Chapter 14 - Under the Chicago Stars
Six months after that freezing midnight night by the Pine Grove Cemetery gates, the bitter winter winds had given way to the warm, vibrant embrace of a Chicago summer. The lakefront penthouse was bathed in golden evening light, the balcony doors flung wide open to let in the gentle breeze rolling off Lake Michigan. On the private rooftop terrace, decorated with thousands of twinkling fairy lights and white roses, an intimate gathering of close friends and trusted staff stood in quiet reverence. Grace Bennett walked down a pathway strewn with flower petals, wearing a stunning, elegant white silk dress that shimmered under the city stars. Her brown hair fell in soft curls, and on her left wrist gleamed the silver bracelet with the tiny moon charm. Waiting for her at a floral arch was Ethan, dressed in a sharp tuxedo, his eyes shining with profound reverence and unshed tears of joy. Standing right beside him as their flower girl was Ava, wearing a matching white lace dress and holding a basket of rose petals with a massive, gap-toothed grin. As the magistrate asked for their vows, Ethan looked deep into Grace’s eyes. “I lost you once because I was chasing shadows and empires,” Ethan vowed, his voice thick with emotion. “I will spend every remaining breath of my life making sure you never have to walk through the dark alone again.” Grace smiled, tears of pure happiness spilling over her lashes. “You found me when the world gave up on me, Ethan. We’re home.” With hands that trembled with joy, Ethan slid a brilliant diamond wedding band onto her finger, sealing their vows with a deep, passionate kiss while Ava cheered loudly and clapped her hands with uncontainable delight.
