Page 54 of Amaris Rejected

"You don’t remember?" she exclaims, concern evident in her voice.

"No."

"What's the last thing you remember?" she asks hesitantly, leaning in, her hand caressing my chest. My heart races as I feel the warmth of her breath on my face.

I focus, trying to answer her question.The last thing I remember?I feel disoriented and uncertain, struggling to make sense of memories that are fragmented and elusive.

"Our wedding night… " I whisper hoarsely.

Chapter 36 – Eternal Promises

Amaris

Devon has been steadily improving over the last five months, and although the doctors have given him a clean bill of health, his memory remains the only area where he hasn't fully healed.

While he’s made great strides, we moved him in with me so I can monitor his health. And, we began dating. It’s been nice, and I can feel my heart filling and mending with each passing day because he’s just like he was on the day we met. So full of passion and love, it almost physically hurts when I think of the time we've been robbed of together as a family.

Although I still feel bitter about the past, one thing is clear: Devon’s love for me and Zoe remains unwavering. It’s a beacon in the dark, an eternal flame that pulls me to him, burning steadily despite the storms we’ve endured.

Tonight, Devon asked me out on a date, but not just any date—this one is special.He wants both his girls there,he says. So, Zoe and I are dressed in matching ballgowns: mine is creamy white, while Zoe’s is soft pink. Floral crowns adorn our heads, featuring tiny rosebuds, baby’s breath, and violets in shades of white and pink, making us look like we stepped out of a fairytale.

“Okay, Amaris,” Mom says, “time to put on your blindfold.”

“It’ll ruin my makeup!” I complain. “I promise to keep my eyes closed.”

“Your makeup will be fine,” she replies. “You have waterproof mascara on.” She smiles as Zoe giggles while they tie the blindfold on me.

“Don’t mess up my hair,” I caution, laughing along with them. Three generations of strong females standing right here, and I’m proud of my lineage. We’ve weathered a lot.

“Oh, don’t be such a princess, Amaris,” Mom chuckles.

“What else can we be?” I ask. “Zoe and I are dressed as royalty, so we must play the part. Right, Zoe?”

“Yes!” Zoe shouts excitedly.

“Let’s get you to the festivities,” Mom says. “Take my hand and Zoe’s, and we’ll lead you there.”

I take their hands, and we all walk what feels like the path to the lake. We’re surrounded by silence, only broken by our giggles and quiet chatter. It almost feels sacred. We stop about halfway down the trail. Mom turns me back to face the house and removes my blindfold.

Lining the trail behind us are dozens of candles on either side, casting a soft glow across the moonlit night, which is beautiful.

I gasp, covering my mouth with my hands. “Oh!”

“Turn around,” Mom murmurs.

I obey.

“Now walk to your mate.”

I turn around and see more candles bordering the path that leads to a magical scene. At the end of the illuminated way stands Devon with Zoe by his side. He’s dressed in a tuxedo, down on one knee. In his hand, he holds up a ring box. I literally race down the aisle, nearly knocking him over as I leap into his embrace.

“Whoa!” he laughs, pulling me into a tight hug as he stumbles back slightly. He’s built like a tank, and I'm still barely taller than him even while he's kneeling.

Zoe jumps up and down, shouting, “Marry us, Mama! Marry us!”

Everything fades into the background as Devon brings his hand back up with the ring.

“Amaris, I don’t remember every moment from our past, but I do remember you. I recall how my heart skipped a beat when I first saw you, and I know what it feels like to love you deeply. I’ve hurt you, and though I can’t erase the pain, I can be the man you’ve always deserved. I don’t need to remember the hard times to know that my heart has always been yours. There are no shadows of love for anyone else but you and our children. You gave me a second chance when I didn’t deserve it. You are the one I’ve always wanted, and I refuse to be just your husband on a piece of paper. I want to connect with you in every way.

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