Chapter 49
Chapter Forty-Nine
Tania
The soft rustle of fabric and the faint hum of conversation fill the air as I stand in the bridal suite, staring at my reflection in the full-length mirror. My wedding gown flows around me, the delicate lace and shimmering beads catching the sunlight streaming through the windows. My hair is styled simply, with loose curls framing my face and a few flowers woven into the strands.
“You’re beautiful,” Beth says softly, standing behind me. Her eyes are glassy with unshed tears.
I swallow hard, my chest tight with a mix of nerves and excitement. “Is this real?” I whisper.
“It’s real,” she replies, squeezing my shoulders gently. “And you’re ready for this.”
Jenna and Claire bustle in, adjusting the veil and handing me my bouquet. Their smiles are warm and encouraging, and the moment feels almost surreal.
“It’s time,” Jenna says, her voice filled with emotion.
I nod, taking a deep breath as I grip the bouquet. My heart races as I step toward the door, each step bringing me closer to the life I’ve fought so hard to build with Levi.
The garden is breathtaking. Rows of white chairs line the lush green lawn, filled with friends and family, their faces alight with anticipation. An arch adorned with cascading flowers stands at the end of the aisle, framed by the soft glow of the afternoon sun.
And there, beneath the arch, is Levi.
My breath catches as our eyes meet. He looks impossibly handsome in his tailored suit, his green eyes locked on me with an intensity that makes everything else fade away. For a moment, it feels like we’re the only two people in the world.
I take my first step down the aisle, my father by my side. The murmurs of the crowd fade into the background, replaced by the steady rhythm of my heartbeat. Each step feels both monumental and inevitable, like I’ve been walking toward this moment my entire life.
When I reach Levi, my father places my hand in his, and the warmth of Levi’s touch steadies me instantly.
“You’re stunning,” he whispers, his voice thick with emotion.
“You’re not so bad yourself,” I reply, my lips curving into a small smile.
The officiant begins, their words soft and heartfelt, but my focus is entirely on Levi. He looks at me like I’m the only thing that matters, and for the first time in days, the nerves in my chest give way to something brighter.
When it’s time for our vows, Levi steps forward, pulling a small piece of paper from his pocket. His voice is steady but thick with emotion as he speaks.
“Tania,” he begins, his gaze locked on mine. “From the moment I met you, you’ve challenged me, inspired me, and made me want to be better. I’ve made mistakes—more than I’d like to admit—but you’ve shown me that love isn’t about perfection. It’s about choosing each other, every single day. And I choose you, Tania. Always.”
Tears blur my vision, and I barely register the murmurs of approval from the crowd. Levi’s words wrap around me like a warm embrace, their sincerity sinking deep into my heart.
When it’s my turn, I take a shaky breath, the paper in my hand trembling slightly.
“Levi,” I begin, my voice soft but clear. “You’ve shown me what it means to fight for love, to forgive, and to trust. You’ve been my greatest challenge and my greatest joy. And today, I promise to stand by your side, to believe in us, and to choose you, no matter what. Because you are my home, Levi. You always have been.”
The officiant smiles warmly as they pronounce us husband and wife, but I barely hear the words. All I can focus on is Levi, the way his smile spreads across his face, his green eyes shining with love.
“You may now kiss the bride,” the officiant says.
Levi doesn’t hesitate. His hands cup my face, and when his lips meet mine, the crowd erupts in cheers and applause. The kiss is soft and tender, filled with all the love and hope we’ve carried into this moment.
As we walk back down the aisle hand in hand, petals rain down around us, the cheers of our loved ones echoing in the air. My heart feels impossibly full, every nerve replaced with a quiet certainty.
This is where I’m meant to be. With him.
And as we step into the next chapter of our lives, I know without a doubt that this is just the beginning of the love story we’ve fought so hard to create.