Chapter 10 - The Sunrise We Deserved
The wedding was small, private, and breathtakingly beautiful.
We held it in the backyard of Ethan’s estate, surrounded by giant oak trees and blooming white roses. Maya stood as my maid of honor, and Sophie, who was now walking, was our flower girl, wearing a tiny white dress that matched mine perfectly.
As I walked down the aisle, looking at Ethan standing at the altar in his black tuxedo, his eyes shining with tears of joy, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. My mind flashed back to that cold, dark night at 11:58 p.m., when my bank account held $3.18, and I thought my world was ending.
That night hadn't been the end. It had been the beginning.
After we exchanged our vows, promising to love, honor, and protect each other and Sophie forever, Ethan took Sophie in his arms, and we stood together as a family, listening to the cheers of our closest friends.
The next morning, I woke up early. The sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon, casting a warm, brilliant orange and pink glow across the bedroom of our new home.
Ethan was sleeping peacefully beside me, his arm draped protectively over my waist. From the nursery down the hall, I heard a soft, happy babble. Sophie was awake.
I quietly slipped out of bed, wrapped myself in a soft robe, and walked down the hallway.
Sophie was standing up in her crib, holding her stuffed rabbit, her face lighting up with a giant, toothy smile as she saw me.
"Good morning, my sweet girl," I whispered, lifting her into my arms and kissing her warm cheek.
I walked over to the large window in her room, looking out at the beautiful, sunlit yard. Behind me, I heard soft footsteps, and then Ethan’s arms wrapped around both of us, his chin resting gently on my shoulder.
"Happy morning, family," Ethan murmured, his voice thick with sleep, kissing my temple and then Sophie’s nose.
May you like
Sophie giggled, pressing her tiny hand against Ethan’s cheek, then against mine, bridging the gap between us.
As the warm sunlight flooded the room, illuminating our faces, I realized that the cold, dark night of hunger and fear was forever gone. We had survived the storm, and we had finally found the sunrise we deserved.
