Chapter 18 - The True Vows
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The sun rose over Newport in a sky of cloudless indigo and brilliant pink.
By three in the afternoon, the cliffside garden of the Sterling Estate was transformed into a paradise of white hydrangeas, wild green ivy, and glowing glass lanterns. Soft harp music drifted across the sea breeze.
My father walked me down the grass aisle, his arm sturdy beneath mine.
Standing under a canopy of white roses was Sebastian Sterling. He wore a sharp black tuxedo, his posture commanding, but his eyes were filled with an unmistakable, breathless vulnerability as he watched me walk toward him.
My mother sat in the front row, holding my father's hand, smiling through tears of pure, unburdened joy. Laura stood beside me as my maid of honor, winking as I reached the altar.
Sebastian took both of my hands in his. His palms were warm, steady, and strong.
The judge stepped forward, clearing his throat smoothly. "We are gathered here today to unite Victoria Vance and Sebastian Sterling in marriage."
When it came time for our vows, Sebastian didn't look at a piece of paper. He simply looked directly into my eyes.
"Victoria," Sebastian said, his deep voice carrying clearly over the sound of the ocean waves. "I didn't fall in love with you because you were flawless. I fell in love with you because you are unbreakable. I promise to stand beside you as your equal, your champion, your protector, and your partner in every storm and every triumph, for as long as I live."
Tears streamed down my cheeks as I squeezed his hands tight.
"Sebastian," I said, my voice rich with absolute certainty. "You showed me that real love doesn't ask you to shrink. It gives you the space to soar. I choose you today, tomorrow, and for all the days of my life."
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"By the power vested in me," the judge declared with a wide smile, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!"
Sebastian pulled me into his arms, dipping me back slightly as his lips met mine, and the cliffside erupted into loud, joyful applause that echoed across the vast, open ocean.
