Chapter 19 - The Little Bride’s DutyThe wedding was not announced on the front pages of the tabloids, nor was it broadcast on national television. It was intimate, sacred, and entirely their own.
Held under the ancient ash trees in the private back gardens of Las Lomas, under a canopy of white roses and warm string lights, the ceremony was witnessed only by the closest members of their new life.
As the judge pronounced them husband and wife, a cheer went up through the small gathering.
And then came the most important participant of the evening.
Valentina, wearing a matching miniature ivory dress with tiny floral ribbons in her dark curls, marched down the grass aisle carrying a velvet pillow. But instead of traditional wedding bands, resting securely in the center of the velvet cushion was the heavy, polished golden button she had found in the hallway months ago—the treasure that had changed everything.
She walked right up to Diego and Marisol, stopping with absolute, serious toddler concentration.
“For mommy and daddy,” Valentina announced proudly, holding the pillow up.
Diego knelt down, scooping both his daughter and his new bride into a single, crushing embrace, while the guests applauded through tears of joy.
Later that evening, as the string quartet played softly under the warm Mexico City stars, Marisol danced with Diego beneath the glowing patio lights.
“Do you remember what you said to me on the stairs the day you found her?” Marisol asked softly, resting her head against his shoulder as they swayed to the music.
“I remember every word,” Diego murmured, kissing her hair. “I told you that Marisol and Valentina were not leaving.”
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“And you kept your promise.”
“Always,” Diego vowed, his arms tightening around her. “We’re home, Marisol. All of us.”
