Chapter 17 - The Ring and the Locket
"May we have the rings?" the minister asked.
Lily stepped forward proudly, holding a small velvet cushion. On it rested two simple gold bands.
Julian took the ring and slid it onto Clara’s finger, his hand steady and warm. Clara took the second ring and slid it onto Julian’s finger, completing the bond they had fought so hard to protect.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the minister declared with a warm smile. "You may kiss the bride."
Julian wrapped his arms around Clara and lifted her slightly off her feet, pressing his lips to hers as the small group of guests erupted into joyful applause and cheers.
Evelyn wiped away her tears, clapping loudly beside Marcus, while Lily bounced up and down on her toes, cheering happily.
When they parted, Clara looked down at her hands. On her ring finger sat her wedding band. And around her neck sat the gold locket.
She opened the latch one more time.
May you like
Inside the double frame was no longer a secret code or a frantic photo taken in secret. On the left side was a picture of her mother, smiling radiantly in the sunshine. On the right side was a brand-new photograph taken that very morning: Clara, Julian, Evelyn, and little Lily, all laughing together on the porch of Vance Manor.
The pain of the past twelve years had finally been healed. The golden heart was whole once again.
