Page 153 of The Temporary Bride

As we stand facing each other, the roar of the waves and the soft rustle of the breeze form a serene backdrop. Tristan’s eyes are locked on mine, full of love. I take a deep breath, taking the moment in.

Ivy takes her place beneath the driftwood arch. She was ordained just for this occasion, and the look of pride and happiness on her face adds a special touch to the ceremony.

“Thank you all for being here,” she says. “Tristan and Chloe have chosen to renew their vows today, and we are honored to witness their commitment to one another. This ceremony is not just a reaffirmation of their love but also a celebration of the journey they’ve shared and the future they’re building together.”

She pauses, glancing from Tristan to me with a smile. “Vows are not just words we say. They are promises we live by. Tristan and Chloe have written their own vows, which reflect their unique love story and the deep connection they share. They will speak and sign these promises, and in doing so, they will also be sharing a part of their lives with all of us.”

I look at Tristan, and what I see in his eyes nearly knocks the wind out of me. As Ivy gestures for us to begin, he clears his throat.

“Chloe.” A shiver runs up my spine at how he says my name. He doesn’t hold any cards, since we’ve both memorized our vows so that our hands will be free. His fingers move quickly, signing the letters to my name.

I still have decent hearing in my good ear, but given my recent scares, I know it won’t stay that way forever. That’s okay, though. Thanks to Tristan, I’m no longer afraid of what anyone will think or what they might say.

And whether I chose it or not, this is a part of me. It’s time I embraced it. Maybe I’ll end up having surgery in the future, or maybe I’ll communicate mostly in sign language. But either way, I no longer feel like I’ll lose the core of myself, no matter what happens.

“When we were in school together, I used to know you as ‘Ice Queen,’” Tristan says. A ripple of amusement flows through the assembled guests. “You were always so composed, so perfectly in control. You seemed like you were built to be in a boardroom, like business was your calling. But since I’ve gotten to know you, I’ve learned that looks can be deceiving.” He pauses, his eyes fond. “If you seemed cold, it was only because nobody had earned anything more from you. If you seemed talented in your field, it was only because of your remarkable intelligence. You could do anything you set your mind to. We’ve all since learned, of course, that your real talents lie in filmmaking.

“I still remember the first film you showed me. It was a simple, perfectly crafted story about overcoming adversity. The second the credits rolled, I was floored. You were a genius, and I wanted the whole world to know it. If they don’t already, they will soon. I swear it.”

I laugh, my eyes stinging as tears prick them. Tristan reaches out, his thumb and forefinger brushing my cheek.

“You’re beautiful,” he says. He pulls his hand back to sign the words—you’re beautiful—like he’s repeating himself for emphasis. “Inside and out. Your spirit, your strength, your passion. Those are what make you extraordinary.”

Tears slip down my cheeks, and I brush them away with a shaky hand.

“If you find someone like that, someone that incredible, you find yourself wanting to protect them,” Tristan continues. “To cherish every moment you have with them, to shield them from any harm. You’re the person who makes my life complete, Chloe. Every moment with you is a gift, and I promise to stand by your side through everything, to make sure you always feel loved and valued.”

“I promise to support you, to fight for you, and to be the partner you deserve in every way. You’ve made me a better person just by being in my life, and I vow to continue to grow with you, to learn from you, and to love you more with each passing day.”

His words leave me breathless, and I squeeze his hands tightly. The waves crash softly in the background. The sun slips behind the horizon, the golden light highlighting the angles of Tristan’s chiseled face.

“Tristan,” I say. My voice is weak, and I clear my throat to try again. “Tristan. I… when we were first married, I didn’t know what to expect. I think I didn’t expect anything. It didn’t feel like my life was on hold, per se, because I never really thought about love, or anything like the future that I now see stretching out before us.”

I swallow, gathering my thoughts as the breeze plays with my hair. “But having you in my life has made me believe in the possibility of true partnership, in love that grows and strengthens over time. You know more about me than any other person ever has. Things I never expected to tell anyone. I never thought I could trust someone so completely, and yet here we are.”

I glance down at my hands, then back at Tristan. “You’ve shown me that it’s okay to be vulnerable, to embrace every part of who I am. You’ve taught me that love isn’t just about grand gestures or perfect moments. It’s in the everyday, the little things that build our life together.”

I take another deep breath. “I promise to cherish you, to support you through every challenge, and to celebrate every joy. With you, I’ve found a love that’s both a sanctuary and an adventure. I vow to continue walking this path with you, hand in hand, heart to heart, for all the days to come.”

I sign the last of my vows, then let my fingers brush his cheek, wiping away the single tear that has slipped down his face. His gaze stays locked on mine.

Then he takes my hand, his thumb tracing the curve of the wedding ring that I designed. The one I wore around my neck even during the time we were apart.

“This is yours,” he says. “Just like my heart. It belongs right here, now and forever.”

Ivy clears her throat, her voice trembling slightly. “By the power vested in me by the state of California, I pronounce you… still married. Tristan, you had better go ahead and kiss your bride.”

Tristan’s lips meet mine in a kiss that’s soft and hungry at the same time, full of feeling but somehow restrained. The kiss deepens. His hands cradle my face like he’s trying to memorize this moment forever.

The world around us seems to blur as we lose ourselves in each other, the soft murmur of the waves and the distant applause of our guests fading into the background. When we finally pull away, our foreheads resting together, we’re met with the cheers of our friends and family, crashing back into focus like the rush of the waves.

As the ceremony wraps up, the atmosphere shifts to a relaxed, joyous celebration on the beach. We’ve set up a beautiful reception area right on the sand, a sprawling cookout with tables draped in white linens, decorated with seashells and small fairy lights that will shimmer as the evening falls.

A large grill sizzles with the sounds of a delicious feast being prepared, the smell of grilled meats and fresh seafood mingling with the salty sea breeze. There’s a buffet spread with bright salads, crusty breads, and a variety of sides. Laughter and the clinking of glasses fill the air as guests begin to gather, mingling and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

And of course, because this is a Thorne wedding and they never seem to do things halfway, there’s a live band. They strike up a lively tune, filling the air with upbeat music that invites everyone to dance. The rhythm is infectious, and it doesn’t take long for guests to flock to the dance floor.

The band plays a mix of classic hits and modern favorites, creating an energetic and joyous atmosphere. Couples twirl and sway, families join in, and friends laugh and cheer each other on. Even the little ones are getting in on the fun, running around and occasionally attempting their own dance moves.