Page 98 of Monstrosity

"Ladies, we need the flower girls for photos!" It's Bodul's voice. "And Tindra, I... uh... you look really pretty!"

Tindra blushes furiously while the rest of us try not to laugh. Young love is adorable.

"Five minutes!" Starla calls back, then turns to us. "Okay, everyone out except the bridal party. Time to get this show on the road."

The room empties except for Meghan, Saga, and the girls.

I stand, smoothing my dress, and take a last look in the mirror. The woman staring back at me is so different from the one who served coffee a year ago.

Stronger, happier, complete.

"You forgot something," Florencia says seriously.

"What's that, baby?"

She produces a small wrapped box. "From Daddy. He said to give it to you right before."

Inside is a simple bracelet with three charms—two small hearts with F and C engraved, and a coffee cup. I laugh through sudden tears.

"Don't cry!" Meghan warns. "You'll ruin your makeup!"

"Happy tears don't count," I insist, fastening the bracelet.

It's perfect. Rio knows me so well.

"Ready?" Meghan asks, handing me my bouquet—simple wildflowers the girls picked this morning from the field behind the clubhouse.

"Ready," I confirm.

We make our way outside where the transformation takes my breath away.

The backyard is strung with lights and white fabric, creating an ethereal canopy.

Chairs are arranged in neat rows, filled with our chosen family.

The archway Magnus built is wrapped in flowers and more lights, with what looks suspiciously like some of Rio's mother's lace tablecloth woven through it.

And there, at the end of the aisle, stands Rio.

He's in his cut over a black button-down and jeans—not traditional, but perfectly him.

When our eyes meet across the space, his face transforms with a smile that makes my knees weak.

Beside him, Emil stands at attention, looking uncomfortable in his role but determined to do it right.

He keeps tugging at his collar like it's strangling him.

"Daddy's crying," Cali whispers, sounding delighted.

She's right. Rio's eyes are definitely wet as he watches us line up.

The music starts—someone's acoustic guitar playing something soft and sweet.

I recognize Aren, who apparently plays in a band when he's not prospecting.

Florencia and Cali go first, taking their flower girl duties seriously.

Cali throws petals with enthusiasm while Florencia follows, making sure the coverage is even.