Chapter 14 - THE WEDDING ELEANOR PLANNED
Eleanor Bellamy had opinions about everything.
Flowers.
Music.
Cake.
Guest lists.
Table arrangements.
And whether Tristan should be trusted to choose his own tie.
He wasn't.
Our wedding took place in a garden overlooking the Hudson River.
It was elegant but intimate.
My brother Daniel walked me down the aisle.
Eleanor sat in the front row, crying before the ceremony even began.
Tristan stood beneath an arch of white flowers.
When he saw me, his expression changed.
He looked stunned.
I smiled.
“Close your mouth,” I whispered when I reached him.
He laughed.
“You're beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
He took my hands.
Our vows were simple.
I promised to love him without losing myself.
He promised to stand beside me without trying to direct every step.
We promised honesty.
Patience.
And a lifetime of learning each other.
After the ceremony, Eleanor hugged me.
“My daughter.”
My eyes filled.
She smiled through tears.
“Caroline would have loved you.”
I hugged her tightly.
“I wish I'd met her.”
Eleanor nodded.
“So do I.”
That evening, Tristan and I danced beneath strings of warm lights.
He held me close.
“Mrs. Bellamy.”
I smiled.
“Mr. Bellamy.”
He laughed.
“Sounds good.”
I rested my head against his chest.
“Tristan?”
“Yes?”
“Do you ever think about that night?”
He smiled.
“Every day.”
I looked up.
“The SUV?”
He nodded.
“You fell asleep before I could introduce myself.”
I laughed.
“I was exhausted.”
“I know.”
“And you didn't wake me.”
He smiled.
“You looked like you needed rest.”
My heart softened.
May you like
Then he whispered:
“Best wrong turn of my life.”
