Going through the pregnancy and birthing changed me. My hips are wider, and my belly is bigger. My hair got way curlier, my cheeks pinker...and I don't mind my new look at all.
Motherhood looks good on me—and Ryan always makes sure that I know that in the bedroom.
I hear his footsteps on the stairs, growing louder with each step. A smile dances across my lips as anticipation fills the air. Ryan's presence has always had a way of making everything feel right, and tonight is no exception.
The door creaks open, revealing Ryan standing there, dressed in a tailored suit that hugs his broad shoulders perfectly. His eyes meet mine, and I'm immediately captivated by the love and adoration shining within them. He takes a moment to drink me in, his gaze sweeping over my dress, lingering on my new curves.
"Wow," he breathes, his voice husky with desire. "You look absolutely stunning, Sophia."
His words send a shiver of anticipation down my spine, igniting a fire within me that only he can quench. I walk towards him, the layers of chiffon swishing around my legs with every step. My fingers brush gently against his cheek as I stand on tiptoe to press a soft kiss against his lips.
"You don't look so bad yourself," I tease.
"Any chance we can skip the party and stay up here on the sofa?" he says. "Lock the door...leave everyone downstairs to their devices?"
I laugh, tugging on his collar. "You're bad."
He smirks, his eyes smoldering with a mixture of mischief and desire. "Only for you, baby. Besides, I can't resist the thought of having you all to myself tonight...and maybe to get started on making another baby."
The sound of laughter and chatter drifts up from downstairs, reminding us that we are not alone. But at this moment, it feels as if the world outside our little cocoon ceases to exist. The outside noise fades into the background as Ryan pulls me closer, his hands finding their way to the small of my back.
"Let's make a deal," I whisper against his lips, my voice laced with a seductive tone. "We'll give them an hour or two of ourpresence downstairs, and then we'll find our own little slice of heaven."
Ryan's lips curl into a mischievous smile. "You've got yourself a deal, Mrs. Wright."
We descend the stairs arm in arm, ready to celebrate our love with those closest to us. The boutique has been transformed into a cozy event space, with my friends meandering around and looking at the dresses. Everyone is here—Bryn and Trip, Madison and Quinn, Kylie and Gavin, and all the rest. Apparently, they had to close the White Oak for the night so that everyone could take a trip down.
I still feel so loved, even hundreds of miles away.
Bryn's eyes widen as she sees me coming down the stairs, and she raises her voice in a holler. "Ow ow! Look at this hot mama!"
The room erupts in cheers and applause as I make my grand entrance with Ryan by my side. The atmosphere is buzzing with excitement, the love and happiness palpable in the air. The moment feels surreal to be surrounded by friends who have become family, all here to celebrate the start of our journey as husband and wife.
All the White Oak girls come over—Bryn, Madison, and Kylie dressed to the nines in my creations. Bryn wraps her arms around me in a tight embrace, her joy contagious. "I'm so proud of you, Soph," she whispers in my ear. "You've come so far, and look at what you've built here."
Tears well up in my eyes as I take in the scene before me. Once a mere dream, the boutique has transformed into a thriving business already—a testament to all the work I did in planning things out before I even had my shop. "Thanks, Bryn," I murmur.
"Seriously...I'm going to have to take trips down here to get my own wedding dress," Madison says. "This is incredible. You do custom designs."
"Of course I do," I laugh. "And for you, anything."
Madison grins, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "I can't wait! You know I've always wanted a unique dress...and don't tell Quinn, but I'm thinking about doing something non-traditional—red, maybe?"
Kylie nudges Madison playfully. "You always have to do something to throw him, don't you—and I assume you do bridesmaid dresses, too, Sophia?"
I smile, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for the love and support of my friends. "I'll be honored to design your dresses, both of you."
As the night progresses, the party comes alive with music, laughter, and dancing. The boutique is filled with warmth and happiness, the air thick with love and celebration. Ryan's arm wraps around my waist as we sway to the music, his chest pressed against my back. His touch sends sparks of electricity through me, reminding me of all the nights we spent tangled in each other's embrace.
And of all the nights to come...tonight included.
"You did an amazing job with this, baby," Ryan whispers in my ear, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine. "I couldn't have asked for a more perfect celebration."
I turn my head to look at him, the dim lights casting a soft glow on his face. "Thank you," I say, my voice filled with sincerity. "But I couldn't have done it without you. You've been my rock through it all."
Ryan's eyes twinkle with emotion as he leans in to kiss me gently. The moment feels suspended in time, as if it's just the two of us, the world fading into a distant memory. But soon enough, the music swells and pulls us back into the lively atmosphere of our reception.
We dance with our friends, laughing and spinning around the room, soaking up every joyful moment. The smiles on their facesmirror our own happiness; their infectious energy energizes us even more. It feels like we're floating on a cloud, surrounded by love and warmth.