Chapter My CEO 305
305 A Perfect Walk (Winona)
The doors swing open, and there's a collective gasp from the guests as I step into the aisle. I can feel all eyes on me, eager faces turning to watch as I make my way toward Jayden.
My heart is pounding, but not from nerves this time-just excitement, pure and simple.
The dress floats around me, the delicate lace catching the soft light as I move. It's a modern cut, sleek and fitted through the bodice, with intricate old-fashioned lace detailing along the neckline and sleeves.
The fabric hugs my curves, but in the most elegant way, and the long detachable skirt trails behind me, creating a dramatic, sweeping train. The long, lace-trimmed veil covers my face and blends down over the train perfectly. Every bit of it feels like a dream.
Underneath the lace, there's the smoothness of silk, soft and luxurious against my skin. And once the ceremony is done, I'll detach the skirt and train, revealing the more understated reception dress underneath. It's the perfect combination of classic and modern, timeless and chic.
The kind of dress you can't help but feel amazing in.
Abby is just ahead of me, her tiny steps careful as she tosses flower petals with a smile that lights up the room. Her dress is a miniature version of mine, all soft lace and tulle, with a princess-style skirt that puffs out around her. She looks like something straight out of a fairytale and seeing her like this makes my heart swell. Sarah's walking just behind her, dressed in a more mature style, her lavender gown simple but elegant, befitting her age.
Cass is next, looking like she stepped off a runway, her lavender gown on-trend with a modern cut that suits her youthful energy. At 18, she's got her own style, and today, it's flawless.
Lisa follows, her lavender dress a shade deeper than the others, the style more fitted, modern, but understated. At 31, she's always had a flair for fashion without trying too hard.
And then there's Anne, walking with the grace of a matron of honor, her gown a soft lavender hue that complements her role perfectly. She's always been the steady hand in my life, and today, that's no different. I'm so very, very lucky to have them all in my life.
As I walk down the aisle, I take it all in-the smiles, the whispers, the quiet gasps as people take in the sight of the dress, of me. For the first time, I feel like this moment is truly ours. No doubts, no hesitations. My eyes lock onto Jayden, standing at the altar with Lance and Bobby beside him. His eyes haven't left me since I appeared at the door, and I can see the emotion in his face, the love.
My heart flutters, and I can't help the smile that spreads across my face as I take another step toward him.
305 A Perfect Walk
+25 BONUS
I'm walking toward the life we've both fought so hard to build. And I know he's been nervous-hell, I've been nervous too. We've had our clashes lately, but that's just part of it. We're still here. We're still standing. I keep walking, the buzz of excitement in the air builds. glance over at Sarah and Abby ahead of me, their baskets now empty of petals. They've done their part perfectly, their faces glowing with excitement. And then I look at Bobby, standing tall beside Jayden. There's pride in his eyes, and I can tell this moment means as much to him as it does to Jayden and me. I give him a wink and a nod and he beams back at
1. me.
And then, finally, I've made it. Jayden reaches out his hand and I step up beside him, Me and Jayden, standing at the altar. This is it. This is the moment we've been waiting for. "You look perfect," he whispers, his eyes scanning me like he can't believe I'm real.
I smile, my heart swelling with emotion. "You don't look too bad yourself."
He chuckles, his hand squeezing mine, and we both tum toward the celebrant, ready to start the ceremony. The music fades, and all eyes are on us now, but none of that matters. Not really. All I can see, all I can feel, is Jayden.
The celebrant begins to speak, her voice soft but clear, but I barely hear the words. I'm lost in the moment, in the way Jayden's eyes are fixed on mine, in the way everything feels so right. The doubts, the fears-they've all melted away. I'm here. He's here. And this time, we're ready for whatever comes next.
When it's time for the vows, my hand tightens around his. I take a deep breath, letting the emotion rise in my chest before speaking.
"Jayden, we've been through more than I ever thought we could handle. But today, I stand here, promising you that I'm not going anywhere. We're in this together, Always."
His voice is steady as he replies, but I can see the emotion in his eyes. "Winona, I'm the luckiest man in the world to be standing here with you. No matter what, we'll face everything together." The celebrant smiles at us both before delivering the words that seal the deal. "In the vested in me... I now pronounce you man and wife..."
power
that is
The room erupts in cheers.
"You may now kiss the bride."
Jayden doesn't hesitate, pulling me in close, his lips soft against mine. The more insistent and he swings me into a deep dip. The kiss seems to go forever and I'm not complaining. When we break. I can't stop the laughter that bubbles up inside me.
As we walk back down the aisle together, hand in hand, I glance at Abby and Sarah, who are practically bouncing with excitement. Everything feels perfect.
This time, nothing can take this moment away from us