My sister was standing at the altar in a white satin wedding dress when a woman everyone believed had died walked through the ballroom doors.

One year later.

The sun was setting over the Pacific Ocean, casting a brilliant golden glow over the cliffs of San Juan Island.

A small, intimate gathering was held on the private beach behind my new coastal home. White linen runners fluttered in the warm ocean breeze, and the sound of crashing waves provided a sweet, natural melody.

My father stood near the wooden altar, smiling broadly as he conversed with Marcus’s family.

I stood in front of a mirror inside the beach cottage, putting the final touches on my dress.

It was a simple, elegant ivory silk gown. Hanging around my neck was my mother’s original emerald necklace, gleaming brightly against my collarbone.

A gentle knock sounded on the open door.

Marcus walked in. He looked impossibly handsome in a dark charcoal tuxedo, a single white lily pinned to his lapel.

He stopped in his tracks, staring at me, his eyes filled with awe.

“You are breathtaking, Caroline,” he whispered softly.

I turned around, stepping toward him, taking both of his hands in mine. “You’re not supposed to see the bride before the ceremony, Detective.”

“I’ve spent six years breaking rules for you,” Marcus smiled, leaning in to gently press his lips against my cheek, right over the soft curve of my burn scar. “I wasn't going to start following them today.”

I laughed—a real, rich, joyful sound that echoed through the sunlit room.

We walked out onto the beach together, hand in hand, stepping onto the soft, warm sand.

Looking out over the ocean, I remembered the woman who had walked into a luxury ballroom five years ago—barefoot, bleeding, wrapped in dirty bandages, carrying the smell of smoke and despair.

That woman was gone.

She had fought through the fire, broken through the lies, torn down the forged death certificates, and brought every monster out into the light.

As Marcus and I stood before our family and friends to pledge our lives to one another, I looked up at the endless blue sky, feeling the warm sun against my face.