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Chapter 30

Light

Every moment, every small decision I’ve ever made—like choosing which bus to take or the time I was late to class—has brought me to this point, right here. Being conscious of that makes this moment even more special. Reminding me to be present in it. There is no yesterday, no tomorrow. Just now.

I stand behind a white satin curtain, the beach sand under my feet grounding me. My hand glides over the smooth fabric of my beautiful white dress, the second and last one I’ll ever wear in this lifetime. My hair hangs in large curls down my back, with a beautiful silver pin clipping one side up. Wildflowers, the same that make up my bouquet, are tucked into my hair. My lace veil gently billows in the breeze, passing through the small tent from the beach. This moment is surreal.

This is why I have a photographic memory.

The curtain opens, and I step forward, taking the arm my brother holds out. His smile and the glassiness in his eyes express everything.His eyes drift from my feet to my hair and then meet mine.

“Y-you look amazing.” His choked voice nearly makes me cry, but then we are moving, and those emotions are replaced with others.

Our small group stands a few feet away, happy faces meeting mine. Marcello and Lucy holding hands and smiling at me encouragingly.

Dee, crying while her two terrorists stand quietly beside her, Damon’s effect on them no doubt.

Damon.

Our eyes meet. Time stands still. Every memory of us together, a kaleidoscope of images through my mind, and the beautiful collage it creates makes my heart feel like it will explode while a smile splits my face.

He smiles, one I have not seen before. It lights up his face. It is a reflection of everything I am to him. His light. His rainbow. His own memories reflected on the look on his face.

Liam smiles at me, the same smile he had when he told me he went toSinto meet with Damon, who asked him for his blessing. Something that meant so much to him, considering our father was not here to give it. When I told him Damon had found our father's murderer and ‘dealt with him,’ there was nothing Damon could do wrong. And day by day, they had become friends, something new for Damon. He was changing just like I had. Like I was. Changing together.

The light and the shadow, dancing together in the darkness.

“Rainbow,” Damon says, taking my hand from Liam.

His chocolate brown eyes dance with happiness, and when his eyes dip to my stomach, I can’t help the hand that drifts to that spot.

The possessive way he pulls me towards him, bringing us closer to him, is everything. It expresses everything.

The priest runs through the ceremony, but we barely hear it. We arelost in each other.

When the priest announces that I am officially Mrs. Deangelo and that Damon can kiss the bride, he kisses me in a way that tells me my future. My future with him.

“I love you, rainbow.”

“I love you, Damon.”