Chapter 9 - The Brightest Spring
The wedding took place the following spring, in the backyard of their Brooklyn brownstone. It was a small, intimate affair—no corporate investors, no paparazzi, no high-society politicians. Just Grace’s nursing friends, a few close colleagues of James, and Mrs. Peterson from next door, who had wept tears of joy when she received the invitation.
Lucy served as the flower girl, taking her job incredibly seriously. She wore a white dress and a flower crown, tossing rose petals onto the grass with careful precision.
When Grace walked down the aisle, framed by the green leaves of the maple tree, James felt his breath catch in his throat. She was radiant, a vision of strength, beauty, and grace. They exchanged vows they had written themselves—promises of partnership, of shared burdens, and of an enduring, unshakeable love.
During the reception, as the music played softly and guests laughed under strings of fairy lights, James walked over to where Lucy was sitting at the edge of the patio, swinging her legs and eating a slice of cake.
He sat down on the step beside her, his tuxedo trousers gathering a bit of dust, though he didn't care in the slightest. "Are you having a good time, sweetheart?"
Lucy nodded, her mouth covered in white frosting. "The cake is really good. And Mommy looks like a princess." She looked up at James, her blue eyes clear and serious. "James?"
"Yes, Lucy?"
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"Can I call you Dad now?"
James felt a profound, overwhelming wave of emotion crash over him. The word caught in his throat for a fraction of a second as his eyes welled with tears. He wrapped his arm around her small shoulders, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Lucy, nothing would make me happier in the entire world."
