The instant Arthur answered yes, a new chapter of their lives began.
The euphoria of being engaged was overpowering, but soon, the reality of wedding preparation came in.
Nick was nervous. Scratch that—he was afraid. Not because he had qualms, but because he wanted everything to be flawless. Arthur deserved a wedding as spectacular as his work, as wonderful as their love.
Arthur, on the other hand, was equally excited and overwhelmed. He had fantasized about this day, but now that it was actual, it felt weird.
Pim and Mia wasted little time in taking over. "You two have no idea how lucky you are," Pim replied, rolling up her sleeves. "Mia and I have been secretly preparing for this day since we knew you'd end up together."
Mia smirked. "Pim's not lying. We have so many ideas."
Arthur and Nick exchanged amused but grateful smiles. "Okay, okay," Arthur responded. "Just… don't let it get too out of control?
"No promises," Mia quipped, eagerly putting up wedding venue alternatives on her phone.
The first crucial consideration was the site. While they initially selected a magnificent hotel ballroom in Bangkok, Arthur hesitated. "I want something more… us."
Nick thought for a moment, and then a faint smile flashed on his lips. "What about the beach?
Arthur's face brightened up "The beach where we first talked about our future?
Nick nodded. "Phuket. A sunset wedding, surrounded by the people we love."
Mia gasped. "That's perfect. Imagine the waves, the golden sky, and the silky sand—romance overload."
Pim clapped her hands "Done. Beach wedding it is."
With the site set, everything moved rapidly. They found a magnificent private beachside property where they could conduct both the ceremony and the reception. It was everything they wanted—intimate, exquisite, and personal.
As the wedding day came, Nick found himself more worried than he'd ever been.
"What if something goes wrong?" he muttered one night, pacing in their bedroom. "What if I mess up my vows? What if I trip? What if—"
Arthur seized his hands, halting him mid-ramble. "Nick."
Nick exhaled. "Yeah? "
Arthur smiled. "You're marrying me. That's all that matters, nothing else."
Nick scanned his face, then exhaled, allowing himself to melt into Arthur's arms. "I just want it to be perfect."
Arthur planted a kiss on his forehead. "It will be. Because it's us."
Meanwhile, Arthur had his own uneasy moments. The night before the wedding, as he glanced at his mirror, he muttered, "This is real. I'm truly getting married."
Mia, who was in the room with him, grinned. "You're nervous."
Arthur sighed. "Is that normal? "
Mia laughed. "Completely. But don't worry, Arthur. You and Nick are intended for this."
Arthur smiled, gripping Mia's hand. "Thanks for always being here."
"Always," she assured.
The sun dropped low over the Phuket shoreline, sending hues of gold, orange, and pink over the gentle waves. A lovely breeze rustled through the palm trees, conveying the aroma of the sea and fresh flowers.
Nick stood at the altar, clothed in a spotless white suit, the ocean behind him making for a stunning backdrop. His fingers trembled slightly, and Pim—his maid of honor—noticed.
"Relax," Pim muttered, poking his shoulder. "You look like you're about to faint."
Nick gave out a hesitant laugh. "I just—"
"You just love him," Pim ended. "And that's all that matters."
As the music began to play, everyone turned toward the aisle.
Arthur appeared, escorted by his mother. He wore a cream-colored suit that wonderfully suited the beach's warm tones. But it wasn't simply his clothes that took Nick's breath away—it was him.
The moment their eyes met, everything else faded.
Arthur walked slowly, his heart racing. He had spent years wondering what this moment would feel like, but nothing could have prepared him for the pure rightness of it.
When he reached Nick, his mother touched his shoulder before stepping aside.
Nick took Arthur's hands, his touch warm and solid.
"You're breathtaking," Nick whispered.
Arthur smiled. "So are you."
The officiate began, welcoming everyone, but Nick barely heard him. All he could focus on was the man before him—the man he had loved for so long, the man who was going to become his husband.
Arthur took a deep breath. "Nick, you've been my best friend, my partner, and my home for as long as I can remember. I've loved you from the moment I discovered what love truly was. Through every storm, through every misstep, through every moment of doubt, you have been my constant. I promise to love you, to support you, and to stand by you, no matter what life throws our way. I pledge to laugh with you, to dream with you, and to build a future with you."
Tears shimmered in Nick's eyes.
He swallowed thickly before speaking. "Arthur, from the moment we met, I knew my life would never be the same. You are my heart, my light, my greatest love. There were times I was lost, times I made mistakes, yet you never stopped loving me. I promise to adore you, to cherish you, and to never let you go again. I promise to wake up with you, to face every obstacle with you, and to be your partner in all things. You are my forever."
Tears ran down Arthur's face as he clutched Nick's hands.
The officiate grinned. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you—husbands."
The minute their lips met, the crowd exploded in cheers and enthusiasm.
The reception was a dream. Tables were put out along the beach, draped in soft linens and ornamented with candles and beautiful flowers. A dance floor had been erected under the open sky, and fairy lights twinkled overhead.
Arthur and Nick proceeded from table to table, welcoming their loved ones. Business colleagues, friends from university, and family members all gathered to celebrate their love.
Mia and Pim presented their remarks, each making both Arthur and Nick laugh and cry.
"You two have been through hell and back," Pim added. "But the thing about true love? It survives."
Mia remarked, "I've never seen two people more meant for each other. So here's to forever."
They raised their glasses, and Arthur and Nick shared a look—one filled with love, appreciation, and the promise of a lifetime together.
As the night proceeded, they danced barefoot on the sand, laughing, and music filled the air.
Arthur snuggled toward Nick, sighing happily. "This is perfect."
Nick kissed his temple. "It's just the beginning."
And as they swayed under the sky, surrounded by love, they knew—this was their forever.