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Jules barely had time to register the muffled sound of her name being called from somewhere outside the bathroom. The shower was roaring, hot water cascading over her shoulders, rinsing away the soap as she hummed absently to herself. But the second time her name echoed, a frantic 'Jules!', that bordered on panicked excitement, her ears perked up.
"What?" - she called back, craning her neck to hear over the water. Her voice carried a mix of confusion and mild concern, her mind already racing through possibilities. Did Mika accidentally break something? Did they get an unexpected call from someone? Was there some kind of disaster happening in their shared orbit?
Mika's voice came again, louder that time, and unmistakably giddy - "Jules! Baby, you're not going to believe this!"
Jules turned off the shower with a quick twist of the knob, water dripping from her hair and trailing down her skin as she pushed the curtain aside slightly. Steam billowed into the cooler air of the bathroom, and she leaned forward to grab her towel, squinting towards the door.
"What is it? Are you good?" - she asked, her heart thudding a little faster now. Mika rarely sounded that animated unless something truly big had happened.
The bathroom door swung open a second later, and Mika burst in, her grin so wide it could've lit up the entire room. She was still in her pajama shorts and an oversized T-shirt, her hair tied up in a messy bun that Jules found impossibly endearing. She was holding her phone in one hand, waving it triumphantly in the air like it was a winning lottery ticket.
"They confirmed it! The lake, Jules! It's ours for the wedding!" - Mika's voice cracked with excitement as she practically bounced on her feet, her bare toes curling against the tile floor.
Jules blinked, her brain trying to catch up - "Wait.. What?"
"The lake venue! Our lake!" - Mika clarified, her words tumbling out in a rush - "They just emailed. They received our deposit, and everything's officially booked! We have the place for the whole weekend. I mean, can you believe it? The whole weekend! It's happening, baby! It's really happening!"
The news hit Jules like a jolt of electricity, her stomach doing a little flip of excitement. The lake venue had been it. The location serene, picturesque, with its crystal-clear waters and lush green surroundings. It was the kind of place where you could exchange vows under a sky full of stars and feel like you were the only two people in the world. And, it also had a strong emotional component.
"Oh my god, Mika, that's amazing!" - Jules pushed the curtain aside further, her head popping out, wet hair sticking to her neck and forehead. She couldn't help the grin that spread across her face - "We actually got it?"
"Hell yeah we did!" - Mika practically squealed, her excitement infectious. She stepped closer to Jules, her eyes sparkling with joy - "And the email said they're already prepping everything for us. They'll send over a final itinerary later this week, but we need to swing by today to go over a few details"
Jules laughed, wiping water from her face as her heart swelled with affection. Mika looked like she was about to explode from happiness, and it made Jules' chest ache in the best way - "Well, you're the one who's been saying you'd charm them into letting us book it. Looks like you pulled it off"
"Damn right, I did" - Mika winked, leaning casually against the sink, though her giddiness was anything but casual - "And by 'charm' I mean sending them a hundred follow-up emails and praying to every wedding goddess imaginable"
Jules laughed again, shaking her head fondly - "Desperation looks good on you"
"Oh, it's not desperation" - Mika teased, her tone playful but her eyes warm - "It's love. I'd do anything to make this perfect for us. For you"
The sincerity in her voice softened Jules' grin into something more tender. She ducked her head slightly, feeling a flush of warmth that had nothing to do with the residual heat from the shower. She wanted to wrap Mika up in a hug right then, dripping water be damned.
"Okay" - Mika said, straightening up and clapping her hands together - "So, here's the plan. I'm heading out to the venue now to handle the details. You stay here, take your time getting ready, and maybe make a list of any questions or ideas you have for the layout. Oh, and don't forget Simone, Skywalker, and Kwan are coming over tonight for dinner"
"Right, to officially ask them to be in the wedding party" - Jules said, her excitement bubbling up again at the thought. They'd already asked all of Mika's siblings to be part of the ceremony: Josie, Tessa and Dylan to stand beside them, and their younger sisters as flower girls. Now it was time to round out the group with three of their closest friends.
"Exactly. So, no pressure, but you might want to think about what you're going to say to them" - Mika added, her teasing tone returning as she headed for the door - "And try not to make it too sappy. We don't want them crying before the wedding even starts"
Jules rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile - "Got it. No sappiness. I'll just keep it short and sweet. Something like, 'Hey, wanna be in our wedding? Cool, thanks'"
Mika groaned dramatically - "Please, no. That's too lame and you know it"
"Fine, fine" - Jules said, laughing as she waved her hand dismissively - "Go charm the venue people with your hundredth follow-up email. I'll handle the sappiness tonight"
Mika gave her a mock salute before disappearing down the hall. A few minutes later, Jules heard the sound of Mika moving around the apartment, likely getting dressed. She couldn't help but picture Mika's expression, a mixture of determination and pure elation.
Just as Jules was toweling off, the door opened again, and there was Mika, now dressed in her favorite leather jacket, skinny jeans, and her worn-out sneakers. Her smile softened as she stepped closer to Jules.
"Hey again" - Mika said, her voice quieter, brimming with affection. She cupped Jules' damp cheek with one hand and leaned in to press a lingering kiss to her lips. When she pulled back, her grin returned, bright and unstoppable - "I'll see you tonight, okay? I love you"
Jules' heart swelled as she smiled back - "Yeah.. I love you too. Be safe"
And with that, Mika was gone, leaving Jules standing there with a heart so full it felt like it could burst. This was their life, their future, and it was perfect..
Jules stood frozen for a moment, her towel half-wrapped around her shoulders, as the door clicked shut behind Mika. The memory of Mika's kiss lingered on her lips, soft and warm, a stark contrast to the cool air of the bathroom. She let out a breath, her fingers brushing absently over her cheek where Mika's hand had rested.
The room was quiet now, the only sound the occasional drip of water from the showerhead. Jules found herself grinning like an idiot. It was a reaction she couldn't control, Mika had that effect on her. Even after everything they'd been through, every step of this chaotic wedding planning process, Mika still managed to make her feel like a lovesick teenager.
Jules dried off slowly, her mind racing through the conversation they'd just had. The lake. Their lake. It was finally happening. She could already picture it: the two of them standing together under a canopy of trees, under the arch, the sunlight shimmering off the water behind them, their family and friends smiling as they said "I do".. It felt like a dream, one they had built together, one Mika had fought tooth and nail to make a reality.
As Jules moved to the mirror, she caught her reflection and couldn't help but laugh softly. Her hair was a damp mess, her skin still flushed from the hot water, but her eyes were bright with joy. Mika's energy was contagious; it had a way of turning even the simplest moments into something extraordinary.
She leaned closer to the mirror, using her fingers to tame a few rebellious strands of hair. Thoughts of the evening ahead crept into her mind. Simone, Lucas, and Kwan. The three of them had been pillars in their lives, steadfast, supportive, and always ready with a quip or a hug when things got tough. Asking them to be part of the wedding felt right, like a missing puzzle piece finally clicking into place.
And then there were Mika's siblings. Jules smiled at the thought of Josie's enthusiastic reaction when they'd asked her to be a bridesmaid, and Dylan's half-smile, which spoke volumes in his quiet way. The three youngest, bright-eyed and full of excitement, had already begun practicing their roles as flower girls, giggling about how they'd try not to trip while walking down the aisle.
Jules shook her head, her smile widening as she reached for her moisturizer - "It's really happening" - she murmured to herself, echoing Mika's words. The reality of it all made her chest tighten, not with anxiety, but with a deep, grounding happiness. This was the life they were building together, step by step, laugh by laugh.
She lingered in the bathroom for a while, letting the warmth from the shower and the emotions swirling inside her settle. The small space still smelled faintly of Mika, a citrusy scent that Jules always associated with lazy mornings tangled up together.
She thought about the email Mika had received and the almost childlike way she'd burst into the bathroom. It wasn't the first time Mika had tackled something monumental for the two of them, but it always caught Jules off guard. The sheer force of Mika's determination, the way she poured herself so fully into everything that mattered, was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Jules found herself picturing their wedding day again, this time focusing on Mika. She imagined Mika standing at the altar, dressed in whatever outfit she'd finally decided on. Mika had been indecisive, torn between a sharp suit and something more casual but no less striking. She wouldn't tell Jules all the details. Either way, Jules knew the woman would take her breath away. She always did.
The thought brought an unexpected sting to Jules' eyes. She quickly blinked it away, shaking her head - "Get a grip" - she muttered under her breath, though the smile on her face betrayed her.
After getting dressed in a simple sundress and letting her damp hair loose, Jules made her way to the kitchen. The apartment was quiet without Mika's presence, and Jules busied herself by tidying up the already clean countertops. It was a nervous habit, one Mika often teased her about, but it helped her focus.
The dinner that night would be a big moment. While Simone, Lucas, and Kwan were already close friends, family, formally asking them to be part of the wedding felt significant. Jules wanted it to be special, personal, but she wasn't entirely sure how to strike the right balance. Mika's earlier comment about avoiding sappiness echoed in her mind, making her chuckle. Easier said than done.
She pulled out her phone, scrolling through a list of menu ideas they'd brainstormed earlier in the week. Mika had insisted on making the meal themselves, arguing that it added a personal touch, even if it meant scrambling to cook after their long day. Jules wasn't entirely confident in their culinary skills, well, in hers, but she trusted Mika's enthusiasm and cooking abilities to carry them through..
The evening crept up faster than Jules expected. By the time Simone, Lucas and their children arrived, the apartment was filled with the comforting aroma of baked pasta and garlic bread, courtesy of Mika, who had returned just in time to commandeer the kitchen. Jules had set the table with their nicest dishes, adding a small vase of fresh flowers as a centerpiece.
Kwan arrived shortly after, carrying a box of cookies from their favorite bakery. He handed them over with a grin - "Thought you'd appreciate a backup dessert in case your pasta experiment goes south"
"Your faith in us is overwhelming" - Mika said dryly, though there was a playful glint in her eyes as she stirred the sauce on the stove.
Simone stepped in, her sharp wit already in full swing - "Dinner smells amazing though. What's the occasion? Did Jules finally win an argument?"
Jules rolled her eyes with a smirk but didn't get the chance to respond before a small blur of energy launched itself at her legs.
"Aunt Jules!"
"Hey, Ethan! It's so nice to see you" - Jules bent down, catching the five-year-old in a warm hug. Ethan giggled, his arms squeezing her neck tightly.
Behind him, his three-year-old sister, Lily, toddled over with a shy smile - "Auntie Jules!" - she echoed, her tiny arms reaching up.
Jules scooped her up effortlessly, settling her on her hip - "Hi, Lily! You hungry?"
Lily nodded, her curls bouncing - "Uh-huh. Mommy said you're making pasta. I like pasta"
"Well, you're in luck" - Jules replied, pressing a kiss to her temple - "Mika's been cooking all afternoon"
The dinner table was a flurry of activity as plates were passed around and stories shared. Ethan insisted on sitting between Jules and Mika, while Lily claimed Mika's lap, declaring it her "special chair".
Ethan, who had squeezed himself between Jules and Mika, was talking a mile a minute about dinosaurs while Lily sat in Mika's lap, holding her fork like a little princess.
"Aunt Jules," - Ethan said, eyes wide with excitement - "did you know that the T-Rex could eat a whole car in one bite?"
Jules blinked, her fork halfway to her mouth - "A car? Really?"
Ethan nodded seriously - "Yeah! And he'd eat all the bread too" - he grinned, clearly proud of his knowledge.
Mika, who was carefully cutting up some pasta for Lily, chuckled - "Sounds like a very hungry dinosaur"
"I don't like T-Rex" - Lily piped up from Mika's lap, her face scrunched up - "They're too loud. I like the nice ones, like the Brachiosaurus. They don't roar"
Jules smiled, amused by how well the little girl pronounced the word 'brachiosaurus' - "The Brachiosaurus sounds much nicer. What does it do?"
"It eats leaves" - Lily said, bobbing her head - "And it's big like a tree!"
Ethan grinned, proud of his sister's knowledge - "But the T-Rex is the biggest! I bet it can fly too!"
Mika raised an eyebrow - "Fly? That's a new one"
Ethan, undeterred, went on - "Yeah, it's like an airplane, but with big teeth! Zoom!" - he made an exaggerated flying motion with his hands.
Jules laughed - "I'm not sure the T-Rex could do that.. But I bet it would be cool if it could"
"Yeah, like a flying dinosaur!" - Ethan said, completely serious, as if he were presenting a well-thought-out invention - "It could fight bad guys"
"Like superheroes?" - Mika asked, raising an eyebrow.
Ethan's eyes lit up - "Yes! It could fight the bad guys and save the princess!"
Lily, who had been quietly listening, suddenly perked up - "I'm a princess!" - she declared loudly, holding her fork like a scepter - "I live in a big castle with lots of cookies!"
"Well then, Princess Lily" - Mika said with a grin - "what kind of cookies do you have in your castle?"
Lily thought for a second, her face serious - "Chocolate chip. And some with pink sprinkles. And I have a horse too. And a dragon. A nice one!"
"A nice dragon?" - Ethan laughed - "Does it have fire? Because that's the best kind of dragon!"
Lily shook her head, looking offended - "No! It's a nice dragon! He gives me piggyback rides"
"Oh, that's so cool!" - Ethan said, smiling - "I want a nice dragon too"
Jules, watching the exchange, couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all - "I think I'd like a nice dragon as well.. Do you think they'd like spaghetti?"
Lily immediately jumped in - "Yes! They'd eat it with no sauce because they don't like sauce"
"Well, that's good to know" - Mika teased, her eyes twinkling.
"Aunt Jules, you should have the biggest nice dragon!"
"The biggest?"
Both Ethan and Lily nodded fast, before Lily spoke again - "Yes! So it can protect you in your castle"
"My superhero dinosaur can protect you too!" - Ethan said excited.
Jules smiled, catching Mika's eyes - "That's a lot of protection, don't you guys think?"
"Not for a queen!" - Lily said firmly.
"A queen?"
"Yes! You're so pretty and tall, like a queen!" - Lily explained and Ethan nodded with a mouthful of spaghetti - "Oh! Oh! And we can be friends! Princess Lily and Queen auntie Jules!"
Jules chuckled, touched by the sweetness of it all - "Well, if I'm a queen, then I'd better start acting like one, right?"
Lily nodded sagely, her little face full of concentration - "You have to wear a crown" - she said, her eyes widening as if she were giving Jules a very important piece of advice.
"Definitely a crown" - Ethan added, still munching on his spaghetti - "And maybe a cape too. Like a superhero queen"
Jules raised an eyebrow, smiling at the thought - "A cape? I could totally rock a cape. But who would be my royal knight?"
Mika, who had been listening with an amused smile, interjected, her voice light and teasing - "I think your knight's been here the whole time, queen Jules. Someone's been protecting you for a while now"
Jules glanced at Mika, raising an eyebrow playfully - "Oh really? And who might that be?"
Mika gave her a wink, her eyes sparkling with affection - "Your loyal dragon, of course"
Lily giggled and clapped her hands - "Auntie Mika is your dragon!"
"And I give piggyback rides" - Mika added with a grin, leaning in to nuzzle Lily's cheek - "But, you know, dragons don't usually like to carry queens around all the time"
Jules smiled softly, feeling a warmth spread through her chest - "Well, if I'm a queen, I suppose I could give you both some royal orders to take a nap, huh?" - she added, looking between Ethan and Lily.
Ethan gasped, his eyes wide - "A queen can make people sleep?"
"Only when they're really tired, buddy" - Jules teased, winking at him.
Lily, deep in thought, added - "Queen auntie Jules, can we have a castle full of cookies and dragons?"
"Of course" - Jules said with a laugh - "We'll have a castle full of cookies, and every room will have a dragon sleeping in it. But only the nice ones"
"And they'll bring us spaghetti!" - Ethan chimed in.
"And no sauce" - Lily added seriously.
"Yeah!" - Ethan exclaimed - "Because sauce is for bad dragons"
Mika leaned back in her chair, watching the scene with a smile - "I think you've got a good little kingdom going, queen Jules. Maybe I should come live in your castle too. Someone's got to make sure the dragons are well-fed"
Jules laughed, the idea feeling surprisingly good - "Sounds perfect. We'll need all the help we can get"
"Can we live there too, auntie Mika?" - Lily asked, looking up at her with wide eyes.
"Definitely" - Mika said softly, brushing a strand of hair out of Lily's face - "Everyone's welcome in the castle. As long as you promise to share your cookies"
Lily nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling - "I'll share all the cookies with you, auntie Mika"
Ethan, who had been listening intently, suddenly piped up - "And aunt Mika will be the dragon queen!"
Mika looked at Jules, laughing lightly - "I think I'm happy being just a dragon for now, but I'll leave the queen title to you, Jules, my queen"
Jules smiled, feeling the warmth of the moment - "It's good to have a strong kingdom beside me"
"You're a great queen!" - Lily said matter-of-factly, before grabbing another bite of pasta.
"And your kingdom will have the best cookies ever" - Ethan added proudly.
Mika and Jules exchanged amused glances, both smiling at the chaos and charm of the night. It was the kind of evening where everything felt light, easy, and filled with laughter..
Throughout the meal, Jules and Mika seamlessly fell into their roles as honorary aunts. Jules helped Ethan cut his pasta into manageable bites while Mika entertained Lily with exaggerated voices and silly stories.
Jules caught herself watching Mika interact with the children. There was something so natural about the way she cared for them, the way she responded to their little requests and funny comments with such patience. Jules couldn't help but smile, feeling a deep warmth spread through her. Mika had always had a way with people, especially with kids. It was effortless for her, so easy, like she was born to do it.
It was strange for Jules to think about how nervous she had been at first, especially when it came to Simone and Lucas's kids. She had worried, back then, about how she'd act around them, whether she'd come off as the awkward, unsure aunt. But now, surrounded by Ethan's loud energy and Lily's sweet innocence, Jules realized how natural it had all felt. The children didn't view her with any kind of expectation; they just saw her as family, as their aunt. And that filled her heart in ways she couldn't explain..
...
The dinner continued in that easy, relaxed rhythm, with Kwan teasing everyone about their "culinary standards" and Simone and Lucas exchanging stories of their latest misadventures. The occasional burst of laughter came from Ethan and Lily as they whispered secret things to each other.
Kwan leaned in towards Lucas, grinning - "I swear, man, if I watched even half the movies you recommend, I'd be a professional movie critic by now"
Lucas didn't even look up from his plate, just smirked - "I know, I know. You love my taste in films"
"Love?" - Kwan raised an eyebrow - "If by love you mean I watch them because you're my friend, then sure, I love your taste in movies"
Simone, busy with Lily, looked up, a mischievous glint in her eye - "Honestly, Kwan, I don't even know why you keep letting Lucas pretend to have good taste in movies. It's a lost cause"
Kwan laughed - "Says the woman who couldn't sit through The Godfather without falling asleep"
"Hey! I watched it, okay?" - Simone shot back, before turning her attention to Ethan, who was sprawled on the couch playing with his race cars - "Ethan, seriously, can you please stop racing your cars on the furniture?"
"No!" - Ethan protested, his five-year-old face scrunched up in defiance - "Cars need to race!"
Jules chuckled, shaking her head - "That's a battle that's already lost. You'll be cleaning up those car tracks for the next hour" - she teased.
Simone shot her a look - "If you're suggesting I clean them up, you're wrong"
"Just passing along the advice" - Jules smirked, then turned to Lucas - "You're quiet tonight. Too busy thinking of your next movie recommendation?"
Lucas looked at her with a grin - "Just waiting for Kwan to finish ranting about the movies I recommended last week"
"Oh, no, this is me holding back" - Kwan said dramatically - "I could go on for hours about your 'classics'"
Jules let out a laugh, and before she could respond, Ethan jumped up and ran over to her - "Aunt Jules, Lily grabbed my race car again!"
Lily, standing nearby, hugged the toy car tightly to her chest, giving Ethan a defiant look - "I found it!" - she insisted, her voice sweet but full of mischief.
Kwan leaned in with a grin - "Sounds like a robbery in progress"
Simone turned her attention back to the kids - "Lily, come on. Share the car"
Lily raised her tiny hands in surrender - "Nooo, I'm the princess!"
"Oh, right, we have a princess in the house" - Kwan teased, then turned to Jules - "Should we expect a royal decree to solve this?"
Jules raised her eyebrows - "I wouldn't know, I think I hear Mika calling me from the kitchen" - she said, she definitely didn't hear anything and they all knew it.
"Smart" - Lucas said, laughing - "Just leave it to Simone and me to figure out"
Kwan laughed and raised his glass - "To the parents who clearly have it all together"
"Yeah," - Simone said dryly - "clearly"
Mika appeared in the kitchen doorway, holding a spoon and giving everyone a pointed look - "Hey, are you guys making fun of my wife again?"
The room went quiet for a split second before everyone burst out laughing.
Simone grinned - "Oh, now we have the official 'wife defender' in the room"
"You know I have to" - Mika said, walking into the room, smiling - "Someone has to stick up for Jules when you guys get out of hand"
Kwan feigned shock - "Us? Out of hand? Never"
Simone raised her eyebrows - "Oh, please. If anything, you're the one who's always the troublemaker"
"I just speak the truth" - Kwan said with a dramatic shrug.
"Well, you might want to speak it a little softer when it's about her" - Mika added, nodding towards Jules - "Since, you know, she's my wife"
"Is she?" - Kwan said, glancing over at Jules with a grin - "I thought we were still working out the details of that 'wife' thing"
"Hey!" - Mika put her hands on her hips, laughing - "We're getting married in less than a month. You haven't even managed to get a girlfriend in like ten years, Kwan"
The group erupted in laughter, and even Ethan joined in, not fully understanding but enjoying the attention.
"Rude. You know I'm just waiting for the right movie to bring her into my life" - Kwan shot back.
"Oh, that's the secret?" - Lucas raised an eyebrow - "A movie to find your soulmate? Maybe you should try something more effective"
Jules, still smiling at the playful banter, turned to Mika - "Do you think it's time? Should we tell them?" - she whispered.
Mika turned towards her, her expression soft but sure, the warmth in her eyes instantly calming Jules. She grabbed her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze - "Yes" - Mika said, her voice steady - "Let's tell them"
The simple words of encouragement were all Jules needed. She took a steadying breath and met Mika's gaze, feeling her presence beside her, a silent promise of support. She couldn't help but smile, grateful for Mika's unshakable confidence. They'd been talking about this moment for so long, but now that it was here, there was a part of her that felt like she might float away from the nerves.
Jules straightened up, trying to gather her composure. She glanced around the table, the faces of their closest friends waiting, expectant. With Mika's hand still firmly holding hers, Jules felt a sense of grounding that calmed the flutter of her nerves.
"So," - Jules began, her voice steady, though a hint of warmth softened her words - "we've been talking a lot about the wedding. And as much as this whole thing is about Mika and me, it's also about the people who've been with us through everything, the people we couldn't imagine celebrating without"
She glanced at Mika again, feeling a gentle nudge from her. Mika gave her a soft nod, urging her to continue. Jules pressed on, a little steadier, her heart swelling with affection - "We'd love for the three of you to be part of our wedding" - she said, her voice dipping slightly as the weight of the words hit her - "You've all been there for us in ways we can't even begin to describe, and it would mean the world to have you standing by our sides"
There was a long moment of silence that stretched out, and Jules' chest tightened, just a little. She felt exposed under their gazes, unsure of what to expect. But then she felt Mika's fingers tighten around hers, a comforting squeeze, and she let out a small, shaky breath. In that moment, everything felt a little more manageable. Mika was right there, right by her side.
Simone, ever dramatic, broke the silence with a sniffle, a hand flying to her face as if trying to hold back tears - "Damn it, Millin, I was sure I wasn't going to cry until the wedding" - she said, voice thick with emotion.
Laughter rippled through the group, and Kwan, leaning back in their chair with a grin, added - "Like we'd ever say no. Of course, we're in"
Lucas nodded, his quiet demeanor giving way to a genuine smile - "It's an honor. Thank you"
Mika leaned forward with a mischievous grin - "And, we've got one more request" - she said, her voice playful - "Ethan, we were hoping you'd be our ring bearer. We can't think of anyone better to carry those rings down the aisle. What do you think?"
Ethan's eyes lit up with excitement, his face beaming - "Me? I get to carry the rings?!" - he bounced in the couch, nearly knocking over his toy cars in his enthusiasm - "I'll be so careful, I promise! I won't drop them!"
Mika chuckled - "We know you'll do a great job, buddy"
Then, looking over at Lily, Mika added - "And Princess Lily, we were hoping you'd throw the flowers. You'll be one of the prettiest flower girls along with my little sisters, what do you think?"
Lily's eyes grew wide with delight - "I get to throw flowers? Like a real princess?" - she held her brother's toy car like a scepter and waved it in the air as if rehearsing her grand entrance - "Yes! I'll make it so pretty!"
Jules and Mika exchanged a glance, both smiling at the children's excitement.
The evening continued with toasts, laughter, and a flood of shared stories. Mika remained close beside Jules, occasionally slipping her hand into Jules' whenever she reached across the table or needed reassurance. Every time Jules felt the flutter of nerves, she would glance at Mika and immediately feel steadied by the quiet strength Mika exuded.
As the last of their friends filed out and the door clicked shut behind them, the apartment suddenly felt quieter, the space filled with an electric buzz of love and anticipation.
Jules began to clean up, still floating in the afterglow of everything that had just happened. She stood up, taking a few plates towards the kitchen, when Mika was right there beside her, her presence wrapping around Jules like a warm embrace.
Jules leaned into her, resting her head against Mika's shoulder, feeling that calmness settle into her bones - "That went well" - she murmured, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Mika pressed a kiss to the top of Jules' head, her lips soft against her hair - "Better than well" - she said, her voice low and full of affection - "They're going to make the day even more perfect"
Jules smiled, feeling the warmth of Mika's words and the full weight of their life together settling in her chest. Her hand found Mika's again and Jules allowed herself to fully relax, knowing that they had each other, always.
Their life, their wedding, their future.. it was all unfolding beautifully, one step at a time..
...
Later, Jules sat on the edge of the bed, her gaze flickering towards the warm glow spilling out from the bathroom. The door was cracked open, just enough to let the faint sound of Mika humming drift into the room. She smiled to herself, running her fingers absently over her thighs. Mika always hummed when she was in a good mood.
"Don't take too long" - Jules called out, teasing - "You always promise a quick shower, but somehow, I'm the one falling asleep waiting for you"
Mika's head popped around the doorframe, her damp hair from the steam sticking to her neck - "Excuse me, I'm taking care of myself so I can look perfect for my fiancée"
"Yeah, yeah" - Jules replied, grinning - "You're just stalling so you can avoid removing all the pillows we have on the bed in order to lie down"
Mika rolled her eyes - "You caught me. Fine, I'll make it quick"
She disappeared back into the bathroom, the sound of running water filling the room moments later. Jules leaned back, letting out a soft sigh. The day had been perfect in so many ways, finalizing details at the venue, the excitement of seeing their friends so thrilled to be a part of their big day.
Her thoughts drifted as she glanced at the bathroom door. She knew Mika had been excited to meet with the staff at the venue. She looked like a kid in a candy store when she got the email in the morning, Jules thought, smiling. It was endearing how much Mika had thrown herself into planning every last detail.
"Jules?" - Mika's voice called over the water, pulling her out of her thoughts.
"Yeah?"/p>
"Come here for a second"
Jules stood, stretching as she wandered towards the bathroom. The air inside was thick with steam, and her gaze was immediately drawn to Mika's figure behind the curtain. Or, rather, not behind it. Mika had left the curtain partially open, just enough for Jules to see her completely. Water streamed over her body, catching the soft light and highlighting every curve, every line of her frame.
Jules' breath hitched, and for a moment, she froze. She knew Mika had left the curtain open on purpose; she'd done similar things recently. Jules clenched her jaw, fighting the instinct to stare, but her eyes betrayed her. She drank in the sight before her, her cheeks flushing hot.
God, how am I supposed to survive this?
She knew it was intentional; Mika always had a mischievous streak, and it was just the kind of game she loved to play lately. But that didn't stop her pulse from quickening or her cheeks from heating as her eyes flicked, unbidden, over the sight before her.
"You left the curtain open" - Jules said, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Did I?" - Mika replied, glancing at her with a playful smirk - "Guess I got distracted"
Jules crossed her arms, leaning against the doorframe - "You're not helping with that rule of yours"
Mika turned back to the water, rinsing shampoo from her hair - "It's not supposed to be easy, baby. Anticipation makes it better"
Jules scoffed, though a grin tugged at her lips - "Or rushed. And it's making me crazy, that's what it's doing"
Mika chuckled, her tone light and teasing - "You're cute when you're frustrated. Anyway, I was going to tell you about the venue and the staff and what they told me"
"Oh?" - Jules tilted her head, grateful for the distraction.
"They suggested we sneak out to the lake after the reception" - Mika said, running her fingers through her wet hair - "Can you imagine it? The stars, the quiet, just us.."
Jules smiled at the thought - "That does sound perfect"
Mika glanced at her again, her expression softening - "I talked to them about some of the setup, too. They're putting lights near the dock, so it'll look like a little path. And I asked about the arch. They said it'll definitely hold"
Jules laughed - "After how much work we put into that thing, it better"
They fell into an easy rhythm of conversation, talking about the dinner with their friends earlier.
"I think Ethan was about to cry when we asked him to carry the rings" - Jules said, shaking her head - "He was so excited"
"And Lily!" - Mika added, laughing - "She couldn't stop twirling when we mentioned the flowers. I think she's more excited about the dress than anything, though"
"She'll be adorable" - Jules agreed.
"Speaking of adorable.." - Mika's voice dropped slightly, her gaze flicking to Jules as she reached for the soap - "You're really staying strong with the rule. I'm impressed"
Jules groaned, dragging a hand down her face - "Don't start"
"I'm just saying, I thought I'd be the one struggling more" - Mika teased.
"You're enjoying this way too much" - Jules muttered, though her lips twitched into a smile - "And don't forget who actually broke the rule a few weeks ago.."
Mika shrugged, turning back to the water - "I'm just trying to make it fun. And I didn't break the rule, I simply bent it"
When she finished her shower, she turned off the water and peeked at Jules through the still-open curtain - "Towel, please?"
Jules hesitated for a moment, then grabbed one from the rack, stepping closer. As Mika reached for it, their fingers brushed, and Jules' heart skipped a beat.
Mika stepped out of the shower, her body still glistening with droplets of water. She wrapped the towel loosely around herself, but it didn't do much to hide the curve of her hips or the line of her collarbone. Her eyes locked with Jules', dark and smoldering.
"Thanks, baby" - Mika murmured, her voice low.
Before Jules could respond, Mika leaned in, closing the small distance between them. Their lips met, and the kiss was anything but restrained. It was fierce, hungry, filled with all the longing and love they'd been holding back for weeks.
Jules' hands found Mika's waist, pulling her closer. The damp fabric of the towel pressed against her palms, but she barely noticed. Her mind was spinning, every nerve in her body alight with electricity. Mika's hands slid up to cup her face, her thumbs brushing gently over her cheekbones as their mouths moved together in perfect sync.
It wasn't just a kiss; it was everything. Every touch, every press of their lips, spoke of everything they'd been waiting for, everything they'd soon have.
Jules felt her knees weaken as Mika deepened the kiss, her teeth grazing Jules' lower lip. She let out a soft, involuntary moan, and Mika smiled against her mouth, her grip tightening slightly.
How am I supposed to survive until the wedding?, Jules thought, breathless.
Eventually, Mika pulled back just enough to rest her forehead against Jules'. Their breaths mingled in the warm air, both of them struggling to catch their breath.
"This is torture" - Jules whispered, her voice shaky.
Mika smiled, her thumbs still brushing gently against Jules' skin - "Just a little longer" - she murmured - "Think you can handle it?"
Jules let out a soft laugh, her hands still resting on Mika's waist - "I don't know. You're making it really hard"
Mika grinned, pressing a soft kiss to the corner of her mouth - "That's the point"
They stood there for another moment, wrapped in the warmth of each other's presence, before Mika stepped back with a sigh.
"Come on" - she said, her voice light again - "Let's go to bed before we accidentally ruin my perfect plan"
Jules followed her out of the bathroom, her heart still racing and her lips tingling. She didn't know how she was going to make it through the next few days, but she knew one thing for sure: it was still going to be worth the wait..