Page 145 of Your Second Chance
I pushed open the door to the guesthouse and was greeted by the gloomy British day. I looked up, and the heavy, swollen clouds threatened to ruin this with rain at any moment. I laughed, because it was a perfect way to start our marriage.
Out in the garden, Mrs. Stone, Mr. Stone, Will, Luna, and Aunt Mae were gathered. Ollie’s Mum and Luna had spent the morning weaving flowers through the grass, creating a beautiful little walkway, while Aunt Mae had added her touch, painting intricate designs onto the garden arch where Ollie and I would stand.
We could’ve had a big wedding, but this was everything I wanted. It was simple, personal, and perfect in every way.
I swallowed and walked to where the flowers started.
“Whenever you’re ready, love,” Ollie called from the front of the aisle.
I looked up and met his gaze, and there he was, waiting for me with that quiet smile that held the warmth he always exuded. He was the kind of man who radiated steadiness. The kind of man who would hold my hair when I was throwing up, who’d call off work without hesitation because Scarlette was sick and I couldn’t stay home.
He wasn’t just my partner—he was the one who made dinner after my long days because he knew I hated cooking, the one who put our relationship and Scarlette above everything else. Not because he had to, but because that’s the person he was.
He wasn’t just my Ollie—he was the proof that love could be safe, steady, and so deeply beautiful. This wasn’t a simple moment. It wasourmoment, the start of the rest of our lives, and every part of me ached with love for him.
I slowly walked toward Ollie. Will stood at the front, holding a small book—probably more for show than anything else.
“Alright, folks,” Will began. “We’re gathered here today to witness something truly miraculous—Ollie finally convincing Nova to marry him. It only took, what? Five years, a visa, and a whole lot of charm?”
The small crowd laughed, and I caught Ollie’s smirk.
Will cleared his throat, his grin fading into something more sincere. “But seriously, you two are the kind of couple that makes people believe in love.” He coughed and looked down at what he was reading. “Watching you two has been a reminder to all of us that love isn’t about perfection. It’s about choosing each other, every day, no matter what. Now, before the British weather decides to play its part, let’s get to the good stuff.” Will turned to Ollie with a nod. “I believe you have something prepared?”
Ollie took my hands as my gaze locked onto his. “Nova, before I met you, I didn’t believe in dating. I thought it was messy, complicated, and not worth the effort. The moment Ilaid eyes on you, all bets were off. You were so different—so determined, so beautiful. You walked into my life and turned everything I thought I knew upside down.
“You didn’t just give me love—you gave me purpose. You showed me what it means to care for someone with my whole heart, to build a life together that’s more beautiful than I ever imagined.
“I promise to always stand by your side, to love you fiercely and endlessly. You and Scarlette are my world, and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to make you both happy. Today, I vow to choose you—every moment, every day, forever.”
My tears fell freely, and he squeezed my hands gently, giving me a smile that melted my heart.
Before I could speak, Ollie let go of one of my hands and turned slightly, gesturing toward Scarlette. “Come here.”
Once she reached us, Ollie dropped to one knee in front of her. He rested his hands on hers as he looked up at her with the same adoration he always showed me. “Scarlette, from the moment I met you, you became my little girl. I promise to always protect you, to always support you, and to always love you. No matter what, I will be here for you, cheering you on, helping you grow, and making sure you know how special you are. I’ll always be your Ollie, and I’ll love you forever.”
Scarlette’s eyes glistened as she threw her arms around his neck, pressing a small kiss to his cheek. “I love you,” she whispered.
Ollie wrapped his arms around her tightly, and my heart swelled to a size I didn’t know was possible. He kissed the top of her head before standing, lifting her briefly as she giggled before setting her down beside me.
He took my hand again, his eyes shining with love, and I knew without a doubt that this moment—this man—was everything I’d ever dreamed of and more.
Tears spilled down my cheeks as he finished, his thumb brushing lightly over my hand.
“Nova, your turn.”
I took a deep breath, the words catching in my throat as I looked at Ollie. “Ollie, you walked into my life when I didn’t think love was possible. You held me together when I felt like I was falling apart, and you showed me a love that is steady, kind, and patient.
“I promise to love you with everything I am. You’ve given me a family, a home, and a love I never thought I’d deserve. Today, I vow to choose you, not just now, but always. You are my heart, my forever, my everything.”
“That was truly beautiful,” Will said warmly. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Ollie, you may kiss your bride.”
He cupped my face with both hands. His eyes searched mine for the briefest moment before he leaned in, pressing his lips to mine with a tenderness that stole my breath.
When we pulled apart, the sound of clapping and cheers broke the spell. Our small group of family and friends was beaming, their joy palpable as they celebrated with us. Luna whistled, her excitement contagious, while Aunt Mae dabbed at her eyes with a tissue.
Ollie’s hand found mine, and he laced our fingers together. He smiled down at me, his expression so full of love. Together, we turned toward the walkway lined with flowers and began our first steps as husband and wife.
The clouds hung heavy in the sky, but the warmth between us made everything else fade away. We walked toward the main house, where the catering was set up in the dining room, and his hand never left mine, squeezing occasionally as if to remind me this was real—that we were here, together, surrounded by the people who mattered most.
