One Wild Night

"Happy birthday," Lucy said as she woke up to Tom's kiss.

"Happy wedding day," Tom said with a wide smile that she could hear in his voice even before she opened her eyes to see his face.

Lucy smiled as she stared into his eyes, "You know we aren't supposed to be in bed this way on the morning of our wedding, right?"

"Why not?" Tom asked, and Lucy laughed.

"We shouldn't have passed the night together. We should have…"

Lucy broke off with a giggle when he kissed her, "Those laws are man made. We have been sharing a bed for months. I see no reason why that should change simply because we are about to make this legal. You realize that's the only difference between what we have now and getting married, right?"

"And it's such a big deal to you," she said, and he smiled.

"Isn't it to you?" He asked, and she grinned.

"Of course, it is. I get to have full access to all your money," she said, and Tom chuckled.

"We both know you already have that. The wedding planner called a moment ago. She said your makeup artist and stylist are waiting in your dressing room…"

Lucy gasped as she quickly sat up, "And you're only just telling me that?"

"Relax. There's no hurry. I'm paying for their time so they can wait…"

"Tom! It's not always about money," Lucy said with a roll of her eyes as she got off the bed.

"Relax. I'm paying them so that you don't have to be worked up this way. I'm paying them per hour and they're lounging right now. Don't you think they will prefer to relax knowing they will be paid for doing nothing right now?" He asked, and she sighed as she shook her head.

"Some times you can be so arrogant," she said, and he chuckled.

"Does it make you love me less?" He asked, and she shook her head.

"Good. Now let's go have our last shower as singles," he said with a wink.

"Are we only showering or doing something else?" She asked, giggling.

"Something like?" Tom asked innocently and she laughed.

"Never mind."

"I mind. Say it," he said, and she laughed.

"Let's go and shower. You're not paying the guests to wait, too," she said, making him laugh as he followed her.

A couple of hours later, the soft melody of a string quartet filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of blooming daffodils and fresh grass.

It was a rare and perfect day in March, kissed by sunshine that streamed through the branches of budding cherry blossoms. The estate, with its rolling green lawns and the sparkling pool in the distance, looked like something out of a storybook.

Rows of white chairs lined the garden path, each adorned with delicate ribbons and garlands of baby's breath and roses, and elegantly dressed guests were seated on them.

At the end of the aisle stood Tom, looking more nervous than anyone had ever seen him. His tailored navy suit with a crisp white shirt open at the collar beneath his tie fit him perfectly.

His hair was neatly combed back, but there was a restless energy about him as he shifted on his feet, his eyes- bright and a little misty kept flicking toward the entrance.

Beside him, Harry stood with a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. He leaned closer. "You know she's not going to run, right?" Harry whispered, a teasing glint in his eyes "If you keep sweating like this, we'll need a mop for the floor." Discover exclusive tales on empire

Tom shot him a glare but couldn't help a chuckle. "Shut up, Harry. You're not helping," he said as he tugged at his cufflinks.

Harry grinned. "I'm just saying, you might want to save some nerves for the vows. If you're this nervous now, imagine what you'll be like when the baby arrives. Who knows? You might faint like Bryan."

"That would never happen," he said with a laugh as he straightened his tie and glanced at the crowd.

Familiar faces smiled back at him: family, friends, loved ones all gathered to celebrate their union. Yet, he only cared about one person— and she wasn't here yet.

At that moment, the music shifted, a gentle crescendo that brought everyone to attention. All heads turned toward the grand oak arch at the entrance of the garden.

The bride had arrived.

Jade stepped out first, her cream colored dress flowing like water with each step she took. She carried a bouquet of white lilies, her face glowing with happiness for her brother and Lucy. Behind her, the bridesmaids followed, their dresses a soft shade of green that complemented the early spring blooms.

And then, Jamal, flanked on both sides by Maribel and Emily followed next, the little flower girls decorating the red carpet in the garden with flowers.

Then there she was. Tom straightened, his breath catching. She was breathtaking. But then again, Lucy could have been dressed in rags and he would have the exact same reaction.

But yes. She was breathtaking.

Lucy stood looking like a vision at the edge of the aisle, her arm tucked into her father's. The world seemed to pause.

Her dress was simple, yet she wore it with such grace that she could have been a queen. It was an off-shoulder gown, its flowing fabric clinging gently to her growing bump before cascading into a delicate train.

Everyone had expected her to design a dress which hid her bump, but she had insisted that her bump was not to be hidden because her pregnancy wasn't a mistake but was well thought out and calculated, and she as such she wanted it to be very visible in her dress.

The dress shone under the sunlight, as though it were spun from moonlight itself. A long veil, edged with tiny pearls, framed her face, softening the tears already glistening in her eyes as she gazed at Tom.

Her bouquet was a cascade of white peonies, blush roses, and sprigs of lavender.

Sonia, radiant in a sage-green dress that complimented her eyes, adjusted Lucy's train before stepping aside, leaving her to walk alone.

As Lucy began her walk down the aisle with her gaze fixed on Tom, the string quartet played "Canon in D," each note echoing the flutter in Tom's chest.

Tom couldn't move. He couldn't breathe. It felt as though the entire world had narrowed down to this moment. To her— his Lucy, his love, his everything.

Harry nudged him lightly. "You look like you're about to pass out. Breathe, mate. And close your mouth. You're drooling."

Tom exhaled, his lips curving into a grin that matched the tears threatening to spill as the garden dissolved into soft laughter, but Tom's eyes remained on Lucy as she drew closer.

When Lucy finally reached him, her father gently placed her hand in Tom's. "I know I don't need to ask you to care of her. I know you will," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

"With my life," Tom promised, his voice steady despite the lump in his throat.

Lucy smiled at him— her eyes soft, sweet, and full of love. "Hi," Lucy said softly, her voice trembling with emotion.

Tom felt his chest tighten. "Hi," he replied, his own voice thick. He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to her fingers. "You look beautiful, Jewel. I'll never get tired of telling you that."

The officiant began cleared his throat. "It's not time for the vows yet." He said, and everyone laughed, but neither Tom nor Lucy could focus on his words.

Their eyes locked, their hands tightly clasped as if they were the only two people in the world.

When it was time for the vows, Lucy spoke first.

When it was time for the vows, Lucy's voice trembled as she began. "My love," she said, her eyes shimmering. "From the moment you came into my life, you gave it a new meaning. You've been my safe place, my friend, my greatest joy and blessing. With you by my side I've been able to face my greatest fears and trauma and thanks to your unwavering love I overcame them. I've grown so much and become a much better person since you bestowed your love on me. I never knew love could feel so… complete or that I could feel this whole until you. I love myself even more now because of how much you love me. I love you, Tom. This vow isn't a promise to love you, because I already do. It isn't a promise to stand by you, 'cause I will stand for you even when you can't. I don't have the words to express how I feel about you, but I hope that everyday of our lives together, you will get to see how much. I love you, Ace, body, mind, heart, soul, and spirit. I will choose you in every lifetime."

A tear slipped down Tom's cheek, but he didn't care as he brushed the tears from Lucy's cheeks as she spoke.