32. Chloe

CHAPTER 32

Chloe

A s Rendal leads me to the beautifully set table in the secluded garden, my heart flutters with anticipation. The fairy lights twinkle softly overhead, casting a dreamy glow over the entire scene. It's like stepping into a magical realm, just for the two of us.

I can't help but feel overwhelmed by the love and thought Rendal has put into this evening. Every detail, from the exquisite place settings to the fragrant flowers adorning the table, speaks volumes about his care and attention.

As we enjoy the delicious dinner, I find myself lost in Rendal's eyes. The conversation flows easily, punctuated by shared laughter and tender moments. I'm struck by how natural and right this feels – being here with him, surrounded by beauty and romance.

After savoring every bite of the decadent dessert, Rendal stands and takes my hand. His touch sends a shiver of excitement through me as he guides me to a small clearing nearby. The soft strains of music fill the air as a string quartet begins to play. I recognize the melody instantly – it's our song, the one that always reminds me of our journey together.

My breath catches in my throat as Rendal drops to one knee before me. Time seems to stand still as he reveals a sparkling ring, its diamond catching the light of the fairy lights around us.

Tears fill my eyes, blurring my vision but not dimming the love I see reflected in Rendal's gaze. My heart pounds so hard I can hear it in my ears, and I'm trembling with anticipation.

His voice, filled with emotion, carries clearly in the quiet garden as he asks the question I've been dreaming of hearing. "Chloe, you've brought so much joy and love into my life. I have been so lucky to meet not just you but Penelope, too. Our girls are already like family, and I could not imagine anyone better for Zola than you. I want to be the father that Penelope needs, the man that you want, and to make us a real family." He sucks in a deep breath. "Will you marry me?"

The words hang in the air, sweet and perfect. I can see the vulnerability in Rendal's eyes, a softness that contrasts beautifully with his strong, green features. My heart swells with love for this incredible orc who's become my whole world. I want to shout my answer from the rooftops, but for a moment, I'm too overwhelmed to speak.

My heart soars, and without a moment's hesitation, I shout, "Yes! Yes, of course!"

I can't stop smiling as he slips the ring onto my finger, his strong green hands gentle against my skin. Overwhelmed with happiness, I throw my arms around his neck, pulling him close and savoring the feel of his muscular body against mine.

The next morning, I wake up with a smile on my face, the events of last night still fresh in my mind. As I glance at the sparkling ring on my finger, I feel a rush of excitement. Rendal and I agreed to share the news with the girls over breakfast, and I can hardly wait to see their reactions.

We gather in the kitchen, the smell of pancakes filling the air. Penelope and Zola are chattering away, oblivious to the big news we're about to share. Rendal catches my eye and gives me a subtle nod.

"Girls," I begin, my voice trembling slightly with excitement, "we have something important to tell you."

Their little faces turn to us, curiosity shining in their eyes. Rendal takes my hand, his touch reassuring.

"Chloe and I are getting married," Rendal announces, his voice filled with joy.

For a moment, there's silence. Then, as if on cue, both girls erupt into squeals of delight. Penelope jumps up from her chair and rushes to hug me, while Zola clings to Rendal's leg, bouncing up and down with excitement.

"Let me see the ring!" Penelope exclaims, grabbing my hand. Her eyes widen as she examines the sparkling diamond. "It's so pretty, Mom!"

Zola nods in agreement, her little face beaming. "Does this mean we're going to be real sisters?" she asks, looking between Penelope and me.

"That's right, sweetheart," Rendal says, scooping her up into his arms. "We're going to be one big, happy family."

The rest of the day is a whirlwind of joy and celebration. We visit our closest friends and family, sharing our news and basking in their warm congratulations. Lisa, my best friend, hugs me tightly, tears of happiness in her eyes. "I'm so happy for you, Chloe," she whispers. "You deserve this."

As we make our rounds, I'm overwhelmed by the love and support surrounding us. Each congratulatory hug, each heartfelt wish for our happiness, makes me feel more certain that this is exactly where I'm meant to be.

The weeks that follow are a whirlwind of wedding preparations, each day bringing us closer to our special moment. Rendal and I work together seamlessly, our tastes complementing each other perfectly. We choose a beautiful garden venue that reminds us of where he proposed, its lush greenery and vibrant flowers creating the perfect backdrop for our love story.

We make sure to involve the girls in every step of the planning process, wanting them to feel like an integral part of this new chapter in our lives. From cake tastings to music selections, their input is invaluable and their excitement infectious.

One sunny afternoon, as we're browsing flower girl dresses in a quaint boutique, I find myself captivated by Penelope and Zola. They're twirling in front of a full-length mirror, giggling together and already acting like sisters. The sight of them, so happy and carefree, brings tears to my eyes.

My heart swells with love and gratitude as I watch them, their laughter echoing through the store. Rendal catches my eye and gives me a tender smile, squeezing my hand gently. At that moment, I'm struck by the realization that this is so much more than just a wedding. It's the beginning of our life as a true family, bound not just by vows and rings, but by the love that's blossoming between all four of us.

The day of the wedding dawns bright and clear. I wake up with butterflies in my stomach, feeling both excited and nervous. As I sit up in bed, the reality of the day ahead washes over me. This is it - the day I'll become Rendal's wife, the day our family truly becomes one.

I spend the morning getting ready with my bridesmaids, including my best friend Lisa. The room is filled with laughter and chatter as we do our hair and makeup. We reminisce about how far Rendal and I have come, from our first awkward meeting at the park to this moment. Lisa teases me about how oblivious I was to Rendal's initial interest, and we all burst into giggles.

When it's time to step into my dress, I feel a wave of emotion wash over me. As Lisa zips me up, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and my breath catches. This is the moment I've been waiting for, dreaming of. Tears prick at my eyes, but I blink them back, not wanting to ruin my makeup.

As I make my way to the garden, I'm struck by how beautiful everything looks. The flowers and fairy lights create a magical atmosphere, like something out of a fairy tale. I peek out and see Penelope and Zola walking down the aisle ahead of me, scattering rose petals with joyful smiles. My heart swells with love for our girls.

Then it's my turn. My heart races as I begin my walk towards Rendal. When I see him standing there, looking so handsome in his suit, my nerves melt away. The love in his eyes as he watches me approach takes my breath away. At that moment, I know with absolute certainty that this is right.

As I stand before Rendal, my heart overflowing, I can barely contain my emotions. His green eyes, filled with adoration, lock onto mine as we prepare to exchange our vows. The garden around us fades away, and at this moment, it's just us.

Rendal takes a deep breath, his strong hands gently holding mine. "Chloe," he begins, his voice thick with emotion, "from the moment I met you, I knew you were special. You've brought light into my life in ways I never thought possible. You've embraced Zola as your own, and I promise to do the same for Penelope. I vow to love you both, to be your rock, your partner, and your biggest supporter. I promise to face every challenge by your side, to celebrate every joy, and to build a life filled with love and laughter. You are my heart, my home, and my future."

Tears well up in my eyes as I listen to his words. I squeeze his hands, drawing strength from his touch as I begin my own vows.

"Rendal," I say, my voice quivering slightly, "you've shown me what true love really means. You've been patient, kind, and unwavering in your support. I promise to stand by you through every storm, to be your safe haven, and to love you fiercely every day of our lives. I vow to be not just a wife to you, but a true partner in every sense. I promise to nurture our family, to cherish the life we build together, and to always remember the love that brought us here. You are my soulmate, my best friend, and the missing piece of my heart."

As I finish, a tear slips down my cheek. He reaches up to brush it away, a soft smile playing on his lips. The officiant's voice seems distant as he pronounces us husband and wife, and then comes the moment we've been waiting for.

"You may now kiss the bride," the officiant says.

Rendal's arms encircle my waist, pulling me close. I reach up, my hands resting on his broad chest as he leans in. Our lips meet in a kiss that's both tender and passionate, filled with all the love and promise of our future together. I melt into his embrace, savoring the warmth of his body against mine and the softness of his lips.

As we part, Rendal rests his forehead against mine, his breath warm on my face. "I love you," he whispers, his voice filled with joy and reverence.

"I love you too," I reply, my heart soaring with happiness.

We turn to face our friends and family, hands clasped tightly together. The applause and cheers wash over us as we take our first steps as husband and wife, ready to begin our new life together.