The garden was covered in dappled light as the sun softly filtered through the tree canopy above. With white chairs arranged on either side of a rose-petal-dusted aisle, gentle music drifting through the late afternoon air, and laughter mingling with bird sounds, the scene was understated yet exquisite.
When she was younger and still chasing fairy tales, Lorna had always dreamed of a lavish wedding. However, she realized this was the dream as she stood at the edge of the aisle today with Jason holding her hand: a small gathering with only the people who mattered, and a love that had been broken, repaired, and strengthened.
Under a floral arch, Michael waited for her, his dark suit and awe-filled, silent eyes. His stance was one of profound, soul-level certainty rather than nervousness.
She was revealed by Jason.
When he proudly said, "I give Mom to Dad," everyone chuckled and wiped their eyes.
The ceremony was brief but sincere. Vows were made to promise, not to impress. "I choose you again—and every day after this one," Michael said, his voice breaking.
"And I'll keep choosing us, even when it's hard, even when it's quiet—because love is a choice I'll never regret," Lorna whispered back, wiping away her tears.
Lucas sat next to Hope among the guests, their fingers lightly clasped together.
He was deeply moved by the sight of Lorna and Michael exchanging vows; it was not sadness but tranquility. It was supposed to be this way. It was the love that lasted, not the one he had dreamed of. "They work really well together," he said in a whisper as he leaned closer.
Hope smiled softly and nodded. "They do and so do we."
Holding her hand a little tighter, Lucas kissed it.
Michael later came up to Lucas with two glasses of wine during the reception, which were lit by glowing fairy lights. He gave one to them.
"I appreciate you coming," Michael said. "You don't realize how much it means."
Lucas gave his glass a clink. She is in her right place. You are, too.
They were no longer in competition with one another. No residual resentment. Just respect developed via shared humanity and difficult lessons.
Soon after, Lorna found herself conversing with Hope—two women who had the option of being adversaries but instead opted for grace.
"You look stunning," Hope said with sincerity.
"So do you," smiled Lorna in response. "I appreciate you being here."
Hope's head cocked. "It's funny how life unfolds, isn't it?"
"Perhaps it goes exactly as planned," Lorna remarked.
Both of them were aware that it was true.
As the evening went on, Jason proudly announced that his parents were "finally official" while dancing with everyone. With laughter echoing through the air, the guests applauded as Michael spun Lorna under the stars.
No fireworks were present.
Simply love.
Reclaimed. Genuine and rooted.
They didn't have a lavish wedding.
It marked the end of a chapter, the ultimate release of the past, and the gentle, luminous start of eternity.