31. Six Weeks Later
Noah
I stand nervously, waiting. The soft music playing in the background only heightens my excitement. Jon, my best man, stands beside me, adjusting his bow tie with a playful grin as he winks at Sharon, the matron of honor. His three sons-in-law, all sharp in their tuxedos, beam as they exchange flirtatious glances with the three bridesmaids across from us. I can see it in their eyes—the memories of their own wedding vows passing between them.
Davey, our little ring bearer, along with Holly and Tori, the flower girls, have just taken their spots at the altar. Their innocence is a sweet reminder of the love surrounding us.
Then, the music shifts, and my heart leaps to my throat.
She’s coming.
Lily steps into the sanctuary, a vision in white. The empire-waisted gown accentuates her beauty while lovingly cradling the life within her. Her elegant yet simple veil shimmers with tiny pearls that catch the light like stars. As she glides down the aisle with Mateo at her side, every guest rises, but for me, the world narrows to just her. Our eyes lock, and in that instant, everything else fades away, leaving only us and our shared moment.
Everything is just as I envisioned it. Mateo's arm is steady, but I see the emotion in his eyes as they walk together. He looks down at her and then up at me. In that glance, we share something wordless yet profound. I love his daughter and will spend the rest of my life proving it.
He smiles, and I return it—an unspoken acknowledgment, a silent blessing. When they reach the front, I extend my hand, and Mateo nods, offering hers to me. It feels like the world pauses as he steps aside, granting me the honor of marrying his daughter.
Now, it’s just Lily and me. Tim’s words about love, marriage, and commitment echo around us, but all I can focus on are her sapphire blue eyes, sparkling more than I’ve ever seen before. Her hand squeezes mine gently, while her smile radiates such joy that her dimple might just stay there forever. The excitement swirling between us is palpable, a contagious energy that ignites my belief in fairy tales and happily ever afters.
Tim clears his throat, bringing me back to reality. "Noah, your vows?" he repeats, his voice a soft reminder. I glance at him, then return my gaze to Lily.
"Lily," I begin, clearing my throat to steady my voice. "I often find myself lost in the memory of the day we met—the fire in your eyes, that spark of annoyance when I nearly hit your car." A chorus of soft laughter and gentle giggles flutters through the crowd, warming the moment. Lily nods, her smile brightening as she recalls that day. "That same fire burns even brighter now, transformed into something deeper, something pure—I recognize it as love. Unmistakable love and devotion." I lift her hand and gently kiss her knuckles, transfixed by our connection.
"I returned to Cold Spring seeking a fresh start for myself and my son, never imagining I would find you. As time passed, I realized I was completely and utterly smitten, and I understood that what was growing between us was special—real, everlasting, and worth fighting for. Worth defending against all odds."
A tear escapes, rolling down Lily's breathtakingly beautiful face. I gently wipe it away with my thumb, captivated by the love shining in her eyes—it takes my breath away.
"You bring joy to my life in ways I never thought possible. You're kind, sweet, gentle, patient. You inspire me to be a better man and a better father. The unconditional love you show to my son has made me realize that with you, I have everything I've ever wanted. Everything I've ever needed. I promise to make sure our future is filled with laughter, love, and countless adventures.
That day our cars almost collided was the day our hearts met and fell in love. I promise to spend every day for the rest of my life making you as happy as you make me. I love you, Sweetheart."