Chapter 7 - Forever and AlwaysSix months later, the spring sun washed over the private botanical gardens in upstate New York, illuminating blooming white roses, emerald lawns, and an altar draped in silk and ivy.
There were no tabloid reporters, no corporate rivals, and no ghosts from my past.
Just our closest friends, a few cherished colleagues from St. Catherine’s and the community centers, and an overwhelming atmosphere of genuine, unadulterated joy.
As the string quartet played a soft, classical melody, I walked down the garden aisle on the arm of an uncle who had always believed in me, wearing a wedding gown of delicate lace and tulle that made me feel like a queen.
Standing under the floral arbor waiting for me was Julian.
He wore a custom black tuxedo, his hair slightly tousled by the spring breeze, and his eyes were bright with tears he wasn't trying to hide.
When I reached the altar, Julian took my hands in his. They were warm, strong, and steady.
“Take your time, everyone,” the minister smiled warmly at the gathering. “We have all afternoon.”
Julian leaned in close, his lips brushing my ear.
“You were right, you know,” he whispered, a tender smile touching his lips.
“About what?” I asked softly.
“About that orange you handed me three years ago,” Julian murmured, his eyes locking onto mine with fierce, undying love. “It was the best damn vitamin C I ever received.”
I laughed, a bright, clear sound that carried across the garden.
As we exchanged our vows, sliding matching platinum bands onto each other's fingers, I looked out at the assembled guests—at the life we had built, the storms we had weathered, and the absolute certainty of our future.
May you like
The night Damian poured champagne down my dress had felt like the end of my world.
Instead, it was simply the exact moment my real life finally began.
