Chapter 89: Freya

I flattened a hand against my dress, staring at my reflection in the mirror. It was familiar yet foreign. It was my wedding day, but the person staring back seemed caught between two worlds—between who she had been and who she was trying to become. My nerves were a tight knot that felt impossible to untie.

The dress, supposedly perfect, felt wrong, suffocating. "I chose the wrong dress," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the buzzing in my ears. "This doesn't look right."

"It definitely does. You look beautiful," Bianca mumbled from the chaise, her phone precariously balanced in her hand.

"No. There's too much fabric here," I said, tugging at the skirt. The lace and satin felt overwhelming.

"It's literally perfect," Reyna said firmly, as if sheer willpower could banish my doubts.

"Do you want me to get Aiden? He can tell you how gorgeous you are and all that jazz?" Erica asked, smiling.

"No," I said quickly, shaking my head. The thought of seeing him before the ceremony sent a jolt through me. "Seeing him before the wedding is bad luck. I don't want any more bad luck; I have enough already."

"You're spiraling," Reyna said, stepping closer.

"Yeah," I agreed, a humorless laugh escaping me.

"Calm down. Just breathe," she said, taking my arms gently but firmly. Her touch was grounding, her voice steady. "Everything's going to be okay. You'll walk down that aisle. You'll get married. You'll get your happy ending."

Her words pulled me back, if only slightly. I nodded, though my reflection still looked unsure. "Okay. Yeah. I needed that."

Reyna's grip relaxed, her comforting smile easing some of my tension. I looked down at my hands, then at the bouquet on the vanity. My fingers quivered. I commanded them to still. Today wasn't about the vows, the guests, or even the perfectly timed string quartet. Today was about Weston, Aiden, and the life we were building, even after such an unconventional beginning.

When I'd first discovered I was pregnant, I'd imagined everything but this—a room full of my closest friends helping me into a wedding gown, the promise of forever waiting beyond those chapel doors. For months, I'd wondered if we deserved it.

Erica's voice cut through the silence. "Come on. It's time." She extended the bouquet, her smile softening.

I looped my fingers around the stems, the weight anchoring me. I met my own gaze in the mirror, pleading for strength.

"You do," Bianca said from her feet, looking warmer than usual.

I took one last deep breath. My nerves were replaced by determination. Weston and Aiden deserved this. Possibly, even I did.

"Let's go," I said, lifting my chin.

The chapel doors swung open, flooding the aisle with golden afternoon light. For a heartbeat, I couldn't move. The sight of the smiling faces, the flowers draped like ribbons, the sun glinting off the stained glass—it was almost overwhelming.

Then my eyes locked onto him.

Aiden stood at the end of the aisle, his dark suit perfectly tailored. His blue eyes, steady as always, met mine, and his lips curled into a faint smile—the kind that always made my heart flutter. Connor and Cillian stood beside him, Cillian smirking slightly. Gia, our seven-year-old daughter, the most radiant flower girl imaginable, finished her walk down the aisle, tossing petals and waving at me.

"Go, Mom!" she whispered loudly, drawing laughter from the guests.

Reyna brushed my arm, reminding me of my presence. She smoothed my dress with practiced gentleness, then winked before taking her place as maid of honor. Erica and Bianca stood beside her, their dresses elegantly simple.

I clutched my bouquet tightly and breathed deeply, trying to calm the tempest inside. I walked down the aisle, step by step. The music rose, filling the air with a soft, romantic melody. The guests stood, their eyes following my every move.

Each step brought me closer to Aiden. His hand rested at his side, but his fingers twitched as if he were counting down the seconds until he could reach for me. By the time I stood before him, I couldn't tell if my heart raced with nerves or happiness.

Aiden took my hand. His grip was firm yet gentle, grounding me instantly.

"You're stunning," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

The officiant cleared his throat, a warm smile inviting calm. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Freya and Aiden in holy matrimony. Today, they join their lives as husband and wife, as partners and parents, surrounded by the love of family and friends."

He continued, "Today is a truly unforgettable celebration of Freya and Aiden's unique journey—with twists, turns, and moments of unmistakable joy. They've built a life together, a partnership between two wonderful people, and now they choose to deepen their bond with this profound commitment."

Gia giggled from the front as Bianca bounced Weston on her lap.

The officiant smiled, gesturing to Aiden. "Aiden, you've prepared your own vows. Please share them with Freya."

Aiden's eyes softened as he turned to me, still holding my hand. "Freya," he began, his voice even but charged with emotion, "from the moment I met you, I knew you were someone who could change my world. You were fierce, smart, and way too good at calling me out when I needed it. The six years I spent pining after you? Definitely worth it…

You've taught me how to be a better man, a better father, and someone who can fold a fitted sheet—not very well, but I'm getting there. You're my best friend, my partner, and the person I want to wake up next to, even if you hog the blankets."

I laughed through my tears, shaking my head.

"I vow to love you, to laugh with you, and to stand by your side through everything life throws our way. You're my heart, Freya, and today, I choose you all over again."

The room blurred as I blinked back tears.

The officiant turned to me. "Freya, it's your turn."

I took a steadying breath, squeezing Aiden's hand. "Aiden," I began, my voice shaking slightly, "when I met you, I thought you were too cocky for your own good. But then, slowly but surely, you proved me wrong. You weren't just cocky—you were kind, supportive, and completely incapable of being humble."

The room laughed, and Cillian whispered something to Connor that earned a quiet snort.

"You were there for me at my most vulnerable. You were the anchor I could always count on, no matter how crazy things got.

"I promise to love you, even when you leave your socks on the floor or insist we rewatch Die Hard for the hundredth time. I promise to grow with you, to laugh with you, and to always, always choose you."

Aiden smiled, his thumb gently rubbing my hand.

The officiant motioned to Cillian, who came forward with the rings, still sporting his mischievous grin. "Freya, take this ring and place it on Aiden's finger," he said.

I took the ring and slid it onto Aiden's finger. My fingers were a little shaky. "With this ring, I promise to honor, cherish, and love you for all the days of my life."

Aiden, whose hands remained steady, slid the ring onto my finger. "I promise that with this ring to honor, cherish, and love you for all the days of my life."

The officiant beamed. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Aiden, kiss the bride."

Aiden didn't hesitate, pulling me close before pressing his lips to mine. The room erupted in cheers, Gia's delighted laughter echoing above the applause.

As we pulled apart, he whispered, "You're stuck with me now."

"Good," I whispered back, my smile wide.

We turned towards our friends and family, our hands clasped tightly, ready to enter the next chapter of our lives, filled with love, laughter, and the beautiful chaos of our family.