It's been two weeks since the planning officially start at the Walter's residence. The evening sun poured through the big windows at Romero, painting the living room in a golden glow. The house smelled of cake and coffee, and laughter bounced off the walls.
Bianca had dropped by with her husband and little one, and the cousins were running around with Arabella and Jessy, squeals of joy echoing through the hallways.
Bella leaned against the doorway, arms folded, her heart full as she watched Jessy chase after Arabella, wobbling on his toddler legs, shouting "Aba! Aba!" in his half-formed words. Arabella giggled, slowing down just enough for him to catch her dress.
Chris sat close by, pretending to read the paper but secretly watching them too, pride softening every line of his face.
"Okay," Bianca announced suddenly, clapping her hands to get everyone's attention. "I have news."
Everyone froze. Bella's eyes widened, already suspicious. "Don't tell me..."
Bianca grinned, her hand automatically drifting to her stomach. "Yes. You guessed it. Baby number two is on the way."
The room erupted.
Raquel squealed and hugged her so tightly that Bianca laughed and tried to wriggle free. Vera's eyes misted over as she murmured prayers of blessing. Alexis gasped dramatically, waving her ring. "This is not fair. First baby number one, now baby number two, and I'm still waiting to walk down the aisle."
"You're married, Alexis," Jayden teased, rolling his eyes. "Let her have her moment."
Bianca laughed, shaking her head. "It's still early days, but I couldn't keep it in. I wanted you all to know. I wanted to tell my family first."
Bella hugged her tightly, whispering in her ear, "I'm so happy for you. Really, B."
Bianca hugged her back, voice thick. "I prayed you'd be here for this. And now you are."
As the noise swelled again siblings arguing over names, Vera fussing about Bianca eating enough vegetables, children's laughter filling every space Bella caught Chris's eyes across the room.
He wasn't smiling big, not like the others. His was a quiet smile, steady, meant only for her. A promise in the middle of the noise.
This family, laughter, children growing, futures being built this was the life they had nearly lost. And now it was theirs to keep.
The Romero' living room was a sea of fabrics, sketches, and laughter. Bella sat on the sofa while Vera pinned a length of ivory lace against her shoulder. Arabella twirled nearby, holding a small flower crown, pretending to be a bride herself.
"Hold still, Bella," Vera scolded softly, though her voice was warm. "This is the final fitting. One wrong move and I'll have to start over."
"Mum," Bella laughed, "you're more nervous than I am."
"That's because I waited far too long to see this day." Vera's eyes glistened. "And I want it perfect."
Across the room, Raquel and Alexis sat cross-legged with Bianca, flipping through the wedding program. Bianca was glowing, one hand resting absently on her growing bump.
"You need to add a dance segment," Alexis insisted. "Chris can't escape it. First dance is non-negotiable."
Bella groaned. "You just want to see me embarrassed."
Alexis smirked. "Exactly."
Arabella giggled, running to Jessy who was wobbling on his little legs, chasing a toy car. "Come on, Jessy, you'll be ring bearer!" she announced proudly.
Jessy babbled, "Mama! Aba!" and collapsed into laughter when Bella scooped him up. His tiny hands tugged her veil, his teeth showing as he grinned.
"Careful, darling," Bella murmured, kissing his forehead.
The sound of deep laughter filled the room. Chris stood in the doorway, jacket off, shirt sleeves rolled up. He leaned casually against the frame, watching. "You all look like you're planning a royal coronation instead of a wedding."
"It might as well be," Hailey teased, walking in behind him with her two children, who immediately ran to play with Arabella and Jessy.
Andrew entered too, his wife at his side and his three children tumbling forward with shy smiles. The cousins collided in a mess of laughter and squeals, the house vibrating with the noise of family.
Bella watched it all, her chest full. Two years ago, she had been alone, broken, running for her life. Now, she was surrounded by siblings, by children, by love.
Chris moved behind her, his hand brushing her shoulder before resting at her waist. "You're quiet," he murmured, low enough for only her to hear.
Bella leaned into him, her voice soft. "I'm just... taking it in. All of it. It feels unreal."
He pressed a kiss against her temple, his breath warm. "It's real. And in a few days, it'll be forever."
She smiled, her hand covering his. "Forever sounds good."
In that moment, surrounded by family, children's laughter, and the hum of preparations, Bella knew her storm had finally passed. The countdown wasn't just to a wedding. It was to the life she'd fought so hard to keep.
The private lounge at one of London's rooftop hotels sparkled with fairy lights and soft music. The city skyline stretched wide through the glass walls, but all eyes were on Bella.
"Surprise!" the voices rang out as soon as she stepped in.
Bella froze at the doorway, stunned. The room was filled with flowers, balloons, and a long table covered in candles and pink-gold decorations. Alexis rushed forward, grinning. "You really thought we'd let you walk down the aisle without a proper send-off?"
Bianca laughed, rubbing her bump. "I told her weeks ago, but she doesn't listen."
Hailey and Imelda hugged Bella next, Raquel pulling her in last with a squeal. Vera appeared behind them, her smile soft but proud. "Tonight, you're not a mother, not a bride-to-be. Just my girl, celebrating her moment."
Bella's throat tightened as the women led her to a chair at the center, crowned with a sparkling sash: Bride to Be.
The night unfolded with laughter. They played silly games Alexis insisting on a quiz about Chris that made Bella blush when she couldn't remember what tie he wore on their first date. Raquel had prepared a slideshow of Bella through the years, from awkward teenage photos to her first uniform as an air hostess.
"Don't cry!" Bianca teased, handing her a tissue. "Save that for the wedding."
But Bella couldn't help it. She looked around the room at the women who had stood by her Vera's quiet strength, Bianca's loyalty, Alexis's bold encouragement, Raquel's youthful joy, Hailey's steady sisterhood. Each one had carried her in their own way when she had been too weak to carry herself.
Then came the gifts. Alexis handed over a lace robe with a wink. "For the honeymoon."
Raquel blushed as she presented Bella with a handmade scrapbook of family photos. "So you never forget we're always with you."
Vera saved her gift for last a delicate gold necklace with a small locket. Inside was a photo of Bella with Jessy and Arabella, taken just weeks before. "This is your new beginning," Vera whispered, fastening it around her daughter's neck. "Carry them with you always."
Tears blurred Bella's vision. "I don't deserve all of you," she said, her voice thick with emotion.
Bianca squeezed her hand. "You do. More than anyone I know."
The music swelled, glasses clinked, and laughter filled the rooftop again. For the first time in years, Bella felt not just loved, but celebrated. This wasn't the girl running from shadows anymore. This was the woman stepping boldly into the light.
And as the night wound down, Vera kissed her forehead. "Tomorrow begins your forever, Bella. And you won't be walking into it alone."
Bella smiled through her tears, her heart full. Tomorrow was almost here.