Page 70 of The Billionaire's Off Chance

Chasmin’s gift him a recording of my voice, reading a bedtime story. It is a touching gift that Eric adores.

“Time for yours, my love.” I sit by her side, handing her the next gift.

Her eyes fix on the box, and she tears at the wrapping. She opens the box and sees a framed picture of us when we kissed under the mistletoe in the elevator. I had a photographer take the image from the CCTV recording and develop it. This is a milestone moment in the trajectory of our lives.

She wipes the tears off her cheeks and chuckles. “This is beautiful, baby. I’m glad you made the first move, or we wouldn’t be here right now. I love it, thank you. This is for you.” She passes a box to me. She keeps her gaze on me, expectant.

Opening the box, I see a vintage necklace with an oval pendant attached to it. I pick it up and open the pendant. Inside is a picture of us kissing at a lake with a multicolored sky as a backdrop. From our time on vacation with Eric. “I love this,” I say, smiling with the memory coming back to me. “Put it on for me.” She nods and puts the necklace around my neck. She touches it and places a hand on my chest.

“Check the box. We aren’t done.” She beams, shaking the box in my face.

Surprised, I check the box and see a letter. Taking it out, I unseal the envelope and take the letter out. I read it. It’s a doctor’s letter confirming that Chasmin is pregnant. I read it over and over before looking at her, unable to keep the joy from my face. “Baby…you’re pregnant. Oh my God!” I embrace her. She yelps as I bring her to her feet and spin around the room. I set her down, stopping the dizzying spin.

“How long have you known this?” I ask excitedly, caressing her back.

“I found out yesterday and decided to include it with my gift. You have brought so much joy to my life; now we have a shared source of happiness.” She wipes a tear from the side of her face.

“This is the best news I’ve had in years, and it’s all because of you.” My chest fills with love for the child growing inside her at the moment.

“Who’s pregnant?” Eric’s breathless voice interrupts us.

“Chasmin is pregnant. You’ll be having a sibling soon,” I say. He hugs us with his tiny arms.

“I’m getting a brother! Thank you, Chasmin.”

“I don’t know if it’s a boy or girl yet, Eric…” she says, but he runs off with his dog, not listening.

With this news, the joy I have speeds up my wedding preparations for the following week. I had informed my siblings of the wedding, expecting them to attend. They are happy for me, since I’ll finally be a married man. I'm also expecting a child with Chasmin. Fred will return from Germany to act as my best man for my day.

I can’t believe this day has finally come. I’m standing at the altar of a grand church with huge arches and supporting carved pillars. The multicolored windows are closed, releasing dappled lighting into the room. I adjust my tie, looking beyond the guests, paparazzi, and reporters taking pictures. I’m waiting for Chasmin, the woman who will become my wife to walk down the aisle. Keeping up with the Christmas celebration, the church is decorated with lights, candles, and wreaths; however, white flowers for the wedding dominate. The choir is singing a beautiful hymn, and the organ is playing softly. I feel a surge of happiness and gratitude as I look around and see my siblings, their spouses, and kids smiling at me. They are all here to witness the most important moment of my life.

My best friend, Fred, is standing next to me as my best man. He gives me a reassuring pat on the shoulder and whispers, “You’re a lucky man, Lance. Chasmin is amazing. You two are perfect for each other.” I nod and smile, feeling a warm glow in my chest.

By my side, Eric is holding the wedding rings in his tiny hands. He looks at me with pride and excitement.My son, Eric.His presence brings a smile to my face. He looks at the entrance with me, biting his lower lip. He loves Chasmin too. She has been a wonderful stepmother, ever since they met. She has treated him with love, care, and respect. She has made him laugh, learn, and grow. She has made him happy, and he has made her happy. They have a special bond, and I’m so grateful for it.

The music changes, and I hear a gasp from the crowd. I turn my head and see Chasmin. She is walking down the aisle, escorted by her mother. She is wearing a beautiful white gown that hugs her curves and flows behind her. She looks like an angel walking toward me. She has a veil over her face, but I can see her eyes shining through it. She is radiant. She is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, and she is mine.

She reaches the altar, and Anna gives her hand to me. She looks at me with love and admiration. I feel a jolt of electricity. We exchange a few words, and the priest begins the ceremony. He talks about the meaning of marriage, the vows we are about to make, and the blessings we are about to receive.

It is my turn to say my vows. I take her hands and begin, “Chasmin, you are the love of my life, the light of my world, and my soulmate. You are the one who makes me laugh and grow. You have given me the greatest gift of all: your love. You’ve been a wonderful mother to Eric, and I can’t thank you enough for it. You have made our family whole, and I can’t imagine a life without you. Today, I vow to love you with all my heart and all my strength. I vow to protect you, to honor you, to cherish you, and to be faithful to you. I vow to stand by you, to comfort you, to encourage you, and to be loyal to you. I vow to share with you, to listen, understand, and trust you. I vow to be your everything, and to give you everything.”

Her eyes shine with unshed tears. “I…that’s beautiful, Lance. You should know that from the moment you entered my life, it was as if the world tilted on its axis, shifting into a vibrant kaleidoscope of laughter, wonder, and unwavering support. You’ve seen me both at my best and worst, held my hand through every storm, and celebrated every victory, big or small, with a joy that rivals the sun. I stand before you, my heart overflowing with love and gratitude. I promise to be your steadfast anchor in the ever-changing tides of life. Together, we will build a home where dreams blossom and joy takes root, a haven where our vulnerabilities are met with tenderness and our flaws are cherished as reminders of our beautiful humanness.”

I choke back a sob. I feel glad to have found her and have her in my life. “I love you.” I whisper.

The priest continues the ceremony. We respect the priest’s vow to take each other for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part. We take the ring from Eric and slide them on each other’s fingers, and the priest pronounces us husband and wife. He tells me to kiss the bride, and I do. I lift her veil and press my lips to hers. She kisses me back, and I feel a wave of emotion.

We are married. We are one. We are happy.

The crowd cheers and claps, and we turn to face them. They throw flowers and confetti at us, and we laugh and wave. We walk down the aisle, hand in hand, followed by Fred and Eric. We are escorted out of the church with merriment.

We get into a limousine that takes us to the reception. We dance, we eat, we drink, we toast, we cut the cake, we throw the bouquet, and we have fun. We are surrounded by love and joy. After the reception, we go to our home. We enter our bedroom and close the door. We kiss and undress. We whisper sweet nothings as we make love. We are in each other’s arms, and we are at peace. This is the best Christmas ever.

Chapter 37

EPILOGUE

Threeyearslater

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