Chapter 78

Sienna sat in front of the vanity mirror, watching as the makeup artist added the finishing touches for what would be the most important day of her life. She caught her reflection and smiled, excitement bubbling up as she let out a soft, contented sigh. Today was the day—their wedding day.

A gentle knock at the door caught her attention. She turned to see her mother, Vivian, standing at the doorway, her face glowing with pride.

"Ma," Sienna greeted, starting to rise, but her mother motioned for her to stay seated.

Vivian's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she approached her daughter. "You look absolutely stunning," she whispered, cupping Sienna's face with tenderness. After a brief pause, her expression softened further. "I know we haven't talked in detail about everything that happened... but I want you to know that I'm not standing in your way anymore. I'm sorry I didn't do more back then. I should've been there, standing up for you."

Sienna's voice cracked as emotion filled her throat. "Ma, it's okay. Everything's okay now," she said softly, her eyes shimmering with tears. "You don't have to apologize. If anything, I want to thank you—for giving me the chance to be with Riley. I appreciate it more than you know."

Vivian nodded, her smile trembling as she held back tears. "Of course, sweetheart. Riley's already shown me how much she loves you. When she came to me, asking for my understanding, I knew right then that you'd be in good hands. That's why I'm here today—to support both of you."

Vivian had recently filed for divorce from Sienna's father. It hadn't been an easy process, but the case had finally been approved. Sienna realized that sometimes, love didn't need to be confined to marriage to be real or lasting. She understood now that love could take many forms, and that choosing yourself was sometimes the bravest act of love.

Vivian sighed softly, a look of contentment settling on her face as she gazed at her daughter. Leaning in, she kissed Sienna gently on the forehead. "I'll be walking you down the aisle, sweetie. I'll see you there," she whispered, her voice full of warmth before excusing herself from the room.

Sienna nodded, offering her mother a smile as she watched her leave. She couldn't quite put into words the emotions swirling inside her. All she knew was that her heart felt completely full—overflowing with love from Riley, from Riley's family, their friends, and now, more than ever, from her own mother.

Riley stood at the altar, her heart racing so loudly she could almost hear it. This was the moment they'd both been waiting for—the culmination of months of preparation. It was all worth it. Though they had the option for media coverage, they chose to keep the wedding private, intimate, and shared only with their closest loved ones.

As she saw Sienna standing at the other end of the aisle, hand in hand with her mother, Riley felt a lump in her throat. She smiled, fighting back tears as her soon-to-be wife approached. "Don't cry, don't cry," she whispered to herself, blinking quickly and adjusting her tie in an effort to stay composed.

Sienna looked breathtaking in her white gown, the fabric complementing her skin tone perfectly. Riley held her breath as Sienna reached her side, her beauty overwhelming. Sienna's mother, Vivian, stepped forward, gently taking Riley's hand.

"I know you will take care of my daughter," Vivian began, her voice soft but firm. "But I still need to say it. Please, take good care of her. And if there ever comes a time when you no longer love her the way you do now, return her to me. I will take her back with open arms, just promise me you'll never hurt her."

Riley smiled warmly, nodding as she reassured, "I will take care of her, mother. And you have my word—I will never hurt Sienna, nor will I ever let myself fall out of love with her."

Vivian smiled through teary eyes and placed Sienna's hand into Riley's before retreating to her seat.

"You're stunning," Riley whispered, her voice filled with emotion. Sienna smiled back, unable to speak, her heart overflowing.

Together, they turned toward the altar as the wedding officiant began, "We are gathered here today to witness Riley Pierce and Sienna Reed as they exchange their vows..."

"You have come here today to share your love and commitment to each other. Before these witnesses, I ask you to state your vows, promising to love and be faithful to one another for the rest of your lives," the officiant said, gently signaling for Sienna to begin.

Sienna took a deep breath, her voice trembling with emotion. "Riley, we started as friends, became enemies, and somehow found our way back to each other as lovers. Love, as we've learned, works in mysterious ways. We've faced so many ups and downs, but here we are, standing before everyone, ready to make this promise for forever."

Her voice cracked as she continued, trying to hold back her tears. "I know I'm not perfect, but I will always strive to make things right through my actions. I won't make promises that could ever hurt you. Instead, I want you to know that I love you, deeply and truly, and I'm committed to being by your side until we're old and gray. I will love you with every part of me, until my very last breath."

Riley smiled, a soft nod encouraging her, and then took a steadying breath before speaking her own vows. "Sienna, it's been a long time since I've told you this, but from the very beginning, I knew I wanted you to be my endgame. Even after we parted ways for those years, nothing changed. You were always the one I looked for, the one I waited for. If it's not you, then it could never be anyone else."

Her voice grew tender, filled with conviction. "I will love you more each day, and together, we'll create memories to treasure forever. And if we ever face hardships, let them be what makes us stronger, not what pulls us apart. I love you, in this life and beyond."

The wedding officiant nodded at them after their vows were exchanged. "Do you, Sienna Reed, take Riley Pierce to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?"

Sienna looked at the officiant and then turned to Riley, her smile widening as tears threatened to spill. "I do."

The officiant then turned to Riley. "Do you, Riley Pierce, take Sienna Reed to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?"

Riley met Sienna's gaze, her heart full. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she replied, "I do."

"May your love grow stronger with each passing day, and may you always find joy in one another. By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you wives. You may kiss the bride." The officiant announced, bringing the ceremony to its beautiful conclusion.

Riley sighed, staring into Sienna's eyes as she delicately removed her veil. "I still can't believe you're my wife now," she whispered, biting her lower lip to contain her joy. Sienna laughed, and Riley gently cupped her cheeks, brushing her thumb over them.

"I love you," Riley said, her voice filled with affection as she gazed deeply into Sienna's eyes.

"I love you more," Sienna replied, captivated by Riley's hazel eyes that always seemed to hold her.

With smiles of pure happiness, Riley leaned in, sealing their vows with a kiss.

Cheers erupted around them as they shared a passionate kiss, their loved ones celebrating the profound love they had found in each other.