Chapter 10 - THE GARDEN OF COSTA
One year later.
The spring sun was brilliant and warm over the Hudson River, bathing the estate in golden light.
The glass conservatory had been completely renovated, expanded into a massive, open-air garden filled with thousands of blooming roses, hydrangeas, peonies, and orchids of every imaginable color.
Laughter and soft classical music drifted across the manicured lawns.
A small, elegant gathering of close friends, servants, and hospital staff stood near the marble fountain. In the front row sat Tessa’s mother in a wheelchair, looking healthy, vibrant, and smiling through tears of joy.
At the end of the floral aisle stood Gael Costa.
He wore a tailored white tuxedo jacket, his dark hair neatly styled, looking magnificent, regal, and entirely at peace.
Beside him stood Marco, wearing a sharp suit, holding two gold wedding rings.
The organ music shifted to a gentle, beautiful bridal march.
Tessa walked down the aisle, stepped onto the soft green grass, holding a bouquet of simple, fragrant white hydrangeas. She wore an exquisite silk gown that flowed around her like water, her dark hair crowned with small white rosebuds.
She looked radiant, strong, and deeply in love.
When she reached the altar, Gael stepped forward, taking her hands in his bare, un-gloved hands.
There was no hesitation. No tremor. No pain.
His touch was firm, warm, and filled with a quiet, eternal devotion.
The justice of the peace smiled warmly at them both. "Gael, do you take Tessa to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?"
Gael looked down into Tessa’s beautiful brown eyes, his voice steady, deep, and echoing across the sunlit garden.
"With every beat of my heart," Gael said softly. "I do."
"And Tessa," the justice turned to her, "do you take Gael to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Tessa smiled, a single tear of joy cutting down her glowing cheek. "I do."
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the justice declared. "You may kiss the bride."
Gael didn't wait.
He reached out, cupping her face gently in both of his hands, drawing her close, and pressed his lips to hers in a sweet, tender, passionate kiss that sealed their souls together forever.
The guests burst into loud, joyous applause and cheers!
When they parted, Gael rested his forehead against hers, exactly as she had done on that cold, rain-soaked night in his dark office one year ago.
"Thank you, my flower girl," Gael whispered softly into the warm spring breeze. "For teaching me how to feel again."
Tessa wrapped her arms securely around his neck, resting her head over his steady, beating heart.
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"You were never untouchable, Gael," Tessa smiled softly against his chest. "You were just waiting for me."
The sun shone brightly over the garden of Costa, casting long, beautiful shadows over a love that had bloomed from the darkest soil into an everlasting, unbreakable paradise.
