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Kirsten’s mother left her and her father alone in the room. Her father looked at her, his brown eyes carrying a sense of safety that she had relied on since she was a little girl.
“I’m so proud of you. It takes a lot of courage to start your life again,” he said, holding his arm out for her. “I hope this Henry boy knows just how lucky he is.”
“Daddy,” Kirsten playfully chastised. “I’m sure you’ll get your chance to tell him.”
Kirsten took his arm and was led down the corridor toward the ceremony space. She could hear the soft music coming from behind the smokey glass doors. Her father squeezed her hand encouragingly as the music changed. Taking one last deep breath, she stepped through the doors.
From the balcony, she could see her guests below. Hundreds of eyes radiated with joy and love. Her father led her down the white stone steps, passing soft arrangements of vines and flowers. An assortment of stones lined either side of her creating the aisle that brought her to Henry. Each stone was decorated by one of the guests. Some had loving messages, while others had sweet paintings, a memory she would cherish forever.
There was an elegant monochromatic tiger print on the ribbons that held the bouquets at the start of each row as well as on the carpet she walked down.
Kirsten locked eyes with Henry. Zara was being held next to him by Henry’s mother. He smiled at her, a promise on his lips. She glanced over at her dad and noticed him looking at Henry as if he were deciding something. They reached the end of the aisle, and the officiant asked who would be giving her away.
Kirsten held her breath as her father went still. He looked at her and the love spilling from her gaze before turning to Henry. He searched Henry’s face a moment before giving him a small nod.
“I will,” her father said, handing Kirsten to Henry as he took his place beside his wife.
Kirsten’s heart got lighter. Her father was giving Henry a chance. Henry took her hand, and the room faded. She smiled, trying to hold back the tears. When Henry looked at her, nothing else mattered. She was whole when she was with him, finally moving with purpose.
Henry’s voice pulled her back into the ceremony.
“From the moment you walked into our lives, I knew I would never be the same. You have given me your heart, opening your arms to both my daughter and me. I promise that every day, from this day on, no matter what you face, you’ll always have us by your side,” he said, with a tear rolling down his cheek.
“I was dead before I met you. It was only after I walked through your doors and held Zara in my arms that I began to understand what life could be. You are my family and my home. I vow to fill your life with as much joy as you have brought to mine. I love you, Henry,” she said.
Henry’s large hand caressed her cheek as he wiped a tear away. Kirsten leaned into his warm palm, tilting her chin up. Their lips met, and cheers erupted in the background. The kiss was a claiming, a foreshadowing of what their night would look like.
Turning to the crowd, Kirsten let Henry lead her down the aisle and into the bride and groom suite so they could have a moment alone before being introduced to the reception.
Once the door had shut behind them, Kirsten was pulled into Henry’s arms for a heart-pounding kiss. She melted into her husband. Husband, she repeated in her mind, warming at the promise of forever he had just given her. Henry groaned against her mouth, and pleasure shot between her legs.
Before he could deepen the kiss, there was a knock at the door. Henry’s mother came in with Zara on her hip. She reached out for Kirsten and grabbed her, hugging her tightly. There was another knock on the door, and Kirsten’s parents walked in.
Her mother’s eyes widened when she saw Zara, and she immediately held out her hands. Her father walked over to Henry and pulled him into a hug.
Her mother said, “I’ve always wanted a granddaughter,” taking the giggling baby and giving Henry a wink.
Kirsten looked over at Henry, who was smiling at her mother and Zara. She could see the relief on his face, and it only made her love him more.
They all headed to the reception area so they could get ready for the cake-cutting. Kirsten was so excited to see the final results of her special cake topper with the little figurine completed. She held Henry’s hand as they ran into the room when the DJ announced them.
The room erupted into a flurry of hugs and congratulations. Each person took the opportunity to approach them as they were led to the dance floor. The crowd separated, moving to the edge of the floor as the lights dimmed.
Henry held out his hand, and Kirsten took it, ready to begin their new life together.
FORTY-NINE
HENRY
He smiled at her while he pulled them to a stop. The wind blew, and Kirsten shivered. “Alright, now you can open your eyes.”
Kirsten did, and her eyes widened as she stood looking at the cabin. He had booked them a honeymoon getaway in Japan. It was twenty miles away from the nearest town, which meant peace and quiet together for an entire week. Well, including Zara.
“Oh my God.” She pulled her hand up, looking at him. “This is where we’ll be staying?”
He nodded his head, stepping toward her. “And we’re here for an entire week. The cabin has a great view of the lake, and it’s completely stocked, so we don’t have to worry about anything.”
Kirsten beamed and reached up, pulling him into a kiss. “You planned an amazing honeymoon.”
