Three months later, winter blanketed the city in snow. Christmas lights glowed along the windowsill of their now-shared apartment. The ring on Athena's finger sparkled like the first snowflake that had landed on it the night Mason proposed.
Wedding planning wasn't easy—especially with Athena juggling her editorial deadlines and Mason constantly flying for away games. But they did it together. Every spare moment was stolen for tasting cakes, choosing colors, laughing over floral arrangements, and arguing playfully over song choices.
"'Perfect' by Ed Sheeran is so overdone," Athena groaned one night, cross-legged on the couch with a wedding binder on her lap.
Mason smirked as he walked by, brushing a kiss on her cheek. "You still cried when it came on in the car."
"That was allergies," she lied.
"Mmhm."
They decided on a spring wedding. Intimate. Outdoors. Just their closest friends and family. No drama. No spotlight. Just them.
The night before the wedding, Athena couldn't sleep. She stared out the window, watching the moon glow above the skyline. Mason, curled up on the couch next to her, stirred.
"You okay?" he murmured, voice thick with sleep.
She nodded. "I'm just... happy."
He reached for her hand. "You sure you're ready?"
"I've been ready since we were seventeen and you stole my rival school cheer captain heart," she whispered.
He grinned, sleepily pulling her close. "I love you, Athena Black."
"Soon-to-be Black," she teased.
The wedding day arrived with sunshine and soft breezes. Athena walked down the aisle in a soft lace gown, her hair twisted with tiny pearls. Mason stood at the altar in a fitted navy suit, his eyes never leaving hers.
They said their vows through tears and laughter.
"I promise to always be your biggest fan," Mason said, "even if I'm 3,000 miles away—and especially when you're being stubborn."
Athena laughed. "I promise to love you through every touchdown, every deadline, every burnt dinner and late night. And to always, always choose you."
As they kissed, the world faded away.
No more distance. No more late-night goodbyes.
Just them.
Married. Finally.
Forever.