21. Vance
After a couple of rounds, Blair insists on going to show her parents. Particularly her mom who has been asking both of us when we are going to settle down, but she never expected it would be with each other. Funny how that works. What neither of us expect is for Jace to walk in as Blair is showing her mother.
“Jace,” Blair says. She turns in my arms, facing her brother.
He stops a few feet away, his eyes moving between us.
“Congratulations. I'm happy for you both.”
Relief floods through me. Blair relaxes against me, her hand squeezing mine tightly.
“Thank you,” I manage, my throat tight. “Your support... it means everything.”
Jace nods, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You're good for each other. I see that now.”
Blair steps forward, pulling her brother into a fierce hug. I watch them, marveling at how the tension of the past seems to melt away in this moment. We’ve been practically inseparable since we were kids, and nothing will break us.
As they part, Blair reaches for my hand again. We stand together, facing Jace.
“So,” Jace says, his familiar smirk returning. “When's the wedding?”
Blair laughs, the sound light and joyous. “Let us enjoy being engaged for five minutes first!”
I grin, pulling her close. “Don't worry, you'll be the first to know.”
She shows it off for twenty more minutes and then I coax her to leave. Honestly, I want to enjoy this with her. It has taken so much to get us to this moment.
Sofia rushes in and screeches. “Oh my god! You’re getting married?” They do their giddy thing which is adorable by the way and then they take off into the living room. Thankfully Sofia doesn’t hate me for what my brother did to her, but honestly Noah hasn’t been the same since their breakup.
“So, since you’re here… I’d love it if you would be my maid of honor.” Blair and Sofia have always been close.”
She does some kind of awkward dance off. “It would be my honor!”
Noah will be my best man, and at first, I think maybe I shouldn’t because of Sofia and Noah’s history, but it’s our wedding. She can put aside their differences for one weekend, right? Plus, she might not know but my brother has been hung up on her since they broke up, and this might be the perfect way for both of them to get some closure.
“Alright future husband, I’m ready to leave now.”
We say our goodbyes, and I pull her close next to the car door, one hand cupping her cheek. Our lips meet, soft and tender at first, then with growing passion. The world around us fades away.
In this moment, there's only Blair. The taste of her lips, the warmth of her body pressed against mine, the soft sigh that escapes her. My entire being focuses on this kiss, on pouring every ounce of love and promise into it.
When we finally part, breathless, I rest my forehead against hers. “To our future,” I whisper. “And to right now.” I take a step back, my eyes never leaving Blair's. “You know, there were times I thought we'd never make it here.”
Blair's eyes shine with unshed tears. “Me too. I thought I’d have to watch you marry someone else. But we did.”
“Yup, here we are,” I murmur, pulling her close again.
In my mind, I see flashes of our past – stolen glances, heated arguments, tender reconciliations. Each memory has shaped us, strengthened our bond.
“Vance,” Blair whispers, “I wouldn't change a thing. Every obstacle, every moment of doubt – it all led us here.”
I feel a lump form in my throat. “To this perfect moment.”
We stand there, wrapped in each other's arms, the future stretching out before us like an open road. The challenges we've faced have only made our love stronger, more resilient. Whatever comes next, we'll face it together.