“Ready?” she whispers, looking up at me with those beautiful doe eyes.
“With you?” I murmur, covering her hand with mine and giving it a gentle squeeze. “Always.”
We wait until it’s our turn, then start walking. The aisle is scattered with petals, guests seated on either side, the ocean a perfect backdrop. But I barely see any of it. All I see is Sienna and the way she looks up at me with that soft, happy look that makes me want to stop time.
“You’re outshining everyone here,” I whisper. “I can’t stop looking at you.”
Her cheeks flush, but she smiles, squeezing my arm. “Stop it. You’re going to make my trip in these heels.”
“I’d catch you,” I murmur. “I’ll always catch you.”
She glances up at me through her lashes, her eyes soft and full of something that makes my heart stutter. “You’re really good at this whole romantic thing, you know that?”
“Only with you.”
We reach the front, and I reluctantly let her go, stepping behind Ethan. But I can’t stop glancing back at her. She catches me looking and smiles—that bright, secret smile that feels like it’s just for me. My chest swells until it feels too big for my ribs.
This is it.
This feeling. This woman. I want forever with her.
The music slows, and all eyes turn toward the back as Aria begins her walk down the aisle with her dad, radiant and emotional. But my eyes stay on Sienna.
And they’re not going anywhere, not anytime soon.
Chapter Forty-Six
Sienna
The officiant’svoice rings out clear and warm across the pavilion, with the ocean providing a gentle, steady backdrop.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
Aria and Ethan turn to each other, both beaming with tears in their eyes. Ethan cups Aria’s face with both hands, his thumbs brushing her cheeks as if she’s the most precious thing he’s ever held. They kiss—slow, deep, full of every promise they’ve made to each other over the years.
The entire pavilion erupts in cheers and applause. Whistles cut through the air, and someone shouts, “Finally!” Laughter ripples through the guests. I clap along with everyone, my hands almost numb from how hard I’m clenching them, but my eyes keep drifting across the aisle.
To Milo.
He’s looking right at me with that bright, unguarded smile I’ve come to crave—the one that reaches his eyes and makes the gray seem softer, warmer.
Aria and Ethan break apart, foreheads still pressed together for a second, both laughing through happy tears. Then they turnand begin their walk back down the aisle as husband and wife, hand in hand, glowing in the golden sunlight.
The guests stand as they pass, clapping and cheering. Milo steps forward and offers me his arm. I link mine through his without hesitation, my fingers curling around his bicep. He’s warm and solid, and the simple contact sends a spark up my arm that settles in my chest.
“Ready?” he asks quietly, that smile still playing on his lips.
“Lead the way, Mr. Wet-Pants-Wonder,” I tease, bumping my shoulder lightly against his as we start walking.
He chuckles. “You’re never going to let that go, are you?”
“Nope. It’s too good,” I grin, squeezing his arm. “Besides, it’s how we met, so I have to honor the origin story.”
We’re a few steps down the aisle when I glance up at him again. His profile is sharp in the sunlight—strong jaw, stubble growing along it, and the way his eyes crinkle when he smiles. I can’t stop looking.
“You know,” I whisper, leaning in so only he can hear. “Those diamonds you gave me keep catching the light. Every time I move, I feel like I’m sparkling. People are going to start asking questions soon.”
Milo’s hand covers mine on his arm, his thumb gently brushing my knuckles. “Good. Let them question. They should know you’re mine.”
