n the private chapel o

back at her. The dress was simple,ivory silk, no lace, no beads, chosen by Madam Hawthor

ace. The only jewelry she wore was the engagement ring Alex ha

thorne entered, leaning on her cane

ar. You're

ile. "Thank you,

he room and took Emma's

lit

She squeezed Emma's hands. "My grandson is waiting for y

skipped. "How

ars of wisdom and love. "Like a man who just realized he'

ering, her parents, stone-faced; Fiona, her smile tight; Ethan, arms crossed; Isab

t back. His hands rested on his thighs, but Emm

oors

e her away. No mother to weep. Just her, in her iv

s on Alex and he

w something in his expressio

is voice low enough th

contract,"

ked. "Right.

nor, cherish, but they felt like they belonged to someone else.

iant said, "You ma

r a moment, neither moved. Then he reached up, his

e had expected a brush of lips. A form

rs tangled in her hair. And when her lips parted, ju

pel was

d been holding closed for a very long time. Her hands found h

Alex's eyes were dark, unreada

d Mrs. Hawthorne." Madam Hawthorne was crying. Isabella loo

ex looked at Emma. Neit