Page 25 of Beloved Beauty

I huff a soft laugh, then press a kiss to her hair, damp and wild. “Just want you to know… when that time comes, I’m all in. Every part of me.”

Her head tilts up, lips brushing my jaw. “You already are.”

We don’t move. We don’t need to.

And for once, my mind’s not racing toward what comes next—training schedules, media noise, the next mountain to climb. It’s here in this moment with her.

And for the first time in years, I’m not chasing something… because I already have it.

Chapter 9

Alex Sebring

Magnolia steps through the garden arch like she’s walking straight into the rest of my life.

The late-day sun catches her ivory dress, and the sight punches straight into my chest—an ache I don’t want to soothe. Her hair’s down, swept away from her face, threaded with delicate white flowers from Samoa. A quiet tribute to my roots. A nod to my mother’s homeland. And in every thoughtful detail, a reminder that she doesn’t just see me—she honors where I come from.

The gold chain at her neck glints with every step—the one I gave her before she left Sydney. And on her finger? The ring that speaks every vow I haven’t said out loud yet.

I should be thinking about the party—the guests scattered across the lawn, the string quartet tucked near the fountain, the servers weaving through with champagne flutes and hors d’oeuvres.

But all I can see is her.

She catches me staring. Of course, because Magnolia doesn’t miss a thing. One brow lifts as if questioning me. Why are you looking at me that way? That’s what I imagine she’s thinking.

You look like forever. That’s what I’m thinking. And for the first time, I’m not terrified of wanting everything.

Her smile is slow, sly. “You look like a man in over his head.”

I shake my head, offering her my hand. “What I look like is a man in love.”

“A sweet man.”

We’re almost to the garden steps when she glances around, scanning the growing crowd. “I wish Violet could’ve come. This is our engagement party. It’s important. She should be here.”

“I’m sure she tried her best.” I bite back a grin.

And then right on cue… she doesn’t see the figure emerging from the garden path, tucked between the tall hedges and the lemon trees. But I do.

Violet’s wearing green, her curls bouncing with every step. She’s already waving, already crying.

Magnolia turns and stills. “Violet?!” Her voice cracks mid-syllable, hands flying to her mouth.

“Alex! You brought her here!” she says, half running toward her bestie, who meets her in a hug that nearly takes them both to the ground.

I tuck my hands into my pockets and watch them grip each other.

“Of course she’s here. My gift for the woman who gives me everything. And, selfishly, because I know you won’t commit to a wedding dress without her.”

Violet looks over Magnolia’s shoulder and mouths, “Thank you.”

I give her the slightest nod.

The two of them cling to each other as though it’s been years instead of weeks. Their joy is beautiful, and I’m glad to be the person who made it happen.

“I’ll pick a dress next week. Promise.”

The garden’s buzz shifts as familiar faces trickle in.

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