Everyone was shouting their congrattions, but Ste Laine stood to the side, her hand pressed over her mouth, eyes shining with tears.

    A softugh slipped from her lips as she blinked them away, her smile curving just enough to answer the final question.

    The door clicked open.

    Justin Keane rushed inside, scooping Ste into his arms. Alessia Morton grinned in the crowd; Cole Whitley stole a quick kiss on her cheek.

    “I love you, Lessie,” he whispered.

    While everyone offered their blessings to the bride and groom, someone quietly leaned close to Alessia, confessing his love just for her ears.

    “Hold on, let’s get the bride her shoes first,” Queenie Windsor said, handing the embroidered ts to Justin.

    Realizing his oversight, Justin broke into a goofy grin and gently set Ste down on the soft bed. With the care reserved for the rarest

    treasure, he held her ankle and slipped on her shoes.

    Finally, with the bride in hand, everyone hurried to pack up, eager not to miss the auspicious hour, and piled into cars headed for the wedding

    venue.

    By the time they arrived, the guests were already seated.

    Ste waited outside for her cue, while Justin stood at the altar, eyes fixed on the entrance, waiting for his bride.

    Alessia and a few others slipped in through a side door. Karen Quincy waved them over, and once everyone was settled, she leaned over, dabbing Alessia’s brow with a tissue and smiling.

    “The twins didn’t cause any trouble, did they?” Karen whispered.

    The kids still had to walk down the aisle as flower children-important business indeed.

    12:16

    “No, just managed to set Cole up for a little mischief,” Alessia replied with augh, no hint of reproach in her voice.

    Just then, Cole slid into the seat next to her. Alessia batted hershes

    innocently.

    Cole could only shake his head with an affectionate smile. Because Alessia’s hair was perfectly styled, he resisted the urge to ruffle it, instead brushing her cheek softly with his thumb before settling in

    beside her.

    Onstage, the officiant bantered with the guests. Soon, the doors swung open, and Ste entered on her father Dave Laine’s arm.

    Two children trailed behind her, perfectly behaved in crisp white suits, looking as dashing as any grown-up.

    Justin stood rooted to the spot, eyes locked on Ste as she took each step toward him.

    He drew a deep breath, fighting to hide the excitement trembling through him.

    “Justin, I’m trusting Ste to you now,” Xavier Laine said, voice thick with emotion as he ced his daughter’s hand in Justin’s.

    “You have my word, sir,” Justin replied, his eyes steady and full of resolve. “Mr. Keane, in richness and in poverty, in sickness and in health, through all of life’s ups and downs-when your partner needs you most, do you promise to stand by her side, never leaving, for all your days?”

    “I do!” Justin answered without hesitation.

    “Ms. Laine, in richness and in poverty, in sickness and in health, through all of life’s ups and downs-when your partner needs you most, do you promise to stand by his side, never leaving, for all your days?”

    “I do.” Ste’s face shone with joy.

    “May the bride and groom exchange rings.”

    12-16

    As the rings slipped onto their fingers, Justin lifted Ste’s veil and pressed a tender kiss to her lips.

    Confetti burst through the air, showering the hall in color.

    Their happiness was witnessed and celebrated by family and friends.

    At the very back, Liam Morton sat beside Tristan Hollis.

    “Our turn,” Tristan said, pping him on the shoulder as the stage was cleared for the performers.

    “Yeah,” Liam replied, getting up and slinging his guitar over his shoulder.

    Tristan adjusted the mic stand, checking the height.

    The two of them were personally invited by Ste through Alessia to close out the evening; with their charm, it was a perfect ending.

    The hall quieted as Liam strummed the first chord, letting the sound of the guitar wash over the crowd. Meanwhile, Ste and Justin, now changed into new outfits, made their rounds, toasting the guests.

    Ste had once been Liam’s brief, unforgettable first love-a fleeting, heart-stopping moment he’d never quite let go. But they were adults now, and the best they could do was leave each other in peace