Stars of My Heart

Upon returning to the ancestral Lancaster home, Emily and Matthew were in perfect harmony. The marriage certificate, carefully kept in an elegant folder, seemed to symbolize the official beginning of a new stage. Emily was radiant, and Matthew, although more restrained, could not hide the glint of pride in his eyes.

As they entered the main room, where the family was still gathered, the couple were greeted with curious looks and eager smiles. Mariana, Matthew's mother, was the first to stand up, as if she already knew what was coming.

"So?" she asked, with an arched eyebrow and a mischievous smile. "Have you done what I'm thinking?"

Matthew smiled, pulling Emily aside as he raised the folder in the air.

"Officially married. Now, we are not only engaged, but husband and wife."

A chorus of exclamations echoed through the room. Lara screamed with joy, running to hug Emily.

"Oh my God, this is so amazing! I officially have a sister-in-law now!" he exclaimed, hugging Emily tightly.

Matthew's grandparents, Carlos and Elisa, were sitting in a nearby armchair. Carlos, always the practical one in the family, raised his hand in approval.

"Well, congratulations, young man. That's a big step, and I see you chose well." He gave Emily a gentle look. "Welcome to the family officially, my dear."

Elisa, more emotional, wiped away her tears with a delicate handkerchief.

"A wedding is always a reason for celebration. Emily, you've brought a special glow to our Matthew."

Matthew's father, Diego, stood up with a broad smile and held out his hand to his son. "I'm proud of you, my son. And Emily, I want you to know that you have our full support." He leaned over slightly and hugged her.

Emily, overcome with emotion, smiled as she held Matthew's hand.

"Thank you, you've all been so welcoming from the beginning. It means a lot to me."

Mariana, however, seemed more practical.

"That's wonderful, but now we need to talk about the next steps. A legal wedding is great, but we need a ceremony to celebrate it properly. Something simple, maybe, but still special."

Emily laughed, raising her hands.

"Please, something small! I know Matthew already mentioned it, but the idea of ​​something extravagant makes me nervous."

Mariana nodded. "Sure, something intimate. Just family and a few close friends."

Lara chimed in excitedly, "I'll help organize it! It'll be perfect."

While everyone was chatting happily, Hugo, Matthew's younger brother, whispered something in Lara's ear, who immediately laughed. Emily noticed and raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"What is it?"

"He's saying he thinks you and Matthew are the most unlikely, yet perfect couple," Lara replied, winking at her brother.

Emily smiled.

"Well, unlikely or not, we're here, and that's what matters."

Later that night, after the initial excitement, Emily and Matthew were sitting together on one of the living room couches, surrounded by family. Matthew took out the folder with the marriage certificate and showed it to his parents and grandparents.

"Here's the proof," he said, pointing to the papers. "Our marriage is officially registered."

Carlos adjusted his glasses and looked at the document, nodding.

"Nothing like formalizing things. You're starting something that will last forever."

Elisa, still emotional, smiled.

"And we'll be here to support you every step of the way."

Emily squeezed Matthew's hand, feeling welcomed and happy. After her uncle, she felt like she was part of a family again. The smiles on everyone's faces made their eyes shine with excitement.

Mariana interrupted the moment of reflection.

"Well, now that we have that sorted out, let's plan a celebration. Something very special, but not too grand."

"I agree," Diego said. "Something that brings the families together, including Uncle Otávio, of course."

Emily smiled when she heard her uncle's name.

"He'll love meeting all of you."

Matthew leaned in and whispered in Emily's ear.

"This all seems like a dream, doesn't it?"

She looked at him, her eyes shining.

"It seems so, but it's real. And I couldn't be happier."

As the conversation continued into the night, Emily realized that despite all their differences, she had found her place.

After dinner, Emily and Matthew went upstairs to their room, the tiredness of the day gently replaced by a sense of closeness and comfort. The room was lit by a soft light that seemed to envelop the room in a welcoming embrace.

Emily sat on the edge of the bed, letting out a small sigh as she looked out the window. The night was peaceful, the moonlight bathing the landscape in a silvery glow. Matthew approached her, kneeling down to help her take off her shoes, a simple gesture but full of affection.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and attentive.

"Yeah... I'm just thinking about how things have changed so quickly," Emily replied, smiling as she caressed his face. "I never imagined I'd be here, married to you, with a new family who's welcomed me so well."

Matthew held her hands firmly, but at the same time with a delicacy that showed how much he valued her. "I never imagined finding someone who could transform my life like you did, Emily. You brought light to all of this. To me, you are the world."

Emily felt her heart race, each of his words reverberating in her soul. He gently pulled her closer, his lips meeting hers in a kiss full of meaning. It was not just passion, but a silent promise of love and commitment.

Emily did not hesitate; wrapping her arms around Matthew's neck.

The kiss was slow, full of affection, but soon intensified, as if they both wanted to express everything they were feeling at that moment. Matthew's hands slid gently down Emily's back, while she intertwined her fingers in his hair. When they separated, they were both breathless, but with smiles on their faces.

"You're amazing," Matthew murmured, kissing her again, this time more deeply. The heat between them grew as he gently cupped her face, as if she were the most precious thing he had ever touched. Emily laughed softly between kisses, feeling completely at ease.

When Matthew began to unbutton her blouse, he paused for a moment, searching Emily's eyes for permission. She nodded softly, pulling him in for another kiss as he removed the garment, exposing her delicate shoulders. Emily reciprocated, unbuttoning Matthew's shirt with nimble fingers, each piece removed amidst laughter and increasingly intense kisses.

Once they were both partially dressed, Matthew picked Emily up, laying her gently on the bed. He enveloped her in another passionate kiss, their breaths mingling as the moment deepened. The softness of the sheets contrasted with the intensity of the touches and caresses, creating an atmosphere of absolute intimacy.

At that point, the soft lights in the room were the only witness to their connection.

When they finally fell asleep, wrapped in each other's arms, tranquility took over the room. Outside, the moonlight continued to illuminate the night, as if blessing the new chapter of their lives.