<b>Chapter </b><b>212 </b>
Sutton and Luca’s Wedding Day
55 Vouchers
Morning sunlight spilled through the windows of the room they were getting ready in<b>, </b><b>as </b>makeup artists and hairstylists buzzed around the three Warner sisters, transforming them for the day’s celebration. Keira was d for the sunshine. Who cared that rain on a wedding day was lucky? She thought people only said that, <b>so </b>brides didn’t burst into tears when it did rain.
Keira sat still as the stylist added final touches to her updo, watching her sisters through the mirror. It had been a whirlwind few days since her return from Wystovia, and today was finally Sutton’s big day.
“Ouch,” Keira winced as the stylist secured another pin. “Are you building a fortress up there or a hairstyle? I think we could have a tornado could sweep through New York and my hair wouldn’t move.”
“Beauty is pain,” ir replied serenely from the adjacent chair, her own styling nearlyplete.
“That’s what people without pain thresholds say,” Keira muttered, but smiled despite herself. Being here with her sisters, preparing for Sutton’s wedding, felt right in a way she hadn’t expected. Likeing full circle.
Sutton stood at the window, in her robe, gazing out at the gardens where the ceremony would take ce in just a few hours. Keira caught her reflection: she looked happy, glowing with anticipation. So different from where they’d all been a year ago. ir had been with Dan- the sack of shit. Sutton had been pregnant and sad and alone without Luca. And she… well, she had been okay, but she didn’t think she had ever gotten over the loss of their parents. She knew now she needed to make the most of every day because there weren’t any guarantees in life. She had grown as a person, and her filter was a little better… And she meant little.
“Who would have guessed?” Keira said, once the stylist stepped away to grab more hairspray. “One year ago, we would never have imagined all of us married or soon to be and growing our family.” She watched as ir unconsciously rested a hand on her growing bump.
Sutton turned from the window, a smile ying on her lips. “Life has a funny way of surprising us. In a few years we could have more children between us.”
“Don’t look at me,” Keira said, raising her hands defensively. “I want kids, just not yet. Plus, I want Amelia to have a few more years to have the chance first to have a baby.” She thought of her friend and soon–to–be sister–inw back in Wystovia, and the pressure Amelia still felt despite Niko’s reassurances. “I would hate to fall pregnant before Amelia. If in a few years she haven’t, then Alexei and I would talk about babies.”
ir studied her youngest sister. “Look at you, all considerate of royal session politics. Who are you and what have you done with our Keira?”
“Oh, shut up,” Keiraughed, but there was no bite to her words. “I’ve learned that some things are worth waiting for.” She twisted the sapphire engagement ring that still felt new on her finger. “Plus, can you imagine me with a baby right now? I’d probably forget it somewhere.”
“You would not,” Sutton said firmly. “You’re amazing with Miles.”
“Being an aunt is different than being a mother,” Keira pointed out. “I can hand him back when he starts screaming or needs a diaper change.” She gave a fake shutter.
21
(1 66 vouchers
Theirughter filled the room, driving away the nerves that always apanied big events. <b>The </b><b>stylist </b>returned, finishing Keira’s hair with a final spritz before moving on to help Sutton.
Once they were alone and all the stylists had gone, Keira and ir helped Sutton into her dress<b>. </b><b>ir </b>attached the veil, and Keira grabbed the flowers, handing them over.
The wedding dress was a masterpiece. ir had a top designer work with Sutton. It was simple yet <b>elegant</b>, with delicatece detailing that entuated Sutton’s graceful figure. As they helped her step into it, Keira <b>was </b>struck by how perfect it was for her sister… nothing shy or over–the–top, just timeless beauty.
“Oh, Sutton,” ir whispered as she fastened the tiny pearl buttons up the back. “You’re stunning.”
Keira’s phone buzzed on the vanity. She checked it, a smile spreading across her face as she read the message.
“Who’s that?” ir asked, applying ast touch of lip gloss.
“Amelia,” Keira replied. “She says…” Her voice trailed off as she read further, eyes widening. “Oh my God.”
“What?” Both sisters turned to her, instantly alert.
“She’s pregnant,” Keira whispered, joy blooming across her face. “Amelia’s pregnant. She couldn’t wait to share the news.” Keira was so d they were alone, and no one could overhear.
“That’s wonderful!” Sutton eximed. “After everything they’ve been through…”
Keira had shared details with her sisters and Alexei’s family over thest five days.
“She says they found out only today. It’s only early days. She took an early pregnancy test and then five more… They haven’t seen the doctor yet. But I would say five positive tests would be an answer.” Keira’s fingers flew over the screen, sending back congrattions. “Their trip must have done the trick.”
“Just needed to rx like you told her,” ir nodded knowingly.
“I’m so happy for them,” Keira said, setting her phone down. “You should have seen how stressed she was about it all. This will change everything for them nad taken the pressure off me.”
The door opened, and an assistant poked her head in. “Miss Warner? It’s time.”
Sutton took a deep breath, meeting her sisters‘ eyes in the mirror. “This is it.”
Keira and ir moved to stand beside her, the three Warner sisters together for a moment. She wished their parents could see them now. But like she had told Sophie at the hospital, she was sure they would be looking down on them now.
“Look at us,” ir said softly, echoing Keira’s thoughts. “Mom and Dad would be so proud.”
Sutton’s eyes glistened. “They’re here with us today. I can feel it.”
The three sisters embraced, careful not to smudge makeup or disturb hairstyles, but needing the physical connection. When they pulled apart, Keira noted with surprise that even she had tears in her <b>eyes</b><b>. </b>She, who prided herself on being the tough one.
“Alright, enough of this mushy stuff,” she dered, dabbing carefully at her eyes. “Let’s get <b>you </b><b>fixed </b><b>up </b><b>before </b>
any mascara runs<b>,” </b>
“I can’t believe I’m finally marrying him,” Sutton said, smoothing the silk with trembling hands<b>. </b><b>“After </b>everything…”
Keira knew what she meant. Sutton and Luca’s path hadn’t been straight or easy<b>. </b>There had been misunderstandings, a pregnancy that came as a surprise, and Miles’s early arrival. But through it <b>all</b>, their love had grown stronger.
“He’s a lucky man,” Keira said firmly. “And he damn well knows it.”
Suttonughed, the sound light and happy. “I’m the lucky one.”
“You’re both lucky,” ir corrected, always the diplomat. “Now, let’s get you married before Luca sends out a search party.
As ir helped Sutton with her veil, pulling it over her face, Keira stepped back, taking in the scene. A year ago, she had been so closed off, so determined to protect her heart that she nearly missed the chance at love. Now, watching her sister prepare to marry the man she loved, Keira felt gratitude for her own journey.
The door opened again, and this time it was Luca’s father Nick, looking distinguished in his tuxedo. He would be walking Sutton down the aisle in their father’s ce.
“Ladies,” he said, his voice catching slightly when he saw Sutton. “You all look beautiful. Luca is a very lucky
man.”
Sutton moved forward to hug him carefully. “Thank you for doing this.”
“It’s my honor,” he replied, clearing his throat. “I’m sure your father would have been bursting with pride today.”
“Thank you,” Sutton whispered.
“It’s time,” Nick said, offering his arm to Sutton.
ir picked up her own bouquet, then handed Keira hers.
“Ready?” ir asked, looking from one sister to the other.
Keira grinned.
Sutton took a deep breath, a serene smile settling on her face. “Let’s do this.”
As they made their way down the corridor toward the garden where guests waited, Keira’s thoughts turned briefly to Alexei. He would be watching, seated alongside Roman in the front row, his presence a reminder of the unexpected path her life had taken and the arms that held her.
Music drifted through the open doors…the string quartet beginning the processional. ir squeezed Keira’s hand once before stepping through the doorway, her bridesmaid’s dress a soft shade of blue thatplemented her pregnancy without cliché.
<b>16:06 </b><b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>15 </b>
【芝麻
Keira took her position, bouquet held precisely as they’d practiced. Through the doorway, she could <i>see </i><b>the </b>gathered guests, the flower–adorned archway where Luca waited. Her breath caught when she saw Alexei watching her too, his intense gaze still making her heart race. The heat in his eyes was totally not needed right
now<b>. </b>
She stepped forward on cue, walking the path strewn with rose petals. As she passed Alexei, their eyes <b>met</b>, and he gave her that private smile that was hers alone. The one that said, “That will be us soon.” He winked at her.
Taking her ce at the altar, Keira turned to watch her eldest sister’s entrance. The music swelled, guests rose to their feet, and Sutton appeared on Nick’s arm, radiant with happiness.
Luca’s face transformed at the sight of her. In that moment, watching them look at each other as if no one else existed, Keira understoodpletely what had drawn them together, what had kept them fighting for their rtionship through all the obstacles.
It was the same force that had brought her to Alexei, that had helped her tear down her walls and take the risk of loving someonepletely. It was terrifying and exhrating and worth every moment of vulnerability.
As Sutton reached Luca’s side and Nick ced her hand in his, Keira caught ir’s eye. They shared a silentmunication; they both felt overjoyed for their sister.
The minister began the ceremony, his voice carrying across the garden. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…”
Keira found herself blinking back tears again. Who would have thought that all three Warner sisters would find their happy endings in only a year?
Not endings, she corrected herself as she caught Alexei’s gaze again from the front row. Beginnings. Beautiful, unexpected beginnings.