Chapter 70
Chapter 70
The gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the air as the sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and gold. The tropical breeze carried the scent of saltwater and hibiscus, rustling the delicate white petals of the arch where Zayden and Victoria stood hand-in-hand, gazing into each other’s eyes.
Alessia, dressed in the tiniest, most adorable flower girl dress, was cradled in Elena’s arms nearby. She cooed and babbled softly, her chubby hands reaching out to tug at the wreath of white flowers that adorned her curls. Though only seven months old, Alessia was the undeniable star of the evening, earning smiles and adoration from everyone in attendance.
Elena leaned toward Tobias, who stood beside her, and whispered, “She’s stealing the show, isn’t she?”
Tobias chuckled. “Obviously. Look at her. That little flower crown is doing all the work.”
Victoria, hearing the exchange, glanced over and smiled at Alessia before turning back to Zayden. “She’s perfect,” she whispered, her voice catching slightly.
“You’re perfect,” Zayden replied, squeezing her hands gently. His voice was low but steady, carrying the depth of his emotions. “Today is everything I’ve ever dreamed of.”
The officiant cleared his throat, bringing the attention back to the ceremony. “Do you, Zayden, take Victoria to be your wife, to love and cherish her in good times and bad, for as long as you both shall live?”
Zayden’s gaze didn’t waver as he said, “I do.”
The words sent a thrill through Victoria, who could barely contain her smile. When the officiant turned to her, she felt her heart swell with love.
“And do you, Victoria, take Zayden to be your husband, to love and cherish him in good times and bad, for as long as you both shall live?”
She took a deep breath, her voice soft but certain. “I do.”
Cheers erupted from their small circle of friends and family, mingling with Alessia’s delighted squeal. Elena laughed, bouncing Alessia slightly. “She approves!”
The couple kissed under the arch, their lips meeting in a moment that felt like the culmination of everything they’d built together. When they turned to face their loved ones, the joy in the air was palpable.
Later that evening, the celebration moved to a cozy beachside reception. String lights twinkled overhead as guests enjoyed drinks, laughter, and the soft melodies of a live acoustic band. Alessia, dressed in a simpler white romper for comfort, was the center of attention once again, passed lovingly from one person to the next.
Zayden watched as Jonathan held Alessia, making exaggerated faces to keep her entertained. “I think she’s enjoying the spotlight more than we are,” he joked, sipping his drink.
Victoria leaned into him, her head resting on his shoulder. “Can you blame her? She’s the cutest flower girl ever.”
“She might be the only flower girl who didn’t touch a single flower,” Zayden teased.
“Hey, she was carried down the aisle in style,” Elena chimed in, joining them with a plate of food. “I felt like royalty holding her. All eyes were on us.”
Tobias walked over, grinning as he handed Zayden a fresh drink. “And yet, no one tripped. A wedding miracle.”
The group laughed, and Victoria reached out to take Alessia from Jonathan, holding her close. “It’s so special that she was part of this,” Victoria said softly. “I’ll never forget it.”
Zayden wrapped an arm around her, pulling them both close. “Neither will I.”
The next day, the newlyweds and Alessia set out to enjoy the rest of their destination vacation. Their villa overlooked the ocean, with a private infinity pool and lush gardens that seemed straight out of a dream. Alessia sat on a blanket under a wide umbrella, happily chewing on a toy while Victoria lounged nearby with a book.
“Did you ever think we’d be here?” Victoria asked, looking up from her book as Zayden emerged from the pool, water glistening on his skin.
“Married? With a baby? At the most beautiful place on earth?” Zayden asked, grabbing a towel. “Nope. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Victoria smiled, watching him walk over to Alessia and crouch down. He picked her up, spinning her gently in the air, earning a delighted giggle from their daughter.
“She’s going to think every day is like this,” Victoria teased, standing to join them.
Zayden laughed. “Let her. She’s got time to learn about boring real life.”
They spent the afternoon exploring the island, Alessia strapped to Victoria’s chest in a baby carrier as they walked hand-in-hand through winding trails that led to secluded beaches and waterfalls. The sound of Alessia’s babbling mixed with the calls of exotic birds and the rustling of palm fronds overhead.
That evening, they returned to the villa, Alessia fast asleep after a warm bath. Zayden carefully laid her in the crib they’d rented, adjusting the soft blanket over her. He lingered for a moment, watching her peaceful face.
“She looks like an angel,” Victoria whispered, standing in the doorway.
Zayden turned, smiling. “She is.” He crossed the room to her, taking her hands in his. “And you—you’re the reason for all of this. My wife.”
Victoria’s heart fluttered at the word. “Say it again,” she murmured.
“My wife,” Zayden said, leaning in to kiss her. The kiss deepened, filled with gratitude and love, until the faint sound of Alessia stirring broke them apart with a shared laugh.
“She’s keeping us grounded,” Victoria said, smiling as she stepped toward the crib.
“She’s keeping us whole,” Zayden replied, wrapping his arms around her from behind as they looked down at their sleeping daughter.
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