Chapter 47
Chapter Forty-Seven
Sienna
The reception is everything Aria dreamed it would be and more. The sun has dipped low, painting everything in warm golds and pinks, making the whole scene feel like something out of a fairytale.
I’m seated next to Milo, my hand resting on his thigh beneath the tablecloth. His fingers find my knee almost immediately, pressing gently to soothe the restless bounce that always comes when I’m excited or nervous or both. The simple touch grounds me in the best way.
“You’re doing it again,” he murmurs, his voice low enough that only I can hear. His thumb draws slow, comforting circles just above my knee.
“Doing what?” I ask innocently.
“Bouncing. It’s like your brain is running three conversations at once and your body can’t decide which to listen to.”
I laugh softly, the sound bubbling up before I can stop it. “It is. One about how beautiful Aria looks, one about how good the food smells, and one about how unfairly handsome you look in that tux.”
His thumb keeps tracing its lazy circles. “Flattery will get you everywhere, you know.”
“Good,” I whisper, leaning a little closer. “Because I plan to cash in later.”
The banter is easy and light, but beneath it lies something deeper that’s hard to put into words. Every time his fingers brush my skin and our eyes meet, it feels like the rest of the world fades just a little. Like we’re in our own quiet bubble, even when surrounded by all this joy.
Soon after, the speeches begin. Mom and Dad take the mic first, sharing sweet, funny stories that have the entire pavilion erupting in laughter. Then Tom and Lillian take the mic, both of them tearing up as they talk about watching their son grow into the man who finally found his match.
Then it’s my turn as the maid of honor.
With a shaky breath, I stand, champagne glass in hand, heart pounding yet steady. I look at Aria and Ethan, then at the room full of people who love them.
“Aria,” I start, my voice catching just a little.
“You’ve been my best friend since the beginning.
You’ve always been the one who dreams big and loves even bigger.
” I pause, smiling through the nerves. “I had a whole speech planned—jokes, stories, the works. But standing here now, none of those words feel right for the love I feel for you two. You’re both proof that love doesn’t have to be perfect to be real.
It just has to be yours. So to Aria and Ethan—may your marriage be filled with as much laughter, adventure, and love as you’ve already given each other. ”
The pavilion erupts in warm applause. Aria wipes her eyes and blows me a kiss. I sit back down, cheeks flushed, and Milo’s hand immediately finds mine under the table, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“That was beautiful,” he whispers, his thumb brushing my knuckles.
He stands next, smoothing a hand down his tux as he lifts the mic.
“I’ve known Ethan since freshman year of college,” he begins.
“He’s the guy who always has your back, the one who makes every adventure better just by being there.
When he introduced me to Aria six years ago, it felt like watching two puzzle pieces click into place.
They bring out the best in each other. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from watching them over the years, it’s that the best kind of love isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about choosing each other every day—even when it’s messy, even when it’s scary, even when life throws you curveballs.
There’s so much more I could say… but the night is short.
So I’m going to keep it simple. To Ethan and Aria. ”
The applause is loud as Milo settles back into his seat. Aria and Ethan both raise their glasses toward him. Ethan even blows a playful kiss his way, which Milo catches dramatically and presses to his heart.
A few more people stand to give short, sweet speeches. Once they’re done and every dinner course has been cleared, I spot Aria slipping away toward the beach by herself. I squeeze Milo’s hand, murmur that I’ll be right back, and quietly follow her.
She’s standing barefoot at the water’s edge, the hem of her wedding dress gathered in one hand, staring out at the endless dark ocean. Moonlight paints silver ribbons across the waves. I quickly remove my heels and hold them as I walk toward her.
When I come up behind her, I wrap my arms around her waist and rest my chin on her shoulder. “Room for one more, Mrs. Cole?” I ask, smiling against her shoulder.
She laughs softly. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I’m someone’s wife now.”
I squeeze her tighter. “And a beautiful one, too.”
She smiles and snuggles into me. We stand like that for a long minute, the ocean lapping at our feet. Then I spin her around so we’re face-to-face. Her mascara is slightly smudged, but she’s radiant in a way I’ve never seen before.
“Be honest,” I say, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “Was today better than you could’ve imagined?”
Aria’s smile brightens. “It was everything I could’ve wished for and more. And it’s not even over yet. I don’t want it to end. It’s been the most nerve-racking, beautiful, can’t-believe-it-finally-happened day ever.”
“It really has been the most beautiful day ever,” I agree. “I can’t believe my twin is a married woman.”
“Speaking of beautiful…” She reaches out and takes the teardrop pendant, cradling it gently between her fingers. “Did Milo happen to give this to you?”
“He did,” I say, cheeks warming. “Right before we walked down the aisle, he said it reminded him of me.”
“That man is so down bad for you it’s actually ridiculous.” Her expression softens as she looks up at me. “The way he looks at you… he’s completely gone, Sienna. Head over heels, can’t-even-hide-it gone.”
I bite my lip, heart fluttering. “You think so?”
“I know so,” she says firmly, taking both my hands.
“And you deserve every ounce of the attention and love he gives you. Every single bit. You’ve spent so long running, telling yourself you were too much for anyone to handle.
But you’re not. You’re incredibly lucky to have him, Sienna… and he’s just as lucky to have you.”
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes. I pull her into a tight hug, resting my cheek against her hair. “I’m so scared, though, Aria. It feels so big, so fast.”
“You told me that yesterday.” She whispers, hugging me back just as fiercely. “But honestly? Love is supposed to feel big. And you deserve big love. The kind that doesn’t ask you to shrink yourself. The kind that stays. Let yourself have it, Sienna. Please.”
We stand there a while longer, holding each other as the waves roll in. Eventually, I loop my arm through hers and start pulling her back toward the pavilion, our bare feet kicking up sand.
“Come on, Mrs. Cole,” I say, giving her a playful nudge. “Your husband is probably wondering where his beautiful wife disappeared to. And you’ve still got your first dance to look forward to.” I give a little shoulder shimmy, which makes her laugh. “What song are you dancing to?”
She bites her lower lip. “I don’t know. Ethan wanted to be in charge of that. He won’t tell me, no matter how many times I’ve begged him.”
My eyes roll before I can stop them. “I know which song he’s chosen.”
Her eyes widen. “You do?”
“Yeah,” I nod. “I’m surprised you don’t.”
She blinks, the wheels clearly turning. “I… how do you know, and I don’t?”
“Because it’s Ethan.”
Her mouth parts. “I’m confused…”
“I love you so much, Aria.” I step forward and pinch her cheeks until her lips pout. “And how oblivious you are. You’re so cute.”
“Sienna.”
“Come on.” I loop my arm through hers again and pull her up the beach. “Let’s get back to your wedding!”
“But Sienna—”
The only response I offer is a bright smile as I keep tugging her along.