Chapter 14 - THE WEDDING WHERE EVERYONE WAS HEARD
Their wedding took place in a small garden overlooking Lake Michigan.
There were no armed guards at the altar.
No business associates demanding attention.
No speeches about power.
Only family.
Friends.
And the people who had helped them rebuild their lives.
Lily walked Emily down the aisle.
She wore a pale yellow dress.
Her hair was braided neatly.
And around her neck hung Aaron's old pocket watch.
Dante stood beneath a white wooden arch.
His eyes filled when he saw them.
During the ceremony, Emily spoke first.
“I loved Aaron.”
Her voice trembled.
“And I always will.”
Dante nodded.
Emily continued.
“But love doesn't have to end because life changes.”
She looked at Dante.
“You helped me believe that a future could still be beautiful.”
Dante took her hands.
“You taught me that truth matters more than loyalty to a lie.”
He smiled.
“And that love means listening, even when the answer hurts.”
They exchanged rings.
Lily cheered louder than anyone.
Afterward, the guests celebrated beneath strings of warm lights.
There was music.
Laughter.
And a cake Lily insisted on helping decorate.
It leaned slightly to one side.
Dante stared at it.
“Is that supposed to happen?”
Lily grinned.
“It's artistic.”
May you like
Emily laughed.
And for the first time in years, Dante Moretti felt completely at home.
