Chapter 21 Alex #2
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the colors of the sky bled into the pool—rose, tangerine, and soft indigo—melding with the glow of the candles until it was impossible to tell where the sky ended and the water began.
The entire patio felt suspended between earth and heaven, almost like a place outside of time.
A breeze stirred, rustling the roses around the arch and making the candle flames flicker. For a heartbeat, I thought the flames might go out, but they didn’t, glowing steadily between us.
Sonya smiled gently. “Now, their children will light their own candles from the same flame, signifying their commitment to this new family.”
Grace stepped forward first, her curls haloed by the lantern light, and touched her small taper to the flame.
Then Bella, graceful and composed, her face glowing gold.
Peter came last, his hand shaking just slightly, though he tried to hide it.
One by one, their candles caught, and soon five flames danced together in a symbol of what we were now.
A newly formed family, built from love and hope and courage.
Grace spoke next, her resonant voice much too old for her fourteen-year-old body.
“Being part of a big family, with brothers and sisters and a dad who will come to all my plays is a dream come true. Thank you, Alex, for loving me too, not just Mom. I can’t wait for us to be official.
” She turned to Bella and Peter. “I might be the sister you never wanted, but here I am.”
I swiped at my eyes. Bella laughed, hugging Grace. Peter looked down at his shoes, as if struggling not to cry.
“I’ll go next,” Bella said. “Gillian, I’m sorry it took me a minute to figure out you’re our angel right here on earth. Thank you for your patience. I’m really glad it’s you who came to us when we needed you most. Thanks for making my dad smile so much.”
Peter, his voice cracking just a little, said, “Both parts of this new family have been through some stuff, and I’m just glad we’re all together now to ride the good and bad waves together. Gillian, you’re everything we could have wished for my dad. And for us.”
Sonya dabbed at her eyes before continuing. “Now Gillian and Alex will exchange their vows.”
Gillian’s voice wavered at the edges as she began.
“The image of your face as I looked out the window of the train to California haunted me for years. I wondered, many times, what had become of you, but was too scared to ever look you up and find that you’d moved on without me.
So to get that email from you—it was a dream come true.
A dream I hadn’t allowed myself to believe was ever a possibility.
You were the only man I ever loved. I didn’t realize it until I found you again that a part of me never moved on, never considered anyone else but you.
We were connected then and we’re connected now.
Only this time we’re old enough to choose each other.
So yes, I choose you, Alex Garcia. I promise to love you, shelter you, champion you, and be your life partner in every way.
” She turned to the children. “Bella and Peter, as we’ve talked about, I understand I could never replace your mom.
But I vow to mother you and love you as I have Grace.
Thank you for sharing your dad with me.”
When it was my turn, I could barely breathe.
“Gillie, there’s just something about you—your patience, your kindness, your willingness, your empathy—it’s intoxicating to this nerdy guy standing in front of you.
From the moment we reconnected I knew you were going to be an important part of my life.
A second chance had fallen into our laps, and I vowed right then and there to do everything in my power to keep you by my side.
I promise to treat you with respect and compassion in the same ways you demonstrate every moment of your life.
I vow to do my best to be worthy of your love.
Of you.” I turned to Grace. “And you, my little lightning bug. I didn’t get your first fourteen years but I’m going to be here for all the rest of them.
In fact, I have heard from our favorite lawyer, Ben, that paperwork for a legal adoption has been filed.
When your mom and I get back from our honeymoon, we’ll finalize everything at the courthouse and make it official. ”
The guests cheered.
Gillian and Grace were crying now. But Bella grinned from ear to ear, bouncing on her toes. I caught Peter’s gaze, and he nodded. I felt it in my gut. He was nearly a man. And he would be a great one. Fighting tears, I returned my gaze to my bride, who was using a tissue to dab at her eyes.
Sonya clasped her hands together. “Well, I think that’s enough to convince even the skeptics among us that miracles really can happen. That good things can happen to good people. And now, it’s time to exchange rings.”
“With this ring, I thee wed,” I said, slipping the band onto her finger.
“With this ring, I thee wed,” Gillian said.
Sonya beamed at each of us in turn. “By the power vested in me by the great state of California, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss.”
The moment our lips met, the guests rose to their feet. Lanterns swayed in the ocean breeze, their reflections shimmering across the glass-covered pool. Somewhere behind us, the first notes of The Mother began to play.
When we finally pulled apart, Gillian laughed through her tears. “Is it all real? Or a dream?”
I smiled back. “It’s real, my love.”
“And now we eat,” Bella said, a little too loudly.
It was thus that we started our married life laughing. I hoped there would be many more moments of laughter and joy and the wonderful messiness of family.
I took Gillian’s hand and we turned toward the guests, lifting our hands in the air to the sound of our cheering friends and family, before heading down the aisle toward the feast that awaited.