CHAPTER 3 — THE BRIDE'S CHOICE
CHAPTER 3 — THE BRIDE'S CHOICE
The bride removed Daniel's engagement ring from her finger.
Slowly.
Carefully.
Without saying a single word.
Daniel reached toward her again.
"Please... don't do this."
She looked directly into his eyes.
"I didn't ruin this wedding."
"You did."
She placed the ring into his palm.
"You lied every single day we were together."
"You looked me in the eye and promised forever while another woman was still legally your wife."
Daniel began crying.
"I'm sorry."
"So am I," she answered quietly.
"I'm sorry I believed you."
The church doors opened.
Reporters hadn't arrived.
There were no dramatic crowds.
Only family members trying to understand how everything had fallen apart in a matter of minutes.
The bride walked toward Rebecca.
For a moment, neither woman spoke.
Then the bride surprised everyone.
She gently hugged her.
"I'm sorry he hurt you too."
Rebecca broke down in tears.
"I never wanted to destroy your wedding."
"I know."
"You saved me from marrying a stranger."
The little girl looked up at the bride.
"Are you sad?"
The bride smiled through tears.
"A little."
Emma wrapped her tiny arms around her waist.
"My mommy says hugs help."
The bride closed her eyes.
May you like
For the first time all day...
She believed they actually might.
