left was the reception. I could finally relax a bit.
Oh, my dress is too tight. It's hell! Maybe I shouldn't have eaten so much this morning. But I'm glad I didn't have to lose weight to fit into it before the wedding. Unfortunately, if this continues, I'm going to pass out. I'll change as soon as possible.
I noticed after a few seconds that someone was handing me the microphone. To make sure this moment didn't last too long, and especially because I hadn't listened to anything, I stuttered a "Yes" that echoed in the church. Fortunately, that's what was expected of me.
Levi and I exchanged our rings and then kissed to the applause of the guests. There, I'm married! Wow... I don't even know what I'm supposed to feel. Everything is a jumble in my head.
"Now, we will proceed to the Virgin so that she may place the newlyweds under her protection. You can place your bouquet as an offering.
- Uh... do we have to? I whispered. Because I was planning to toss it to my friends.
- Okay," the priest sighed. "Well, let's go back to the aisle then...
I saw Levi's suspicious look; I defended myself, offended:
- What? It's MY bouquet!"
If you want to know... On the way out, it was Edith, Iris's girlfriend, who caught it. I couldn't help but shoot my best friend a look full of innuendos, and she turned beet red.
We held the reception at my father-in-law's, starting with drinks in the clearing. It was very charming, well... except for a few mishaps.
"Ah! My heels are sinking into the ground! exclaimed Bene," grabbing my arm.
I turned around feeling pulled backward.
- Luna! You're stepping on the bride's dress!" I grumbled.
- Can you stop referring to yourself in the third person," sighed my little sister.
- The bride has all the rights.
- Y/N!
I turned to see Levi running towards me. I noticed he had finally kept his suit on.
- Yes?
- Did you hear? The caterer made a wiring mistake. We've lost power.
- What?" I exclaimed horrified.
Don't panic! Technically, there's nothing I can do about it. Unfortunately, there's only one solution left to handle this crisis.
"Serve the bride, please," I said to a waiter, handing him my champagne glass.
An hour later, the champagne had calmed me down and everything seemed back to normal for me. I hugged Iris and Edith tightly.
"I love you both so much! I want to be a cell in your body!
- Oh, Y/N! You smell of alcohol and tobacco. Quick, a chewing gum!" exclaimed Bene, rummaging through her bag.
She stuffed it into my mouth without asking anything. I chewed it mechanically, thinking it wouldn't hurt anyway.
- Y/N," said Levi coming back to me. "It's okay, it's fixed. The power's back! You can breathe.
- What power?" I teased with a little smile.
I fell into his arms to snuggle up to him and ask for a kiss.
- Wow, you look so handsome, mister. Are you married?
- Really? Are you already drunk?!
- Not at all... I have a room in the residence, do you want to come up with me?"
Ahem...
I took the opportunity to change my dress for something beautiful but more comfortable. After the meal, I had to embark on the laborious task of making the rounds of tables to greet each guest. I received, more or less, all kinds of remarks.
Obviously, many compliments on the meal. Some small gifts and envelopes. I briefly stopped by the children's table. I was too attached to the whiteness of my dress to linger there. Eren clumsily asked me if the baby was the next project. I politely replied no, but he wasn't the only one. In the end, I just replied that we were already a family with our adorable dog.
At the end, I complained to my grandmother that a wedding was too much pressure and that people thought I was going to follow a predefined path. She ignored me a bit and gave me a gift. I unwrapped it. It was a onesie.... I give up.
Anyway, we laughed, ate, and danced well. My parents cried a few times, so much so that Luna eventually found it embarrassing. The day dawned, and I went out of the tent to get some fresh air and smoke a cigarette. I stumbled upon Levi, who was sitting a little far on the lawn doing the same.
Some people were in the pool, one of my uncles was sleeping on the grass, and the music was still going strong under the tent.
"Oh, look," Levi remarked. "I hardly saw you all evening.
- It wasn't easy. We have too many friends.
- YOU have too many friends," Levi corrected as I sat down next to him.
- Almost everyone is asleep, it's almost 9 AM.
- It was really... a crazy day. You know everyone loved it. They can't get over it.
I smiled, and Levii sighed, except to admit:
- Well, I have to say it's thanks to you. You really did things well. It was truly the best wedding I could imagine. You were invested from start to finish, and even if sometimes you were a bit extreme, I understand now. It wasn't easy to prepare something so grandiose.
My heart filled with happiness as he kissed my lips.
- The bad news in this story is that I broke my heel while dancing," I sighed.
Levi raised his eyes to the sky before becoming pensive. After a long silence between us, he murmured:
- What do we do now?
- Nothing more than usual, I realized. Being married doesn't change much, after all...
- Yeah, I think so too.
- We'll do whatever we want, and it will only concern us from now on.
- You're right. We have a lifetime to be calm, he said, embracing me. Just the two of us...
My head rested against his chest, and I finally enjoyed this moment of calm.
- I love you, Mr. Ackerman.
- I love you too, Mrs. Ackerman."
The End