Page 51 of Claiming My Grumpy Ex

I caught her reflection in the mirror behind me as her hands worked. Her eyes were soft, her expression thoughtful. “Do you remember the day we went shopping for this dress?” she asked, a nostalgic smile tugging at her lips.

I laughed lightly, nodding. “How could I forget? Cory flying us and my close friends to Dallas to shop—it felt like something out of a movie.”

Mom chuckled, shaking her head. “I still can’t believe he insisted on making a whole day of it. The way he kept walking into every boutique, pretending he knew what he was looking for…”

We both laughed, and I could picture it so clearly—Cory standing awkwardly in the middle of a sea of dresses, his face a mix of determination and confusion as he tried to offer opinions.

Mom’s smile softened, and she rested her hands on my shoulders, meeting my eyes in the mirror. “It was such a special day, Elena. And now look at you—you’re glowing.”

Tears pricked my eyes, but I blinked them away, not wanting to ruin the makeup Sarah had carefully applied earlier. “It still feels like a dream,” I admitted.

“It’s not a dream,” she said gently. “It’s everything you deserve.”

A knock at the door interrupted us, and Sarah’s voice came from the other side. “Elena? Are you decent? I’m coming in!”

I laughed, calling back, “Come on in!”

Sarah stepped in, her burgundy dress catching the light. Her eyes widened as she took me in. “Wow,” she said, shakingher head in mock disbelief. “You’re really pulling off the whole ‘radiant bride’ thing, aren’t you?”

“Stop,” I said with a grin, waving her off.

“No, seriously,” she said, coming closer. “Cory’s not going to be able to take his eyes off you. He’s probably out there pacing right now, wondering if he’s dreaming too.”

Her words sent a warm flutter through me, and I reached out to squeeze her hand. “Thanks, Sarah. For everything.”

She gave me a knowing smile. “You’d do the same for me.”

As she stepped back, my mom leaned down to give me a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’ll head out and take my seat,” she said softly. See you out there, sweetheart. Your father is waiting outside the door.”

I nodded, watching her leave before turning back to the mirror one last time. The image staring back at me didn’t just look like a bride—it looked like someone ready for her future.

“Ready?” Sarah asked, holding out my bouquet.

I took a deep breath. The sight of roses, poinsettias, and holly filled my heart as I gripped the bouquet tightly. “Ready.”

With one last glance in the mirror, I followed her out the door, my heart full and steady as I stepped toward the moment I’d waited for my entire life.

The soft strains of the organ reached me before I saw the chapel, a warm, inviting melody that made my heart flutter. As I stood with my father just outside the grand double doors, waiting for them to open, I imagined what it must look like inside. Still, nothing could have prepared me for the breathtaking sight that greeted me when the doors finally swung wide.

The chapel was like something out of a fairy tale. The pews were lined with arrangements of holly and red ribbons, the deep green leaves glistening softly in the warm light. Flickering candles stood at the front, their fragile light casting a romanticshimmer across the space. High-arched ceilings stretched above, creating an almost cathedral-like effect that made the entire room feel timeless.

At the altar, Cory stood waiting, a vision of calm in his dark tuxedo, though the small smile on his lips betrayed his nerves. Beside him was Jake, dressed in a matching tux, the ring box clutched proudly in his small hands. His grin stretched so wide it looked like his face might burst.

I felt a wave of emotion rise in my chest as I linked arms with my dad. He turned to me, his eyes shining with pride. “You ready for this?” he asked. His was voice was gruff with emotion.

I smiled, squeezing his arm. “I’ve never been more ready.”

The organ music swelled, filling the space with a melody so beautiful it made my chest ache. Slowly, we began our walk down the aisle.

As we made our way forward, I took in the faces that turned to watch me, and my breath caught. The chapel wasn’t just full—it was overflowing. A few people stood along the walls, smiling and craning their necks for a better view. My heart swelled as I recognized faces from all parts of my life.

There was Mrs. Callahan, my high school English teacher, sitting beside a childhood friend I hadn’t seen in years. In another pew, clients fromReflectionswaved discreetly, their smiles as bright as the candles lighting the room. Cory’s parents sat proudly on one side while my mom sat opposite, her hands clasped tightly in her lap as she beamed at me.

The sight was overwhelming in the best way. I had worried about whether anyone would come on Christmas Eve, but now, surrounded by so many familiar faces, I felt an indescribable joy.

As we neared the front, my eyes locked on Cory’s. He stood tall and steady, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made the rest of the room blur. Jake’s grin grew even wider as I caughthis eye, and I couldn’t help but wink at him, earning a soft giggle from the pews nearby.

When we reached the altar, my dad turned to me, his expression softening. “You look just like your mother did on her wedding day,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He kissed my cheek, then placed my hand in Cory’s.

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