Carla shook her head in disappointment, realizing by now that bringing up her own son meant nothing anymore. She quickly shifted tactics, aiming for the bigger picture.

“Thad, you and Jamison are both turning your backs on your own family! I’m not just blindly defending Micah here. I honestly think Jamison’s lost his mind. He knows perfectly well Ivy’s just after his money, he knows the Windsor family comes with a mountain of problems, but he insists on being with her anyway. He’s blinded by love–are you just as out of your mind? Don’t you see the Windsors are a bottomless pit? Once they drain Jamison dry, they’ll drag the whole Ludwig family down with them!”

Carla made her case with fiery conviction, her logic airtight–at least in her own mind. But none of it got through to Jamison.

He barely spared her a glance. Taking Ivy’s hand, he led her, without a second thought, straight into the registry office.

As Carla finished, she turned to find her brother, only to realize he’d slipped away. She rushed to follow them inside, but a group of sharply dressed security guards blocked her path.

Jamison had arranged for them ahead of time, just in case.

Inside the marriage office, Katrina helped Ivy straighten her veil, making sure she looked perfect for the official photo.

Naylor stood at Jamison’s side, worry clouding his face. “Are you absolutely sure about this? This is the rest of your life.”

Jamison shot him a look. “If you’re going to keep talking, you can wait outside.”

Naylor instantly zipped his lips.

The photographer called them over, signaling it was time. Jamison and Ivy stepped in front of the deep red backdrop.

“Lean in a little closer… Yes, that’s it, now smile–big, sweet smiles, both of you! Perfect! Hold it!”

Click. Click.

The photographer snapped away, while Katrina and Naylor discreetly recorded the moment on their phones.

With the official photos in hand, the rest of the paperwork went by in a flash.

Moments later, as the clerk handed Ivy the marriage certificate–a slim red booklet–she still couldn’t quite believe it.

She was actually married.

“Come on, let’s take a few more photos with the certificate,” Jamison said, admiring the little red book before taking her hand and leading her back to the photo spot.

Usually quick-witted, Ivy felt a bit dazed. She let herself be pulled back and posed for several more photos as the photographer directed them, only realizing what was happening after the fact. “Why are we taking so many pictures?” she finally asked.

Jamison flashed a smirk. “For the official announcement.”

“Congratulations! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness!” Naylor stepped up, hands clasped in a show of old-fashioned cheer.

Katrina beamed as well. “Ivy, Dr. Ludwig–congratulations to you both. All the best for your new life together.”

Ivy, cheeks flushed, rubbed the marriage certificate between her fingers, nodding and smiling, too overwhelmed for words.

When they finally stepped outside, only the Windsors were left waiting.

Rosetta hurried over, her face stretched into a broad, eager smile. “Ivy, it’s such a wonderful day. Your father made lunch reservations first thing this morning–we’d love for you to join us and celebrate, what do you say?”

Ivy didn’t even look her way. Instead, she slipped her arm through Jamison’s, her eyes bright with laughter. “So, husband–where are we going to celebrate?”

Jamison blinked, surprised. “What did you just call me?”

“Husband. Isn’t that right?” Ivy teased.

Katrina stifled a laugh nearby. “Dr. Ludwig’s still not used to the new title.”

Jamison’s face lit up, excitement flickering in his eyes. “Yes–of course that’s right!” he stammered, nodding emphatically, then turned to the Windsors, deliberately laying it on thick. “Well, darling, where would you like to go for lunch? Anywhere you want, we’ll go.”

“Great, let’s decide in the car,” Ivy replied.

Linked arm in arm, the two of them walked straight down the steps, completely ignoring the Windsors from start to finish.