Meanwhile, Jake has been living with me full time. And if by some chance Elena gets handed the maximum sentence, I’ll have custody of him for a long time. When I first sat him down to gently explain what was happening with his mother, it was natural for him to be curious and ask a million and one questions. I didn’t go into the full details of her crimes, but instead gave him a softened version he could process and make sense of in his own childlike way. He didn’t cry or get angry—in fact, he barely showed any emotion at all. The only thing that seemed to bring him comfort was knowing he could stay with me every day from now on.
It’s a fucked-up situation we’ve all found ourselves in, but we’re navigating it the best way we know how. Having Mila by my side, though, has made all the difference—it doesn’t feel like I’m facing this alone. And now that she’s officially moved in with me, I know things will only get better from here.
Today I’m here as Mila’s date for her sister’s wedding, even though I haven’t seen Skylar since she left Kaden. I’m nervous as hell to see and talk to her again, especially because I’m not even sure where our friendship stands now that she and Kaden aren’t together anymore. I guess I’ll be finding out soon enough after tonight.
The guests begin moving towards their seats, shuffling like little ants. I scan over the crowd, trying to look for a vacant spot. There are so many people here—easily a hundred or more. Heath’s side is jam packed, just like Skylar’s, filled with family and friends who clearly adore them.
“Jason!” My head snaps towards the front, where a woman in a purple floral chiffon, floor-length dress waves at me. Her hair is swept up in a classic French twist, and her toned arms are golden from the sun. She looks to be around her early to mid-fifties, and as I draw nearer, I realise it’s Skylar and Mila’s mother, Tina. Even at her age, she still looks amazing.
“Hey, Tina.” I greet her with a kiss on the cheek.
“Hello, dear. I just popped out to tell you that Mila has reserved a seat for you up front with the rest of the family—seeing as you’re practically one of us now,” she says with a wink.
I smile and nod, feeling her acceptance wash over me. After she quickly introduces me to a few family members, I take my seat alongside them. And once I’m comfortably in my seat, Tina rushes back inside, probably to get ready to walk her firstborn down the aisle.
As I glance ahead, my eyes are quickly drawn to the four men striding towards the floral arch, each dressed in a perfectlytailored suit.Three of them wear cream pants and a vest, with white dress shirts and lilac ties underneath, but the man in the white tuxedo jacket and black pants—Heath, I assume—definitely stands out. He’s all height and muscle, and there’s no denying he’s one seriously good-looking bloke. Together with Skylar, they make one hell of a gorgeous couple.
He stands there, a mixture of nervousness and anticipation in his posture, as his eyes dart towards the chateau doors, eager for a glimpse of his bride.The man behind him—presumably his best man—gives a quick nudge to his shoulder. When Heath glances back, they both chuckle, as if sharing an unspoken joke.
Ten minutes later, the string quartet begins a new, familiar piece—Clair de Lune—and its delicate notes drift through the air. Then suddenly, the doors swing open behind us, and the crowd instantly falls silent. Every head turns, every eye fixed on the entrance, and every breath suspended, as if time itself has stopped.
Two little girls spring from the doorway, each carrying a white wicker basket, their lilac dresses dancing in the late spring breeze. One seems about Jake’s age, the other slightly older. They stroll down the aisle, sprinkling rose petals like fairy dust, and it’s utterly sweet and adorable.
Behind them walks an unfamiliar woman with brown hair, carrying a small bouquet and wearing a long bridesmaid dress the same shade as the flower girls. I hear the best man whistle at her, but that’s not what catches my attention. It’s her features—they bear a striking resemblance to Heath’s. His sister, perhaps?
Next in line is Kirstin, her obsidian curls swept into a soft bun. She looks radiant in her gown, and from the slightly awkward but delighted expression on her face, it’s clear she’s not used to wearing dresses very often. She’s been Skylar’s best friend for years, and I know she would do just about anything for her. Evenif that means squeezing into a bridesmaid dress for a second time.
And finally, following closely behind her, is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid my eyes on. Her full-length light purple gown sways with each step, a long slit revealing a toned, graceful leg. Her hair is styled in the same elegant bun as the other bridesmaids, and just the sight of her makes my heart skip a beat.God, I’m a lucky man!
When our eyes meet, she smiles and tosses me a wink, and I swear, my dick twitches at the subtle gesture. I don’t know what it is about this woman, but whenever she’s near my body reacts instantly to her, as if it instinctively reaches for hers every time.
As the bridesmaids take their positions beside the arch, I steal one last glance at my beautiful girl, pausing for a moment just to admire her, before turning back around.
My smile widens as I watch Skylar and her mother walking arm in arm down the aisle.
She looks breathtaking in her strapless lace gown, every curve perfectly hugged by the fabric. Sunlight glints off her long veil, pinned to the back of her hair, and I hear a soft, choked sound coming from the groom. His eyes glisten with happy unshed tears as he watches his stunning bride approach.
For a fleeting moment, I imagine Mila walking down the aisle towards me in her elegant white gown, and I have to bite my lip to stop myself from grinning like a fool.One day, Mila. One day you’ll be my wife.
The moment Skylar’s gaze meets mine, she offers me a tight, warm smile, and I give her one in return. I’m hoping to steal a few minutes with her today, even if it’s just to congratulate her on her new marriage.
Tina and Skylar finally reach the groom, and Heath, wearing the widest grin I’ve ever seen on a man, pulls his soon-to-bemother-in-law into a gentle hug, pressing a kiss to her cheek before taking his bride’s hand.
As Tina settles into the seat beside me, she slips her arm through mine, and I gently place my hand over hers. When my gaze finds Mila again, I see that she’s already watching me, a glowing smile lighting up her face as she glances between her mother and me.
A moment later, the music fades into silence, and the celebrant clears her throat, her voice warm and steady as it carries over the hushed crowd.
“Family and friends, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Heath and Skylar in marriage. Today is not just a celebration of love, but of partnership, commitment, and the promise of a lifetime together.”
The couple stand hand in hand beneath the floral arch, sunlight spilling over them as if the universe itself is offering its blessing to the couple. Their eyes never stray from each other, as if they’re the only two people in the world.
The celebrant smiles. “Heath and Skylar have chosen to say their own vows today. Heath, if you would like to begin.”
Heath takes a deep breath and clears his throat, his thumb brushing over Skylar’s knuckles as he steadies himself. His voice trembles at first but grows more confident with every word.
“My dearest Skylar, from the moment I met you, I knew that one day you’d become something more to me—that you’d become my wife. You showed me hope when I had none, laughter when I needed it most, and love when I least expected it. From this day onwards, I promise to always protect your heart, to fight for our happiness, and to grow with you, for all of our lives. You are my soulmate, my world, and my forever.”
Skylar’s eyes shimmer with unshed tears as she squeezes her fiancé’s hand, her own voice breaking softly when she speaks.
