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Two days before the wedding, the air was thick with excitement and anticipation. The final details were falling into place, and the stress of wedding planning was slowly fading into the background. But Jey and Natalia were determined to take a step back and enjoy some quiet time before the whirlwind of the big day took over.

The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the backyard of Natalia's house. The grass was freshly cut, and the scent of barbecue filled the air. Malachi was running around, playing with a ball in the yard, while Jey and Natalia sat on the back porch, both of them stealing glances at the little boy.

Jey leaned back in his chair, his eyes softening as he watched Malachi. "He's growing up so fast," he said, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

Natalia smiled, the love for both Jey and their son evident in her gaze. "I know, right? Sometimes it feels like just yesterday we were holding him for the first time." She paused, her hand resting on her stomach instinctively. "And now he's about to be the ring bearer in our wedding."

Jey chuckled, shaking his head. "Man, I can't believe we're here. We've come a long way since that day in the diner."

Natalia met his eyes, her expression soft and loving. "We've been through a lot, Jey. But we've made it. Together."

Jey stood up and walked over to where Malachi was, kneeling down to catch his attention. "Hey, little man," he called.

Malachi stopped kicking the ball and ran over to Jey with a big grin on his face. "What's up, Dad?"

Jey ruffled his hair. "Just making sure you're ready to be the best ring bearer ever. Got your suit all picked out?"

Malachi nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! I look just like you, Dad. I'm gonna be so cool!"

Natalia chuckled, watching the two of them. "You're gonna be the star of the show, Malachi. Everyone's gonna be talking about you."

Jey smiled at his son, his heart swelling with pride. "Just like your mom," he teased, nudging Malachi's side. "You've got that charm."

Malachi beamed, clearly proud of the compliment.

The three of them spent the next few hours in peaceful bliss-Jey and Natalia chatting about everything and nothing, while Malachi played in the yard, filled with joy and innocence. As the sun set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Jey pulled Natalia closer, wrapping his arm around her.

"You good?" he asked softly, his voice filled with quiet tenderness.

She nodded, resting her head on his shoulder. "Yeah, I'm good. Just happy to be here with you and Malachi."

Jey kissed the top of her head. "Me too, baby. Me too."

For a few brief moments, the world outside seemed to pause. The wedding, the planning, the pressure-all of it was forgotten. It was just Jey, Natalia, and Malachi, enjoying a simple evening together before the storm of the wedding day hit.

Natalia smiled up at Jey. "I love you."

Jey's expression softened. "I love you, too. More than you'll ever know."

And as they sat together, watching their son chase fireflies in the yard, it felt like the calm before the storm-a beautiful, peaceful moment to hold onto before the magic of the wedding day swept them away.