Alpha Mate Chose Half-Sister, I Changed Groom Novel

Chapter 28 They spilled over before I could stop them. Hot tracks down my cheeks. Mom. Oh, Mom. If she could see today. If she could be here now. If she could see how her casual words from years ago had come true in this miraculous way. See me wearing the gown she designed. Walking toward someone who truly cherished and loved me. She would be so, so happy. I knew it in my bones. The wedding day arrived. It was grand. Magnificent. Beyond anything I'd ever imagined. The venue was decorated with thousands of white roses.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, throwing rainbow light across everything. When I put on that gown, I could barely breathe. It fit perfectly. Like it had been made for me. Which, in a way, it had been. The fabric was soft against my skin. The beading caught the light with every movement. I looked in the mirror and saw my mother's vision come to life. Mrs. Shore's diamond earrings sparkled at my ears. The perfect finishing touch. Mr. Shore offered me his arm at the entrance to the ceremony hall. "Ready?" he asked gently. I nodded. Couldn't speak. My throat was too tight.

1/3 +25 Bonus The doors opened. Music swelled. I walked step by step through the flower-strewn corridor. Every eye was on me. But I only saw one person. Caspian stood at the end of the aisle. Waiting for me. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit. Standing tall and straight. As always calm and composed. Looking untouchable. Unreachable. Like some perfect statue. But as I slowly approached, as I got close enough to really see his face, my heart lurched. His eyes were red. Actually red. Rimmed with moisture. He pressed his lips tightly together. His jaw clenched.

Seemingly struggling to control emotions that were threatening to overwhelm him. His hands were clasped in front of him. But I could see them shaking slightly. When I finally reached him, when Mr. Shore placed my hand in his, Caspian grasped it tightly. So tight it almost hurt. With a force that trembled. Like he was afraid I'd disappear. Afraid this was all a dream. The officiant began speaking. Words about love and commitment. About forever. But I barely heard them. I was too focused on Caspian's face. On the raw emotion there. When it came time for him to speak, he turned fully toward me.

Those red-rimmed eyes locked on mine. 2/3 +25 Bonus His voice came out low and hoarse. Yet carrying unprecedented solemnity and clarity. Each word deliberate. "Aria." He paused. Took a deep breath. His chest rose and fell. "I've waited so, so long for this moment. Years. Most of my life, really." His thumb rubbed across my knuckles. "Thank you for being willing to come to my side. For choosing me. For seeing me." His voice cracked slightly. "Thank you for being willing to become Luna Shore. For taking my name. For becoming my family." The tears I'd been holding back started to fall.

I met his gaze and showed him a brilliant smile through my tears. No, Caspian. I thought silently to myself. The words echoing in my heart. It's I who should thank you. Thank you for finding me again after all these years. For never giving up. Thank you for leading me out of the abyss. For showing me light when everything was dark. Your appearance made me believe in love again. In happiness. In second chances. Being able to meet you again, being able to stand here with you now, is the greatest fortune of my life. The greatest gift I could ever receive.

And I promise to spend the rest of my days showing you just how grateful I am. 3/3