Chapter Eighteen
ELIZA—TWO MONTHS LATER
The soft lapping of waves against the dock mingles with the gentle hum of conversation as guests take their seats.
My heart pounds with excitement as I stand at the start of the makeshift aisle, my arm linked through my father's.
The dock at our new home in Serenity Cove stretches out before us, adorned with wildflowers and ribbons that dance in the breeze.
I smooth down my simple white dress. It's not the elaborate gown I had envisioned as a child, but somehow, it feels right—more fitting for the woman I've become. More like the life Matt and I are building together.
“Ready, Eliza?” Dad whispers, his words soft but heavy with the significance of the moment.
I blink back happy tears. “More than ever, Dad.”
As the music begins, little Hailey makes her way down the aisle, scattering wildflower petals with gleeful abandon. Her innocence and joy set the perfect tone for this celebration of love and new beginnings.
Then it's our turn. As Dad and I begin our walk, I marvel at how much has changed in such a short time. My eyes find Matt, standing tall and handsome in his suit, his gaze locked on mine. The love I see in his eyes takes my breath away.
I pass by the rows of beloved faces, and my eyes fall on my mother in the front row.
She sits in her wheelchair, looking radiant despite the toll her cancer has taken.
A joyful expression lights up her face, and the pride in her eyes warms my heart.
Her illness has been a harsh teacher, but it's given us all a precious gift—the understanding that we only have the moment we're living in.
We can plan for the future, but we're not guaranteed it.
This realization has made today even more precious.
As we near the front, I spot my brothers—Kane, Rhys, Reid, Finn, and Nash—all offering me encouraging looks, their eyes shining with pride and protective love.
A rush of emotions hits me as the significance of the moment settles in.
I’m about to make the biggest commitment of my life, and the nervous energy running through me is a blend of excitement, anticipation, and the natural fear of stepping into the unknown.
What if I stumble over my vows? What if the emotions overwhelm me?
Dad places my hand in Matt's, his touch grounding me in the present moment. Before he steps away, Dad leans in close.
“I'm so proud of you, sweetheart,” he whispers. “You've grown into an incredible woman.”
As he takes his seat next to Mom, I turn to face Matt, who's beaming at me.
“You look beautiful,” he says.
I squeeze his hands. “So do you,” I whisper.
The ceremony is simple and heartfelt. When it comes time for our vows, Matt begins:
“Eliza, I know some people might think we’ve rushed into this.
But from the moment I met you, I’ve been certain of one thing: you’re the person I want by my side for the rest of my life.
You’ve brought light into my world in ways I never imagined possible.
I vow to love you, support you, and stand by you through whatever life throws our way.
You’re my best friend, my partner, and my home. I love you, now and always.”
Blinking back tears, I take a steadying breath as I begin my vows.
Standing here, with Matt's eyes on mine, it feels surreal.
After everything we've been through—the fear, the uncertainty, the storms both literal and emotional—we've made it to this moment.
And now, as I speak these words, I realize how much my life has changed since he came into it.
“Matt, they say love is a journey, full of twists and turns. But with you, every step has led me to this—to the feeling of home.” My voice wavers, but I press on, the truth of my words filling my chest with emotion.
“You've shown me what true partnership looks like. You've helped me find strength I didn’t know I had.” It hits me then—how much he's been my anchor.
“I promise to love you fiercely, to support your dreams as you've supported mine, and to face every challenge by your side.” I feel the full gravity of the promises I'm making, but there's no fear—only certainty.
“You're my rock, my joy, and my future. I love you more than words can express, and I can't wait to build our life together.”
As we seal our vows with a kiss, cheers erupt from our gathered loved ones.
The reception is a joyous affair, held on the expansive porch of our new home. I still can't quite believe it when I look at the house—it's the perfect embodiment of the dream I had.
As the evening wears on, I take a moment alone with Mom on a quiet corner of the porch. She looks tired but happy, her eyes bright as she takes in the scene before us.
“It's perfect, isn't it?” she says, reaching out to squeeze my hand.
Tears prick my eyes. “It is. I'm so grateful you're here to see it, Mom.”
She turns to me; her gaze is intense. “I wouldn't have missed it for the world, sweetheart. Seeing you so happy, so in love ... it's all I've ever wanted for you. And remember, Eliza, every day is a gift. Live each one fully, love intensely, and don't take a single moment for granted.”
We sit in comfortable silence for a while, watching our family and friends celebrate.
Later, as Matt and I share our first dance, I notice my brothers huddled together, plotting something.
Sure enough, as the song ends, they descend upon us, Kane sweeping me into an exaggerated waltz while the others surround Matt, peppering him with mock-threats and promises of brotherly retribution if he ever hurts their little sister.
I laugh, my heart so full it feels like it might burst.
As the night draws to a close, Matt and I stand on the dock, watching the moonlight dance on the water. His arms wrap around me from behind, and I lean into his embrace.
“Happy, Mrs. Ryder?” he whispers, his lips brushing my ear.
I turn in his arms, reaching up to cup his face. “Happier than I ever thought possible,” I reply.
Bathed in moonlight and holding Matt close, I know with absolute certainty that this—here, with him—is where I'm meant to be.