Chapter 14 - THE SECOND WEDDING
One year after Nicholas and Isabella's wedding, Gabriel asked me something unexpected.
We were sitting in the garden.
Spring flowers had begun blooming.
He looked nervous.
“Catherine.”
I smiled.
“Yes?”
“Would you marry me again?”
I stared.
“What?”
He laughed softly.
“I know we're already married.”
I smiled.
“I noticed.”
He took my hand.
“But the first time, we made promises neither of us fully understood.”
My eyes filled.
He continued.
“I want to ask you properly.”
He knelt.
I covered my mouth.
Gabriel opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a simple gold ring with a tiny diamond.
“Catherine Bennett Romano, I love you.”
His voice trembled.
“Not because of an agreement.”
“Not because of our families.”
“Because you are the woman I want beside me.”
Tears slid down my cheeks.
He smiled.
“Will you choose me again?”
I nodded.
“Yes.”
We renewed our vows in a small chapel overlooking Lake Michigan.
My father walked me down the aisle.
Nicholas and Isabella stood beside us.
Marco served as Gabriel's witness.
Elena attended quietly.
She didn't demand forgiveness.
She simply watched.
After the ceremony, she approached me.
“Catherine.”
I turned.
She took a breath.
“I'm sorry.”
I looked at her.
“I know.”
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then I offered my hand.
She took it.
May you like
It wasn't a complete reconciliation.
But it was a beginning.
