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I turn to face her, my gaze tracing the curve of her lips, the gentle rise and fall of her chest. "Just how lucky I am to have you in my life," I murmur, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
A soft laugh escapes her lips. "You're not so bad yourself, Creed."
I chuckle. "Yeah, well, I've definitely got my moments."
"You definitely do," she agrees with a playful grin. "But I wouldn't trade them for the world."
We lie in silence for a while, content to bask in the warmth of our connection. I reflect on our journey, from the tumultuous beginnings to this moment of peace and love. With Sasha by my side, I'm ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
And as the first rays of sunlight break through the darkness, I know that this is just the beginning of our forever. A forever filled with love, laughter, and the unbreakable bond that we share.
23
SASHA
The sun peeks over the horizon, splashing Pine Haven with a cascade of gold and pink hues. I stand before the full-length mirror in the cabin's master bedroom, the light caressing the delicate fabric of my dress. The gown, chosen by Axel and me, is a love letter to our journey—a blend of elegance and boldness, much like our own story. Today, every detail sings of our shared dreams.
Tessa flits around me, her hands a blur as she fastens the final buttons down my back. "Girl, you're gonna knock him dead," she beams, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
I can't help but smile at her enthusiasm. She's been a rock throughout this whirlwind—my pillar in a sea of chaos.
My mother enters the room, her eyes misty with emotion. "Oh, Sasha," she breathes, taking my hands in hers. "You look stunning, mi amor."
I lean into her embrace, the familiar scent of her perfume enveloping me like a warm hug. "Thanks, Mom. I'm so glad you and Dad could make it."
My parents, Olivia and Mateo Cruz, had been traveling the world for the past year, fulfilling their lifelong dream of exploring new cultures and experiences. When I called to tell them about the wedding, they didn't hesitate to book the first flight back to be by my side on this special day.
"We wouldn't miss it for the world, mija," my father says, his voice thick with pride as he enters the room. He looks dashing in his suit, his salt-and-pepper hair neatly combed. "Axel is a lucky man."
I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes, overwhelmed by the love and support surrounding me. "I'm the lucky one, Dad. Axel is... everything."
As I step out of the cabin, I spot Simon standing near the altar, his presence a comforting anchor amidst the sea of emotions. He's been a constant in my life, a father figure who has guided and supported me through the years. Even though his role in Axel's plan to protect me had initially caused a rift between us, we've worked hard to rebuild our relationship, and his presence today is a testament to the strength of our bond.
Simon catches my eye and smiles, a smile that speaks of pride and affection. I return the smile, my heart full with the knowledge that he's here to witness this momentous occasion.
Derek's voice filters through the open window, laughter riding on his words as he directs the setup outside. Sophia's presence is like a warm embrace, even from afar. And Grace—steadfast Grace—greets each arriving guest with a firm handshake or a hug, her sheriff's badge replaced today by an air of celebration.
Each one of them has woven their essence into this day—into Axel's and my life—and they all feel like family.
My heart flutters like a caged bird eager for flight as I step toward the doorway. This is it—the moment that marks the beginning of forever with Axel. The nerves that jitter beneath my skin are nothing compared to the tidal wave of love that crashes through me at the thought of him.
Axel stands at the altar, an oak among saplings. He is my constant—the unwavering presence in my life that grounds me. As our eyes meet across the floral-scented air, it's as if we're alone in this slice of paradise.
The soft murmur of friends and family fades into insignificance as I take those first steps down the aisle. Every gaze is fixed on us, but none more so than Axel's blue eyes that anchor me to this earth.
His smile reaches me before I do him—a silent message that says everything about our past trials and triumphs. It speaks of his pride in us, in me—pride that I mirror back tenfold, because he is mine, and I am his.
As I draw closer to Axel, each step becomes a note in the symphony of our lives—a melody rich with struggle and beauty. We stand on the cusp of a new chapter, one written in unity and love—a testament to every moment that led us here.
And as we prepare to speak our vows before those who matter most, I know deep in my bones that this isn't just an end to our trials—it's a declaration of new beginnings. With Axel by my side, anything feels possible.
I stand before Axel, my hand trembling in his, and the world around us falls silent. The whisper of the pines seems to hold its breath, the mountains standing guard in quiet reverence. Axel's gaze, a clear blue ocean of strength and tenderness, anchors me. I draw a deep breath, the crisp air of Pine Haven filling my lungs like a promise.
"I never knew," I begin, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling within me, "that love could be a fortress—a place where fears are vanquished and dreams take flight. Axel, you are my unexpected melody, a song that rose from the silence of my solitude. With you, I've discovered that love isn't about losing myself but finding ourselves, together."
A murmur ripples through our gathered friends—Tessa's eyes shine with unshed tears, Derek nods with a quiet respect, and even Sophia's lips curve into a smile that reaches her eyes. Grace watches us with a kindness that speaks of roots and home.
"I vow to be your sanctuary and your challenge," I continue, my heart beating a rhythm against Axel's palm. "To honor the shadows of your past and the light of our future. In your arms, I've found the courage to be unapologetically me—to sing not just for the crowds but for the whispering trees and the silent stars."
