Chapter 10 - The Wedding of Winter and Sun
Six months later.
There were no five hundred fake guests, no armored convoys, and no political treaties at St. Bartholomew’s Church on a quiet Saturday morning.
Only fifty close friends, loyal family members, and staff sat in the wooden pews decorated with white lilies and warm candlelight.
At the front of the altar stood Garrett Hail, his heart beating with a nervous excitement he had never experienced in his life.
The organ began to play a soft, romantic melody.
The doors opened, and Maeve walked down the aisle. She wore a simple, breathtaking ivory silk gown that flowed like water around her feet. In her hands, she held a small bouquet of white roses.
Beside her, holding her hand proudly, was tiny three-year-old Clara, wearing a matching white flower-girl dress and a crown of daisies.
Garrett felt tears prick his eyes as he watched them approach.
When Maeve reached the altar, Garrett took her hand, his fingers trembling slightly as he held hers.
"We gathered here today," the priest began, "to join these two souls in holy matrimony."
When it came time for the vows, Garrett looked deep into Maeve’s soft green eyes.
"Maeve," Garrett said, his voice rich and deep. "For three years, I lived in total darkness. I thought strength meant feeling nothing. But you and Clara showed me that true strength is loving enough to fight for what matters. I promise to protect you, honor you, and love you for the rest of my life."
Maeve smiled, a tear falling down her cheek. "Garrett, you found us when we were lost. You gave us a home, a future, and your whole heart. I promise to walk beside you, through every storm and every sunny day, forever."
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest declared. "You may kiss the bride."
Garrett pulled Maeve close, dipping her gently as he kissed her deeply, amidst the warm applause of their loved ones.
May you like
As they straightened up, Clara giggled and jumped up, wrapping her arms around both of their legs. Garrett laughed aloud—a bright, warm sound that filled the ancient church—and picked up both his wife and his daughter in one large, protective embrace.
The winter in Garrett’s heart was officially gone, replaced by the eternal warmth of the family he had finally brought home.
