Chapter 569

"That's a bow tie, not a bug," Gabriel said, sounding all grown-up. "Mom says it's what gentlemen wear."

Henry crouched down, retying the bow ties for Gabriel and Travis with patience.

"Where did Mom go?" Travis asked suddenly, tugging on Henry's sleeve with his tiny hand.

"Mom's helping Claire with her dress," Henry replied, adjusting Gabriel's collar. "Remember, Claire's marrying Joseph today."

"Does getting married mean we get to eat cake?" Gabriel's eyes lit up. "Last time Celine got married, there was this huge cake with so many layers!"

Henry chuckled. "Marriage isn't just about cake. It's about two people deciding to spend their lives together." Seeing Gabriel and Travis's puzzled faces, he added, "Like Mom and Dad."

In the dining room, Alfred and Hazel were already seated, chatting with Franklin.

Outside the large windows, the lake sparkled under the sun, and several staff members were setting up white flower arches for the wedding.

"Grandpa!" Gabriel and Travis ran towards Alfred as soon as they saw him, nearly knocking over a waiter carrying juice.

"My little gentlemen," Alfred, though elderly, was still full of energy. He hugged Gabriel and Travis tightly. "Today, you must be graceful like true nobles."

Hazel handed each of them a small cookie. "Have a snack first; the main meal will be ready soon."

Franklin was carefully checking his camera. "I'm going to take lots of pictures of Gabriel and Travis today. The last one of them in their little suits was adorable."

Breakfast was enjoyed in a cheerful atmosphere.

The table was filled with Marigoldia's signature fruits, freshly baked bread, and animal-shaped pancakes specially made for the kids.

"Has Zoe gone to Claire's room?" Franklin asked, wiping the jam from Travis's mouth.

Henry nodded. "She left before dawn, saying she wanted to make sure every detail of the wedding dress was perfect."

"Two months until their wedding," Hazel said to Franklin. "Have you finalized the guest list on your end?"

Just as Franklin was about to respond, Gabriel suddenly pointed outside and shouted, "Look! Big fish!"

Everyone turned to look out the window, where a school of colorful tropical fish swam through the clear water.

After breakfast, everyone walked along the white sandy beach towards the wedding venue.

Gabriel and Travis ran ahead, occasionally stopping to pick up seashells.

Henry walked behind, checking his phone for a message from Zoey: [Claire is ready. She looks stunning. Are you on your way?]

The wedding venue was set up on the easternmost point of the island, facing the endless ocean.

White flower arches adorned with tropical flowers and greenery, and guest chairs tied with light blue ribbons fluttered gently in the sea breeze.

"Henry!" A familiar voice called out. Henry turned to see Joseph walking towards him in a sharp black suit, a white flower pinned to his chest.

"Dr. Green, you look sharp today." Henry greeted him with a smile, and they exchanged a friendly shoulder bump like they did in college.

Joseph adjusted his bow tie. "Not as grand as your proposal."

Henry shrugged. "Zoe deserves the best."

He looked around. "The venue is beautiful. Claire will love it."

"It's all according to her preferences," Joseph's gaze softened. "Has she been nervous lately?"

"According to Zoe, she's been pretty nervous, but with everyone around, Claire should be feeling better." Henry patted Joseph's shoulder. "In two months, I'll be standing where you are."

Joseph gave him a knowing look. "Marriage is a wonderful thing. One day you're a free man, and the next, you've got a lifelong commitment and responsibility."

Henry gazed out at the distant horizon. "I've been waiting for this day for a long time."

They shared a smile, understanding the anticipation and promise in each other's eyes.

In the distance, the waves gently lapped at the shore, and white seabirds circled in the sky, as if heralding the upcoming joyous ceremony.

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows into the bride's dressing room, casting a pearly glow on the white wedding dress. Claire stood in front of the mirror, her makeup flawless, her veil cascading down, looking like a princess from a fairy tale. Zoey stood beside Claire, gently adjusting the pearls on her dress, her eyes filled with satisfaction.

Just then, the door to the dressing room burst open, and two small figures rushed in.

"Mom!" Gabriel and Travis shouted in unison, their round eyes widening as they saw Claire, their mouths slightly agape as if they had seen something extraordinary.

Travis was the first to exclaim, covering his mouth with his small hand. "Claire turned into a princess!"

Gabriel nodded enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling. "Even prettier than a fairy tale princess!"

Claire was amused by their reactions. She knelt, her dress spreading out like water.

She reached out and gently pinched Gabriel's cheek. "You both look very handsome today, like little princes."

Gabriel and Travis looked down at their white suits, then back at Claire, their faces beaming with pride.

Travis even mimicked an adult, fussing with his bow tie, making Zoey laugh out loud.

"What are you two doing here?" Zoey ruffled Travis's hair. "Where's Dad?"

"Dad's outside talking to Joseph!" Gabriel replied, his eyes still fixed on Claire. "Mom, Claire looks really beautiful today!"

"Yes, that's why today is special," Zoey said softly, her gaze resting on Claire, feeling a surge of emotion.

Just then, the door opened again, and Joseph walked in.

He wore a perfectly tailored black suit, looking more handsome and upright than usual.

However, when Joseph saw Claire, he stopped in his tracks, a look of amazement flashing in his eyes, as if the whole world had disappeared, leaving only Claire.

"Claire," Joseph's voice was hoarse, as if something was stuck in his throat.

Claire turned, her cheeks flushed, her eyes filled with joy.

Joseph walked forward, took Claire's hand, his fingers gently caressing her knuckles, and whispered, "You look so beautiful today, I can't find the words."

Claire smiled, her eyes glistening. "Yet you still managed to say so much."

They gazed at each other, as if everything around them had vanished, leaving only the two of them.

The air was filled with a sweet atmosphere, even Gabriel and Travis felt the change, tilting their heads to watch them.

"Did you forget about us?" Travis suddenly said loudly, his hands on his hips, looking very displeased. "We've been standing here forever!"