The reception is in a solarium. There's hardwood floor beneath us and a beautiful curved glass ceiling above us. The dance floor is surrounded by tables with soft white cloths.

The cake is sitting against the wall, right in the center. It's white and pink, and it's decorated with cherry blossom petals.

It's so Kat. The ceremony, the reception, the dress—all of it is perfect.

The sound system reverberates as the DJ steps up to the mic. "Now arriving, Mr. and Mrs. Sterling."

Blake and Kat step through the doors. They go straight to the dance floor. They dance to Etta James's rendition of "At Last." It's seamless and sweet. The whole time, they're staring into each other's eyes like they're lost in a different world.

When the song ends, they mouth "I love you" and take their seats.

The DJ speaks. "The salad course will arrive in ten minutes. But first, some words from the best woman and the maid of honor."

A coordinator brings a mic to Fiona. I find my speech in my purse and read over it. I'm so focused I don't hear a single word she says. I don't even look up until I hear clapping and cheering.

She passes the mic to me.

Here goes nothing.

I stand up and look over the reception. "I'm sure you've heard this story, but I was in an accident four years ago. It killed our parents. Almost killed me. Doctors told me I'd never walk again." I dig my fingers into the mic. "It gets better, I promise."

The tension in the room eases into a laugh. "Kat was only eighteen, but she was there every day when I woke up, and when I fell asleep. She took me to every physical therapy session and every doctor's appointment. For a long time, I was sure that no one would ever take care of us but each other. I was protective of her too. When she met Blake, I didn't want her to have anything to do with him."

Everyone laughs.

"I never thought I'd be okay with anyone else taking care of my sister, but when I see her and Blake together, I know I can pass the torch. He appreciates everything that matters about her. The way she sees all the magic and beauty in the world. The way she loves with her whole heart. I've never seen two people more perfect for each other. A year ago, I didn't believe that kind of happiness was possible." I look over to them. They're smiling. Blushing even.

"You guys made me believe in love. You made me believe enough that I fell in love. That wasn't possible last year. And that's worth more than all of Blake's money. Which is a lot." I swallow hard. Almost done. "I'm so happy for you both. It couldn't happen to two better people."

People are laughing. Kat is crying. Blake wipes a tear from her eye and presses his lips against hers.

It's too hard to breathe in here. I lock eyes with Kat then motion to the door. I mouth, "I'm going to get some air."

She nods okay and mouths, "I love you."

Everyone is looking at the food. It's my only chance for a break. I go straight to the main entrance and slip outside.

The air is still cold and damp, still drizzling. I wipe my glasses on my dress but it doesn't help.

"Here."

Huh? That's Nick's voice.

I look up. That's him. That's Nick.

He takes my glasses, wipes them dry on his shirt, and slides them back on my face. His touch is gentle, affectionate.

"Your speech was beautiful," he says.

"You heard that all the way over here?"

He nods. "I didn't want to interrupt." He runs his fingertips over my cheek. "Did you mean the part about falling in love?"

My cheeks flush. "It would be wrong to lie in my maid of honor speech." I lean into his touch. "I'm sorry about everything with Shepard. I should have respected your wishes."

"You were trying to protect me. I would have done the same thing."

"I thought it would make you happy."

"I thought so too." He slides his hand around my neck. "I was a wreck over losing the company, but that was nothing compared to losing you. I haven't slept. I can't eat. I can barely think."

I stare into his eyes. They're honest. They're earnest.

"I didn't know what you'd done, why you'd left, but I knew you were right. Odyssey was my first priority. It made me happy once, giving everything to the company. But not anymore."

I'm warm everywhere. I squeeze Nick's hand. I suck in a shallow breath.

"I want to be a better man, a man who deserves you. I want to put you first, Lizzy, before everything."

"Before work?"

"Before breathing." He drags his fingers to the back of my head, tilting me so we're eye to eye. "You're everything to me."

I melt into his touch.

"I'd give up anything before I'd give up on you."

"You make me want to be better, too."

"I know, baby." He digs his fingers into my hair. "I want to be with you. All yours. And you're all mine. Is that okay?"

I nod.

He leans closer. "Elizabeth Wilder, I love you. I love you in a way I've never loved anyone."

"I love you too."

He presses his lips to mine. All the cold melts away as I kiss him back. Nick is mine. And I'm his.

Whatever happens, we belong together.

When the kiss breaks, we go back to the reception and we dance the night away.