Page 132 of The Fiancé Hoax

Things had changed since the trial. He finally saw me as an adult instead of a child.

“I'm so proud of you, Felicity. If your mother were here today, she’d be proud of you, too.” He patted my hand, and I blinked back tears. “I love you, Felicity. I always have, and I always will.”

“I love you too, Dad.” I drew a deep breath. “Now let's do this before I ruin my eye makeup.”

The music changed and Inga opened the door for us, arranging my train behind me on the aisle. All eyes were on me, and I felt a rush of anxiety.

My eyes met Cooper's, and all my nervous energy dissipated. He was my rock, my everything.

As long as I had him, I knew I’d be fine.

Dad walked me down the aisle and winked at me before leaving me with Cooper.

“You look stunning,” Cooper said under his breath with a lopsided grin.

I smiled at him, taking in how handsome he looked in his gray suit. His intense eyes were bluer than ever, and they remained steady on me.

The minister, an older man with a kind face, began to speak.

I didn't hear much of what he said. I was focused on Cooper's eyes. When it came time to do the vows, he went first.

“Felicity, I thank God for bringing you into my life. I had given up on love before you. I had even convinced myself that I could be fulfilled without opening my heart to a woman again, but you showed me exactly how wrong I was. You've been the best mother Eva and Lily have ever had. And I promise to be the best husband I can possibly be to you. I will love you, treasure you and protect you for the rest of my life.”

He smiled at me, and I blinked back tears. Taking a breath, I tried to keep my voice steady as I spoke.

“Cooper, thank you for coming into my life and teaching me what's most important. What matters most in life is not business and success. It has everything to do with the people we love. I promise to love and cherish you forever. I vow to be your partner and friend for the rest of my days. And I promise to love and support Eva and Lily, and all our children, with my full heart.”

Cooper held my gaze as he listened. The small gathering murmured softly after I finished. Cooper smiled at me, then nodded at Eva, who was seated beside Lily in the front row.

Eva stepped forward with the rings, a big grin on her face. Cooper untied my ring and began to slide it on my finger.

“I give this ring as a token of my love,” he said.

I untied his ring and turned to him.

“With this ring, I vow to love you from this moment forward.”

He held my hand in his, and Eva returned to her seat.

The minister nodded. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Cooper reached for me and pulled me against him gently. He pressed his mouth to mine and kissed me.

Everything was perfect.

The audience erupted in cheers and applause.

Eva and Lily ran up to us. Cooper picked Lily up and held her at his waist. I pulled Eva in close and put my hand on her shoulders.

“Now you're really married,” Eva said.

“And we’re a family for real now,” Lily added.

Cooper kissed Lily's forehead. And I bent down to kiss Eva's cheek.

“Yes,” he said, “we're a real family.”

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