Beginning of Forever

he city basked in the warmth of a golden summer, a reflection of the love that had blossomed between Ethan and Lily. Their engagement marked a new chapter in their journey, one filled with anticipation, excitement, and the promise of a shared future.

In the months that followed Ethan's heartfelt proposal, the couple immersed themselves in the joyful chaos of wedding planning. They laughed over color swatches, debated flower arrangements, and navigated the delicate balance of merging their lives and families. Through it all, their connection remained unwavering, a steady anchor amidst the whirlwind of preparations.

One sunny afternoon, Ethan and Lily found themselves in a quaint garden, the scent of blooming flowers enveloping them. The space was a sanctuary of tranquility, a stark contrast to the bustling city beyond its borders. They strolled along a cobblestone path, hand in hand, lost in the serenity of the moment.

Lily looked at Ethan, a playful smile on her lips. "Can you believe we're getting married soon?"

Ethan chuckled, his heart light. "It's a bit surreal, isn't it? But I can't wait to call you my wife."

Lily's gaze softened as she leaned against him. "And I can't wait to call you my husband."

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the garden, Ethan and Lily found a secluded bench and sat down, their fingers laced together.

"Ethan," Lily began, her voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia, "I've been thinking about our journey so far. It's been filled with twists, turns, and surprises, but through it all, one thing has remained constant: our love."

Ethan nodded, his gaze fixed on their entwined hands. "Our love has been the thread that's woven our story together. It's been the foundation of everything we've built."

Lily took a deep breath, her gaze lifting to meet his. "And as we stand on the brink of starting a new chapter, I want you to know that I'm looking forward to every moment we'll share as a married couple."

Ethan's heart swelled with emotion as he cupped her face in his hands. "Lily, you've brought so much happiness, laughter, and meaning into my life. With you by my side, I'm excited to face whatever comes our way."

Lily's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she leaned in, pressing her lips against his in a tender kiss. In that moment, amidst the beauty of the garden and the fading sunlight, their love felt palpable, a force that could move mountains and conquer any challenge.

As they pulled away, Lily reached into her bag and pulled out a small envelope. She handed it to Ethan, her expression a mix of excitement and vulnerability.

"Ethan, I wanted to give you something as a symbol of the journey we've been on and the one we're about to begin."

Ethan opened the envelope to find a hand-drawn sketch. It was a depiction of their intertwined hands, a heart forming where their fingers met. Beneath the sketch, Lily had written the words "Our Journey."

Ethan's voice was soft as he looked at the sketch, his heart swelling with emotion. "Lily, this is beautiful."

Lily smiled, her fingers tracing the lines of the sketch. "Ethan, our journey has been a labor of love, a canvas we've painted together. And as we step into this next chapter, I'm excited to see how our love story continues to unfold."

Ethan slipped the sketch back into the envelope and held it close to his heart. "Lily, I promise to cherish every moment, to support you in every endeavor, and to continue building a life filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams."

As the garden embraced the fading light of the day, Ethan and Lily sat together, their fingers still intertwined, their hearts filled with the promise of a love that would continue to grow and flourish. With each passing day, their journey was a testament to the beauty of love's enduring power, a power that could turn the ordinary into the extraordinary and transform two individuals into a united, unbreakable force.