Chapter 9 - THE WEDDING ON THE LAKE
Six months later, in early June.
The wedding wasn't held in a cathedral or a luxury Chicago hotel. There were no governors, no corporate board members, and no press allowed within five miles.
We were married on the green, rolling lawns of the Lake Forest estate, right at the edge of the quiet, blue waters of Lake Michigan.
The sun was setting in a blaze of amber, violet, and gold across the water. A gentle summer breeze blew through the white floral arches set up along the grass.
I stood behind the rose garden, wearing a breathtaking, simple ivory silk gown with an open back, holding a bouquet of white peonies.
"You look like an angel, Mom," my sister whispered, adjusting my long veil.
The music began—a soft, acoustic cello version of our favorite song from college.
Leo, wearing a tiny black tuxedo with a crisp bow tie, stepped out first, holding the ring pillow with intense, hilarious gravity. Beside him was Maya, wearing a fluffy white lace dress, throwing pink rose petals onto the grass with wild enthusiasm.
Then came my turn.
I walked down the white aisle, my father’s arm tucked securely into mine.
At the end of the aisle, standing under the arch of white roses against the backdrop of the shining lake, was Luca.
He looked impossibly handsome in a tailored navy tuxedo. As he saw me walking toward him, his dark eyes filled with tears. He didn't care who saw him cry. He held his head high, a radiant, glorious smile spreading across his face.
When my father placed my hand in Luca’s, Luca leaned down and whispered, "You took my breath away eleven years ago, Nia. You just did it again."
"Don't lose it now," I giggled softly, my heart overflowing with love. "We have vows to say."
The ceremony was short, intimate, and profoundly moving.
"I, Luca Moretti," he spoke, holding both of my hands tightly, his voice echoing across the quiet water, "take you, Nia, to be my wife once more. I promise to cherish you, to honor your strength, to protect our children, and to never, ever take for granted the miracle of your love. You are my home, Nia. Where you are, I am whole."
"I, Nia Carter," I promised, looking straight into the dark eyes I had loved my entire adult life, "take you, Luca, to be my husband. I forgive the past, I celebrate our present, and I give you my heart for all of our tomorrows. We built this family out of storm and stone, and nothing will ever break it again."
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"By the power vested in me," the minister smiled warmheartedly, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Luca, you may kiss your bride."
Luca didn't wait. He pulled me into his arms, lifting me slightly off my feet as he kissed me deeply, passionately, under the warm summer sky, while our children cheered and our family erupted into joyful applause.
