Part 2

The sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the hotel room. Liam stirred first, feeling the warmth of Tanya's body pressed against his. He smiled to himself as he looked down at her, her face peaceful, her lips slightly parted as she slept. He couldn't believe how natural it felt waking up beside her, as if all those years apart hadn't happened.

As he shifted slightly, Tanya's eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze with a soft smile. "Good morning," Liam whispered, leaning down to kiss her gently.

"Good morning," she murmured back, returning his kiss, her fingers tracing lazy patterns across his chest.

For a moment, they lay there, wrapped up in the quiet of the morning, until Liam glanced over at his phone on the nightstand. His eyes widened as he saw the time. "Oh, no…" he muttered, sitting up suddenly. "I'm going to be late!"

Tanya propped herself up on her elbows, the sheets still wrapped around her, confusion and amusement mingling on her face. "Late for what?"

Liam was already halfway out of bed, grabbing his clothes and hastily pulling them on. "I have a wedding today! I'm the photographer," he said, his voice rushed. "I'm supposed to be there in an hour, and it's a big event. They're expecting me!"

Tanya pouted, hugging the sheets closer to her as she watched him get dressed. "Do you have to go already?" she asked, her lips forming a playful frown. "We were having such a nice morning."

Liam paused, catching her disappointed expression, and walked back over to the bed. He leaned down, brushing a strand of hair from her face and kissed her again, this time slower, savoring the moment. "You could come with me," he said, his voice soft but with a hint of excitement. "I'm allowed to bring a guest. Why don't you come with me and watch a wedding? We can make a day out of it."

Tanya's eyes lit up, her pout vanishing instantly as a grin spread across her face. "Yeah?" she asked, sitting up straighter. "That actually sounds like fun!"

Liam laughed, nodding enthusiastically. "Yeah! It'll be like a date, but with free food and cake."

Tanya giggled, throwing the sheets aside as she quickly climbed out of bed. "Alright! Give me a second to get ready, and we'll go." As she grabbed her clothes, she playfully slapped Liam on the butt. "I love how excited you get when we spend time together."

He chuckled, grabbing his jacket and tossing it over his shoulder. "Of course I love spending time with you."

Tanya blushed as she started getting dressed. "I'm glad to hear that, baby," she said, her tone soft but warm.

Liam couldn't help but smile as he watched her, amazed at how effortlessly they had fallen back into this rhythm, like they had never been apart. Once they were both dressed, Tanya in a sleek sundress and Liam looking sharp with his camera bag slung over his shoulder, they stood by the door.

"Shall we go?" Liam asked, offering his hand to her.

Tanya nodded, taking his hand with a playful grin. "Let's go."

They headed out of the hotel, excitement buzzing between them as they stepped into the morning sunlight. It felt like the start of something new, something they hadn't quite figured out yet but were eager to explore together.

The wedding was just the next stop on their journey, but there was an undeniable feeling in the air that this was only the beginning.

The park was buzzing with quiet excitement as Liam and Tanya arrived at the wedding venue. The area was beautifully decorated, with white roses and soft pink accents adorning the arches and chairs. The sun was shining brightly, casting a golden glow over the entire scene. It was picturesque, the perfect backdrop for a wedding.

Liam, camera in hand, was in his element. "I'll be right back," he said, giving Tanya a quick smile before slipping into work mode. She nodded, watching him as he moved swiftly among the decorations, snapping photos of every detail. He captured the delicate flowers, the neatly folded napkins, and the golden sunlight filtering through the trees, creating a magical atmosphere.

Tanya found herself wandering toward the seating area, admiring how beautifully everything was set up. But her eyes kept drifting back to Liam. It was a side of him she hadn't fully seen before—focused, confident, and in complete control of his craft. She couldn't help but be mesmerized by the way he moved, his eyes scanning every angle, his hands steady as he adjusted his camera for the perfect shot.

When the bride and groom arrived, the air buzzed with excitement. The groom looked dashing in his black tuxedo, his nervous energy barely contained as he smiled at his bride. The bride, a vision in her white dress, radiated happiness. Her gown was simple but elegant, flowing with each step she took, her veil catching the soft breeze.

Liam approached the couple with a warm, professional demeanor. "You two look amazing," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "Let's head over to that sunny spot by the trees. The light's perfect over there."

He guided them gently, positioning them so the sun highlighted the bride's veil and the groom's polished shoes. He snapped away, giving them directions as they moved. "Hold hands and walk towards me. Now, look at each other and laugh—perfect. Okay, groom, give her a spin—beautiful!"

Tanya couldn't help but smile as she watched. Liam was in his element, capturing every tender glance, every shared laugh between the couple. He had this remarkable ability to make them feel comfortable, like they weren't even aware of the camera. His direction was subtle, and he never interrupted the natural moments that unfolded. It was like watching a painter, each photo carefully composed, each angle chosen with precision and care.

As he circled around the couple, the sunlight played along the edges of the bride's gown, illuminating the lace details, while the groom's polished shoes glistened under the soft rays. Liam crouched down, taking a few shots from below, then stood back up, capturing the wider scene of the couple surrounded by the beauty of the park. Every click of his camera was deliberate, each shot a masterpiece.

Tanya was completely entranced. She had always known Liam was talented—he had been taking pictures since they were kids—but seeing him now, working with such passion and skill, was different. He wasn't the same boy who used to snap Polaroids of her in princess gowns. This was a man who had honed his craft into something extraordinary.

She could see the dedication in his eyes, the way he analyzed each frame, and it stirred something deep inside her. Watching him now, she felt proud, but also… captivated. There was something about seeing him in his element, so composed and professional, that made her heart race just a little faster.

Once Liam was satisfied with the couple's photos, he gave them a thumbs-up. "You guys were amazing. Enjoy the rest of your day, and I'll have the photos ready soon."

The bride and groom thanked him profusely, and as they walked back to their guests, Liam turned toward Tanya, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "What did you think?" he asked, his voice now much more casual than it had been moments ago.

Tanya beamed at him, her eyes still sparkling from watching him work. "You were incredible," she said honestly. "I had no idea how good you are at this."

Liam chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's just what I do."

"No, really," Tanya insisted, her voice soft but sincere. "I mean, seeing you like that, so focused, so… passionate… it's like seeing a whole new side of you."

He smiled, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "I'm glad you liked it. I wasn't sure if you'd be bored watching me work."

Tanya shook her head. "Not even for a second."

Liam felt a warmth spread through his chest. Having Tanya there, watching him with such admiration, made this ordinary wedding feel like something more. There was a sense of connection between them, something deeper than just their shared past.

As they stood there, watching the wedding continue, Liam reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Thanks for coming with me today," he said quietly.

Tanya smiled, leaning in just a little closer. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world."

Liam and Tanya then made their way to the buffet table, which was laid out with an elegant spread of dishes—everything from roasted vegetables to decadent pasta, carved meats, and delicate desserts. They filled their plates and found a spot at one of the round tables with the other guests, the soft hum of conversations filling the air.

Liam took a bite of his food, savoring the flavor before turning to Tanya. "You enjoying yourself?"

Tanya was already munching on a forkful of food, nodding enthusiastically. "I never thought I'd have so much fun watching someone else get married," she said between bites, her eyes lighting up with genuine joy.

Liam chuckled, enjoying how relaxed and comfortable she seemed. But then his tone softened, and he leaned a little closer. "What about you?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity. "I know your job keeps you busy, but do you plan on getting married someday?"

Tanya's fork froze in mid-air, and she blinked, the question clearly catching her off guard. She gasped softly, then looked down at her plate, suddenly seeming vulnerable. "I don't know," she murmured, her voice quieter now. "Maybe… if I find the right person who understands me."

There was a lingering sadness in her eyes that Liam didn't miss. He looked at her, feeling the weight of the moment. His heart pounded, but he spoke up before he could hesitate. "I think I understand you."

Tanya's expression shifted instantly, her eyes darting to his face in surprise. There was a sincerity in his voice that she hadn't expected, and it caused her to pause. Liam held her gaze, offering a small smile as he continued, "I really think I do."

Her lips curled into a shy smile, but she quickly looked away, unable to meet his eyes just yet. She bit her lip, clearly touched by his words, but also unsure how to respond. The tension between them hung in the air, delicate and unspoken.

Just then, the music stopped, and a voice came over the speakers, announcing that the wedding ceremony was about to begin. The moment between them, already fragile, slipped away. Tanya's face softened, and she glanced toward the crowd that was moving toward the ceremonial arch.

"We should get going," Liam said, his voice gentle.

Tanya nodded, and without another word, they both stood up and made their way to the ceremony area.

Liam was immediately back in work mode, his camera now ready in hand. "I'll be filming the ceremony," he told her. "I'll see you after."

Tanya watched as he quickly navigated through the crowd, slipping into his role once again with effortless professionalism. She found a seat among the guests, but her eyes kept drifting back to Liam. Even from her spot, she could see how much effort he was putting into capturing the moment. He moved with precision, crouching low for certain shots, angling himself to catch the perfect frame of the bride walking down the aisle, the groom's expression as he saw her, and the intimate looks they shared as they stood together in front of their family and friends.

The ceremony unfolded beautifully—the bride glowing, the groom emotional, and the vows full of love and promise. But through it all, Tanya couldn't stop thinking about Liam. Watching him work was mesmerizing. There was something captivating about how he threw himself into his job, ensuring that every moment was immortalized with the perfect shot.

Her heart swelled with pride as she realized just how dedicated he was to his craft. She knew that if he continued working like this, success would follow. His eye for detail, his ability to capture genuine emotion, it was all part of what made him special. She could see that he wasn't just good at what he did—he was extraordinary.

As the officiant pronounced the couple married, the guests erupted into applause, standing to cheer and celebrate the newlyweds. Liam, of course, was right there, catching every second of their first kiss as husband and wife, their joyful walk back down the aisle, and the emotional faces of their family members.

Tanya clapped along with the guests, but her eyes stayed on Liam, who was beaming as he filmed the couple. It hit her then, just how much he had grown—both as a person and a professional. He wasn't just the boy from her past anymore. He was someone who had turned his passion into something incredible, someone who had built a life and a career out of his love for photography.

And she couldn't help but wonder, as she watched him, what her life would have been like if they had stayed connected. Would they have built something beautiful together? Or had they needed that time apart to grow into the people they were now?

As Liam finished capturing the last of the ceremony, he looked up and caught her gaze from across the crowd. He smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling with that familiar playfulness she had always loved.

Tanya smiled back, her heart fluttering in her chest.

The sun had long set by the time the wedding reception was in full swing, the night sky blanketed with stars that twinkled above the outdoor dance floor. String lights cast a soft, golden glow over the scene, making everything feel like it was dipped in a warm, magical haze. The music played softly in the background as couples moved gracefully across the floor, laughing and celebrating the newlyweds.

Liam and Tanya found themselves drawn into the center of it all, standing close, their fingers intertwined as the melody of a slow song wrapped around them. The moment felt surreal, the buzz of the wedding fading into the background as they focused on each other. Liam gently twirled her, and Tanya's laughter filled the air, light and carefree—something he hadn't heard from her in so long.

"This has been the best wedding I've ever attended," she said, her cheeks flushed from the excitement of the evening.

Liam smiled as he pulled her closer, his hand resting on the small of her back. "I'm just glad you're here with me," he whispered, his voice soft and full of emotion.

As they swayed to the music, their movements slowed until they were merely holding each other, their foreheads resting against one another. The world seemed to blur away, leaving just the two of them in the moment, wrapped in a comfortable silence.

The music played on, but neither of them cared anymore. Liam closed his eyes and inhaled the familiar scent of her perfume, a mix of something sweet and floral. It brought back memories of their younger years, of simpler times when everything seemed possible. He had loved her once—still does, if he was being honest with himself—but there had always been something keeping them apart.

For the first time, though, it didn't feel like anything was holding them back.

They danced together for what felt like hours, lost in each other's embrace. Eventually, as the night wound down and the guests began to trickle away, they found themselves heading back to Liam's place.

The moment they walked through the door, the energy between them shifted, electric and undeniable. Tanya's laughter faded as she looked at him, her eyes sparkling in the dim light of his apartment. Without a word, she closed the distance between them, her lips meeting his in a slow, passionate kiss.

Liam's hands found their way to her waist, pulling her closer as the kiss deepened, a soft moan escaping her lips. There was no hesitation, no second-guessing this time. They both knew what they wanted. As their clothes fell to the floor, they made their way to the bed, limbs entangled, breath quickening with every touch.

When they finally collapsed into each other, their bodies slick with sweat, the room felt like it was spinning—full of the intensity of what they had just shared. Tanya rested her head against Liam's chest, her breathing steadying as she closed her eyes, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Liam wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, feeling the rise and fall of her chest as she drifted off to sleep. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, his heart pounding in his chest as the weight of the moment settled over him.

The night had been perfect—better than he ever imagined. But as he lay there, staring out the window, the stars still twinkling in the distance, a realization crept in.

"She'll be leaving soon. Five days." He whispered to himself.

Five days until Tanya was gone again.

He held her tighter, the thought of losing her gnawing at the edges of his mind. But for now, he tried to push it away, to focus on the present—the sound of her soft breathing, the warmth of her body against his.

Maybe, somehow, he could make these last five days enough.

But deep down, Liam knew the truth—no amount of time would ever be enough.