Page 74 of The Off-limits Grump Next Door

As I scanned the crowd, I spotted Eve, tears welling in her eyes. Even Anne had shown up, her expression sincere for once. Damon sat grinning, surrounded by friends.

Lucinda, glowing and radiant, sat in the front row beside Tom. I couldn’t help but imagine Kendra with that same glow one day, carrying our child. Jack and Emily sat beside Lucinda, their eyes wide with excitement. Jack wore a little tuxedo, and Emily’s flower girl dress was a miniature version of Kendra’s gown.

The doors at the back of the hall swung open, and there she was—Kendra, on Tom’s arm, walking toward me.

My breath caught.

She was breathtaking. Her lace gown hugged her curves, cascading like a river of ivory. But it was her face that held me captive. Her lips moved silently: “I love you.”

A grin spread across my face, unstoppable.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I watched her walk down the aisle. Tom’s pride was evident, and I felt a surge of gratitude that I hadn’t let my anger cost me this moment.

The hall fell silent as the organist played Kendra’s entrance. Everyone stood, the air humming with anticipation.

When Tom and Kendra reached the altar, he placed her hand in mine, his voice low with emotion. “Take care of her, Antonio.”

I nodded, my gaze never leaving hers.

At that moment, the room faded away. It was just the two of us—me and Kendra, standing on the edge of forever.

“Kendra…” I whispered, the world falling away.

Nothing else mattered.

Just us.

Just our love.

THE END.