Chapter 17 The soft hum of the curling iron and the faint scent of lavender-scented hairspray filled the bridal suite. My fingers nervously tapped against the vanity table while Nora worked on pinning the final piece of my hair into place. My veil, delicately embroidered with pearls and stitched lace, lay folded beside me-waiting for its moment. "I can't believe it's really happening," I murmured, catching my reflection. "You're glowing," Nora, one of my staff, said with a proud smile. "And it's not just the makeup You're happy, Tay. Really happy." I smiled softly, but there was a small tremor in my chest. Not of fear, but disbelief. The kind that follows a long, winding storm. I looked down at the sketchbook beside my bouquet. My wedding gown-a creation I had poured my heart into-had started as a messy doodle one quiet night in Scott's living room. Now, it clung perfectly to my figure, a symbol of everything I'd taken back. 'I designed this for someone who believed I was worth more than a shadow," I said quietly 'Someone who stayed." A knock came at the door. Scott's older sister, Clarisse, peeked in, holding a tray of pastries 'The family's waiting outside to take photos. And Mom said to remind you-'Don't cry until after the ceremony." I laughed. "Tell her I'll try." Clarisse stepped in and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek. "You're already part of the family, Taylor. But today… it becomes official." Downstairs, the atmosphere was joyful and chaotic. Scott's nieces ran around tossing flower petals, and his father tried-and failed-to figure out how to operate the camera. The garden was perfect. Rows of white chairs flanked a flower-lined path. The altar was a wooden arch wrapped in roses and soft silk, standing beneath a large oak tree, its branches casting gentle shadows. peeked through the curtained window from the bridal suite and saw Scott already outside, adjusting his tie while his younger cousin teased him. He looked nervous. But mostly, he looked proud. remembered the first day I met him again, after everything crumbled. I had been so broken then, still dragging chains of my past. And yet he hadn't flinched. He'd simply knelt beside me, steady and soft, and said, "You're not ruined. You're rebuilding." There was a knock on the door again-this time, a familiar deep voice. 'Can I come in?" Scott asked. Nora winked and slipped out, whispering, "Don't mess up her hair." When Scott entered, his breath caught as he saw me in the gown. "Wow," he said softly. "You… You made that?" I nodded, fingers brushing the edge of the skirt. "From scratch." pm He stepped closer, cupping my cheek. "You're beautiful, Taylor. Not just today-but every day you stood back up when the world tried to break you." Tears blurred my vision. "You gave me space to heal. A life. A love that didn't demand me to shrink." He leaned in and kissed my forehead. "And you gave me the chance to finally love you the way you deserve." A call came from outside. "Ten minutes to ceremony!" Scott laughed and stepped back. "Alright, alright. I'll go before I ruin the surprise." He reached for the door, then paused. "No matter what happens today, just remember-you're not alone anymore." I nodded, pressing a hand to my chest. "I know." Minutes later, I stood at the start of the aisle, bouquet in hand, heart racing. The late afternoon sun bathed everything in gold. The garden shimmered beneath soft lights wrapped around the trees, and petals were scattered like dreams across the stone path. My heels clicked softly as I took my first step forward. The music began-a string quartet playing a classic tune I'd always imagined for this moment. Not too grand. Just… enough. Guests rose from their chairs in unison. Heads turned. Phones lifted. Cameras flashed. But all I saw was Scott. Standing beneath the floral arch in a crisp cream suit, his tie matching the soft blush of my bouquet. His eyes found mine instantly. They were glassy. Awestruck. Each step unraveled a piece of who I used to be. Every footprint whispered goodbye to the girl who once stayed quiet for love, who gave up everything just to be chosen. Now, I was choosing. I passed by familiar faces. The kind seamstress who helped me sew my first sample gown. A few clients from the boutique who'd become friends. Scott's family-smiling, crying, nodding as if saying, yes, this is right. And for once, I didn't feel like I was pretending. This time, I wasn't marrying someone to earn love. I was marrying someone because love had finally found me. reached the altar. The music faded. Scott stepped forward and took my hand. His thumb brushed gently against my wrist, calming the wild storm inside me. "You're here," he whispered. "I always was," I said back, my voice soft. "You just had to find me again." He gave a tiny smile, the kind that made the corners of his eyes crinkle. "And I never want to lose you again." The officiant cleared his throat with a smile. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Taylor and Scott…" I barely heard the rest of the opening. My focus was on the man beside me, and the way he squeezed my hand when I exhaled too fast. On the birds chirping from the trees above. On the way the wind picked up my veil like a kiss. We exchanged vows-his voice steady and full of warmth. When it was my turn, I looked into his eyes, heart full to the brim. "I promise to love you in the quiet and in the storm… to choose you, not because I need saving. but because you've always believed I could save myself. You saw me when I didn't. And for that, I will always, always be grateful." Gasps echoed softly. People dabbed at their eyes. Even Scott looked like he was struggling to keep it together. The officiant smiled warmly. "And now, the final vow." He turned to me. "Do you, Taylor, take Scott to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and to cherish him, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, from this day forward?" I turned to Scott. He looked at me like I was his entire future. My lips parted, breath catching. I smiled. "-" "Stop the wedding!" A sharp voice cracked through the ceremony like thunder. "Stop the wedding!"