Chapter 4
Mia
Not too far down the road
The soft hum of classical music fills the bridal suite, blending seamlessly with the scent of fresh peonies and roses that decorate every corner of the room. Sunlight filters through the gauzy curtains, casting a golden glow on the elegant chaos around me. Sophia is fussing with my veil for the third—or is it the fourth?—time, her lips pursed in concentration.
“Mia, hold still,” she says, tugging gently at the delicate lace. “I swear, you’re worse than my twins when I’m trying to get them dressed.”
I laugh, glancing at her through the mirror. “I’m not wiggling. You’re just being a perfectionist.”
She sticks her tongue out at me but doesn’t argue. Instead, she steps back, finally satisfied. “There. Perfect.”
I turn to the full-length mirror and gasp softly. The reflection staring back at me feels almost like a stranger—a bride draped in ivory silk and lace, the train flowing behind her like a dream. My hair is swept up in an elegant chignon, a few soft curls framing my face. The veil cascades down my back, edged with intricate floral embroidery. But it’s the look in my eyes that takes my breath away. There’s a quiet joy there, a peace I’ve never known before.
My mother sighs from her spot not far away. “You do look perfect.” Tears fill her eyes. “So perfect.” She opens the door. “I’ll tell them you’re ready.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
My mother leaves the room, and I return my gaze to my reflection in the mirror.
Sophia steps beside me, her eyes misty. “You look incredible,” she says softly, squeezing my hand.
“You don’t think it’s too much?” I ask, my voice wobbling slightly. “The dress, the veil, the whole... thing?”
She shakes her head, smiling. “Not at all. You’re glowing, Mia. Today’s your day, and you deserve every bit of it.”
I nod, swallowing the lump rising in my throat. “I just wish...” My voice trails off, and Sophia’s expression softens.
“I know,” she says, wrapping her arms around me. “Your dad would be so proud of you.”
The mention of my father makes my chest ache. I’d always imagined my dad would be here to walk me down the aisle, his smile proud as he gave me away. And even after everything that happened, I still miss him. I’m torn on how I should be feeling right now.
Sophia pulls back, her hands on my shoulders. “He’s with you, Mia. You know that, right? In here. Even after what your father did, he still loved you.” She presses her hand gently over my heart.
I nod, blinking back tears. “I know. And I know my father would be happy I’m marrying Sebastian, even after what he did to him. There was a time he trusted him more than anything.”
“And he’d love how happy you are,” Sophia adds, smoothing a wrinkle in my dress. “And you are happy, right?”
“So happy,” I say, the words spilling out easily. “I didn’t even know I could feel this... complete.”
Sophia beams, and for a second, we just stand there, sharing the kind of silence only best friends can.
A soft knock at the door breaks the moment. “Ladies? It’s time,” a voice calls.
Sophia’s husband, Dean, pokes his head in, his sharp suit perfectly tailored, his easy grin as charming as ever. “Wow,” he says, his eyes landing on me. “Mia, you look stunning. Sebastian’s going to lose his mind.”
Sophia rolls her eyes, shooing him out. “We’ll be out in a minute. Go do your best man duties.”
Dean winks at her before disappearing, and I take a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest.
“Ready?” Sophia asks, holding out her hand.
I nod, taking it. “Let’s do this.”
***
The ceremony is being held outdoors, beneath an arch of blooming flowers that frames the rolling hills beyond. Chairs line the aisle, draped with white fabric and adorned with small bouquets of lavender and baby’s breath. The sky is a perfect shade of blue, the kind that feels like it was painted just for today.
As I step out of the bridal suite and onto the path leading to the ceremony, the hum of conversation quiets. All eyes turn to me, but the only gaze I’m searching for is Sebastian’s. When I finally find him, standing tall at the end of the aisle, my breath catches.
He looks devastatingly handsome in his tailored suit, the dark fabric hugging his broad shoulders. His tie is slightly askew—likely from him tugging at it earlier—but it’s so him that it makes me smile. His eyes meet mine, and the way they soften, the way they hold me as if I’m the only person in the world, makes every doubt, every fear, melt away.
The music swells, and I take my first step. My heart is pounding, but it’s not nerves—it’s anticipation, joy, love. Each step feels like a promise, a journey to a future I can’t wait to start.
When I reach him, he takes my hand, his fingers warm and steady. “You’re breathtaking,” he whispers, his voice low enough that only I can hear.
“So are you,” I reply, my smile trembling.
The officiant begins, but it’s hard to focus on the words. All I can think about is Sebastian—his hand in mine, the way he’s looking at me like I’m his entire world. It feels surreal, standing here with him, surrounded by the people we love, committing to forever.
When it’s time for the vows, Sebastian goes first. He doesn’t pull out a piece of paper or recite a memorized speech. He simply speaks, his voice steady and full of emotion.
“Mia,” he begins, “before you, I didn’t think I deserved this. Love. Happiness. A future. But you’ve given me all of that and more. You’ve shown me what it means to live, to hope, to dream again. I promise to spend the rest of my life loving you, protecting you, and making you as happy as you’ve made me.”
Tears blur my vision, but I manage to hold them back as I repeat my own vows. My voice shakes, but I mean every word.
“Sebastian, you’ve changed my life in ways I never thought possible. You’ve made me feel seen, loved, cherished. I promise to stand by your side, through every challenge, every joy, every tiny fraction of time. You’re my home, my heart, my everything.”
By the time we exchange rings, there isn’t a dry eye in the crowd. The officiant declares us husband and wife, and Sebastian pulls me close, his kiss tender but full of promise. The applause is deafening, but all I can hear is the sound of my own heartbeat, racing with joy.
***
The reception is a blur of laughter, music, and dancing. Sebastian’s hand never leaves mine, even as we mingle with guests, cutting the cake, and sharing our first dance. Sophia and Dean are the life of the party, their easy banter and infectious energy keeping everyone entertained.
At one point, Sophia pulls me aside, a glass of champagne in hand. “I hate to admit it,” she says, grinning, “but you and Sebastian might just give Dean and me a run for our money in the ‘perfect couple’ department.”
I laugh, leaning against her. “I don’t know about perfect, but we’re happy.”
“That’s all that matters,” she says, clinking her glass against mine.
As the night winds down, I find myself standing at the edge of the dance floor, watching Sebastian talk with Dean and a few other friends. He catches my gaze and excuses himself, crossing the room to stand beside me.
“Tired?” he asks, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
“A little,” I admit. “But I don’t want this night to end.”
He smiles, wrapping an arm around my waist. “It doesn’t have to. This is just the beginning.”
And as I lean into him, my heart full and my hand resting over the ring that binds us, I know he’s right.