Chapter 9 - The Real Wedding
Two months later.
There were no hundred corporate guests. There were no press cameras, no tall white pillars, and no expensive floral arches designed for public show.
Just a small, sunlit wooden chapel on the cliffs overlooking the sea.
In the pews sat only those who truly mattered: Uncle Thomas, Dr. Harrison, a few close friends from Pierce Logistics, and the nurses from Saint Jude’s who had cared for Olivia.
Ethan stood at the altar wearing a dark blue suit, his eyes fixed on the doors at the back of the chapel.
The organ began to play a soft, beautiful melody.
The doors opened.
Walking down the aisle first was Lucy, wearing a simple yellow sundress, scattering white rose petals onto the runner, her face glowing with pure happiness.
Behind her came Olivia.
She wore an elegant, flowing lace gown that gathered gently at her waist. She carried a simple bouquet of wildflowers. Her skin was radiant, her smile bright and unburdened, her eyes locked onto Ethan with an intensity that made the rest of the world vanish.
When she reached the altar, Ethan took both of her hands into his.
The elderly pastor smiled at them warmly. "We are gathered here today to unite two souls who were separated by shadow, but brought back together by truth, courage, and love."
When it came time for the vows, Ethan didn't read from a prepared script. He looked straight into Olivia’s eyes.
"Olivia," Ethan said, his voice thick with emotion. "Twelve years ago, I thought I lost my future. But you kept our love alive through the dark. You gave me our daughter, and you fought through the storm to come back to me. I promise to spend every day of my life honoring your strength, protecting our family, and loving you with everything I have."
Olivia wiped a tear from her cheek, smiling through her tears.
"Ethan," she whispered. "I never stopped loving you. Not for one single day. You were my home then, and you are my home now."
The pastor smiled. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."
Ethan pulled Olivia into his arms, kissing her deeply as the small chapel broke into joyful applause.
May you like
Lucy ran up to the altar, wrapping her arms around both of their waists. "Group hug!"
Ethan and Olivia laughed, pulling their daughter between them, holding each other tight under the warm afternoon sun.
