Chapter 24

Twenty-Four

Mia

Nine Months Later

The cabin was finally done, and the fire crackled behind us. The smell of fresh-cut wood mixed with the faint scent of cedar reminded me that this place, with its rustic charm and open spaces, was now our home. Sunlight streamed in through the large windows, accompanied by a soft breeze rustling through the trees.

Liam stood next to me, looking more dapper than ever in his stylish Western attire—dark jeans, a light blue button-up, and a leather jacket that perfectly suited Cedar Cove's rugged surroundings. A grin crept across my face as I reflected on how much we had grown since we had met.

Carla, now the CEO of Edgewater Securities, stood before us, holding a small folder with our marriage license inside. Her kind smile and sparkling eyes radiated joy as she prepared to officiate our ceremony. It was crazy to think that not long ago, she was just Liam's trusted assistant, and now she was marrying us in our very own cabin.

Standing to my left, Tessa had fully embraced her role as Cedar Cove's Chief Ranger, but today, she traded her usual work gear for a Western-style dress and a brand-new pair of ankle boots. The dress moved with the same easy confidence she always carried, while the boots gave a nod to her practical side. Her eyes sparkled with pride as she stood witness for me, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for her friendship.

To my right, my parents, Ann and Fred, stood beaming with pride, both of them smiling at me with the kind of love only parents could have for their daughter on her wedding day.

My father, Fred, had given me away just moments ago, his eyes misty as he kissed my cheek and whispered how proud he was of me. My mom, Ann, dabbed at her eyes with a tissue, her smile full of joy as she watched this moment unfold. It was everything I had imagined, surrounded by the people who loved me most.

And then there was Daisy, sitting obediently by my feet, wearing a small red bandana around her neck. She watched us intently, her tail occasionally thumping against the wooden floor as if she knew this moment was as special for her as it was for us.

I shifted slightly, my heart racing in the best way possible as Carla began to speak.

"We're gathered here today," she started, her voice full of emotion, "to celebrate the love between two people who have not only built a life together but have grown as partners, friends, and teammates. Mia and Liam, you've faced challenges together and found strength in each other. Today symbolizes the love and the life you've built and the future that lies ahead."

I glanced over at Liam, feeling the weight of everything we'd been through together—the ups and downs, the struggles and triumphs. His blue eyes met mine, steady and sure, and my heart swelled with love for him.

Carla turned to me, signaling it was time to share our vows. I took a deep breath, feeling the emotion rise within me as I spoke.

"Liam, when I first met you, I could never have dreamed I'd be standing here today, in this beautiful cabin we built together, surrounded by our closest friends. You entered my life during a time when I didn't even know I needed someone as extraordinary as you. You taught me that true love doesn't diminish our independence; it magnifies it, making us stronger together.

"You've been my anchor, guiding me to grow in ways I never imagined possible, both in my heart and in my career. With you, I've discovered a partner who believes in me and who lifts me up even when I falter. As I stand here with you, I feel an overwhelming joy about our journey ahead. I can't wait to weave our dreams into reality, starting with this magical moment and every beautiful moment that follows. Together, forever, is just the beginning."

Liam's eyes softened as he reached for my hands, taking them in his own as he began his vows.

"Mia," he said softly, his voice laced with emotion, "before I met you, I lived in a whirlwind, convinced I had all the answers and that my life in Dallas was complete. But then you entered my world and illuminated something I hadn't even realized was missing. You taught me that home isn't merely a place—it's a beautiful bond between two hearts. You are my home, Mia. You've shown me the true depth of love and how it transforms a man. Your strength and independence inspire me every day, and I admire the way you bravely face whatever life throws at you. I can hardly express how grateful I am to share this journey with you as my wife. Together, I know we can create a lifetime filled with love and adventure."

I could feel my eyes welling up with tears, my heart full as Liam finished speaking. This moment, standing here in the cabin we had dreamed of, felt so real, so right. Everything about this day was perfect—small, simple, and full of love, just the way we wanted it.

Carla gave us a knowing smile before she spoke again. "Mia, Liam, by the power vested in me as a notary and justice of the peace, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Liam, you may kiss your bride."

Liam leaned in, his lips brushing mine softly at first, and then with a deeper tenderness that made me feel like the world around us had disappeared. As we kissed, I could hear Tessa clapping softly, and Derek letting out a quiet cheer.

When we pulled away, I caught sight of Daisy, now wagging her tail furiously as if she were celebrating along with us. I laughed, bending down to give her a scratch behind the ears. "Guess we're all in this together, huh?" I said softly.

Liam grinned, pulling me back into his arms. "It's official. We're all a happy family."

Behind the small rustic bar nestled in the corner of our recently finished cabin's spacious great room, I arranged an assortment of trays laden with delectable dishes. With anticipation shimmering in his eyes, Liam carefully selected the champagne bottle we had been cherishing for this special occasion. With a smooth twist, the cork popped, and the fizzy sound of bubbles filling the glasses added a light, celebratory touch to the moment.

"Perfect pour," he said with a grin, handing me a glass. I took it, and our fingers brushed, sending a spark of excitement through me. Carla, standing nearby, smiled warmly at the two of us. "You two sure know how to make your wedding day intimate and unforgettable."

I laughed, taking a sip of the champagne. "It's hard not to with a setting like this."

Tessa knelt down, giving Daisy a gentle scratch behind the ears before looking up at me with a bright smile. "I'm so happy for you and Liam, Mia," she said, her voice soft with emotion. "This is exactly the kind of day you both deserve."

I smiled back, reflecting her kindness. "Thank you, Tessa. I'm so glad you're here. How's everything going at the park? I know you've been busy."

Tessa straightened, brushing off her dress, the fringe swaying with the movement. "It's been great. I'm really growing into the chief ranger role, but... I still miss having you around. It's not quite the same without you."

I nodded, touched by her words. "I miss it too, but I couldn't be happier with where life's taken me. And seeing you thrive in the position makes it all worth it."

Her eyes sparkled with pride as she gave me a small, knowing smile. "Thanks, Mia. It's a big job, but I love it, especially now with the museum addition. Still, nothing beats moments like this—standing here, watching you and Liam start this new chapter. I wouldn't have missed it for the world."

Derek, standing with a more reserved smile, nodded. "It's good to be here. Things are looking up for me too. I've been attending a support group for my gambling addiction... and, well, I feel hopeful about the future." He glanced at Liam with a sense of gratitude. "Thanks for believing in me."

Liam poured another glass, offering it to Derek with a nod. "You're doing the work, Derek. That's what counts."

As the celebration proceeded, a sense of lightness filled the room. It was one of those quiet, perfect moments where everything felt in balance—our lives, our love, and the friends who had become family.

"Speaking of important people," Liam said, turning to Derek with a grin, "Cory's going to be here tomorrow. He couldn't make the wedding, but he didn't want to miss out on our fishing trip."

I laughed softly and added, "Of course, he never misses a chance to fish."

"Especially with our new boat," Liam added.

"I'm looking forward to that trip." Derek raised his glass in a salute.

I could already picture the four of us out on the water, the sun glistening on the lake. It felt like the perfect way to celebrate this new chapter in our lives with our closest friends nearby.

As we clinked glasses with our small circle, toasting to the future, I felt a deep sense of peace settle over me. Everything had fallen into place, just as it was meant to.

As the soft light of early evening settled over the cabin, I hugged Tessa goodbye, feeling a swell of emotion. She'd been my best friend for so long, and seeing her so happy filled me with pride.

"You did it, Mia. But I need to go. I have a date with Brit tonight," she whispered in my ear as she pulled me in tight. "But I'm so proud of you."

I smiled, squeezing her one last time. "I couldn't have done it without your support. Have fun with Brit. You're next."

Tessa waved as she headed for the door, her laughter trailing behind her. I turned to Carla and Derek, guiding them toward the guest rooms we'd set up for the night.

"Thank you for everything," I said to Carla as she walked down the hallway, her steps confident. "You've been such a good friend... and an amazing officiant."

Carla smiled back at me, her usual composed self with a glint in her eyes. "It was my pleasure, Mia. Seeing you and Liam like this—it's the best part of the job."

Derek nodded in agreement, giving me a small smile as they both disappeared into their rooms. I stood there for a moment, letting the quiet settle around me. The day had been so full of joy, but now, the peacefulness of the evening felt like the perfect way to end it.

Mom and Dad, eager to return to Little Rock and their dogs, hugged and kissed me. "Come to visit us soon," Mom said as she stepped into the limo that would take them to Liam's jet.

I made my way back to the porch where Liam was waiting. The sky had turned a soft shade of purple, the last rays of the setting sun shone over the land we now called home. I stepped outside, and Liam immediately wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close.

"Perfect day," he murmured, his voice low and content.

I nodded, resting my head against his chest. "It really was. I'm so glad we kept it simple."

Liam pressed a kiss to the top of my head. "It was exactly what it needed to be. Just us and the people who matter."

As the sky darkened and the stars began to peek through, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Everything had fallen into place, from the cabin to our work, to the quiet ceremony that had sealed our future together. I didn't need anything else—no big wedding, no grand gestures. This, right here, was everything.

"I love you," I whispered, wrapping my arms around his waist and holding him close.

Liam turned slightly, pressing his lips softly against mine before pulling me into his chest. "I love you too, Mia. More than you'll ever know."

We stood there for a long time, the cool evening breeze sweeping across the porch, holding each other as the stars blinked into the sky. This was it—the life we'd built, the love that had carried us here, and the future that stretched out before us.

At this moment, everything felt perfect.