Chapter 63

Natalie

"Are you ready?" Frank asks me. The sun casts him in luminous light, and the breeze outside the church smells like the ocean. "No cold feet this time, right?"

"No. Because this time, I will push open these doors and wind up with the right man." I hand him a smile. "I'm ready."

There are actual tears in his eyes. "Your new designer wedding dress is gorgeous—wait until Linnea and Carmen see you walking down the aisle. They are going to cry their eyes out."

My smile only grows, but I tilt my head to meet his eyes before I push open the doors. A question has been burning inside my mind for quite some time now.

I wet my lips. "Can I ask something?"

Frank's wrinkly face turns serious. "Anything."

"Why did you refuse to walk me down the aisle last time?"

His lips form a knowing smile. "Were you in love with Alaric?"

I shake my head. "No."

"That's your answer."

"Good answer."

"I always rooted for you and Noah," Alaric nods at the doors. "Are you ready to get married?"

"I