Chapter 14 - The Wedding That Proved I Was No Longer Anyone's VictimOur wedding took place beside the lake.
No billionaires.
No politicians.
No cameras.
Just people we loved.
Leo looked nervous.
I laughed.
“You're more afraid now than when men were shooting at you.”
He smiled.
“This is worse.”
“Why?”
“You can still say no.”
I touched his cheek.
“I won't.”
The ceremony was beautiful.
Simple.
Warm.
When I said my vows, I spoke about choice.
“I choose you.”
“I choose this family.”
“I choose this life.”
Not because I had nowhere else to go.
Because I had somewhere I wanted to stay.
Leo's vows were simple too.
“I promise never to confuse love with ownership.”
“I promise to listen.”
“I promise to give you a choice even when the choice scares me.”
“I promise that your past will never be used against you.”
I cried.
After the ceremony, Lily toddled toward us.
Leo lifted her.
She laughed.
Our family gathered around.
My children.
His children.
Our children.
The family I never thought I could have.
That night, we danced beneath the lights.
I looked at Leo.
“You kept your promise.”
He smiled.
“I made one more.”
“What?”
“To make you happy.”
I shook my head.
“You can't promise that.”
“Why?”
“Because happiness isn't something another person gives you.”
He kissed my forehead.
“Then I'll promise something better.”
“What?”
“I'll stand beside you while you build it.”
May you like
I smiled.
“That I believe.”
