Page 78 of Stolen Vows

“I’ve got you, sunshine,” I murmur, low enough for only her to hear. I squeeze her hand, a gentle reassurance.

She glances up at me, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “I know.”

We approach the group and introductions are made. My parents, my sister Cora and her boyfriend, Jagger. Eloise and Beau. And my sister, Abby, who flew in just for a few days.

My mother moves first. Of course she does. She steps forward, her eyes already glassy, already too full of something that makes my throat tighten. He palms Francesca’s shoulders and pulls her into a quick hug.

“Oh, Francesca, it’s wonderful to meet you finally.” Mom’s voice is soft but sure, like she’s trying not to scare Francesca off. “You look absolutely beautiful.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Carter. It’s so nice to meet everyone.” Francesca swallows, blinking too fast.

Mom pulls back, reaching for one of Francesca’s hands and cradling it between her own. “Please, call me Hazel.”

Francesca inclines her head, her gaze flying to me for a second. I start toward her, but my father’s hand on my shoulder stops me.

“She’s alright, son. Let your mother get her fill. She’s been crying off and on for months now. Joy, mostly, but with her, it’s hard to tell sometimes, yeah?” Dad says, voice pitched low.

“It’s past the prime for me to settle down with someone. She should’ve expected this already,” I grumble, keeping my voice low. I strain my hearing, trying to eavesdrop on my siblings talking to my future wife.

Dad steps around me, offering his hand to Francesca. “Welcome to the family. And please, call me Lucas.”

She shakes his hand with a dip of her chin and a small smile. “Thank you, Lucas. It’s so nice to meet you.”

My siblings flock to me the moment our father steps toward Francesca.

“When did they start allowing pets in here?” Abby asks as she leans in for a hug.

“You didn’t have to come all the way out here for this, you know,” I murmur, hugging my youngest sister.

She pulls back with a scoff, glaring at me. “As if I’d miss your wedding.”

“So,” Beau starts, eyebrows raised. “How much did you have to pay for them to allow her dog in here?”

Cora cuts me a look. “Please tell me you didn’t bribe someone, Graham.”

I shrug. “I didn’t bribe someone.” I used a monetary incentiveanda small reminder of how laughable their firewalls and security measures are. We came to an agreement.

The Avalon Falls county clerk’s office is Aegis Security’s newest client.

“Carter,” someone calls from inside the room.

“You’re up, bro.” Beau claps me on the back.

“Wait, where’s Francesca’s family, Graham? We can’t go in there until everyone is here,” Mom says, glancing up and down the hallway.

Francesca stiffens, her knuckles turning white in her grip on Romeo’s leash. Her gaze flies to mine, lips parted, like she’s looking to me for help.

I don’t fucking hate it.

“Her family’s here.” My voice is steady and firm, the implication clear. Final.

And for the first time since we walked in, Francesca’s shoulders relax. Her smile is soft and small. And entirely mine.

We step into the small, utilitarian courtroom, and suddenly, everything feels too quiet. The judge sits behind a raised desk, flipping through a stack of paperwork. The chairs are old, the walls bare except for a framed photograph of the state governor. No flowers, no candles, no romantic ambiance. Just the clinical efficiency of a government office.

Francesca shifts beside me, adjusting the fabric of her dress. It’s subtle, barely noticeable, but I catch it. The faint flutter of her fingers, the way her shoulders tighten for just a second before she lifts her chin.

She’s uncomfortable, nervous. My fingers twitch to comfort her. But when she turns toward me, there’s no hesitation in her eyes. Just quiet, steady resolve.

---