Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 481

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"Ha ha ha!"

Lucinda couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh when she saw the spectacle unfold. She almost wanted to cheer on those bodyguards. They were her father's personal security, after all, and they were showing their worth.

Keith's face turned as green as a sour apple when he saw the bouquet sailing his way. He was livid. Luckily for him, someone took the hit, leaping up to catch the bouquet with a flourish. Keith breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn't been hit by the bouquet. What a stroke of luck. He owed a big thanks to that bouquet-blocking hero.

When Keith focused on the bouquet catcher, he realized it was none other than Owen. He was stunned for a moment but then it clicked why Owen had been so adamant about being Liam's best man. He was after the jackpot of joy.

"And Owen snags it," Lucinda said with a chuckle to her husband, "I swear, he came just for that bouquet."

Stefan laughed, too, "Just watch him now, heading straight for your friend with that bouquet."

Everyone saw Owen grab the bouquet—well, more like he had lunged for it—and not a single person was surprised. Even Nathan was all smiles, not the least bit miffed that the bouquet destined for his son had been intercepted. His boy wasn't even dating anyone; fate had other plans.

Owen, bouquet in hand, made his way to Cecilia. All eyes were on them. Cecilia sensed what was coming, hesitated for a moment, but then decided to stand her ground and wait for Owen to approach.

"Cecilia," Owen said as he got down on one knee, offering her the flowers with a look of pure devotion, "I caught the bride's bouquet, and they say whoever catches it will be the next to marry, destined for happiness. I want to use this bouquet to ask you to marry me."

"The happiness I've caught, I want to share with you."

"Cecilia, will you marry me?"

Their first marriage had been a forced affair, without love or desire. He hadn't proposed back then; they'd just gone to the city hall, got their marriage certificate, and went their separate ways right after. This time, he'd give her everything that anyone else had. Although it wasn't a rose bouquet, it meant so much more because it was the bride's bouquet—a blessed bunch.

Cecilia looked down at him. The crowd fell silent for a moment, then started to egg them on. "Say yes! Say yes!"

Cecilia, caught between laughter and uncertainty, paused for just a moment before taking the bouquet and nodding with a smile, "I will."

She was ready to give herself to him; why play hard to get when his proposal was so sincere? Love was love. If he truly wanted to marry her, then she would marry him. Forget about family objections or mother-in-law issues; she just wanted to be his wife! Love like theirs was hard to find.

Owen was over the moon, quickly pulling out the ring he'd prepared, sliding the sparkler onto Cecilia's finger in the sunlight. This was forever. This time, he would never let go, no matter what storms they'd face. They'd walk together, side by side, through life's challenges, growing old as one.

The other guests, the Shane couple, and the Yates clan watched this unfold, at first shocked, then their faces warmed with smiles. Love was in the air, and they should let it be. As parents, they couldn't control everything, nor should they. The kids were grown-up now, with their own minds. What parents thought was best wasn't necessarily so for their children.

Owen stood up, embracing Cecilia before kissing her deeply. The two of them stood there, locked in a heartfelt kiss, sharing their hearts with each other. After so many twists and turns, and even a divorce, they had found their way back to each other. Happiness awaited them.

After the passionate kiss, Owen hugged Cecilia tightly and said, "Cecilia, I'm so happy, so thrilled, it feels like a dream."

As soon as he finished speaking, Cecilia playfully pinched his thigh, causing him to wince in pain. "Does it hurt?" she asked.

They were both guests of the Anderson family that day.

"I don't mind the crowd," Janice declined Nathan's offer. "Lucy, Stefan, I'll ride with you. That won't be too crowded, will it?"

Lucinda and Stefan exchanged a glance, suddenly drawn into the fray. Lucy gently nudged her dad with a playful smirk before taking her mom's arm. "No need to cram, Mom. Let's get you in the car," she said with a chuckle.

She gracefully opened the car door for her mother, assisting her as she settled into the plush seat. Once her mom was comfortably inside, Lucy closed the door with a soft thud. Spinning around, she gave her dad a conspiratorial wink.

After all, everyone was heading to the hotel, and Dad would have plenty of time to chat with Mom – no rush. Besides, in just three days, the whole family would be reunited at their home in Skywatch.

Inside, Nathan tried to hide his disappointment with a wry smile. Janice wouldn't even share a car ride with him. Once they were back in Skywatch, it seemed like she'd only drift further away.

Suddenly, Steve piped up, "Hey, Dad, there's room. Why don't you hop in with us?"

"Really? Well, then I guess I'll squeeze in with you youngsters," Nathan replied, his spirits visibly lifted.

Janice sat in the car, her silence speaking volumes.

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