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"I want us to start over again too, Hope. You mean the world to me. I don't care what other surprises might have come out of the meeting we had earlier. Whatever revelation came to light, I was willing to work through it because that's how deep my love is for you. It goes beyond innocence or guilt. It goes beyond doubt. It goes beyond any scandal. I love you more than anything in this world. I don’t give a damn what people think of your father. I’m not marrying him—I’m marrying you. And I really meant it when I told you about the rose bouquet. You are my beautiful rose. You and Mia. I want us to be a family, a real family. I realize you changed your name and that's okay. Doesn’t matter what first name you answer to, as long as your last name is Belmont."
"Oh, Cole," she gushed, feeling her heart pound hard in her chest. Emotion washed over her. She felt as if she was in heaven. Hope didn't think she could possibly feel any more peaceful than she was feeling right now, right there and then with the father of her child, her love child, with Cole Belmont.
"But that's what love is all about, isn't it? It's about for richer or poorer, or better or for worse, or truth or misunderstanding…"
Hope giggled. "Cole, I don't think the vows say truth or misunderstanding," she said.
"Hey, when we do get married and we will get married for real this time," he assured her with confidence, "we can make up our own vows. And I’m tearing up that agreement. We’re not entering into a one-year thing. This is for life." He arched his sexy brow and that turned Hope’s inside into Jell-O. What was Cole getting at?
As the fireplace cackled, the dim light in the study created a warm orange ambiance, the snow flurries fell hard outside, and a party went on in the next room, Cole couldn't think of a better time to act.
He got down on one knee, and Hope covered her mouth with her hands. Cole could see emotion climbing into her eyes.
"I was going to save this for later tonight," Cole said. "But the moment has got me right now and I really want more than anything for you to know that we belong together—you, me and Mia."
Cole took out a blue velvet jewelry box and Hope’s eyes widened with love and sweet surprise. “Even though I gave you a ring a few years ago, I want to start all over again.”
“Oh my God, Cole,” she said, "Oh my God, yes, I want to spend the rest of my life if you,” Hope’s voice broke with emotion.
Cole shot her his sexy grin. "You haven't even waited for me to ask you the question yet, girl,” he teased her lovingly “Hope Morgan or Drew Xszykee, will you do me the honor of being my loving wife for eternity?"
Hope nodded with all of the love in her body. "Yes, yes, yes, yes, I will be your wife, Cole. I love you so very much. I can't believe you gave me a second chance like this. After what you just found out about me." Excitement rushed in her voice. Nothing could make her contain her peace at this wonderful moment in her life.
"After what I just found out about you?” he echoed. “I just found out that you're the most honorable woman I know. Look at what you would've done for your best friend. And look at what you've done for our daughter. I can think of no other woman I’d like to spend the rest of my life with."
Chapter 18
Christmas morning was magical. Mia and the family had already opened the presents under the grand Christmas tree and sorted through all the wonderful gifts and toys. But there was also another special gift. The gift of love to be shared and enjoyed for the entire family, as Hope and Cole were about to say their personal vows.
Hope's heart fluttered in her chest. She could not believe she was officially going to be Mrs. Cole Belmont. It was so overwhelming to her senses. This was the day she'd been dreaming about her whole life.
Yet this time it wasn't just a contractual agreement. They were going to get married for real this time. And they would commit to each other body, mind, and soul for eternity. What more could she want in her life?
Later, Hope looked into the full-length mirror at her glorious floral sheath wedding dress with the figure flattering design. She had gone to the bridal store with daughter Mia and her friend Jewel to pick out the dress. Mia loved the little sparkles on the dress so she'd decided she would go along with that one. It was, after all, one of the best dresses for a winter affair.
"Oh, Hope, you look so beautiful," Jewel said.
"So do you, Jewel. I'm so glad you could still be my matron of honor."
"Girl, I wouldn't miss it for the world."
"I'm also glad you made up with your father, too. Did he call you first?"
"Yes, he called me the other night and asked me where we were staying. Then he just showed up at the door. He had tears in his eyes when he met Giles junior for the first time. At first it was a bit awkward but then everything seemed to work out. He accepted the fact that I love Giles and Giles loves me. To think we had to do all of this because I was fearful of what he might do to me. As you know, in my country, women are punished severely for dishonoring their father’s wishes or the family. But I'm so glad he had a change of heart after his accident."
"His accident?"
"Yes, his serious accident. He had an accident that almost took his life a few months ago. That's why he was so desperate to reach me. Now that he's found me, he realized that as much as he didn't approve of Giles’s background, that some things were just not worth it. Like never speaking to his daughter again or cutting her off from the family. He absolutely loves his grandson. And it makes me happy. And I'm so happy for you, too. I'm so glad you and Cole are finally going to spend a wonderful life together as husband and wife. If anyone deserves it, Hope, you do."
"Oh, Jewel," Hope said with emotion in her voice. She reached over and hugged her best friend. "Look at us. We've been through so much over the years. Hiding and guarding each other’s secrets. And now look at us. We're happy as can be. We have to really count our blessings, don't we?"
"Yes, we do. Now, future Mrs. Belmont, I think your groom awaits you."
Hope drew in a deep breath. She had to try to calm the fluttering in her belly and the rapid beat of her heart. She was going to finally marry her own Prince Charming. This seemed like a winter fairytale. Just like the fairytales she and Cole read to Mia every night for the past few weeks since they'd become a family.
Soon thereafter, Hope walked down the long marble staircase, which was so wonderfully decorated with red poinsettia holiday plants and other Christmas decorations. The atmosphere was so festive and alive. She knew everyone was waiting in the grand living room. They decided to keep it an intimate occasion with only the immediate family.
As Hope walked from the grand staircase into the living room, she passed the open conservatory and the Christmas cake was there. Christmas cookies and pretty heart-shaped wreaths were lined up on the table. Her glittery high heels clicked on the marble floor as she walked toward her groom. Everybody was dressed in his or her Sunday best, looking stylish. Mia had chosen Hope’s glittery white pearly shoes for her to wear and told her that she would look just like a princess in the storybook. Mia was right. They’d passed the conservatory where unique snowflake place cards were placed on the table. The Belmont family spared no expense to make this an intimate, beautiful occasion.
Cole was looking so gorgeous, breathtaking. Her eyes captured his handsome physique and his dark, rich-textured hair looked so wonderfully slicked back and accentuated his dark blue sexy eyes and his high chiseled cheekbones. He looked positively stunning, so alluring she could not even breathe or take her eyes from him. She couldn't believe how blessed and lucky she was to be married to this wonderfully fascinating man who had a heart of gold and a desire like steel. He was so strong in his love for her. And oh my goodness, he had the red rose in his tux breast pocket. Just then the music played over the speakers and she almost burst into tears of joy, emotion swelling inside her throat. It was one of their favorite songs and how appropriate as Cole wore the rose that symbolized their love. He’d once told her he’d love her until the last rose in the bouquet had died.
Bette Midler’s beautiful song titled The Rose played melodically over the sound system. The words were so soothing and touched her heart in no other way and warmed her soul as she walked toward her husband-to-be.
The Rose was the perfect song for this occasion, because like the rose, their love would last forever. This was a true testament that no matter what they'd been through their love brought them back together again. So did their love for their daughter Mia.
The minister began to officiate the personal ceremony.
She could see Jonah looking very proud in his three-piece suit as he held on to his cane and sat right there at the front. Brandon held on to Faith, Chase was with Abbi, and Dane with his wife Olivia and Aunt Maya and the butler were also present. Little Mia was the flower girl and she looked positively adorable just like a princess.
"God, you look gorgeous, Hope," Cole said in a low, sexy voice. The way his gaze captured hers made her heart turn over in her chest. Her lips quivered to touch his again with so much emotion and love she had for him as he had for her.
"Friends and family, we are gathered here today, this special day, to celebrate the love and join the union of Hope Morgan and Cole Belmont." The minister began the ceremony as the couple looked lovingly into each other's eyes and in the witness of their family and close friends. Jewel stood by the side looking on with admiration.
