Chapter 86: The Morning We Become Forever

Chapter 86: Chapter 86: The Morning We Become Forever

With their bodies comfortably nestled together beneath the covers, they slowly drifted off to sleep, knowing that when they opened their eyes again, it would finally be their wedding day.

The night passed quietly, and by the time dawn approached, the hotel room had begun to fill with the faint, silvery light of early morning. At five-thirty, Elisha stirred beneath the covers. Still half-asleep, he slowly opened his eyes, only to find Henry resting peacefully against his chest.

For a moment, he simply lay there, watching him sleep. Henry’s features were relaxed, his dark eyelashes resting against his cheeks, and his breathing slow and even. Seeing him so close brought a smile to Elisha’s face.

Today was finally the day they had been waiting for.

Overwhelmed by happiness, Elisha lowered his head and kissed Henry’s forehead. He followed with soft kisses along his temple and cheek before brushing his lips over his jaw and down to his neck. Henry let out a quiet sigh in his sleep, but he didn’t wake up.

Elisha smiled and continued kissing him until Henry’s eyelashes fluttered. His eyes slowly opened, and he found Elisha gazing down at him with an affectionate smile.

Still sleepy, Henry reached up, cupped the back of Elisha’s neck, and pulled him down for a kiss.

What started as a soft morning greeting instantly deepened into a passionate, breathless kiss. Their lips moved together seamlessly, tongues tangling in a slow, intoxicating rhythm that carried all the unsaid devotion and excitement of the past months.

Elisha’s hand slid possessively to Henry’s waist, holding him close, while Henry tangled his fingers in Elisha’s hair, melting completely into the warmth of the moment. They shared the deep, lingering kiss for minutes, savoring every second of the quiet intimacy.

When they eventually pulled back just an inch to catch their breath, their foreheads remained pressed together, their warm breaths mingling.

"Good morning, pretty," Elisha whispered softly, his voice raspy from sleep and thick with affection.

Henry’s eyes crinkled at the corners as a radiant smile spread across his face. "Good morning, baby."

Elisha brushed a strand of hair away from Henry’s forehead, his dark eyes bright with happiness.

"It’s finally our wedding day," he said. "Are you happy?"

Henry nodded without hesitation, looking straight into his eyes. "Yes, baby. I’m so happy. What about you?"

"I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life," Elisha murmured before leaning down to press another sweet kiss to Henry’s lips.

Henry let out a soft, fond chuckle and rested his hand over Elisha’s heart. "When the styling team arrives later, I’ll have to move to the other suite so I can get dressed."

Elisha’s expression turned playful, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "If I didn’t want to be completely blown away when I see you in your wedding suit, I wouldn’t have agreed to let you get dressed in a different room. But since I want that moment to be a surprise, I suppose I’ll allow it."

Henry smiled softly at his fiancé’s reaction. "You just have to be a little patient, baby."

"Alright, I’ll be patient. I can’t wait to see you in your suit, pretty," Elisha replied.

"Me too, baby," Henry said with a smile.

They wrapped their arms around each other, sharing a warm hug before settling back beneath the covers.

They remained beneath the covers for another hour, talking, teasing each other, and stealing kisses whenever one of them felt like it. Neither seemed in a hurry to leave the warmth of the bed, content to enjoy a little more time together before the day’s preparations began.

By 6:30 a.m., a polite knock sounded at the suite’s front door.

Elisha reluctantly loosened his arms from around Henry’s waist and sat up. "That must be room service. I ordered breakfast last night so they could have it ready early this morning, giving us enough time to eat before the stylists arrive."

"What would I do without you, baby? You’re such a darling." Henry smiled, reaching for Elisha’s hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

Elisha smiled back, squeezing his hand in return before getting out of bed. He slipped into his silk robe, tied it loosely around his waist, and headed for the door. When he opened it, two hotel staff members stood outside with a breakfast trolley laden with freshly prepared dishes.

Elisha opened the door wider and stepped aside, allowing them to wheel the trolley into the suite’s dining area. They set the table with hot coffee, freshly squeezed juices, warm pastries, and a savory morning spread before bowing respectfully and taking their leave.

As the heavy door clicked shut, Elisha turned around to go call Henry, only to see him already padding softly into the dining room, his hair delightfully tousled from sleep.

Elisha smiled, wrapping a quick arm around his waist. "Come on, babe, let’s freshen up first."

Hand in hand, they walked into the spacious bathroom, standing side-by-side in front of the vanity mirror as they brushed their teeth and washed their faces. Returning to the dining room, they settled down to enjoy their breakfast together, sharing soft conversation and quiet anticipation for the grand day ahead.

After finishing their meal, they remained at the table, sipping their coffee and enjoying each other’s company. Just as they were settling into the quiet moment, a polite knock sounded at the suite’s front door."

Elisha set down his cup and rose to answer it. When he opened the door, he found both styling teams waiting outside. After exchanging warm greetings, he stepped aside to let them into the suite.

Henry’s personal wardrobe assistant and lead stylist immediately began gathering the garment bags, custom footwear, and accessories he would need for his wedding outfit. The rest of Henry’s team helped collect his belongings, while Elisha’s own styling crew brought their equipment inside and began preparing their work area.

"We’ll get everything set up in the second suite for you, Mr. Griffin," Henry’s lead stylist assured him with a polite bow.

"Once Henry’s styling team had collected his garment bags, shoes, and accessories, they carried everything into the hallway. Elisha turned back to Henry, who was waiting for him nearby.

Henry turned to Elisha with a tender smile. "Baby, I should get going now. I’ll see you soon."

Elisha crossed the small distance between them and cupped Henry’s face gently in his hands, drawing him into a slow, deep kiss that tasted of sweet espresso and complete devotion.

"I’ll see you downstairs for our pre-ceremony photoshoot, pretty," Elisha murmured against his lips.

"Okay, baby," Henry whispered back, a radiant smile spreading across his face.

Before they could part completely, Henry stole another lingering kiss, then let out a soft, playful laugh. Elisha smiled at him, reluctant to let him go.

With one last backward glance, Henry turned and followed his styling team down the corridor toward his private dressing suite.

Once Henry had left, Elisha remained with his styling team, who were already arranging their equipment and preparing everything they needed. He glanced at himself in the mirror, unable to hide his smile.

After all the years he and Henry had spent together, the day they had dreamed about was finally here. In just a few hours, Henry would become his husband.

His wedding suit and accessories had been laid out nearby, ready for him to change into once his grooming was complete. Elisha settled into the chair before the vanity mirror as his hairstylist worked on his dark, naturally wavy hair, brushing it back while leaving a few loose curls around his face. The style suited him perfectly, drawing attention to his sharp jawline and strong brow.

With his hair in place, the team finished his grooming and checked his appearance one last time. Elisha studied his reflection briefly before getting up to change into his wedding suit.

His wedding suit was waiting nearby. His stylists helped him into the double-breasted cream jacket, fastening the dark buttons before straightening the crisp black dress shirt beneath it and adjusting his matching black tie. He slipped into his tailored black trousers and polished leather shoes, then held out his arms while his team checked the fit of his jacket and smoothed out any creases.

When they were done, Elisha turned toward the mirror and adjusted his cuffs. The cream jacket against the black shirt and trousers gave him a striking, regal appearance, like a dark, brooding prince dressed in ivory.

He studied his reflection for a moment, but his thoughts soon drifted to Henry. He couldn’t wait to see his fiancé dressed for their wedding, and the thought alone brought a smile to his face.

Meanwhile, in the adjacent suite, Henry sat before the vanity mirror...