Chapter 26 - The second ceremony
One year and four months after the torn sleeve, Ethan and I married.
Courthouse first.
Seven people.
Then dinner at Naomi’s house.
No chapel.
No luxury venue.
No one standing up dramatically.
Victoria attended.
She wore navy.
I wore a simple ivory dress.
Sleeveless.
My choice.
The star-shaped scar visible.
Also my choice.
Before the ceremony Victoria noticed.
She did not touch it.
Did not stare.
Good.
Ethan and I exchanged vows.
When the clerk said:
“Do you take—”
I almost laughed because of the first wedding.
Ethan saw.
Started laughing too.
The clerk looked confused.
We recovered.
Signed.
Married.
At dinner Victoria gave me a small box.
I opened it.
The silver bracelet.
I immediately looked at her.
She said:
“You do not have to take it.”
I held it.
The gold star charm caught the light.
“Why now?”
“Because I finally understand it can belong to you without meaning you belong to me.”
That was the right answer.
I accepted it.
May you like
But I did not wear it.
Not yet.
