Chapter Five: Until My Last Breath

Two Months Later

People often said weddings were chaotic. They were wrong. Chaos implied there was some order beneath the madness. Whatever was happening inside the Cole estate that morning had no order whatsoever. It was complete, unapologetic madness.

“Where are the rings?”

Someone shouted from downstairs. Adrian was almost certain it was Eleanor’s mother.

“I had them!” Marcus yelled back.

“No, you gave them to Mum!” Kai argued.

“I did not! I swear I put them in my pocket!”

“Dad, I saw you give them to her!”

Adrian stepped out of the hallway and into the living room, only to find Marcus standing in the middle of the commotion, rubbing both hands over his face.

“It is just eight o’clock in the morning,” Adrian said, staring at everyone. “Why is everybody shouting already?”

Silence fell over the room.

He looked around. “Wait. What rings are we talking about?”

Marcus slowly turned toward him.

“Ummmmm, your wedding rings.”

Adrian blinked. “Those most definitely cannot be mine.”

Marcus pointed at him. “Exactly. So stop standing there and go get ready.”

Adrian stared at him. “Marcus, you were supposed to be in charge of the rings.”

“I am in charge of the rings. I promise you, I have them. They are somewhere in this house.”

“That’s not very reassuring.”

“I’m very sure they’re in here somewhere. Just go get ready. I’ll find them and bring them to you.”

He physically pushed Adrian toward the hallway. “Go.”

Adrian laughed despite himself. “Marcus, if you lose them, I swear to God I’ll have your head.”

“Yeah, I know.”

Adrian headed upstairs, leaving Marcus to deal with the mess he’d created.

*********

Upstairs, Eleanor stood in front of the mirror while the room buzzed around her. The bridesmaids adjusted her veil. Someone fixed the train of her dress while another person searched frantically for a missing earring.

Eleanor barely noticed the activity. She was staring at her reflection. God, she looked gorgeous. Her dress fit her perfectly, the delicate fabric falling gracefully around her. Her hair was pinned elegantly, and her veil rested softly over her shoulders.

Then Sarah appeared behind her in the mirror. “Nervous?”

Eleanor gave her a small smile. “Yeah, a little.”

“It happens to everyone, darling.” Sarah smiled. “You’ll be fine. It’ll be over before you know it.”

Eleanor frowned at her reflection. “I just want today to be perfect.”

“And I’m sure, it will be.”

“But what if something happens? What if I trip and fall?”

Sarah raised an eyebrow. “Well…”

Eleanor turned around. “Sarah!”

“I’m serious.” Sarah grinned. “I won’t lie and tell you everything will be perfect. There will be tripping. There will be spilled drinks. Marcus might even accidentally set something on fire. I know my husband.”

Eleanor laughed.

“But none of that will matter,” Sarah continued. “When you walk down that aisle, Adrian will be standing at the other end waiting for you.”

Eleanor looked down, trying to hide her smile.

Sarah stepped closer.

“You know…” she began.

Eleanor looked at her through the mirror.

“The first time Adrian came to dinner after meeting you, he was smiling before he even walked through the door.”

Eleanor’s expression softened.

“He’s always smiled, don’t get me wrong. But that night was different. He was genuinely happy.”

Sarah smiled at the memory.

“Really?”

“Really.”

A tear slipped down Eleanor’s cheek before she could stop it.

“I don’t deserve him.”

Sarah immediately shook her head.

“No, my love. You don’t get to say that.”

Eleanor lowered her gaze.

“You deserve each other,” Sarah continued. “And whether or not today turns out exactly the way you imagined, remember one thing.”

She reached for Eleanor’s hands.

“You’re going home with your husband tonight.”

Eleanor smiled through her tears.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life, so be positive, okay?” Sarah pulled her into a tight hug.

They held each other for a moment before Sarah pulled away.

“Now, I need to see what all that noise downstairs is about. Marcus will set this entire building ablaze if I don’t intervene.”

Eleanor laughed.

“Is he really that clumsy?”

“You have no idea.”

Sarah walked toward the door before turning around.

“And enough with the tears. You’ll ruin your makeup.”

Eleanor laughed again.

“Yeah, sorry.”

*************

Adrian adjusted his cufflinks for what felt like the hundredth time. Marcus watched him from the doorway. He wasn’t even dressed yet.

“The cufflinks are fine, Adrian.”

Adrian didn’t answer. Marcus narrowed his eyes. “Are you shaking?”

Silence.

“Wait, hold on. Are you nervous right now?”

Still nothing.

Marcus grinned. “Wow.”

Adrian finally looked at him.

“I never thought I’d see the day Adrian Cole would be nervous.”

Adrian exhaled slowly. “I’m not nervous, Marcus. Leave me alone.”

Marcus walked into the room. “You, my friend, are nervous. What’s up?”

Adrian sighed. “What if she changes her mind?”

Marcus stopped. “Hold on, are you for real?”

Adrian looked at him. “Marcus, I’m being serious.”

“Dude, that’s your problem right now?”

“What if she realizes she could’ve done better?”

Marcus stared at him. Adrian continued, his voice growing more frantic. “Do you think I should call her? We haven’t spoken since last night, all thanks to you and your stupid tradition.”

Marcus burst into laughter. Adrian frowned. “I’m glad my panic amuses you.”

Marcus walked over and straightened Adrian’s tie. “I’m laughing because I never thought I’d see you like this.”

“Marcus.”

“Listen to me, princess.”

“I’ve told you countless times to stop calling me that. That was one time.”

“Shhhhh. I’m talking, and I’m still going to use it.”

Adrian rolled his eyes.

Marcus smiled. “That woman looked at you and chose you. I don’t know what she sees in you, honestly.”

Adrian gave him a look.

“But she chose you,” Marcus continued. “Not your money or anything. You, Adrian.”

His voice softened. “So, for once in your life, stop overthinking everything and just be happy.”

Adrian stared at him for a moment. Then he remembered the rings. “Oh my God! The rings!”

Marcus’s mouth fell open. “Jesus Christ!”

Adrian blinked.

“I said all that, and that’s all you can say to me?” Marcus pointed toward the table. “Your rings are over there.”

Adrian turned and saw them resting beside his watch. He walked over and picked them up.

“Let me get dressed before I knock you out, you ungrateful piece of shit. Marcus stormed away, muttering under his breath.

For a few minutes, Adrian stood in front of the mirror, straightened his shirt, and stared at his reflection.

“I can do this.” He smiled nervously. “I love her, and she loves me.” He took a deep breath. “So, I can do this.”

He was still trying to convince himself when Marcus returned, now dressed and ready for the ceremony.

Marcus took one look at him and sighed. “Still at it?”

“Go away.”

“Alright then, knock yourself out dickhead.”

He turned toward the door, pretending to leave but Adrian stopped him.

“Marcus.”

Marcus glanced back at him. “For a second, I thought you were actually going to let me leave.”

Adrian rolled his eyes. “Keep dreaming.” He hesitated, his expression softening slightly. “But… thank you,” he said quietly.

His expression softened. “You’re welcome.”

For a moment, Adrian studied his oldest friend, if not only friend. They’d been through enough together to know when the other needed a joke and when he needed comfort.

Adrian remembered Marcus’s wedding day eight years ago. Marcus had been twenty, standing in front of Sarah and preparing to marry the woman he knew he wanted for the rest of his life. Adrian had stood beside him that day, watching him adjust his tie repeatedly and ask whether everything looked right. Marcus had been certain about Sarah, but he had been scared. Marriage was a serious commitment, and he understood what he was promising her.

Adrian had teased him throughout the morning, though he’d also stayed close when Marcus’s nerves became too much. Marcus had trusted him to stand beside him while he took that step.

Eight years later, Marcus had never regretted marrying Sarah. He still looked at her with love, still found ways to make her laugh, and still chose her every day. Their life together hadn’t needed to be perfect for him to know he’d made the right decision.

Now Adrian was the one standing on the edge of that commitment, and he finally understood Marcus’s nerves.

“You were terrified that day, even though you knew she was the one.” Adrian said.

Marcus smiled. “Especially because I knew.” He adjusted his cufflinks. “When something matters that much, you want to get it right. You want to be the husband she deserves. You start thinking about everything that could go wrong.”

Adrian nodded slowly.

“Believe you me,” Marcus continued, “I wouldn’t change that decision for anything, even if I could go back and stand at that altar all over again.”

He placed a hand on Adrian’s shoulder.

“Eleanor chose you, Adrian so trust her choice, freaking out won’t change anything.”

Adrian looked at him, his throat tight.

“Oh God! Now I understand how you felt that day.”

Marcus squeezed his shoulder and let out a dramatic sigh. “Finally! Anyway, I’ll be right back. Let me check on Kai.”

**************

In another room, Kai stood proudly in front of a full-length mirror. His tiny black tuxedo fit him perfectly. The sunglasses, however, were enormous.

Marcus stopped behind him.

“You do know you’re indoors, right?”

Kai nodded. “Uh-huh.”

“So why are you wearing sunglasses?”

Kai adjusted them proudly. “Because Uncle Adrian said I have an important job, and important people wear sunglasses.”

Marcus stared at him. “And why are they three sizes too big? I picked something else for you.”

Kai shrugged. “Because they’re supposed to be. I didn’t like the ones you picked for me.”

Marcus closed his eyes. “What! Who told you that?”

“I saw it in a spy movie.”

Marcus looked toward the ceiling. “You know what? Do whatever you want.”

Kai grinned. “Dad, I look cool, right?”

Marcus looked him over. “You look like a tiny bodyguard buddy.”

Kai’s face lit up. “Yay! I’m a bodyguard and a best man!”

“That wasn’t a compliment, Kai.”

Kai didn’t care. He jumped excitedly.

“I’m a bodyguard!”

Marcus shook his head. “Never mind, I’ll just keep my opinion to myself.”

************

By the time the ceremony began, every seat was filled. Soft music drifted through the gardens. White roses lined the aisle, their petals moving gently in the afternoon breeze. Lavender scented the air, mingling with the perfume of the flowers and the warmth of the summer sun.

Adrian stood at the altar. His hands were trembling. Marcus leaned closer.

“Breathe. You look ready to faint.”

“I’m trying.”

Marcus glanced at him. “Man, you’re actually shaking.”

Adrian swallowed and turned toward Marcus. “I’m sorry for making fun of you then.”

Marcus laughed. “I wasn’t this much of a nervous wreck, but I’ll take it so you’re welcome.”

Adrian grabbed his arm. “Why isn’t Eleanor here yet?”

Marcus laughed. “Man, I love this. Seeing you like this wasn’t on my list, but I’m enjoying every second of it.”

Adrian frowned. “Marcus, don’t push it. This is not the time.”

“I’m just saying….”

The music changed. Every conversation stopped. Every head turned. Then Eleanor appeared at the end of the aisle. Adrian’s breath caught. She looked beautiful in her wedding dress, and seeing her there brought a rush of emotion he couldn’t put into words. The fear that had followed him all morning finally eased. His heart pounded as he watched her begin the walk toward him.

Marcus looked at him. “You okay?”

Adrian couldn’t answer.

“Adrian?”

Nothing.

“Adrian, if you pass out here, I’m leaving your ass on the floor and going home.”

Adrian barely heard him. All he could focus on was Eleanor walking toward him. Kai walked proudly ahead of her, his enormous sunglasses firmly in place.

Halfway down the aisle, however, he stopped. The guests looked on as Kai turned around and glanced at Eleanor, then at Adrian. Something had clearly occurred to him. He hurried the rest of the way down the aisle.

“Uncle Adrian.”

Adrian immediately leaned down.

“What is it?”

Kai looked at him with wide, hopeful eyes. Then he whispered loudly enough for the first few rows to hear. “You still can’t marry me?” There was a heartbeat of silence. Then laughter swept through the entire garden. Even the officiant laughed.

Adrian shook his head, smiling, and kissed Kai’s forehead. “Buddy, we talked about this.”

Kai frowned. “You still can’t?”

“I’m only allowed to marry one person. Today, that’s Eleanor.”

Kai sighed dramatically. “But I want to marry you.”

Adrian smiled and gently held his cheeks. “You’re still my favourite, and I love you, all right?”

“Okay, Uncle Adrian.”

Kai nodded solemnly before walking to his assigned place.

Marcus leaned toward Sarah. “I swear I’m going to give that child a piece of my mind when we get home. What sort of embarrassment is this?”

Sarah laughed. “Leave him alone. He gets it from you.”

Marcus looked offended. “Ewwww, when did I say I wanted to marry Adrian.”

Adrian couldn’t help laughing as Eleanor finally reached the altar. When it was time for the vows, he took her hands. For a moment, he simply looked at her. His eyes began to sting, and he struggled to keep his voice steady.

“I spent my whole life believing strength meant standing alone,” Adrian began, his voice trembling slightly. “I never thought love could creep up on me like this. I thought I was being careful, that I knew how to keep my heart out of trouble. Then I met you, and you taught me that love is choosing the same person every single day. And I promise to keep choosing you for as long as I live.”

Eleanor smiled through her tears.

When it was her turn, she squeezed his hands. “I know you’re used to running away from things by burying yourself in work,” she said, drawing a few chuckles from the guests. “But I promise to keep reminding you to take a break, to slow down, and to remember that you don’t always have to carry the world on your shoulders alone.”

Adrian’s eyes filled with tears.

The officiant smiled. “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

Applause erupted. Adrian pulled Eleanor into his arms and kissed her. Cheers echoed through the gardens.

Kai immediately covered his eyes.“Eww! That’s gross!”

Marcus laughed.

“Look at you. You wanted to marry him five minutes ago.”

Kai lowered his hands. “Dad! I didn’t say I wanted to kiss him. I just wanted to marry him.”

The guests around them laughed even harder.

************

That evening, the reception glowed beneath thousands of warm lights. Music filled the gardens. Laughter drifted through the night, mingling with the clinking of glasses and the sound of people celebrating.

Kai danced with Sarah while Marcus spent most of the evening teasing Adrian. Eleanor had never looked happier. As the night wore on, she slipped away from the celebration and stepped onto the balcony overlooking the gardens.

A few moments later, Adrian joined her.

“Running away from your own wedding?”

She smiled. “Just needed a minute. I’m tired of dancing and laughing.”

Adrian slipped an arm around her waist. They stood together, watching the lights below. For a while, neither of them spoke. The quiet between them was comfortable, and he was content to have her beside him.

Finally, Eleanor rested a hand over his.

“Promise me something, babe.”

“Anything.”

“About what I said at the altar, I meant it. I know you’re used to working all the time, but no matter what life throws at us…”

She turned toward him. “You won’t let your job take you away from me.”

Adrian looked into her eyes. He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles before pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

“I won’t let that happen. You have my word.”

Eleanor smiled as he pulled her closer.

“Besides, I have something much more important to come home to now.”

She rested her head against his shoulder. Far below them, the music continued, and laughter echoed across the gardens. The warm lights shone against the night sky.

Above them, the stars filled the darkness. Adrian held his wife close and thought about the life they were beginning together. There would be difficult days, unexpected problems, and decisions they couldn’t always prepare for. But he had made his choice, and he intended to stand by it.

For the first time in his life, he felt as though nothing could ever go wrong again. He had everything he wanted, and he was ready for forever.

If only he knew what the future had in store for him.