Page 52 of Claiming My Grumpy Ex

His fingers wrapped around mine, warm and steady. Cory’s eyes searched mine, and in that moment, the entire room seemed to fade away. It was just us—standing on the edge of forever.

The officiant’s warm voice filled the chapel, steady and confident as he spoke of love, commitment, and the promises Cory and I were about to make. I stood there, my hand in Cory’s, feeling the weight of the moment settle over us. The light from the flickering candles at the front of the chapel settled across his face, illuminating the tenderness in his eyes.

I hardly noticed the dozens of eyes on us. It was just Cory and me, standing together in this sacred moment. My heart raced, but the way Cory’s thumb gently brushed over the back of my hand grounded me, reminding me that we were exactly where we were meant to be.

When it was time for the vows, Cory began, his voice strong but full of emotion. “Elena,” he said, his gaze locked on mine. “From the moment I saw you again, I knew you were the one thing my life had been missing. You’ve given me a second chance—a chance to be a better man, a loving father, and to build the life I’ve always wanted but never thought I deserved. You’ve brought love, light, and purpose into my world.”

His voice wavered slightly, and I saw Jake grinning proudly beside him, holding the ring box as if it were the most important job in the world. Cory glanced at him briefly before returning his focus to me. “I promise to stand by you through every joy, everychallenge, and every moment in between. You and Jake—and this little one—are my everything. I love you, and I always will.”

My eyes brimmed with tears, and I barely managed to whisper, “I love you too,” before the officiant gestured for me to say my vows.

I took a deep breath, squeezing Cory’s hand as I began. “Cory, when I look at you, I see more than the man I fell in love with. I see the father Jake adores, the partner I’ve dreamed of, and the family I never thought I’d have. You’ve shown me what it means to be loved unconditionally and how to trust again. You’ve brought so much joy and peace into my life.”

My voice grew steadier as I continued. “I promise to love you through all the highs and lows and to build a life with you full of love, laughter, and family. You’ve given me everything I’ve ever wanted, and I’m so proud to be standing here with you today.”

A quiet sniffle came from the front row, and I glanced briefly to see my mother dabbing at her eyes with a tissue, her smile radiant.

The officiant smiled as he signaled to Jake and Sarah, who stepped forward with the rings. Cory leaned down slightly so Jake could open the box, and the look of pure pride on Jake’s face made my chest tighten with emotion.

Cory slipped the ring onto my finger, his hands steady and sure. When it was my turn, I slid his ring into place, feeling the cool metal against my fingers as if it symbolized the strength of everything we had built together.

“With these vows and these rings,” the officiant said, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Cory’s smile widened, and he leaned in, brushing his lips against mine in a kiss that was full of promise. The chapel erupted in applause, but I hardly heard it. All I could feel was Cory’s hand on my waist, his love wrapping around me like a warm embrace.

When we pulled apart, Jake clapped louder than anyone, his excitement impossible to contain. I laughed, reaching out to pull him into a quick hug before turning back to Cory.

“You’re my forever now,” Cory whispered, his voice low enough for only me to hear.

“And you’re mine,” I whispered back, knowing without a doubt that this moment was just the beginning of the life we were meant to share.

The reception room was breathtaking. It was a cozy winter wonderland with holly and poinsettia centerpieces, soft fairy lights, and the hum of cheerful conversation. At the center stood a three-tiered cake topped with a miniature Eiffel Tower, a nod to our Paris honeymoon.

As Cory and I entered, hand in hand, applause erupted. Familiar faces surrounded us—friends, family, and even clients from Reflections. I couldn’t stop smiling as we greeted everyone.

In the corner, Jake proudly pointed to the cake, explaining the topper to anyone who’d listen. “That’s where they’re going for their honeymoon!” he declared, his excitement contagious.

Cory gently squeezed my hand, steering me toward a strikingly elegant woman standing near the door. Her poised demeanor radiated warmth, and her smile widened as we approached.

“Elena, I’d like you to meet Asha,” Cory said, his tone filled with affection. “She’s been one of my closest friends and an incredible advisor over the years.”

Asha extended her hand, her eyes sparkling. “So wonderful to finally meet you, Elena. Cory’s talked about you endlessly—it’s clear you’ve brought him back to life, and he’s not such a grouch anymore.”

“The pleasure’s mine,” I said sincerely, taking her hand.

“And this is my fiancé, Samuel,” Asha added, gesturing to the tall, sharply dressed man beside her. His easy smile mirrored hers as he gave me a firm handshake.

“Congratulations to you both,” I said warmly, my heart swelling at the sense of connection and shared happiness in the room.

“We couldn’t miss this for the world,” Asha said. “You two deserve every bit of joy tonight. And Paris—how romantic!”

I laughed, glancing at Cory. “He does know how to make an impression.”

As Jake bounded over to join us, proudly explaining the Eiffel Tower topper for the umpteenth time, I felt the pure magic of the moment settle in—a perfect blend of love, family, and new beginnings.

When it was time, Cory and I cut the cake, feeding each other small bites as laughter rippled through the room. Later, he pulled me onto the dance floor for our first dance. The music was soft and slow, wrapping us in the kind of magic only moments like this could bring. “This is everything I ever wanted,” I murmured, leaning into him.

“It’s just the beginning,” he whispered back.

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