Chapter 97

Serene stood in front of a closed door, holding onto her father’s arm. She felt weak on her knees and him lending his strength is all that she needed. Her heart was in her throat and her hand tightened around the bouquet she held.

“Ready, love?” Conrad asked his daughter. His loving eyes looked at her. She was just a tiny baby he held before and now he’s walking her down the aisle. Recalling everything she has gone through; he felt a sense of pride rush through him. She’d grown to a strong independent woman, the best mother to the twins. He could not be prouder.

They signaled for the door to be opened. Father and daughter walked down the aisle. All eyes are on them. Serene insisted on having an intimate wedding. She wanted their intimate moment shared only with people who mattered to them. Every single one of those in attendance were people they loved. Each has seen their love bloom.

She surveyed each loving eye in the audience. Her gaze stopped at Mary, her matron of honor whose dress could not hide her bulging stomach. She then looked at the twins and Kenny. They did their best to stay behaved and not run around the church. The boys looked adorable in their tuxedos. While Felicity bloomed like a flower in the dress Mary made for her.

Everyone from the audience had tears in their eyes as they watched Serene walk down the aisle. They have seen what this woman had been through. Seeing her walk down the aisle towards the man she loved was what every one of them prayed for.

Serene’s eyes locked on the man who waited for her. He wore a black three-piece suit that clung to his body like second skin. His smile reached his eyes, the entire universe reflected in them. They spoke of promise and of hope, of excitement and of eagerness. He’s the perfect groom.

All six feet two inches of him stood at the end of the aisle, waiting. He could not help but swallow at the sight of her. She never failed to take his breath away. Every step she took made him happy, nervous, anxious and giddy all at the same time. Tears formed at the corner of his eyes as he watched the space between them close.

Serene held onto Conrad’s arm as she glided through the aisle. Her eyes trained on the man waiting for her. Everything felt surreal. Everything felt like a dream. Oh please, don’t let this be a dream.

She looked up at him and smiled from beneath the thin veil that covered her face. He smiled back before he accepted her from Conrad.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered to her ears. She heard him say this to her many times before, but today, she felt her cheeks warm up from the compliment.

“You too,” she whispered back.

They both looked at the priest in front of them and the ceremony finally began. His fingers intertwined with her cold and clammy ones throughout the ceremony. He needed to make sure that she would not run away from him. His fragile heart could not bear it if she were to vanish from his life. She’s his everything.

Serene’s mind could not help but wander. Who would have thought that her heartbreak would lead her to the man she’d want to spend her life with? All the difficulties they’ve gone through prepared them for this moment.

She looked at the man beside him. To everyone, he’s cold, arrogant and aloof, but she knew that it’s all a facade. He’s a loving person who values his family above all. He’s hardly perfect and so is she but they’re perfect for each other. She could not imagine spending her life with anyone but him.

The priest asked the groom to read the vows first. Holding the ring and sliding it into her ring finger he said, “Serene Ellis, I want nothing in life but to spend it with you. You’re the best gift I have received. One I know I hardly deserve, and I am going to work hard, every day until my dying breath to be deserving of you. I love you, and I promise to trust you with my life, listen to you, and never abandon you.” Ever again.

Serene’s eyes welled, listening to every word he said. He spoke little, but she knew he meant every word he said. They were his covenant.

It’s her turn to put the ring on his finger. She looked up into his wet eyes before saying her vows, “Justin Rain, you’re the best that happened to me. We’ve been through a lot and I would not change a day of it because every single one of them led me here today. I promise to stand by your side and cherish you. I love you and will continue to love you for as long as my heart beats.”

The ceremony concluded when the priest said: “Justin and Serene Rain, I now pronounce you, husband and wife. Justin, you may now kiss your bride.”

Justin lifted the veil that covered her face. His eyes scanned her every feature. This is the face he would not tire of looking at. Then he dipped his head to claim her parted mouth. Their kiss was brief, but it’s the most significant. From this day forward, they belonged to each other. They’re no longer two individuals, but a single soul bonded by a covenant.

The ceremony continued to a lively reception by the sea. They’re surrounded by all the people they loved, the people who rooted and prayed for them.

Serene leaned her head against the shoulder of the man she now called husband. Her arm wrapped around his waist and his around her shoulder. They watched the people celebrate their joyous moment in silence.

The setting sun wrapped everything in a soft orange glow. Her twins and Kenny played with the waves. Nick Rain, who has recovered from his illness, chased after his grandchildren. Dylan and Mary danced with the music. His hands wrapped around Mary’s stomach.

She lifted her head to look at the man beside him. A faint smile stretched his lips. He looked at her and kissed her forehead. “I love you, Serene,” he whispered.

Serene felt her eyes water. The people she loved surrounded her, and the man she’d spend the rest of her life with held her close. Life has blessed her with loyal friends and a loving family. She’s got nothing else to wish for.

-End-