Chapter 64: White Roses at the Lake

The lake house bloomed with white roses.

They climbed the porch railings, framed the garden path, and filled glass bowls on every table. Scarlett knew some people would call it sentimental. She did not care. Her mother had loved white roses, and for once, the flowers belonged to joy instead of grief.

The morning of the wedding arrived clear and gold.

Scarlett sat before the mirror in an ivory gown designed around her body, not against it. The skirt flowed elegantly over her chair, but it also allowed her to stand for the short ceremony if she chose. Isabella's pearl comb rested in her hair. Her mother's diamond ring hung at her throat. Alexander's emerald ring shone on her finger.

Dr. Cross entered with a clipboard.

'I am here professionally to remind you not to be dramatic.'

Scarlett smiled. 'You realize whom I am marrying?'

'Unfortunately.'

Grace came next, then Clara, then Marion Blake with tears already in her eyes. For years, Scarlett had imagined brides surrounded by mothers, sisters, childhood friends. Her room held a lawyer, a doctor, a former housekeeper, and a journalist.

Somehow, it felt perfect.

Outside, Alexander waited beneath an arch of roses. He wore black, of course. Scarlett suspected he considered it cheerful.

When the music began, she rolled herself to the start of the aisle.

Then she stopped.

Dr. Cross stood nearby. 'Your call.'

Scarlett looked down the aisle.

Alexander's eyes met hers. No demand. No pity. Only love.

Scarlett locked her chair, took her cane, and slowly rose.

A soft gasp moved through the guests.

One step.

Then another.

Luca stood near Alexander, blinking suspiciously fast.

Scarlett did not walk the whole aisle. Halfway through, her legs trembled too hard. She sat back into her chair with grace, not defeat, and continued forward.

Alexander's eyes were shining when she reached him.

'You are trying to kill me before the vows,' he whispered.

Scarlett smiled. 'You survived worse.'

The ceremony was simple.

When Alexander vowed to love her without owning her, protect her without controlling her, and stand with her in truth, Scarlett cried openly.

When Scarlett vowed to love him not as a savior but as a partner, Alexander lowered his head as if the words humbled him.

They kissed beneath white roses while the lake glittered behind them.

For once, every witness saw love without scandal.