Chapter 9 - The Wedding at the Estate
Six months later, the Duke estate hosted the most magnificent event in its long history—not a corporate gala or a political summit, but a celebration of love, family, and new beginnings.
The wedding took place in the grand rose garden. Thousands of white roses, lilies, and soft jasmine bloomed under the warm June sun. The air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers and the gentle music of a string quartet playing soft classical melodies.
Guests filled the white pews—not just high-society elites and business associates, but all the estate staff, housekeepers, gardeners, and security guards, who had been invited as honored guests of the family.
I stood at the altar beneath an arch of white roses, wearing a tailored navy tuxedo. Beside me as my best man was Thomas, my loyal assistant who had witnessed the transformation of my life from the very beginning.
Standing right beside me, wearing a miniature matching navy tuxedo complete with a little black bow tie, was Bruno. The dog stood proudly, perfectly behaved, looking out over the assembled guests like a regal prince.
The music shifted into a breathtaking rendition of the bridal march.
Every guest stood up.
First walked Lily. She was the maid of honor and flower girl combined, wearing a beautiful pink lace dress. She walked down the aisle with grand importance, tossing pink rose petals from a small silver basket with great dramatic flare, grinning widely at me as she reached the altar.
Then came Maria.
My breath caught in my throat.
She walked down the aisle on the arm of the estate's retired head butler—a gentle old man who had become a grandfatherly figure to her over the past year.
Her dress was a masterpiece of classic elegance—sculpted white satin with long lace sleeves, a gentle sweetheart neckline, and a sweeping veil that floated behind her like a cloud. But more beautiful than the dress was the look in her eyes—a look of profound love, absolute peace, and radiant happiness.
When her hand was placed in mine at the altar, I felt a deep, overwhelming sense of completion.
"You look breathtaking," I whispered to her.
"You don't look so bad yourself, coffee man," she whispered back, her eyes sparkling with loving mischief.
The minister spoke words of love, trust, and commitment—values that had once been alien to me, but were now the foundation of my existence.
"Do you, Logan Duke, take Maria to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?"
I looked deep into Maria’s eyes, holding her hands tightly in mine.
"I do," I said, my voice firm, clear, and unshakeable.
"And do you, Maria, take Logan to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do," she whispered, her voice filled with joyful emotion.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the minister declared with a bright smile. "Logan, you may kiss your bride."
I didn't hesitate. I pulled Maria into my arms and dipped her gently back, kissing her passionately as the entire garden erupted into loud cheers, applause, and celebration.
May you like
Lily clapped her hands happily, jumping up and down, while Bruno let out a loud, triumphant bark that made all the guests laugh out loud.
When I lifted Maria back up, she was glowing. I took her hand, grabbed Lily’s little hand with my other, and together, surrounded by our loved ones and our faithful guardian dog, we walked down the aisle into our new life.
