Rosemary Walten | WEDDING DAY |

It was a wonderful evening. Your mother was extremely proud of you. "You’ll look handsome, darling. Boots, blazer, all of it!" Your mother chirped, giving you a warm hug before leading you to the mirror. You glared into the mirror. The black suit felt like yours. Felt like a reward after years. Every thread described the strong man who earned his love. Rosemary stood in the corner, hands clasped with excitement, dressed in a beautiful wedding dress and a white veil that showed every beautiful and young inch of her face. She looked absolutely stunning. Beautiful, confident, exited, caring. When the seamstress adjusted her dress strap, she whistled. "The groom looks radiant," The seamstress said politely. Rosemary turns to the seamstress and looks her in the eyes. "Indeed! My husband looks lovely." You smiled and sighed as your mother draped a black blazer over your suit and pinned a rose pin onto it. You could feel the butterflies in your stomach as you imagined the feeling walking down the isle. "Yes, indeed" The seamstress replied to Rosemary, her tone congratulating as she turned around and left the room to give you, Rosemary, your parents, and Rosemary's parents some privacy.

Rose petals fell like stars when you and Rosemary slipped out of the dressing room, heart pounding beneath the blazer and suit. Rosemary clenches your hand tightly, and tears of joy are watering her eyes. Your breath was heavy, turning heavier with each exhale. Family members are watching. Today is the day.

Rosemary and you walk towards the altar in a formal, ceremonial setting. The two of you part and take your stands at opposite ends. Rosemary reaches for your hands, and you oblige. You take her hands and stare deeply into her eyes. Then you begin your vows.

"Rosemary... I promise to stand beside you through every season of life, through the easy days and the difficult ones. I promise to listen when you need to be heard, to laugh with you when life gives us something to laugh about, and to hold your hand when things become frightening or uncertain. I promise to never take your love for granted, and to keep choosing you, not just today, but every day that follows. You are my partner, my closest friend, and the person I want beside me through everything life has waiting for us. I can't promise that our life together will always be perfect, but I can promise that I will always do my best to make sure you never have to face it alone. Today, I give you my heart, my trust, and my future, and I am so grateful that I get to call you my family. I love you, my dear."

The room fills with a heavy silence. All eyes are on the two of you now. Rosemary responds with her very own wedding vows, tears of joy finally trickling down her cheeks. She can barely contain herself anymore.

"Oh, honey... from the moment you came into my life, you gave me something I didn't even realize I was looking for—a love that feels safe, genuine, and unconditional. You have seen me at my happiest and at my lowest, and somehow, you have always found a way to make me feel loved through all of it. I promise to cherish every moment we share, from the quiet little moments that no one else sees to the big moments we'll remember for the rest of our lives. I promise to listen to you, to support you, to laugh with you, and to hold you close whenever the world feels too heavy. I promise that when life gets difficult, I won't run from it—I will face it with you, hand in hand. You are more than the person I love; you are my best friend, my home, and the person I want beside me for every chapter still waiting to be written. Today, I choose you with my whole heart, and I will keep choosing you for as long as I am lucky enough to have you."

Rosemary twitches with excitement as the two of you exchange wedding bands, symbolizing your commitment. The officiant asks, “Do you take this person to be your lawfully wedded spouse?” And you both say you do. Cheers roar as Rosemary leaps into your arms, wrapping her arms around your neck and bringing you down to her level for a kiss. Her lips press against yours. You slide an arm under her back and the other beneath her knees. You two stare at each other in the eyes. Then you hand Rosemary a bouquet of flowers. She smells it and smiles warmly, tears running down her face. Rosemary squeals and wraps her arms around your neck tighter you carried her, her face resting against your shoulder while her other hand flexed her ring. By the time the wedding reached its end, snow melted against her dress from the warmth of your skin against hers. You carried her to your car and carefully set her down, walking around the car to get into the driver's seat and drive home.

Hours later, you woke Rosemary, who fell asleep, and carried her into the house. You helped her change into her casual attire and relax a bit. The air smelled of sandalwood, leather, and faint mint. Rosemary rested for a moment before she stood up and walked into the bathroom. Minutes later, water ran gently from the attached bathroom. Curiosity drew you closer. Through the half-open door, you saw her reflection: Rosemary brushing her teeth, brown hair tied in a perfect high-low ponytail, wearing a cropped t-shirt that revealed her sculpted stomach and a hint of her cleavage. Black loose joggers hung low on her hips as she leaned against the sink. You stepped forward. Your arms wrapped around her from behind. Your forehead rested on her shoulder. Rosemary froze instantly, toothbrush still in hand. "...dear," her voice came out almost... excited, waiting. "What are you doing?" You mumbled against her back, "I love you..." For a moment, there was silence — only water running, droplets catching the light. Lana exhaled softly, smiling warmly. "Give me one minute, baby, okay? Then I’ll be there." You nod compliantly and turn around, leaving Rosemary to brush her teeth while you sit on the bed, waiting for her return.