Page 96 of Essence of his Soul

I laughed softly, trying to shake off my nerves. Mark. My soldier. My everything. The man who had come into my life like a whirlwind turned everything upside down and made me believe in forever. And now, here we were, about to say "I do" in his parents' beautiful rose garden underneath a white gazebo draped in royal blue silk.

I glanced out the window, catching a glimpse of the guests seated outside. Family and friends. All the people who mattered most to us were gathered there, waiting for this moment. The garden was breathtaking, a sea of vibrant roses and lush greenery, with the gazebo standing proudly in the center. I could see Mark’s mother directing the caterers, making sure everything was perfect.

But all I could think about was Mark. My heart skipped a beat just imagining him standing there, waiting for me, looking fine as ever in his tailored suit.

“You ready?” Tamara asked, her voice pulling me back to the present.

I nodded slowly, taking one more deep breath. “Yes. I’m ready.”

As I stood, both Tamara and Kelly helped adjust my veil. I smoothed my hands over my stomach, a secret smile tugging at my lips. I knew this moment would be perfect. Everything was about to change—again—but I was ready for it.Wewere ready.

* * *

The ceremony was perfect. More than perfect. The moment I stepped out into the garden, arm in arm with my father, and locked eyes with Mark, everything else faded away. The world stopped spinning for just a second, and all I saw was him. His smile. That look in his eyes. It was as if he was seeing me again for the first time.

As I walked down the aisle, past all our family and friends, I felt as if I was floating. The soft rustle of my gown, the crowd's murmurs, the sweet smell of roses in the air—all of it was a blur compared to how Mark was looking at me. Like I was the only woman in the world.

When I reached him, he took my hands, and I could feel the warmth of his touch steadying my nerves. His grip was strong and reassuring, just like always. And when he whispered, "I love you," I knew everything would be fine.

* * *

Later that evening, after the vows, the laughter, the dancing, and the endless toasts, we were in a limo gliding down the highway. I leaned back, letting the joy of the last few hours wash over me. My husband—Mark, my husband—sat beside me, his hand intertwined with mine, his thumb lightly brushing my skin. Just a few hours ago, I had walked down the aisle under a summer sky, and now, here I was, on my way to the airport for our honeymoon in Bali.

Mark leaned over, his voice smooth and low. “There’s a stop we need to make first.”

I raised an eyebrow, shooting him a curious look. “Mark, we’re going to miss our flight.”

“Trust me,” he said with his signature smirk, signaling to the driver. “We’ll make it in time. Just relax.”

The limo veered off the main road, winding through Dover’s historic district. I recognized the area immediately—rows ofVictorian-style homes with wraparound porches and sprawling oak trees, timeless and picturesque. My heart raced as the car slowed to a stop in front of a grand house, its wide porch glowing under the soft light of the moon.

And then I saw the “Under Contract” sign staked firmly on the front lawn.

“Mark?” I gasped, my voice barely above a whisper.

He turned to me, his smile warm and full of pride. “Welcome to your wedding gift, Mrs. Saunders. This is our home. I wanted you to see it before we left for our honeymoon.”

I couldn’t speak as I stared at the house, tears welling. It looked like something straight out of my dreams—the gingerbread trim, the tall arched windows, the wide porch that seemed made for summer mornings and autumn evenings.

“Mark,” I finally managed, my voice trembling, “This… this is everything you dreamed of.”

“No,” he corrected softly, taking my hand and bringing it to his lips. “This is everythingwedreamed about, everythingwetalked about. I plan to finish my last assignment, and then we return here to raise our family and build the life we deserve.”

My heart felt like it might burst as I looked at him. “I don’t even have the words,” I whispered.

“You don’t need them,” he said, his grin softening. “I knew you’d love it.”

“I do,” I said, blinking back tears. “I love it.” And I did. Tyler would soon have a little brother or sister to play with, and this beautiful, incredible house would be the sanctuary where our family grew and thrived.

Mark tilted his head, studying me with that intense gaze that made me feel like the only woman in the world. “What is it? I can see there’s more you want to say.”

I hesitated, my hands trembling slightly as I reached for his. “Mark, there’s something I need to tell you.”

His brows furrowed slightly, concern flickering in his eyes. “What is it? Are you okay?”

I smiled, my excitement bubbling up as I nodded. “I’m pregnant.”

He just stared at me for a moment, his expression frozen in disbelief. And then, slowly, his face broke into a wide, disbelieving grin.

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