How Long Is Forever?

Countdown

As Maura's wedding dress arrived from Paris, excitement filled the air, and a sense of anticipation hung over the group as they gathered for her final fitting. Constance, Hope, Angela, Calin, and Nina joined Maura, their eyes sparkling with anticipation as they admired the exquisite gown.

Maura stepped out in the gown, the fabric flowing around her like a cascade of moonlight, and a collective gasp escaped from the group at the sight of her beauty. Constance, her eyes shining with pride, stepped forward to adjust a stray strand of Maura's hair, her heart filled with love for her daughter.

"You look absolutely stunning, darling," Constance said, her voice filled with emotion. "This dress is perfect for you."

Hope nodded in agreement, her eyes misty with emotion. "You're going to be the most beautiful bride," she said, her voice filled with warmth.

Angela beamed with pride as she admired Maura's radiant beauty. Her voice filled with love. "You're going to make a beautiful bride, Maura."

Calin and Nina exchanged a knowing glance, their hearts filled with joy for their friend. "You're going to knock everyone's socks off," Calin said, a grin spreading across her face.

Nina nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with excitement. "You're going to be the talk of the town," she said, her voice filled with admiration.

As Calin proposed the idea of a bachelorette party for Maura, excitement filled the room, but Maura seemed hesitant, her mind preoccupied with other wedding details. Nina, however, was quick to jump in, urging Maura to consider the idea.

"Come on, Maura, you have to have a bachelorette party!" Nina exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "It's a rite of passage, and we're all here to make sure you have the best time."

Constance, Angela, and Hope chimed in, their expressions eager but tinged with a hint of resignation. "We think it's a great idea, dear," Constance said, her voice filled with warmth. "But we understand if you'd rather celebrate with your friends."

Angela nodded in agreement, a fond smile playing at her lips. "We're a bit older, after all," she said, her tone lighthearted. "We wouldn't want to cramp your style."

Maura looked around at her friends and family, feeling a surge of gratitude for their support. "Okay, okay, you've convinced me," she said, her voice tinged with amusement. "Let's do it. But just know, you're all invited too."

As Calin inquired about Jane's plans for her bachelor party, Maura couldn't help but smile, imagining the antics that her fiancée and her closest friends might get up to.

"I'm not entirely sure, but knowing Jane, I'm sure Frankie, Tommy, and Korsak are planning something," Maura replied, her tone laced with amusement.

Calin grinned at the thought, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, I can only imagine what they have in store," she said, a hint of excitement in her voice. "It's going to be a night to remember, that's for sure."

As they continued to chat and share ideas for both Maura's bachelorette party and Jane's bachelor party, Maura couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within her. In just a few short weeks, they would both be celebrating with their closest friends, surrounded by love and laughter as they prepared to take the next step in their journey together.

— — —

As the evening settled in, Jane and Maura found a quiet moment to discuss their respective fittings. Jane's brows furrowed slightly as she expressed her frustration about not being able to see Maura's dress.

"I know it's tradition and all," Jane began, her tone tinged with disappointment, "but I just wish I could see it. I want to know what you'll look like walking down that aisle."