I groan and scramble toward the stove. The garlic bread is black, smoke curling from the pan. I sigh and toss it in the sink.
“Dinner’s ruined,” I admit.
Beth sits up, grinning. “Pizza it is.”
I give her a wry look. “Garlic knots, too?”
Her smile softens, eyes shining. “Of course. Just like that first night I stayed here.”
My chest tightens. “Full circle.”
She pulls me back down onto the floor beside her. “Just like us.”
I reach for her hand, our fingers tangling around the new ring. “Yeah, sweetheart. Just like us.”
We end up eating pizza on the kitchen floor, laughing and giddy, the ring catching the light as Beth lifts her hand.
This is what forever looks like.
And I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
BETH
The smell of wildflowers and the sound of laughter ripple through the warm breeze. Every detail is perfect.
And this time, I’m not nervous.
I stand at the aisle’s end with soft white roses in my hands. Lori stands beside me and gives my arm a gentle squeeze.
“Ready?” she whispers.
I turn toward her, heart full. “Yeah. I really am.”
She grins. “Good. Because if you try to run this time, I’m tackling you.”
I laugh and shake my head. “Not a chance.”
My gaze travels down the aisle, and my breath catches as I lock eyes with Jack.
He waits at the altar, devastatingly handsome in his simple gray suit, dark hair slightly tousled, green eyes fixed on mine with an intensity that quickens my pulse. He looks like he’s barely restraining himself from rushing down the aisle to reach me.
And God, I love him for it.
The music swells, and everyone falls silent as I take my first step forward.
This time, without hesitation. Without doubt.
I walk toward him with steady steps, our connection unbroken. Each step is a promise—a vow.
I choose you.
I choose us.
Forever.
Jack’s jaw tightens. His fingers curl at his sides as if fighting the urge to reach for me. Henry smirks beside him, probably murmuring something about keeping his composure.
