Chapter 21
The morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the delicate lace of my wedding dress. I stood in front of the full–length mirror, smoothing my hands over the fabric as my heart pounded in my chest.
Today was the day.
After everything–the betrayals, the pain, the near losses–Wallace and I were finally getting our happy ending.
A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. My mother stepped inside. She had been recovering well, and though she still moved carefully, she stood tall, radiating the same fierce presence I had always admired,
She paused when she saw me, her lips parting slightly. “You look stunning, Mitch.”
Tears pricked at the back of my eyes, but I forced myself to smile. “You’re just saying that because you’re my mother.”
She chuckled softly before stepping closer, reaching out to fix the strands of my hair. “No, I’m saying it because it’s true.”
I swallowed hard, blinking away the emotion that threatened to overwhelm me.
There was a time I had thought I wouldn’t make it here–that I would be alone, broken, lost.
But I wasn’t.
Wallace had fought for me. I had fought for him. And now, we were about to seal our forever.
My mother took my hands in hers, squeezing gently. “Are you ready?”
I exhaled shakily before nodding. “More than ever.”
A slow, proud smile spread across her face. “Then let’s go.”
The venue was breathtaking.
Rows of white roses lined the aisle, their fragrance filling the crisp afternoon air. Soft music played in the background as guests settled into their seats, anticipation humming in the air.
But my eyes weren’t on the details.
They were on him.
Wallace stood at the altar, dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, his broad shoulders squared, his expression unreadable. But when his gaze locked onto mine, I saw everything.
Love.
Longing,
A quiet, unshakable devotion that made my breath hitch.
His jaw clenched slightly, his fingers curling into fists at his sides as I took my first step forward. My mother held onto my arm.
Each step I took, Wallace’s expression shifted–softening, intensifying–until, by the time I reached him, his eyes were glassy with emotion. He exhaled sharply as my mother placed my
hand in his.
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His fingers curled around mine, warm and solid, anchoring me to this moment.
“You’re beautiful,” he murmured.
I smiled up at him. “And you’re mine.”
The officiant cleared his throat, beginning the ceremony, but I barely heard him.
All I could focus on was Wallace. The way his thumb traced soft circles on my skin. The way his breath hitched every time I moved slightly closer. The way his eyes held me like I was the only thing that mattered in the world.
And when it was time to speak our vows, his voice was rough, thick with emotion.
“I never believed in fate,” he admitted. “But then I met you. And suddenly, I knew–you were it You are my home, my heart, my future. I vow to love you, protect you, and never–never–leave you again.”
A tear slipped down my cheek as I swallowed past the lump in my throat.
“I spent my whole life believing love was just an illusion,” I whispered. “That it was something people used to control, to manipulate, to break others. But then you showed me what love truly is. And I vow to stand by you, to fight for you, to love you the way you deserve–for the rest of my life.”
His fingers tightened around mine, his chest rising and falling unevenly.
And when the officiant finally said, “You may now kiss the bride,” Wallace didn’t hesitate.
He pulled me against him, his lips crashing onto mine, sealing our forever.
The reception was a blur of laughter, champagne, and stolen kisses.
Wallace never left my side, his touch lingering on my skin, his whispers sending shivers down my spine. At one point, as we swayed together on the dance floor, his lips brushed against my
ear.
“I can’t wait to get you alone,” he murmured.
A flush crept up my neck, but I smirked. “Then why are we still here?”
His low chuckle sent warmth curling in my stomach.
Nine Months Later
The soft cries of a newborn echoed in the hospital room. Tears blurred my vision as I cradled the tiny, delicate baby against my chest.
Wallace sat beside me, his hands shaking as he gently brushed a finger over our daughter’s tiny
cheek.
‘She’s perfect,” he whispered.
I smiled, exhaustion washing over me, but my heart was full.
Wallace leaned in, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “I love you.”
I looked up at him, my heart swelling with immeasurable love.
“And I love you,” I whispered.
He wrapped his arms around both of us, holding us close, protecting us.
And as I listened to the steady beat of his heart. This was our happily ever after. This time we
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weren’t two, but three with our baby Calix.
Chapter 21
