Chapter 12 - A Moment to Remember

The soft glow of candlelight flickered in the bedroom, casting warm, golden hues across the room. The wedding had been a blur of joy, laughter, and excitement, but now, in the quiet of their shared space, Riley and Damon found themselves alone. The weight of the world seemed to dissipate as they stood in front of each other - husband and wife.

Riley walked slowly around the room, her fingers grazing the edges of the furniture as she tried to take in the reality of the day. Her mind raced as she looked at Damon, who was watching her with a gaze that held nothing but love and warmth. Her wedding dress, still pristine and white, felt like a distant memory as the cool air of the night brushed against her skin. She felt both excited and nervous - this was the first night of their marriage.

Damon stood nearby, still in his tuxedo, his tie loosened, and his jacket discarded onto a nearby chair. His eyes never left her as she moved around the room, his love for her apparent in the way he watched her. He had dreamed of this moment for so long, and now that it was real, he wanted nothing more than to cherish it.

He took a deep breath, walking over to her slowly. "Riley," his voice was low and tender. "Are you sure you're okay with this? With us… together like this?"

She turned to face him, a soft smile curving on her lips. "I'm sure, Damon. I'm more than sure."

She moved toward him, closing the distance between them. When she was close enough, she reached up to touch his face, her fingers brushing gently over his stubbled jaw. Her heart was racing, but there was a calmness in his touch that grounded her. It was as if they had waited for this moment their whole lives, and now nothing could ruin it.

Damon smiled, his lips softening at her touch. "I love you," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion. "More than I've ever loved anyone."

"I love you too," she replied softly, her voice almost a whisper as her lips moved closer to his.

Their lips met in a kiss - soft at first, a gentle exploration as if they were both savoring the moment. But as the kiss deepened, it became more intense, their feelings for each other pouring out in every touch, every movement. Damon pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her waist, holding her firmly yet tenderly as if he were afraid, she might disappear.

Riley melted into his embrace, her hands moving to his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. She wanted him - wanted all of him - and in this quiet, intimate space, it was as though nothing else mattered.

They slowly pulled apart, their foreheads resting against each other as they caught their breath. Damon's hands slid to the back of her dress, gently undoing the buttons. He moved with care, his touch soft and deliberate, wanting to make sure she felt comfortable. Riley turned her back to him, allowing him to unfasten the dress, her fingers trembling slightly as she helped him.

When the dress fell to the floor, leaving Riley standing in her delicate lingerie, Damon couldn't help but take a moment to admire her - her beauty, her strength, everything about her that he had come to love. He was in awe of her, but there was no rush, no urgency. He wanted this night to be perfect for both of them.

Riley turned to face him again, a nervous smile on her lips. "Is it okay?" she asked, her voice laced with a vulnerability she rarely showed.

Damon nodded, his eyes filled with affection. "You're perfect," he whispered, his hand brushing over her cheek.

He gently leaned in, kissing her once more, this time more deeply, more urgently. His hands roamed to her back, pulling her closer, their bodies pressed together in the soft glow of the candlelight. Riley responded to his touch, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pulled him even closer, needing the connection between them.

Damon slowly lowered her onto the bed, his body following hers as they both lay down. He didn't want to rush this, didn't want to overwhelm her. They were in this together, and he wanted her to feel every moment, every kiss, every touch. His hands caressed her skin, gentle and warm, as he kissed his way down her neck, tasting the sweetness of her skin, and savoring the closeness between them.

Riley responded with equal tenderness, her hands moving over his body as she felt the tension leave them both. There was no fear in the way they touched each other, only the rawness of love and trust.

As the night unfolded, they moved together in perfect harmony, their bodies and hearts intertwined. It wasn't just about passion - it was about connection. Damon made sure to be slow, to be gentle, taking the time to learn every inch of her, making sure she felt nothing but love and safety in his arms.

Eventually, they lay together, spent but content. Riley rested her head on Damon's chest, her breath steadying as she listened to the comforting sound of his heartbeat. Damon wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close as they both drifted into a peaceful slumber, the events of the night lingering in the air, a memory they would both cherish forever.

Before he closed his eyes, Damon whispered softly into her hair, "I love you, Riley. Always."

Riley smiled, her fingers lightly tracing over his chest. "I love you too," she replied, closing her eyes and allowing herself to drift off to sleep in the warmth of his embrace.