Chapter 16
The day of the wedding was perfect, like something out of a dream.
The garden was transformed into a wonderland of white roses and fairy lights. Rows of chairs lined the pathway to an arch draped in satin and fresh blooms. The sun bathed everything in golden light, casting a warm glow over the smiling faces of our closest family and friends.
I stood in front of the mirror, my breath catching as I took in my reflection. My gown was exquisite–lace detailing that cascaded down into soft, flowing layers of silk. The diamond ring on my finger sparkled.
Dorothea stepped into the room, her face lighting up when she saw me. “You look stunning, Amanda,” she said, tears welling in her eyes.
I smiled, my own eyes misting over.
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for my entire life,” I replied, my cheeks warming.
The ceremony was simple but heartfelt. We exchanged vows that we’d written ourselves, words that carried the weight of everything we’d been through.
“I promise to protect you, cherish you, and love you through everything life throws our way,” Bryant said as he slid the ring onto my finger.
“And I promise to stand by you, to love you unconditionally, and to never let go,‘ I said, my voice cracking as I placed the ring on his hand.
When the officiant announced us as husband and wife, Bryant pulled me into his arms, and our kiss was met with cheers and applause.
We were finally free. Finally whole.
Months passed, and our life together felt like a fresh start. Bryant and I had moved
into a beautiful estate on the outskirts of
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the city. The house was everything I’d
ever dreamed of–bright, warm, and filled with love.
We spent our days building our future, talking about everything from vacations to the family we wanted to start.
That dream became a reality one morning when I stood in our bathroom, staring at a positive pregnancy test.
My hands trembled as I picked up the test, disbelief washing over me. “Bryant!” I called, my voice shaking.
He appeared in the doorway seconds later, concern etched across his face. “What‘ s wrong?”
I turned to him, holding up the test. “I’m
pregnant.
دو
For a moment, he just stared, his expression unreadable. Then his face
broke into the widest grin I’d ever seen,
and he scooped me into his arms, spinning
me around.
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“We’re having a baby?” he asked.
“Yes,” I whispered, tears streaming down my cheeks. “We’re having a baby.”
The months that followed were filled with joy and anticipation. Bryant was by my side every step of the way, from decorating the nursery to holding my hand during the countless doctor’s appointments.
“Do you think it’ll be a boy or a girl?” he asked one evening as we sat in the nursery, surrounded by tiny clothes and stuffed
animals.
“I don‘ t care,” I said, leaning my head against his shoulder. “As long as they‘ re healthy.”
He kissed the top of my head. “They‘ ll be perfect. Just like you.”
The day our baby arrived was the most intense yet beautiful day of my life.
Bryant stayed by my side through the hours. of labor, holding my hand and whispering
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words of encouragement.
When the cries of our baby filled the room, a wave of relief and love washed over me. The nurse placed the tiny bundle in my arms, and I stared down at the perfect little face, my heart swelling to the point of bursting.
“It’s a girl,” the nurse said with a smile.
Tears streamed down Bryant’s face as he leaned over, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
“She’s beautiful,” he whispered.
We named her Lily, after the flowers that had surrounded us on our wedding day.
Life with Lily was everything I’d dreamed it would be.
Our home was filled with laughter and love, her tiny giggles echoing through the halls. Bryant was a natural father, his patience and devotion unmatched.
One evening, as we sat on the couch with Lily asleep in my arms, Bryant turned to
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me, his eyes filled with the same love I’d seen on our wedding day.
He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “I promised to cherish you forever, and I meant it. You and Lily are my everything.”
“And you‘ re ours,” I said, leaning in to
kiss him.
As I looked around at our little family, I knew one thing for certain–this was the life I’d fought for, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
