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“Have a taste,” he said, offering her a fork.
Suspicious of his motives, she took a bite and bit into something hard. “Ow,” she said, pulling the object out and gasping at what she saw—a ring with an elegant diamond on it.
She looked up at Carver, her eyes wide with shock and confusion. Carver knelt beside her, taking her hand in his.
“Lucy, from the moment you walked into my life, everything changed. I never thought I could find someone who would make me want to be a better man. You’ve done that and more. Will you marry me?”
The room seemed to hold its breath. Lucy’s heart raced, and tears welled up in her eyes. She glanced around at the gathered family and friends, all watching her with hopeful expressions. Finally, she turned back to Carver, seeing nothing but love and sincerity in his eyes.
“Yes,” she whispered, then louder, “Yes, Carver, I’ll marry you.”
****
Lucy stood in front of the full-length mirror, her wedding gown cascading around her in a sea of ivory lace and silk.
The delicate fabric hugged her curves, accentuating her figure in all the right places. Beside her, Cindy beamed with excitement, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
“Oh, Lucy, you look absolutely stunning,” Cindy exclaimed.
Lucy couldn’t help but smile, her heart swelling with happiness at the sight of her best friend’s joy.
“Thank you, Cindy,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “I can’t believe this is actually happening.”
Cindy moved closer, her hands reaching out to adjust the delicate lace of Lucy’s veil. “Believe it, Lucy. Today is your day, and you deserve every moment of this happiness,” Cindy said.
Tears welled up in Lucy’s eyes as she gazed at her reflection, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment.
“I just wish my parents could be here to see this,” she murmured, her voice tinged with sadness.
Cindy’s expression softened, her heart aching for her friend’s loss. “I know, Lucy. But I have no doubt they’re watching over you,” Cindy reminded her.
Lucy nodded, her fingers trembling slightly as she brushed away a stray tear.
“I hope so,” she whispered. Besides, it wasn’t like she was alone. She had Cindy, and now, she also had Carver and his brothers.
Cindy wrapped her arms around Lucy, pulling her into a tight embrace. “They’re here with you in spirit, Lucy. And so am I. I’ll be by your side every step of the way,” Cindy assured her.
“Thank you, Cindy,” she whispered.
“Now let’s not keep your groom waiting,” Cindy said.
Finally, the moment arrived. The guests were seated, and the soft strains of a string quartet filled the air. Carver stood at the altar and Lucy felt her breath catch as she locked eyes with Carver.
He looked impossibly handsome in his tailored suit and it was still hard to believe he was truly hers. When she reached the altar, Carver took her hands in his, and they both turned to the officiant.
The ceremony was a blur. Carver promised to protect her, to cherish her, and to be the man she deserved. Lucy vowed to stand by his side, to love him unconditionally, and to believe in the good she saw in him.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride,” the officiant declared.
Carver didn’t hesitate. He pulled Lucy close, kissing her deeply and she responded with equal passion. The guests erupted in applause, and the world seemed to hold its breath for that perfect moment.
As they walked back down the aisle, hand in hand, Carver leaned in close.
“I love you, Mrs. Carver,” he whispered.
“I love you too,” she replied, feeling like her heart might burst from happiness.
Then came the reception. Lucy danced with Carver, lost in his arms, and later with Devlin and Galen, who welcomed her officially into the family.
