Page 243 of From Rivals to I Do

Soon, the doctors join us, loading me with final advice on how to tend to Jackson's wounds, emphasizing the importance of patience and attentiveness. I listen intently, determined to give Jackson the best care possible.

Finally, the time comes to leave the hospital and embark on the journey back home. With the help of the hospital staff, we carefully assist Jackson into the car, his body still fragile and he is slowly gaining his strength back. I adjust the seatbelt, ensuring his comfort and safety, while Henry takes his position beside him, brimming with excitement.

As the car pulls away from the hospital, a mixture of emotions fills the air. Gratitude washes over me, knowing that we have come so far, that the road to recovery has been arduous but filled with love and unwavering support.

I steal a glance at Jackson, his eyes fixed on the horizon. I smile as I think about how peaceful he looks. I can't wait for him to meet the surprise I've planned for him.

As we approach our home, my heart dances with joy. I spent countless hours planning and preparing for this moment, eager to surprise him and envelop him in a celebration of his triumphant return. As we step out of the car, the decorations adorning the house come into view, proclaiming in bold letters, "Welcome home Jackson!"

The surprise is evident on Jackson's face as his gaze sweeps across the vibrant banner, balloons and streamers that form the room is adorned with balloons and streamers, casting a kaleidoscope of colors that dance with the exuberance in the air and adorn our front yard. I take his hand in mine, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

"Wow, this is beautiful. It's so thoughtful of you, Maya," he says and leans down slowly to kiss my forehead.

The door swings open, revealing a sight that further leaves Jackson speechless. His friends and colleagues have gathered, their faces alight with joy. I know some of his friends from our childhood, but many of them I never met. It just goes to show how loved Jackson is by others. Their applause fills the air, a chorus of celebration for a man whose strength and bravery have inspired us all. Jackson's eyes widen, and I can see the emotions swirling within him, a mix of surprise, humility, and overwhelming gratitude.

They begin to sing, their voices harmonizing in a beautiful melody. Their words are filled with praise, their voices rising to the heavens, honoring the journey he has traveled and the battles he has fought as a firefighter. Each word carries the weight of admiration, reminding Jackson of the impact his resilience has had on those around him.

As the chorus subsides, a moment of silence envelops the room, as if in anticipation of something solemn. And then, from the crowd, a little girl emerges. Her eyes glisten as she moves forward shyly, her small frame barely containing the enormity of her emotions. She's the girl whose life Jackson saved on that fateful night, the night of the fire accident.

She steps forward, her voice soft but filled with a depth that belies her young age. "Mr. Reed," she begins, her voice quivering with emotion, "I don't know if you remember me, but you saved my life that night."

Tears well up in Jackson's eyes as he gazes at her, a flood of memories rushing back to him. The magnitude of that moment, when he had risked his own safety to ensure her survival, weighs heavily upon his heart. His voice trembles as he responds, his words choked with emotion. "Of course, I remember you. I will never forget that night."

The little girl takes a step closer, her eyes locked with Jackson's, as if searching for reassurance in his gaze. "I just wanted to say thank you," she whispers, her voice filled with profound gratitude. "You saved me, and I will always be grateful. You are my hero."

A single tear escapes down Jackson's cheek, his emotions no longer containable. He reaches out, his trembling hand gently touching the little girl's cheek. "You are so brave," he says, his voice quivering. "You remind me of the strength we all have within us. I'm grateful that I was able to be there for you."

The room is filled with a collective hush, the weight of this moment palpable. The party continues, the atmosphere is filled with laughter, stories, and joyful chatter. I'm glad that Jackson is surrounded by the warmth of friendship and the embrace of those who hold him dear. I steal glances at him, his smile radiant, his spirit lifted.

That evening, as we settle for a quiet dinner after the flurry of the party, the doorbell rang, announcing the arrival of Margaret. I had reached out to her, extending an invitation to join us, unsure of how she would respond.

"Margaret," I say softly, my voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. "I'm so glad you could make it."

Her eyes are warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the last time she came here. "Yes, I couldn't make it in the morning. I had some work to attend to. Thank you for inviting me, Maya."

Her gaze falls upon Jackson, and a torrent of tears spills from her eyes. She steps forward, her voice choked with emotion, and begins to speak. "Jackson," she says, her words trembling, "I... I am so sorry. First about your accident and also for my attitude towards you since my beloved Emily passed." She pauses for a moment and sniffles, pulling out a tissue to wipe her nose. "I know you are a good father and love my Henry as you loved my Emily, please forgive me for not trusting you, for belittling you, and for looking down on Maya. I have realized the depth of my mistakes, and I am filled with remorse."

Jackson's eyes, too, well up with tears, mirroring the raw emotions that ripple through the room. He reaches out, his voice gentle yet filled with the weight of forgiveness. "It's been a long and difficult journey for all of us. We've all made mistakes. But tonight, we can choose to move forward with love and understanding."

I watch this exchange unfold, my heart swelling with relief and gratitude. Margaret turns her attention to me, her voice thick with sincerity. "Maya," she says, her words carrying the weight of newfound respect, "I want to apologize to you as well. I was blinded by my own biases and failed to see the strength and love you have shown in navigating the tragedy that befell Jackson. I am amazed by your resilience and your unwavering commitment to Jackson and Henry. I have come to realize that you are the perfect woman to raise my grandson and live alongside Jackson."

Tears cascade down my cheeks as a smile blooms upon my face. This moment, this profound reconciliation, fills the room with an ethereal lightness. The weight of past grievances dissipates, replaced by a newfound understanding and acceptance.

Margaret turns to Jackson again. "I won't contest your custody of Henry any longer," she declares, her words carrying the weight of her decision. "You are a loving father, and Maya is an incredible mother figure for him. I trust that the two of you, together, will provide the nurturing and supportive environment that Henry deserves."

The room is filled with a collective sigh of relief, an unspoken understanding that a healing journey has reached a significant milestone. We embrace each other, a tangle of arms and shared tears, the air charged with a mixture of catharsis and hope. In this moment, the wounds of the past begin to fade, replaced by the balm of forgiveness and the promise of a future built upon love and unity.

Finally, we settle around the dinner table, a symbol of togetherness and nourishment. The clinking of cutlery against plates fills the air, intermingling with the soft murmur of conversation.

Chapter twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-One

Istand in the garden, the air fragrant with the scent of blossoming flowers and the gentle whispers of anticipation. The sun casts a golden glow upon everything it touches, as if nature itself is celebrating this momentous occasion. Surrounding me are our closest friends and family, their faces radiant with joy and excitement. Today, Maya and I are preparing for our real marriage, proof of the love that has blossomed between us, stronger and more profound than we ever imagined.

We had gathered with Margaret, and with open hearts, we revealed the truth about our fake marriage, laying bare the depth of our feelings and our shared determination to build a life together. Margaret, with tears streaming down her face, had embraced us, offering her unwavering support and expressing her profound belief that we were meant to be together, destined to create a loving home for Henry and our growing family.

As the time draws near, I find myself growing increasingly impatient, eager to stand beside Maya, to make her my wife in the truest sense. With each passing moment, my heart swells with love and satisfaction. Maya has transformed my life in ways I never thought possible, filling up the lonely places of my heart since Emily's demise, and the thought of being bound to her forever fills me with immeasurable joy.

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