My Husband Wants An Open Marriage (Julie and Ryan)

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CHAPTER 101. Bring It On

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CHAPTER 101: Bring It On ~~Luke~~

I don't know if it's appropriate for the groom to cry on his wedding day, but right now, it's taking my entire self-control not to sob. My throat feels tight, my chest is heavy, and every muscle in my face is fighting. Screw it-who made that rule anyway?

Julie is walking toward me. Julie. My Julie. And it feels like the first time all over again-the day I saw her sitting on that barstool, drowning her sorrows in a glass of whiskey. I hadn't planned to approach her. I was headed toward the fire exit, escaping someone whose face I can't remember now. But then I saw her, and something in me shifted.

Now, here she is, making her way down the aisle, radiant in a dress that looks like it was sewn from clouds and moonlight. My breath catches in my throat, and I wonder if it's possible to actually combust from sheer awe.

Her maid of honor walks beside her, clutching her arm with a steadying hand, but Julie doesn't need it. She's poised, her eyes locked on mine.

"You're far gone, man," Kofi mutters from my side. "So fucking smitten. And honestly, I can see why. If you weren't my very, very good friend..." "Shut up, Kofi," Asher whispers sharply.

>>

Kofi, ever the chaos agent, giggles and makes obnoxiously loud kissy noises. He'd somehow won the toss against Asher to be my best man, and Asher won't let him live that moment down.

I don't even bother to glare at him. I'm too transfixed by the sight of Julie closing the distance between us. She's so close now, and I feel the ache in my chest deepen.

She reaches the altar, and her maid of honor places her hand in mine. The moment our fingers touch, the world seems to tilt, realigning itself. This-this is what I've been waiting for my entire life.

I lift her veil slowly. As the sheer fabric falls back, her face is revealed in all its glory. Her eyes, wide and shimmering with unshed tears, search mine. Her lips part slightly, and for a moment, it feels like we're the only two people in the room.

"Hi," she whispers, her voice trembling.

"Hi," I reply, equally breathless.

Her cheeks flush, and I catch the faintest hint of a smile. I'm certain everyone in the room can hear my heart beating fast.

The minister clears his throat, snapping us out of our little bubble.

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CHAPTER 101: Bring It On

"Dearly beloved," he begins, "we are gathered here today to witness the union of Lucas Martinez and Julie Jenkins in holy matrimony. This is a day of joy, love, and celebration, a day when two hearts become one and two families are joined together in love and support. "As we stand here today, surrounded by friends and family, we are reminded of the power of love to transform our lives. We are reminded that marriage is a journey, not a destination, and that it takes commitment, patience, and understanding to build a strong and lasting bond.

"Lucas and Julie, your commitment to each other is a beacon of hope in a world that often seems to value individualism over community and self-interest over selflessness.

"As you prepare to make your vows to each other, I encourage you to remember that marriage is a sacred trust. It is a promise to love and cherish each other through the good times and the bad, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer." I barely hear the words. My focus is on Julie, who hasn't taken her eyes off me.

The minister continues, saying the customary things about love and commitment. Every memory of Julie and me flashes through my head-the laughter, the fights, the makeups, the nights we stayed up talking about everything and nothing. "Now, I invite you to share your personal vows, the promises you've written to each other from your hearts." The minister's voice pulls me back.

I look at Julie, my chest tightening. "Julie, when I met you, I didn't know what it felt like to have my life flipped upside down. You came into my world like a hurricane-chaotic, beautiful, and absolutely impossible to ignore. You challenged me in ways no one ever dared, and for that, I will forever be grateful.

"I vow to love you even when you steal the blankets at night or leave the coffee pot empty. I vow to stand by your side, not just in the moments of triumph, but in the times of doubt and chaos because I know you'd do the same for me."

Julie's lips tremble, and for a second, I think she's going to cry.

"You've taught me that love isn't about perfection. It's about choosing each other every day, even when it's hard, even when it hurts. And I will always choose you.

"You're my greatest adventure, my fiercest protector, my softest landing. I promise to cherish the wild spirit that makes you who you are, to laugh with you when life is good, and hold you close when it's not."

Julie blinks rapidly, and a single tear escapes, tracing a path down her cheek.

"And, finally, I vow to never stop annoying you with my terrible puns and dad jokes because, let's be honest, they're part of the package. You are my heart, my home, and forever. I love you, Kitten."

CHAPTER 101: Bring It On

She laughs, mouthing, 'I love you more.

Then she clears her throat and begins.

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"Luke, when you walked into my life, I thought 'Great, another arrogant man who thinks he can tell me what to do.' And, well, I wasn't entirely wrong. But what I didn't expect was to find someone who would see me for who I truly am, even when I didn't see it myself. "You are ridiculously charming, and you're the kindest, most loyal man I've ever known. You've been my safe harbor in every storm, my partner in crime, and my greatest cheerleader, even when I was too scared to cheer for myself.

"I vow to love you, even when you leave your socks on the floor or insist that pineapple belongs on pizza. I vow to support your dreams, even when they terrify me, because you've never been afraid to support mine.

"I promise to never let a day go by without reminding you how much you mean to me, even if it's just by stealing your fries or teasing you mercilessly.

"Luke, you're the calm to my chaos, the reason I laugh, and sometimes the reason I yell.

But most of all, you're the love of my life. I choose you today and every day, forever. And I promise to always find humor, even in our arguments-because life's too short not to laugh, especially with you. I love you, Luke." Shit. I guess I've lost that battle now. The tears are falling without control. I don't need to look at the crowd to know I'm not the only one teary-eyed.

The minister smiles. "May I have the rings?"

Kofi, despite his earlier antics, steps up with the rings, looking unusually solemn. I take Julie's ring first, sliding it onto her finger with trembling hands.

"Julie," I say, coughing the words out, "I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment."

Julie takes my ring and does the same, her fingers brushing mine. "Luke," she says, "I give you this ring, promising to love and cherish you."

The minister beams. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Lucas, you may kiss your bride."

I don't need to be told twice. I step forward, cupping Julie's face in my hands. Our lips meet, and the room erupts in applause, but I barely hear it. All I can think about is how perfect this moment is, how perfect she is. When we finally pull apart, she's smiling so brightly, it feels like the sun has descended into the room.

"I love you," I whisper, resting my forehead against hers.

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CHAPTER 101: Bring It On

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"I love you more," she replies.

As we turn to face our guests, hand in hand, the applause grows louder.

We take our first steps as husband and wife, and for the first time in my life, I feel like everything is exactly as it should be. Friends and family cheer and whistle around us. The minister and our wedding party follow close behind.

As we reach the back of the church, we're met with a burst of sunlight streaming through the open doors. The applause and cheers continue to follow us as we make our way down the steps.

Rose petals and tiny white confetti swirl in the air, catching in Julie's hair and sticking to her veil. I glance qver at her, and I swear I've never seen anything or anyone so beautiful.

I pull her closer. "I hope you're ready to use those dance moves."

"Bring it on, Mr. Martinez," she says, laughing,

We pause at the end of the steps as the crowd gathers around us, their excitement infectious. Kofi darts forward with a mischievous grin, holding a basket of flower petals he clearly "borrowed" from one of the flower girls. He tosses them over our heads like he's anointing royalty, earning laughter from everyone, including Julie.

"Nice touch, Kofi," I say, shaking my head.

"Anything for you, man. Don't forget-I expect a dance with the bride later," he says, giving Julie a mock bow.

"I'll save you one," she promises, laughing as he jogs off to join the others.

The limo waits at the edge of the courtyard, adorned with ribbons, tin cans clinking behind it. But instead of heading straight for it, I tug Julie toward me, stopping her in her tracks.

"Hey," I say, lowering my voice so only she can hear. "Have you ever been to a Colombian wedding reception?"

She tilts her head. "Not exactly. Why?"

"Well, come on then," I say, my grin widening.

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