Page 130 of I’m Already Gone

I take a deep, shuddering breath and meet her gaze. “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known, and undeniably the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

Holding out the ring, my hand trembling like crazy, I ask her, pouring every ounce of my love for her into my voice, “Lilliana Iris Hartley. Will you give me your heart and become my wife again?”

A single tear traces a path down her cheek, quickly followed by another. Her lips quiver, and for a terrifying moment, I brace myself for a rejection. But hope surges back when a huge smile blooms on her face. It’s the exact same smile she gave me when I first asked her to marry me all those years ago.

“Yes, Ethan,” she whispers, her silver eyes shining with love. “Yes. My heart will beat for you. Now and always.”

I scramble to my feet and pluck the ring out of the box. Tucking the empty box into my pocket, I take her left hand and slide the ring onto her finger. I made sure to get her exact size with her recent weight loss, wanting it to be perfect.

“Are we really doing this?” she asks, her gaze fixed on the diamond heart sparkling on her hand.

“Yeah, we really are.” I cup her face, gently forcing her to look at me. “You’re mine, Sunshine. Always have been and always will be.” Then I capture her lips with mine.

She gasps, and my tongue slips right between her open lips. I kiss her with everything I have, scooping her up by her ass. Her legs curl around me, and she looks down at me with adoration, like there’s no one else for her.

She throws her head back and laughs, a sound of pure happiness, my own laughter mingling with hers.

I will love her with every fiber of my being, in this life and in the next. We are not only two souls; we are one, bound forever.

Lily

My eyes trace every delicate detail of the vintage-inspired, light purple dress. Its intricate botanical motif flows seamlessly into a Regency-core corset bodice and then cascades into a romantic tulle skirt. I turn slowly, admiring how it catches the light.

Sam finished doing my makeup, keeping it light and natural, enhancing my features without overshadowing the dress. My favorite little stud earrings are already in.

“Knock, knock,” Mom’s voice travels through the wood door.

I glance up, catching her reflection in the mirror standing in the doorway. She looks lovely in her flowy, flower-patterned purple dress, paired with simple white sandals.

Her hands fly to her mouth. “Oh, Lily,” she breathes. “You look so beautiful, my darling girl.”

I offer her a soft, heartfelt smile. “Thank you, Mom.”

Mom steps fully into the room, followed by Sam, Ebony, and Erica.

Maddy follows behind, her own glittery tulle fit-and-flare dress shimmering with every step. She looks absolutely radiant.

“Oh, honey,” I coo. She stands before me, her own eyes welling up. “You look gorgeous, sweet pea.” I flatten a stray wisp of her hair that’s fallen from the half-up style.

“You look like an angel, Mom,” Maddy whispers.

“Oh, Lily. You make the most beautiful bride,” Erica chimes in, her voice warm as she discreetly wipes a tear from her cheek.

“Thank you, Erica.”

Ebony steps toward me, her eyes already shimmering. She grabs my hands in hers, her voice thick with emotion. “Lily, oh my God, you look stunning.”

“Thanks, Eb,” I say, giving her a quick once-over. “You look amazing, too.”

She’s wearing a sleek, sleeveless V-neck that fits her perfectly, and her braids are swept up into an elegant updo.

“Mom?” Maddie asks.

I look over at her.

“Ollie is getting anxious,” she reports.

That makes all of us laugh.