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"Darling, how lovely to see you both," my father greets Gérard and me.

My parents welcomed us warmly and I was glad that they finally seemed to accept my fiancé, without any misgivings or complications.

It seemed that we could finally be happy, although the uncertainty of Alice's whereabouts remained a mystery and a thorn in my heart. 

However, I tried to be optimistic, I wanted to be happy with Gerard after all we had been through, to finally be a happy family.

"We have excellent news for you," I announce as my mother joins us. "You will be grandparents to a beautiful baby boy."

Shouts of surprise and excitement ensue.

"Congratulations, my dear, Gérard," my father hugs us. "Have you thought of any names?"

"We like the name Claude," Gérard says, and my mom starts crying.

"Mom?"

"I'm thrilled to have a little one coming into the family," she says through tears. "Our grandson Claude will be a much-loved boy."

Gérard and I are not officially married yet, which is why we've been planning a new wedding all this time.

Chloé will soon leave for Canada, and I want her to attend my wedding. She's my maid of honor and must be there, so I sped up my plans.

"Chloé, is everything ready?" I ask my friend as we meet for lunch.

"Yes, Juliette, I promise to call you as much as I can, don't worry. Plus, I'll only be gone for 5 months," she says with a smile. "I'll be back just in time for my nephew's birth."

"You promise you'll come back?"

"Of course, my friend. I wouldn't miss the birth of little Claude for anything," she confidently states.

"And what if you meet a handsome Canadian and just don't want to return to France anymore?" I say with a mischievous grin.

"I hope I meet a handsome man on my trip, but I promise to come back," she looks at me attentively. "I don't understand why you're so concerned."

"I think pregnancy makes me feel very emotional," I apologize.

"Are you ready for the wedding?"

"Yes, my friend. Gérard and I will finally be legally married. I'm very excited."

"It's about time, darling," she takes my hand. "I'm sure everything will go wonderfully on Saturday. The wedding will be the icing on the cake in your new life."

"I know, Chloé," I smile. "Tell me, have you not spoken to Vincent again?"

"No, my friend. This Friday is my official resignation. I need to pack my bags," she says sadly. "I'd appreciate it if you could come to the airport with me, Julie."

"Of course, dear. Count on me."

"I heard that Sophie is studying acting with Edmond," Chloé tells me.

"That's correct. I spoke to her, and she confirmed her interest in acting. My parents say she's really putting in the effort."

"Poor Edmond, he's somewhat stressed," Chloé says with a smirk. "Seems like Sophie enjoys seeing him struggle a bit."

We burst into laughter.

"As I told you, I talked to her. She promised to take her classes seriously and not annoy Edmond as much."



The big day has arrived. Gérard and I are going to be officially husband and wife. Even though I'm happy just being by his side, he truly makes me joyful. This wedding symbolizes our love.

"Friend, you look stunning. The lace princess-style dress suits you incredibly," Chloé is about to tear up.

"Chloé, do I really look okay? Due to the pregnancy, I feel a bit uncomfortable. I think I don't wear the dress as I should," I make a discontented face.

"Not at all, Juliette. You're four months pregnant, and your baby bump is very well concealed. The style of the dress suits you quite well," she holds me by the shoulders, smiling at me. "It's just your own thoughts playing tricks on you. Trust me, you look beautiful."

"Thank you, Chloé," I hugged her. "I'm going to miss you a lot, but I want you to enjoy this trip. If you need help at any point, you know you can call me, no matter the time. I'll always be here for you, dear friend."

"Thank you, Juliette," she smiles at me. "But let's put this topic aside for now. There are still a couple of days before I leave. I don't want us to start crying and ruin our makeup."

"You're right. Well, I'm ready. It's time to go!," I say excitedly.

I walked arm in arm with my father towards the altar. Gérard, in his custom-fitted black suit, looked incredibly handsome and elegant. 

I'm so lucky to have found true love.

"Gérard Durand, do you take Juliette Moreau as your wife, to honor and respect her, in sickness and in health, for the rest of your life?"

"I do."

"Juliette Moreau, do you take Gérard Durand as your husband, to honor and respect him, in sickness and in health, for the rest of your life?"

"I do."

We both exchanged our respective rings that symbolize our union. Gérard looked at me with shining eyes, and I was about to start crying.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," the officiant declared.

Everyone present began applauding and celebrating this significant event in our lives.

"I love you, Juliette."

"I love you, Gérard."

The reception at the Durand mansion looked incredibly elegant.

A grand floral arrangement adorned the ceiling of the venue, a mix of roses and lilies in pink and white. The tables matched the decorations, and beautiful candles illuminated the place.

The time came for our first dance as spouses. Gérard had hired one of the best tenors in all of France, the De Santis, and everything went perfectly, just as I had imagined.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please? As the father of the bride, I would like to say a few words," my father spoke into the microphone. "With all my heart, I hope the love you promised each other at the altar today lasts a lifetime. I wish you much happiness in this new stage of your lives. Now, everyone, raise your glasses. I toast to your love and a long life together. Cheers!"

"Cheers to the newlyweds!"

Suddenly, the guests started applauding.