182 JOANA’S POV I blinked back the sting in my eyes. “Thank you,” I whispered. “For what?” “For understanding. For not trying to erase what came before. For being you.” He smiled. “You don’t have to thank me for loving you.” The sun had dipped lower, casting long golden rays across the garden. The trees rustled gently, and for the first time that day, I felt steady. We returned to the others eventually. I drank my wine, laughed at a few jokes, and made some real decisions about decor and music. And when I caught Caleb’s eyes from across the room, something inside me whispered that maybe, just maybe— Maybe I made the right decision. Or did I? --- As I went into the bridal salon, I heard soft piano tunes, which helped to quiet the rush in my mind. Under the soft lights, the gowns were stunning, and each gown looked more impressive than the preceding one. The walls were decorated with mirrors, hoping to present dreams and doubts alike. It was time f
181JOANA’S POVWhat if I wasn’t fully healed, and I was dragging invisible baggage into what should be the happiest chapter of my life?I hated that my thoughts always drifted back to Clinton. To his soft voice at the party. To the way he smiled when the kids giggled. To the moment he gave me that gift… that final gift… and whispered, “You can marry him now. I’ll be hurt, but it’s best for you.”It was the most selfless thing he’d ever done. It was also the most painful.Sometimes, I wondered what might have happened if he hadn’t said that. Would I have still found the courage to say yes to Caleb? Or would I have kept hesitating, waiting for a sign that maybe, just maybe, Clinton and I still had unfinished business?I shook my head as if that would force the thoughts out. No. No, I wasn’t going to do this. Not again.Clinton and I… we were a beautiful chapter, but not the last one. We were healing, not restarting. That was the truth. I had to keep reminding myself of it.A knock pull
180 JOANA’S POV He sat stunned, looking at me like I had just given him the entire universe on a plate. “I—Joana,” he stammered, running a hand through his hair. “Are you sure?” I nodded. “I’ve never been more sure of anything. Last night, Clinton gave me closure. It wasn’t easy, but it made things clear. I’m not stuck in the past anymore. I’m ready for the future.” His eyes softened, that familiar glimmer returning to them. “You want a big wedding?” I tilted my head. “Maybe not royal big, but definitely fabulous. I mean, come on, we’ve got to give Mirabel a reason to wear a glittery dress and throw petals down the aisle.” He laughed, that deep belly laugh I adored. “Then it’s settled.” I leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “It’s settled.” He grinned like a schoolboy and looked down at the breakfast tray. “Does this mean I get bonus points now?” I picked up a forkful of pancake and tasted it… then nodded. “Full point granted. But don’t let it go to your head.” H
179 JOANA’S POV Outside, a sleek black mini-van waited for us, prepared ahead of time since none of us were in the condition to drive after the champagne and wine. The city night wrapped around us like a comforting blanket lights flickering like distant stars. For a moment, everything was just… still. We got in. The ride home was a peaceful experience, except for the whisper of the kids’ snores and the clicking of the hazard lights. I was occasionally looking right and left between Caleb and Clinton. One was my present and maybe my future. The other was my past—a closed chapter but an unforgettable one. When we pulled into the driveway, Clinton carefully got out first with the boys. Caleb followed with Mirabel, and I trailed behind them, my gown rustling softly with each step. I was welcomed by the house with its bright lights and familiar smell. The moment my children were asleep and settled, I went into my room and just took a few deep breaths. The night had a strong i
178 JOANA’S POV It was now the time for the toast. A glass of champagne was given to me, and I was led to the spot where everyone now turned to see me. I got ready to speak by clearing my throat. I wasn’t usually one for speeches, but tonight? I had to say something. “Wow,” I began, laughing softly. “First of all… I forgot it was my birthday. I know. That sounds insane. But with everything going on lately—from cranky clients to sketch-destroying toddlers—I guess my brain had more important fires to put out.” Everyone was laughing and enjoying a good mood. “In fact, being here now,” I said, “I see your love, notice all your hard work and feel the care you have. I realise that no matter how much happens in our lives, we must still celebrate ourselves. At times, we need someone to help us remember our values.” I turned toward Clinton. He didn’t move. Just stood there, glass in hand, face unreadable. “So thank you,” I said, my voice softening. “To Clinton. Because th
177JOANA’S POVCaleb was beside him, laughing at something a guest had said, but even from across the room, I could feel it.That aura.That energy.Clinton wasn’t just present.He was the presence.“Mommy, guess what?” Mirabel chirped, her curls bouncing. “It was Daddy’s idea! He planned everything!”My eyes slowly returned to her face.“What?” I asked quietly.Jake nodded so hard his curls flew. “Uh-huh! Daddy planned it all! He said it had to be perfect!”Japheth grinned and added proudly, “He even picked the cake himself. Triple chocolate fudge.”I stared at them. Then, over at Clinton again.He was still watching.Still smiling.But there was something else there now.Not pride.Not amusement.Something… deeper. Sadder. Like he’d poured his soul into this, but wasn’t quite sure he had the right to be proud of it.“Daddy said no talking to you about it,” Jake continued like he was telling a simple fact. “He also said keeping the whole thing secret made it more fun.”“And he got h