Chapter 9 - The Wedding at Bennett & BloomThe wedding was not held in a massive cathedral or a sterile corporate ballroom. It was held in the sun-drenched courtyard behind Bennett & Bloom Bakery, transformed by thousands of white roses, ivy, and fairy lights.
Mr. Henderson walked Claire down the makeshift aisle, wearing a rented tuxedo that was slightly too large in the shoulders, looking prouder than if he were walking his own daughter down the aisle.
Ethan served as the most enthusiastic ring bearer in Seattle history, nearly dropping the velvet pillow into a fountain before his security uncle caught it just in time. Emma walked ahead of Claire, scattering lavender petals across the cobblestone pathway in a pristine white dress.
Standing at the altar beneath an arch of white roses was Adrian.
He looked breathtakingly handsome in a tailored navy tuxedo, his dark hair catching the afternoon sun, his signature silver watch gleaming on his wrist. As Claire approached, his eyes filled with absolute, unadulterated reverence.
When Mr. Henderson handed Claire’s hand over to Adrian, the older neighbor muttered, “Don’t screw this up, Park, or I’ll set my Doberman on you.”
Adrian smiled softly, shaking Mr. Henderson’s hand. “Understood, Mr. Henderson.”
The ceremony was short, intimate, and profoundly emotional. When it came time for the vows, Adrian didn’t use cue cards or rehearsed corporate jargon.
“I promise to love you through every storm,” Adrian said, sliding the gold wedding band onto Claire’s finger. “To be the father my children deserve, and the partner you’ve always needed. I will never, ever let you walk alone again.”
Claire slipped her ring onto his finger, her voice steady and clear. “And I promise to love your stubborn streak, your midnight phone calls about spreadsheets, and the man behind the empire. Welcome home, Adrian.”
“You may kiss the bride,” the officiant smiled.
Adrian pulled Claire into his arms, kissing her with a depth of passion that drew cheers and applause from the fifty guests—a mix of close friends, loyal bakery patrons, and a select few reformed board members who knew better than to miss the chairman's wedding.
At the reception, as the string quartet played a soft melody and the twins chased each other around the tables with slices of wedding cake, Adrian pulled Claire onto the dance floor.
“Mrs. Park,” he murmured against her ear as they swayed to the music. “How does it sound?”
May you like
Claire rested her head against his shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of cedar and mint, feeling the absolute peace of a journey finally completed.
“It sounds perfect,” she whispered.
