Chapter 36
Chapter Thirty-Six
The warm California sun bathed Uncle Robert and Aunt Lara’s backyard in a golden glow as Camilla took her first steps down the aisle, her arm linked with Uncle Robert's.
Aunt Lara and a small army of decorators had transformed the sprawling yard into a whimsical wonderland.
Delicate paper lanterns swayed in the breeze, casting a soft light over the sunset gathering.
White chairs adorned with sprigs of lavender and baby's breath lined the makeshift aisle, which was carpeted with rose petals in shades of blush and cream.
At the far end, an arch woven with climbing roses and twinkling fairy lights awaited, and it was more beautiful than anything Camilla could have imagined, even with her years of experience in the romance business.
She wore a sleek, ivory silk gown, simple and elegant, with a plunging neckline and an open back that added a touch of allure. Her dark hair fell around her face in loose curls, and a crown of baby's breath and tiny white roses sat atop her head, from which a sheer veil cascaded down her back.
As they made their way down the aisle, Camilla's eyes swept over the intimate gathering of friends and family. She saw Emma and Jack seated in the front row, both looking adorable in their flower girl and ring bearer outfits. Emma beamed at her, practically bouncing in her seat with excitement.
Aunt Lara dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, while Aunt Vivian sat beside her, looking elegant as always in a pale blue dress. Even Theresa managed a small smile, though Camilla detected a hint of envy in her cousin's eyes.
On the other side of the aisle, Camilla spotted Jade's parents. Linda, Jade's mother, was barely containing her tears of joy, while Frank, who had just walked Jade down the aisle, sat proudly beside her accompanied by Jade’s sister and her husband.
Scattered among the seats were faces both familiar and new to Camilla - Jade's closest friends who had traveled on short notice to be there for their special day. She recognized a few from New Year’s Eve, and a couple of fellow actors from her latest play among her own friends.
But it was the figure waiting for her at the end of the aisle that truly took Camilla's breath away.
Jade stood there, radiant in a flowing white gown that hugged her curves before flaring out at the hips.
Her blonde hair was swept up in an intricate updo, adorned with small white flowers.
As their eyes met, Jade's face lit up with a smile so bright it rivaled the setting sun, and Camilla felt overwhelmed by the love shining in her eyes.
How had she gotten so lucky? Just over six months ago, she had hired this woman to play a part. Now, she couldn't imagine spending a day without her.
"You okay?" Uncle Robert whispered, patting her hand.
Camilla nodded, blinking back happy tears. "More than okay," she whispered back. “I’m so happy.”
As they reached the end of the aisle, Uncle Robert gave her a soft kiss on the cheek before placing her hand in Jade's. The moment their fingers intertwined, Camilla felt a sense of calm wash over her. This was right. This was where she belonged.
"Hi," Jade mouthed. “You look beautiful.”
"You’re stunning," Camilla mouthed back, giving Jade's hand a squeeze.
The officiant, a kind older woman with silver hair and laugh lines around her eyes, smiled at them both before addressing the gathering. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Camilla Parkes and Jade Thompson in holy matrimony..."
Camilla lost herself in Jade's eyes, barely registering the words being spoken. She thought back to that first meeting when she had laid out her ridiculous plan for a fake engagement. Who could have guessed it would lead to this moment?
The officiant's voice brought her back to the present. "Camilla and Jade have chosen to write their own vows. Camilla, would you like to go first?"
Camilla took a deep breath as she unfolded the piece of paper she'd tucked into her bouquet.
She had agonized over these words for weeks, wanting to perfectly capture the depth of her feelings for Jade.
Now, looking into those blue eyes she loved so much, she crumpled it up and dropped it to the ground.
The words in her heart were all she needed.
"Jade," she began, her voice soft but steady.
"When I hired you to pretend to be my fiancée, I thought I was just solving a problem.
I had no idea I was setting in motion the greatest love story of my life.
You came into my world and turned everything upside down in the most wonderful way.
" She paused, swallowing past the lump in her throat.
"You taught me what it means to truly open my heart to someone.
To be vulnerable, to be silly, to be completely and unapologetically myself.
You've shown me a kind of love I never knew existed, one that makes me want to be better every day.
" Camilla's voice wavered slightly as she continued, "I promise to love you fiercely and completely, through all of life's ups and downs.
I promise to support your dreams as if they were my own.
I promise to always communicate openly and honestly, even when it's difficult.
And I promise to never take for granted the incredible gift of your love. "
She reached up to wipe away a tear that had escaped down Jade's cheek. "You are my best friend, my lover, my partner in every sense of the word. I love you, Jade Thompson, more than I ever thought possible. And I will spend the rest of my days showing you just how much."
There wasn't a dry eye in the gathering as Camilla finished her vows, sniffing herself. Even Theresa seemed moved, discretely dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.
The officiant turned to Jade. "And now, Jade, your vows for Camilla."
Jade blew out her cheeks, her eyes never leaving Camilla's.
"Camilla," she said. "When I agreed to this crazy scheme of yours, I thought I was just taking on another acting job.
I had no idea I was stepping into the role of a lifetime.
" She laughed softly, shaking her head in wonder.
"You swept me off my feet from that very first day, with your determination, your quick wit, and your beautiful heart. Even when we were just pretending, I found myself falling for you. And when our act became reality, when I realized that what we had was real... it was like coming home to a place I’d always searched for.
" Jade's voice grew stronger as she continued, "I promise to always be there for you, to hold your hand through the good times and the bad.
I promise to challenge you when you need it, to support you when you're doubting yourself, and to always, always believe in you.
I promise to keep the magic alive, to never stop dating you, to find new ways to make you smile every day.
I promise to be your safe harbor, your adventure buddy, your biggest fan, and your fiercest protector.
I promise to love you with every fiber of my being, to cherish you, to respect you, and to grow with you as we build our life together. "
Jade's voice cracked as she finished, "You are the love of my life, Camilla Parkes. The script of our love story may have started as fiction, but what we've written together is real and beautiful. I love you.
Camilla was in tears but she didn't care because the love in Jade's eyes was all that mattered. She wasn’t the only one; she could hear sobs coming from their family and friends and even the officiant seemed emotional as she continued.
“That was perfect,” she said. "May I have the rings, please?"
Jack stepped forward, proudly holding out a small velvet pillow with two simple gold bands nestled on it. Camilla and Jade each took a ring, their hands shaking with emotion.
Camilla slid the ring onto Jade's finger, still sniffing as she repeated the officiant’s words. "With this ring, I thee wed."
Jade's fingers trembled slightly as she slipped the ring onto Camilla's hand in return. "With this ring, I thee wed."
The officiant beamed at them both. "By the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you wife and wife. You may kiss the bride!"
Camilla and Jade needed no further encouragement. They came together in a kiss that was sweet and passionate, filled with promise and joy. The gathering erupted in cheers and applause, but for Camilla and Jade, the world had narrowed to just the two of them.
As they broke apart, both laughing and crying at the same time, a gust of wind caught Camilla's veil, wrapping it around both their heads. They both burst into giggles and fell into another kiss, more private and hidden behind the veil this time.
"Well," Jade quipped, "I guess we're literally tied together now."
Camilla held her under the veil, wanting to hold on to this moment for just a little longer.
She looked at Jade, her wife, and saw in her eyes the reflection of all their tomorrows.
Whatever life had in store for them, they would face it together - no longer pretending, but living their truth, one day at a time.