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Chapter twenty-one

Ryder

I see my reflection in the mirror, the realization suddenly hits me with crystal clarity why I want to marry Victoria. Because I truly, deeply love her. The emotion is real and undeniable, even though I've been wrestling with my conscience for the last few weeks. Every time I think about writing my vows, I've been consumed by this gnawing feeling that I'm somehow betraying Ava. But I know Ava would want me to find happiness and love again.

She would absolutely want me to marry Victoria—that's just the kind of selfless, loving woman Ava is. If our situations were reversed, and I was the one laying in that hospital bed and Ava had found someone who brought light back into her life—I would want that for her without hesitation. I wouldn't want her spending years of her life just sitting beside my bed, watching life pass her by while drowning in grief. She deserves better than that, and so do I.

I grab a pen and notepad from the desk and settle into the leather chair behind it. The words flow easily now that my mind is clear.

When I’m finished, I fold the paper carefully, sliding it into the inner pocket of my tuxedo jacket, right over my heart where it belongs. The door opens and August steps in, looking sharp in his own tux.

"You ready to get married, man?" He adjusts his bow tie, grinning at me.

I stand up, smoothing down my jacket. For the first time in years, I feel absolutely certain about the path ahead of me. "Yeah, I really am."

I head out with my groomsmen, exchanging hellos with arriving guests as we make our way to our positions before the minister. Glancing at my brothers—August, Chase, Ethan, and Keith—I know they're more than friends. They're my true family. I'd walk through hell for any one of them, and they'd do the exact same for me.

My fingers brush against the folded paper in my pocket, the vows I finally managed to write. The words feel right, honest. They honor both my past and my future.

Chase leans in close, keeping his voice low. "The security detail is all set. Perimeter's locked down tight."

I nod, grateful for his attention to detail. Even on my wedding day, old habits die hard. But that's what makes us successful. We never let our guard down.

"Thanks, brother." I clasp his shoulder. His presence beside me, along with Ethan, Keith, and August, steady my nerves.

The string quartet begin their first piece, signaling the ceremony will start soon. I watch August fidget with his cufflinks—a gift from Victoria. She'd thoughtfully included him in every aspect of the wedding planning, understanding how important Ava's brother is to me.

The doors open again, and I catch glimpses of the bridesmaids gathering. My heart rate picks up, knowing Victoria will be walking down the aisle towards me any minute. The familiar rush of adrenaline courses through me, but this time it isn't from facing down a threat or closing a deal. This is about beginning a new chapter, one I never expected.

Keith subtly checks his watch, then gives me a slight nod. Right on schedule. The quartet transitions to a new piece, and the wedding coordinator begins ushering the bridesmaids into position.

I realize Danie isn't standing among them and wonder if there is an issue with Ava. My eyes sweep across the sanctuary looking for any sign of her. August catches my questioning look.

"Danie's pretty overwhelmed by it all today.” He speaks low enough so only I can hear. “She is going to watch from the seats instead. She doesn't want to pull focus from your special moment. She's sitting at the end of the second row.”

My eyes land on her, sitting alone, in the second pew, just as August had said. I give her a small and what I hope is an understanding smile. Her eyes meet mine, and she returns the gesture with a smile of her own. Even from here, I can tell she is trying t o keep her composure, likely feeling the weight of everything that has led us to this moment.

I square my shoulders, tugging once at my jacket sleeves—another old habit. But my hands are steady, my mind is clear. This is what I’m supposed to do to move on and be happy.

I stand at the altar, starting to sweat as the wedding march begins to play. Through the open church doors, I catch my first glimpse of Victoria in her white gown. She is radiant, her face glowing with happiness behind the delicate veil. Her father walks proudly beside her, his chest puffed out with pride as they make their way down the aisle.

My throat tightens with emotion. After everything—the pain, the loss, the long journey to get to this point—this is my second chance at love. Victoria brought some light back into my world at a time when I thought I'd live in darkness forever.

I catch sight of Mikhail all decked out. His little tuxedo looking sharp on his ten-year-old body. He is beaming as he takes his place beside August and me. He glances up at me, tapping the spot on his chest where he's guarding the rings. I shoot him a quick wink, and his face lights up with that gap-toothed smile I love so much.

August stands tall and proud beside me. Having Ava's brother and one of my best friends here, supporting me in this moment, means everything to me. I couldn’t have ever moved forward without his blessing.

Victoria walks closer, her blue eyes locked with mine. The same eyes that had looked at me with such compassion during those endless days sitting with Ava. The same eyes that had seen past my walls and defenses to the broken man underneath. And somehow, incredibly, had loved me anyway.

Victoria reaches the altar steps. Her father kisses her cheek before placing her hand in mine. Her fingers tremble slightly, but her smile lights up the entire room. In this moment, looking into her eyes, I know with absolute certainty that this is the right choice.

"You look beautiful," I whisper, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

Her eyes sparkle with happy tears. "You clean up pretty nice yourself."

The minister clears his throat, and we turn to face him as he begins the ceremony. Victoria's hand remains warm and steady in mine.

The minister begins the traditional opening words to the wedding ceremony and my throat tightens slightly. The afternoon sun streams through the stained glass, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across Victoria's white gown.

I turn to face her as the minister begins the vows. The traditional words echo through the church, carrying the weight of centuries of promises made before us. Before I even realize, it is time for our vows.

"The couple has prepared their own vows. Ryder, please proceed." The minister announces.

I pull the folded piece of paper from my pocket, though I barely need to look at it. These words had come from my heart when I finally allowed myself to be honest about my feelings.

"Victoria," I begin. "You walked into my life during its darkest hour, bringing a light that I thought I'd never see again. Your compassion, your strength, and your unwavering support helped me find my way back to living instead of just existing."

I squeeze her hands gently, watching the tears well up in her eyes. "You never asked me to forget my past or pretend that it didn't happen. Instead, you helped me honor it while showing me it is okay to love again. You have taken on responsibilities that most people wouldn't, and you have handled it all with grace. Even learning Russian for Mikhail. You've given me a second chance at happiness, and I promise to spend the rest of my life making sure you never regret taking the chance on me."

Victoria's tears spill over, but her smile never wavers. I reach up to brush away a tear that has escaped down her cheek, the gesture intimate despite our audience.

"I vow to protect you, and cherish you with everything I am. To be your partner, your protector, and your safe harbor in any storm. This is my promise to you, today and always."

I watch as Victoria pulls out her own handwritten vows that she had wrapped around the stems of her bouquet. Her hands shake slightly as she unfolds the paper.

"Ryder, when I first met you, I was simply doing my job as a nurse. But something about you called to my heart, even in those difficult days. Your strength, your loyalty, your deep capacity for love—all of it drew me in despite my professional boundaries. I promise to always be your safe place, just as you are mine. To support your dreams, share your burdens, and walk beside you through whatever life brings us. I vow to love you completely, honestly , and faithfully."

She pauses, taking in a shaky breath. "I know our path hasn't been traditional, but that makes it no less precious. I promise to be your partner in all things, to face life's challenges by your side, and to cherish every moment we're blessed to share."

The sincerity in her voice, it strikes me again how fortunate I am to have found her. She truly gets it, gets me, in a way few others do. She has never tried to compete with Ava or push me to move on. Instead, she has given me the space to heal while showing me it is possible to love again without betraying what came before.

Her fingers tighten around mine as she finishes her vows. "This is my promise to you, Ryder Donovan. To love and support you always, and walk through life as your partner, your best friend, and your wife."

The minister smiles warmly at us both. "May I have the rings?"

I watch as Mikhail steps forward, presenting the rings on a small velvet cushion. Victoria's sister crafted the rings herself—simple platinum bands with a subtle wave pattern etched into the metal.

The minister lifts my ring first. "Victoria, please place this ring on Ryder's finger and repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed."

She takes the platinum band with a single diamond on the top and slides it onto my finger. "With this ring, I thee wed," her voice sounding a little choked up at the end.

"And as a symbol of my love and commitment." the minister prompts.

"And as a symbol of my love and commitment." The platinum catches the light streaming through the stained glass, throwing tiny rainbows across the room.

I take Victoria’s ring next, her hands trembling as I slip it onto her thin finger. I start to repeat the words.

"With this ring—" is all I get out before I am interrupted.

"She's awake!" I hear Danie yell from her seat. "Oh my God! Ava woke up! She’s finally awake!"