The air is thick with anticipation as you wait behind the tall wooden doors, your fingers gripping the bouquet tightly. The distant hum of whispered conversations fades as the music starts, signaling it’s time. You draw in a deep breath, steadying yourself.

This is it.

The doors open slowly, and the moment you step into the aisle, the world narrows to one person. Rudy.

He stands at the altar, the usually confident, cocky man now completely undone. His jaw drops ever so slightly, and his blue eyes widen, the intensity of his gaze fixed solely on you. His chest rises sharply as he exhales, and then, you see it—the way his lips press together tightly as if to stop himself from breaking entirely. But it doesn’t work.

A single tear slips down his cheek, and he quickly wipes it away, his hand trembling just enough for you to notice.

You can’t help the smile that spreads across your face. His reaction, so raw, so unguarded, makes the moment even more surreal. The guests fade into the background as you take step after step toward him, your heartbeat echoing in your ears.

Rudy’s lips quirk up into the smallest, softest smile, and you can see him trying to keep it together, his eyes never leaving yours. When you finally reach him, he takes your hands in his. His grip is firm but tender, and his thumbs trace delicate circles against your skin.

“You’re—” he starts, but his voice cracks, and he swallows hard, his eyes glistening again. “You’re breathtaking.”

You feel the tears prick at your own eyes, your chest tightening at the way he looks at you—like you’re the most precious thing in the world.

The officiant begins, but you barely register the words, too focused on the way Rudy’s gaze softens, the way his breath hitches when he repeats his vows.

When it’s time for the kiss, he cups your face gently, his touch warm and reverent. His lips meet yours, and the room erupts in cheers, but all you can feel is him—the man who once was just your friend, now the one who loves you with a depth that shakes you to your core.