They walked together toward the courtyard, their fingers intertwined. The morning sun reflected off the marigold and jasmine decorations, casting a golden glow on everything. Dennis leaned closer, his voice soft but filled with warmth.
"Remember yesterday, when we promised to hold onto this calm? Let's keep it now, even with everyone watching," he said, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.
Ann felt a shiver run down her spine. She smiled shyly, looking up at him. "I promise," she whispered, her heart fluttering. He always knows how to make me feel like I'm the only person in the world.
The family gathered around, and the sound of the priest's chanting floated through the courtyard. Her father's warm gaze met Dennis's, steady and approving. "Are you ready to take care of her?" he asked gently.
Dennis bowed his head respectfully, his hand still covering hers. "I promise, sir," he said, his voice calm but determined.
As the priest continued the rituals, Dennis leaned toward her, his lips barely brushing her ear. "I can't believe soon you'll officially be my fiancée," he murmured.
Ann laughed softly, a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "I can't believe it either. It feels… surreal, like a dream I don't want to wake up from."
He smiled, his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand. "It's real, Ann. Every word, every moment of it… all of it is real. And it's just for us."
When it was time to exchange rings, Dennis knelt slightly in front of her. The world seemed to shrink around them; all she could hear was the soft whisper of his voice and the beating of her own heart.
"A year from today," he said as he slipped the delicate ring onto her finger, "we'll be husband and wife. But this… this is just the beginning of everything I want to share with you."
Ann held his hand, looking deep into his eyes, feeling the warmth and reassurance there. "A year… long, but I think I can manage it with you by my side," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
He squeezed her hand gently, leaning closer so their foreheads touched. "Every day will count, Ann. Every single day. And every day, I'll remind you that I love you—more than words, more than promises, more than anything."
Dennis's POV
Even in the midst of family and tradition, our connection felt private, sacred. The flowers, the music, the smiles of our families—all of it faded away when I looked at her. She's mine, and I'll cherish every single day until we're together forever.
The elders smiled, relatives clapped, and the courtyard filled with laughter and blessings. Yet amidst all the commotion, Ann and Dennis shared quiet smiles, exchanged little glances, and whispered soft jokes. Jacob nudged Dennis teasingly, "Don't forget, you have to feed her the sweets properly after the ritual!"
Dennis laughed softly, and whispered in Ann's ear, "Looks like you have a mischievous cousin to keep me on my toes too."
Ann giggled, her eyes sparkling. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Later, as the priest concluded the rituals, Dennis leaned even closer, his voice a tender murmur. "Promise me something."
Ann's heart skipped a beat. "What?" she asked, almost breathless.
"That even when the year passes, when the wedding finally arrives, we'll keep moments like this—just us, away from everyone else. No matter how busy life gets, no matter how much the world surrounds us…"
Ann nodded, leaning her head against his shoulder, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "I promise," she said softly, "just us, always."
Hand in hand, amidst the warmth of family, the sound of blessings, and the fragrant air of flowers and incense, they walked forward into a year filled with love, small joys, and the anticipation of their future together. Each step was a promise; each glance, a vow; and each heartbeat, a reminder that this love was theirs, unshakable and eternal.