Page 104 of Burned By the Broken Doctor

“And we’re getting married,” I add, feeling a swell of pride.

“That’s amazing!” June finally says, her voice filled with genuine happiness. “Congratulations!”

Damon laughs, shaking his head. “Well, it’s about time, isn’t it?”

Before long, the ladies are laughing and crying in equal measure, a whirlwind of congratulations and well-wishes washing over us. We spend the next half hour chatting, laughing, and making plans.

The excitement is contagious, and I can see the genuine happiness in their eyes. It feels like everything is finally falling into place.

As the call ends, I pull Emma close, my heart overflowing. This is it. This is the family I've always dreamed of, a messy, chaotic, and utterly perfect picture of love.

We are in this together, facing whatever comes next, hand in hand.

EPILOGUE

Emma

The silk of the wedding dress whispers against my skin as I take a steadying breath. Sunlight streams through the arched windows of the venue, casting a warm glow on the faces of friends and family gathered in the pews. A wave of emotion washes over me, a tidal wave of joy tinged with nerves. This is it. Today, I am marrying Liam.

My brother, Damon, stands beside me, his face etched with a mix of pride and amusement. We've always been close, partners in crime throughout our childhood, and having him by my side feels like a comforting anchor in this whirlwind of emotions. He squeezes my hand gently, a silent reassurance.

Taking a deep breath, I lift my gaze. There, at the end of the aisle, stands Liam. He is breathtaking. Clad in a sharp black suit, his hair a mess of controlled chaos, he looks like something straight out of a magazine. But it is the look in his eyes that truly steals my breath away. Unbridled love and adoration shine within them, a reflection of the emotions bubbling in my own chest.

The string quartet begins a soft melody, signaling the start of the processional. Tears well up in my eyes, blurring the vision of smiling faces before me. A lump forms in my throat, a strange mix of nervous excitement. My baby bump, still barely there, feels like a precious secret nestled beneath the layers of white satin.

Damon offers me a reassuring smile and starts walking. I place my hand on his arm, clutching it tightly as we begin our slow march down the aisle. The scent of lilies and fresh-cut grass fills the air, a heady perfume mingling with the nervous flutter in my stomach.

Each step feels deliberate, a surreal dance toward my future. Heads turn, whispers flutter through the crowd. I catch glimpses of familiar faces—June and Dr. Miller beaming with pride, Liam’s mom — now Mrs. Robertson is standing beside her ex-husband, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue, even Maria, who surprisingly is an acquaintance of Liam’s mom and has been feeding her information about what’s happening with her ex-husband for years. Maria’s minions — Avery, and Rachel from high school are also standing by, their usual smug expressions replaced by a grudging awe.

Reaching the end of the aisle, I let go of Damon's arm and turn to face Liam. My heart hammers against my ribs, a frantic drum solo in the orchestra of emotions. His eyes hold mine, unwavering, a silent promise etched within their depths.

A gentle smile plays on his lips as he extends his hand to me. I place mine in his, feeling a surge of warmth course through me. He helps me onto the small podium, a silent vow of support echoing in his touch.

“You look absolutely stunning,” he murmurs, his voice husky with emotion.

“Thank you,” I breathe, tears threatening to spill over again. “Do you really think so?”

The vulnerability in my voice surprises me. Pregnancy hormones are definitely messing with my head.

He cups my face in his hands, his thumbs gently wiping away a stray tear that traces its way down my cheek. “More than you know, Mrs. Miller-to-be.”

A laugh bubbles up in my chest, a welcome release of tension. “Not quite yet, Dr. Miller.”

The ceremony begins. The minister's voice drones on, but it is mere background noise. All my focus is on Liam, his face etched with such profound love that it steals my breath away. Every word spoken, every vow exchanged, feels like a promise whispered directly to my soul.

As we reach the point of exchanging rings, Liam's eyes hold a tender intensity. The simple gold band slides onto my finger, a perfect fit symbolizing the way he fits so perfectly into my life.

When we reach the part about saying “I do,” the words tumble out of my mouth with a fervor that surprises even myself. It is a heartfelt declaration, an oath whispered with the unwavering certainty of forever.

And then, the kiss. The world around us fades away. The only thing that matters is the feel of his lips against mine, a melding of souls sealed with a promise. The applause that follows washes over us like a wave, pulling us back to reality.

The ceremony ends, and a giddy relief washes over me. Stepping down from the podium, I can't help but ask, “Do you think I really looked beautiful today?”

Liam chuckles, a familiar sound that sends a shiver down my spine. “Beautiful doesn't even begin to describe it, Em. But if you need convincing…” He trails off, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Before I can question him further, he scoops me up in his arms, ignoring the surprised gasps from the crowd.

He jogs over to the microphone, shoving aside the MC who is about to start the reception.

---