Page 151 of The Temporary Bride

I sigh, running my fingers through my hair. “No, Gabe, I’m not okay with it. But I also know that fighting it won’t change the outcome. Our hands are tied. You know that.”

He lets out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “I always thought I’d be done with this kind of bullshit after Melanie. I thought I’d had my share of life’s curveballs. But now this? Being forced into another marriage? And to someone who’s ten fucking years younger than me?”

“I know there’s a gap between you, but she’s a grown woman,” I point out. “And maybe this doesn’t have to be a bad thing.”

Gabriel turns his head, his expression incredulous. “How can you say that?”

“Because I’ve seen how things can turn out,” I reply, thinking of Chloe. “I know it’s different for you, but I’m not saying this is ideal. I’m just saying that maybe it’s not as impossible as it seems.”

He scoffs, leaning back against the steps. “Easy for you to say. You’re in love with your wife. You got lucky.”

“Yeah, I did,” I admit. “But luck wasn’t the only thing that got us here. We worked at it. We made it work because we wanted to.”

Gabriel doesn’t say anything for a long moment. He just stares out at the horizon, where the gray sky meets the earth, lost in thought.

Finally, he sighs. “I’m not sure I have that in me anymore. The energy to make something like this work.”

“You don’t have to do it alone,” I remind him. “We’re all in this together. Whatever happens, we’ll handle it.”

Gabriel doesn’t respond, but he gives a slight nod. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to just drop a bomb on my whole life. It’s not just mine anymore. I have Peyton to worry about too.”

“I know. But like I said, you’re not alone.” I pause, then add, “I thought this was going to turn my life upside down too. It did, but it turned out better than I had any right to hope. There’s always a chance it works out for you too.”

Gabriel shakes his head, still not fully convinced. “It’s different for you, Tristan. You and Chloe, you’ve got something real. I know it when I see it. I used to have it. This, what they’re asking of me, it’s not the same.”

I can’t argue with that. Gabriel’s situation is different, and I don’t know how it’s going to play out. “I can’t tell you how your arranged marriage is going to go,” I tell him. “But I promise you this. I’ve got your back, no matter what. So do Reid, Dominic, and Beck.”

He looks at me, the anger in his eyes fading just a bit. There’s still tension in his shoulders, but it’s less rigid now, more resigned than furious. “Yeah, I appreciate that,” he says, exhaling slowly. “Speaking of weddings, isn’t your second ceremony coming up soon?”

I manage a small smile despite the circumstances. Chloe and I have decided to renew. We’re treating it as a sort of second wedding, getting a fresh start like I promised her we would.

“Yeah, it is. Not too far off now.”

Gabriel nods, his gaze softening. “You ready for it?”

“I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life,” I reply. “I’d marry her again tomorrow if she’d let me.”

“Good,” he says, and I can tell he means it. “You guys both deserve this.”

“Thanks.” I clap him on the shoulder. “And we’ll get you there too. It might not look like what I’ve got with Chloe, but there’s something on the other side of this for you.”

Gabriel offers a small, weary smile, gripping my hand. Then we turn and head back inside.

Epilogue

Chloe

The morning of our vow renewal is bright and clear, the sky a brilliant shade of blue that seems to stretch on forever where it meets the sea.

I stand in front of the mirror, adjusting the simple, golden dress I chose for today. It’s nothing like the extravagant gown I wore for our first wedding. This one is light, flowing, and perfect for a beach ceremony. There’s something liberating about its simplicity, something that feels right for this moment.

I take a deep breath, my fingers brushing over the silken fabric. This time, it’s different. This time, the vows we exchange will be for us. No business deals, no hidden motives, no expectations. Just love.

Outside, I can hear the soft murmur of waves meeting the shore. It’s calming, and I let the sound settle me as I step away from the mirror.

The guest list is small, just our closest family and friends. Well, our friends, and Tristan’s family. We were in agreement that my parents and Genevieve shouldn’t get invites.

The absence of my family lingers in the back of my mind, but it’s a distant echo rather than a painful reminder. In truth, their not being here brings a sense of relief. I don’t have to worry about their judgment, their criticisms, or their expectations. Today is about joy, about celebrating the love we’ve built, and nothing else.