Page 33 of Billionaire Wolf Needs a Chef

I grinned, glancing at the mirror. The dress was simple but elegant, with delicate lace and a flowing skirt. It felt like me.

As the string quartet began playing the first notes, I walked down the aisle, my heart pounding and my hands trembling around the bouquet of wildflowers. My parents sat in the front row, with Mom dabbing at her eyes with a tissue, and Dad watching me with pride. Cameron stood at the makeshift altar, his usual grumpy expression replaced by one of pure awe.

When I reached him, he took my hands, his eyes never leaving mine.

"You're beautiful," he whispered.

The ceremony was short but meaningful. When it came time for our vows, Cameron spoke first, his voice steady but filled with emotion.

"Ivy, you've changed my life in ways I never thought possible. You've shown me that it's okay to be vulnerable, and that love isworth the risk. I promise to stand by you, to support you, and to love you for the rest of my life."

Tears streamed down my face as I began my vows. "Cameron, you've taught me that strength doesn't mean doing everything alone. You've shown me what it means to trust, to lean on someone, and to fight for what we believe in. I promise to stand by your side, to challenge you when you need it, and to love you, wolf and all, for the rest of my days."

The officiant pronounced us husband and wife, and as Cameron pulled me into a kiss, the room erupted in applause. Brody whooped and tossed a handful of edible gold leaf confetti that stuck to Cameron's tuxedo shoulders. "Now you match your wallet!"

The reception was a blur of laughter, dancing, and toasts. At one point, Katie dragged Cameron onto the dance floor, much to his feigned reluctance.

"Come on, Cameron, dance with us! You're not allowed to be a grump at your own wedding," she teased.

He rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "I'm not a grump. I'm selectively cheerful."

I laughed, my heart full as I watched him reluctantly join in. By the end of the night, even he couldn't resist the joy in the air. As we shared our first dance as husband and wife, I rested my head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"We did it," I whispered.

"We did," he replied, his voice soft. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."

SIX YEARS LATER

I stood at the counter, chopping fruit for breakfast, while Cameron manned the coffee maker. The sound of giggles filled the air as our twin daughters, Lily and Iris, chased each other around the table.

"Daddy!" Iris shrieked, dangling upside down from her chair. "Lily says I can't put syrup on my eggs!"

"Because it's disgusting," Lily informed us primly, exactly like her father when critiquing under-seasoned stock.

Cameron slid a pancake onto her plate. "Your mother puts hot sauce on ice cream. We pick our battles."

They pouted but reluctantly settled down, returning to their coloring books. Cameron handed me a cup of coffee, his arm sliding around my waist as he pressed a kiss to my temple.

"Morning, sunshine," he murmured.

"Morning, grump," I teased, earning a mock glare.

Life was busy, but it was good. My restaurant had become a beloved staple in Huntington Harbor, and Cam's Comfy Cuisine continued to thrive, expanding into frozen meals. We'd found a balance between work and family, and though it wasn't always easy, it was always worth it.

That afternoon, as we watched the girls build a sandcastle at the beach, Cameron's hand found mine. His wedding band was warm from the sun.

"Wildflower got its third Michelin star this week," he said casually.

I gaped at him. "Since when do you follow food reviews?"

"Since it's yours." He kissed my knuckles, the way he had when we were just a chef and a CEO playing at being in love. "Proud of you, Mrs. Fitzgerald."

The tide rushed in, erasing the twins' castle. They barely noticed, already chasing seagulls down the shore.

"They're so different," I mused, leaning against Cameron.

"Yeah, but they're both stubborn as hell," he said dryly, though his tone was affectionate.

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