103

"You look beautiful. Jyeon is the luckiest man alive." Mother takes my hand at the car door and helps me slide out, adjusting my simple cream lace dress that reaches the ground and fluffing my hair before handing me my bouquet back. It's fitted down to my thighs and then flairs out enough for a bit of drama in a mermaid tail shape, and today my hair is curled and swept to one side. I feel glamorous and pretty, eager to get moving and see Jyeon.

Jyeon wanted to do this right and slept at the hotel last night with Bryant, leaving the boat for me, mother, and Greta to have ourselves a girly bonding sleepover. It was only one night, and yet I missed him like crazy. I haven't seen him since he kissed me goodbye after supper and told me today was the start of the rest of our lives. It was a long night, and I swear it's been days instead of hours.

I'm nervous even though it seems so stupid to be, given I have known him forever, and this is only a redo of something we have already done in front of thousands of guests. Maybe because this time it's sincere, and I know Jyeon wants this as much as I do, and our path from now on will contrast the past hugely.

"She is. Jyeon better appreciate exactly what he's got in my Sohla, girl. Or else I'll crucify him." Greta sorts my skirt as I stand, let her fuss, and preen me, even though mother just did, before following her up the now much tidier grass walkway to the summit. They pruned all this and lined the walkway with solar fairy lights and pretty butterfly decorations. It's gorgeous and whimsical and must have taken Jyeon, Bryant, and Yoonah all morning.

We walk on in silence, with the odd stop to adjust me as we climb, and I am so glad we picked a cool day where the sun isn't beating down on us even at high noon. There's barely a breeze, and it's warm enough for my cap sleeves without breaking a sweat during our five-minute stroll.

"When are you doing this?" I nudge Greta from behind and get a glance back and eyeroll.

"Bryant has a long trial to get through before doing anything like that. I'm just taking one step at a time and enjoying what we have going on. If it leads to this, then so be it. I have no plans." She shrugs, committing to nothing, yet it breaks a smile on my face.

"Bryant is a good boy; you could have a good life. You know he's the youngest of a very wealthy family, and his inheritance is enough to never worry for a few generations yet." Mother chimes in, still influenced by what our society in the city deems a person's most important trait. To be born rich. I can't be mad at her for what's been ingrained.

"Greta will get rich of her own accord and would never dream of depending on Bryant's money. She has ambition." I point out.

"Yeah, I am the CEO of a building franchise, and I might be worth more than him one day. I intend to be the Queen of my own empire so that I can rub shoulders with Sohla here." She winks back at me, beaming a smile, and then quickens the pace to get us up there faster. I know she hates being interrogated about her love life.

"Jyeon will make you happy this time, Sohlly. I know he never in the past, and as a family, we made many mistakes. I am learning to grow as a person at my age, so I am sure my son is capable of it too. You have nothing to fear." Mother pats me on the shoulder, uttering loving words to calm my apparent nerves while following close behind, warming me.

We spent last night talking until late. Greta had fallen asleep, and we sat side by side in the double bed and talked about everything and nothing. Something we never did, ever. I feel like I got to know her on a level I was always denied because she wore this mask of cold and strong that was not who she really was. Keeping up a persona as I did for years, and it's weird to know we were so similar. Mother showing her vulnerability has been the most significant change, and realizing she loved and needed her children brought a kindness that I adore in her.

We finally come up the last three feet to the plateau, where it levels out, and Greta quickly steps out of my line of vision so I can see exactly what they have done up here. Jyeon banned me for the entire week and wouldn't let me see either the stockpiling items or the design layout they came up with. I know they hired a carpenter from the village and had him with them on several trips he and Bryant had disappeared these past few days.

It's gorgeous. A temporary altar and canopy have been erected in the center of the clearing, so we face out to sea when we walk up to where Bryant is standing looking at me. It is draped in white muslins, which are semi-transparent and pinned back at four pillars, so it's airy and open while still serving as a shelter. Fairly lights interlace the fabrics and entwine in the draping. There are white satin-covered chairs set up along the rear opening to allow our witnesses to watch our faces while taking our vows. Flowers and more fairy lights strung from the roof to the ground in suspended wire lines create a tranquil, picturesque haven. A weighted-down, long, plush, white rug is on the grass before me, leading me to my groom.

Jyeon is watching me, with Yoonah by his side in matching cream-colored tuxedos and bowties. Like two handsome bookends smiling my way, perfectly tailored and slim. I'm glad that Yoonie agreed to this and came early and helped Jyeon prepare to show how serious he is that he wants us all to move on. I'm proud of him for letting old grudges go and facing his feelings so we can be siblings in the future.

Greta turns and arranges mother by my side, looping our arms together, tweaking both our hair and flowers, before turning in front of us. She holds her bouquet at bust level and nods at her dark, navy, suited man in the distance. Smiling beautifully.

He leans down, and whatever he does, music starts softly playing around us, and I gawp and turn my head, picking out hidden speakers pegged into the wild grasses and bushes edging this place. Concealed well until you followed the noise gracing us.

A beautiful lyricless melody encourages us to start moving, and I follow Greta as we take the short fifteen-foot walk toward my husband. My heart's racing, and my cheeks are warmed by the excitement and nerves so that I'm blushed all over. Gripping mother's arm with one hand and my bouquet of wild lilies with the other. My eyes are misting over as I hold back the tears, having to blow out my air to self-calm, yet aware my legs are trembling. I quickly get to my destination before they give out on me entirely.

Mother takes my fingers carefully in hers as Yoonah steps forward and places a hand on top to physically pass me over. Mother stops me with a tug on my arm to kiss my cheek before letting go completely and smiles at Jyeon with a nod before moving off to take her seat. She's in her element today, beaming like the happiest woman alive, and not once has she complained that she wasn't part of the planning. Greta follows her to sit down, and I am left with Yoonah, who leans in and kisses me on the cheek.

"You look gorgeous. Jyeon is a lucky bastard." He smiles warmly before turning, pulling me the last few steps, and reluctantly placing my hand in Jyeon's. A mischievous grin spreads across his face before Jyeon shoves him playfully away. Jyeon's eyes are glued to me, and his jawline is tight and tense, showing his nerves and excitement. His eyes are glazed with emotion, and I catch him swallow hard twice before his brother nods a slight bow and moves to sit with the other two.

"You're stunning, baby. Girl of my dreams." Jyeon reaches up and smooths back a strand of my hair from my face into my hairline at my temple, and it soothes my internal nerves. His touch is my healing balm. My hands tremble slightly, but he interlaces our fingers together, guides me up the step of the small platform where the altar stands and pulls me to his side without letting go. Keeping me close.

"Shall we begin?" Bryant winks at me, turns over some paperwork behind his table, and Jyeon nods, exhaling heavily. I can almost taste how anxious he is, and I can sympathize. This feels monumentous for us both and probably more for him as he was in charge of every single detail. This has been a lot of pulling things together fast.

"I don't know why I am so nervous. I'm sweating." Jyeon chuckles under his breath, squeezing my fingers while giving me a quick side glance, and smiles so softly, just for me.

"Because it matters this time," I utter back quietly, for his ears only, and lean up and gently kiss him on his jawline to soothe his nerves. Seeing him like this helps calm me, and I'm already happier just being touched by him.

"Good day, everyone. We stand before all here present to witness the vow renewals of Sohla Iona Kim and Jyeon Tae Park. To reaffirm their love and start a new life together. Are you all sitting comfortably and ready to begin?" Bryant announces it clearly and confidently, and I catch the tiny flicker of his eyes straying to Greta, who looks pretty in a baby blue sundress. Her short hair is curled up with a simple daisy flower wreath that makes her seem almost fairy-like. "As this is a vow renewal, rather than a ceremony of the traditional sense, today Jyeon wants to read out his own vows for Sohla. We won't be following the normal procedure."

I flutter my lashes up in shock, eyes widening at Jyeon because he never mentioned writing our vows at all, and I glance from Bryant to him, and the panic must be evident on my face. My heart starts hammering like a war drum that I never prepared for this.

"I wanted to surprise you. You can just recite the vows we made on our wedding day, or Yoonah…." He gestures to his brother, who grins like a cheeky monkey and stands up before pulling out a slip of paper from his inside pocket and waving it my way. He seems smug that he knew about this and did my work for me.

"I took the liberty of writing you some, given how well I know you and what I figured you might want to say."

I furrow my brow at him with an amused expression, giggling at how absurd yet cute this is, and hold out my hand, intrigued by what this brat has written for us. Yoonah obliges and brings it forward, placing it in my palm before returning to sit. I move to open it, but Jyeon covers my hands and stills it.

"Me first."

"Okay." I hesitate, sliding the paper down against my abdomen and holding one of his hands before lifting my chin and having him lock his gaze on me. I am more interested in Jyeon's vows than mine anyway. Jyeon stretches his neck to ease his tension, clears his throat, and blows out his air before pulling a piece of paper from his pocket. Visibly as nervous as the day he left to sit his exams at University.

"In your own time." Bryant encourages, and I chew on my lip to curb the swirling emotions, tears, and apprehension. Jyeon unfolds it with fumbling fingers letting go of my hand to hold it with his eyes focused on the task while licking his lips. He then looks back at me and frowns like a lost little boy, petrified of public speaking. It's endearing to know this is scaring him this much.

"Sohla, I love you more than I thought it was possible to love anyone, and yet I spent years not knowing that's what this was between us. I was such an idiot. We have had a complicated and rollercoaster journey, but I'm so glad that everything happened led me back to you." He frowns harder, his eyes glazing as though tears are threatening, and I find it hard to swallow as a lump forms in my throat. Jyeon's digging deep, not caring about what he says in front of his mother because they know the truth now anyway. I told her everything last night.

"You make me whole. You make me think about the future and being a better version of myself. I live for hearing your laugh, seeing your smile, and being next to you. Knowing you're back in my life. Things I will never take for granted again for as long as I live. I will never stray, never hurt you or neglect you. I promise my undying loyalty and devotion. I'll spend every waking moment dedicated to building a happy life with you and nurturing our love, making you smile." He pauses to dab his eyes with the back of his hands, and it sets me off. A tear rolls down my face as my lip trembles, and I sniff back the dam that's threatening to burst. Holding it all in like a crazy expanding balloon that wants to pop.

"I take you, Sohla Iona Kim, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and always cherish and to never forget exactly how unbearable life is without you in it. I will strive to show you my heart and love for you every second of every day until my last breath. To build a future with you and have a dozen kids. You're my everything, my world, my universe. I love you so much." He barely doesn't get the last words out as he chokes, his voice husky and low, and dabs at his face again, having as hard a time as me. He's fighting to stay composed. His words are beautiful, and I reach out and squeeze his hand because I can't find the words to express to him how touched I am.

"Touching. Good job, buddy." Bryant encourages him. "Now it's your turn Sohla." Bryant prompts me, a gentle gesture with his hand at the paper I'm holding, and I break into a smile and wonder what goofiness Yoonah has bestowed upon me. Forgetting my building chest ache and throbbing heart for a second as intrigue scratches its way in.

I lift the paper with shaking fingers and carefully open it, smoothing it from the first crease line to double the size. I am aware of all the eyes on me and snort-laugh at the first unfold where bold words in a blue pen are written so prominently.

'It's not too late to change the Park brother!'

I turn it around and wave it at Jyeon with a mischievous giggle, hearing Yoonah chucking behind me, and Jyeon sighs and frowns before motioning a neck-slicing gesture at his brother.

"Not in a million years, Yoon."

"What? It's so that she knows she has options." He laughs again, and I finish unfolding the paper to extend to its full size, seeing a neatly written paragraph in the middle.

"Here we go." I smile at Jyeon, who's shaking his head and giving Yoonah strange warning glances. It's in jest, but he's glaring to drive it home that he has no chance.

"I, Sohla Iona Kim, stand here today ready to step into a second chance at happiness. Having been lost, I managed to find myself and what I wanted in life, even though it brought me full circle. I'm grateful that it gave me a chance to realize my love for you was limitless and strong and that only you would make me happy, even when you have a younger, hotter brother who adores me too!" I burst out laughing as I say it and turn to Yoonah with a 'what is this?' hand gesture of palms up. I should have known he would mess up the assignment with his childish personality.

"It's the truth!" He winks and lounges back in his chair. Caring not about the fact Jyeon might actually make good on his promise to harm him.

"I don't need this….. I can only imagine it gets worse." I point out and hand the paper off to Bryant, who takes it with a raised brow and grin, agreeing Yoonah probably didn't write anything better if I continue. "I can try my own." I lift my chin back to Jyeon, seeing his warm and loving gaze on mine, a hint of a smile on his lips because his brother amused him too, even if he might beat him for it later.

I clear my throat, wriggle my fingers back into his and gaze at him in hopes my entire heart and love for him is on show.

"I will love you and cherish you forever. I feel like I fell out of orbit and lived in a paused state, but it gave me time to reflect, heal, and grow as a person. To look back and see where we went wrong. I never thought it would bring me back to you, but I'm so glad that it did because this is where I want to be, now and forever, until I close my eyes for good. You give me so much that I can't explain …. You've always been my rock and strength, even when it didn't feel like it, and now you are a million times more so. I have learned to trust you again, to forgive and forget. You make me happy just by being near. I love you so much it scares me, but at the same time, it gives me hope for what our future can be. I can't imagine anything more beautiful in this world than building a life with you and giving Tia siblings that look just like her daddy." Tears start rolling down my cheeks, and I hear a chorus of sniffs behind me as mother and Greta cry. Jyeon is so focused on my face that he has a somber expression and is glued to my every word. His jaw flexes as he fights his inner emotions and tries to remain composed.

"I take you, Jyeon Tae Park, to have and hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and cherish always. To never leave you again, never hide from you, or hold back my true feelings. To always share everything in life with you from here on in. I love you more than anything in the world."

I take his hands and squeeze them tight, exhaling heavily and steadying my nerves because the hardest bit is over. My voice is trembling, my hands are too, but he holds them tight and gives me the courage to stand here.

"If you are both done reciting your vows and promises, then Yoonah, providing you didn't toss them off the cliff… the rings, please." Bryant grins at his friend, and I stay locked in an eye to eye hold with Jyeon as a warm presence comes up by my side and hands off the rings to Bryant. I catch it from the corner of my eyes, and my heart flips over with joy.

"Here." He holds them out, one in each hand, so Jyeon lets go of one of mine and takes the closest. I turn and take Jyeon's ring, and we face one another again. I'm turning it in my fingers, admiring how pretty these wedding bands always were and noticing he has had them polished and cleaned for today, so they sparkle like they did when they were brand new. Another minor detail that he paid attention to because he wanted today to be perfect for both of us.

"Here, baby." Jyeon takes my left hand and carefully slides the ring onto my finger, snuggly setting it in place. Covering my entire hand with his, he smoothly traces his thumb over my pulse point before he lifts my hand and kisses me right above it.

I follow suit and take his hand, with a little less smooth decorum, pushing on his larger band until it settles at home, where I always want to see it from now on. The perfect symbol of a new life and that this man isn't going anywhere again. The fact that he's mine, truly, not like it was before and that he'll never stray again. I have his heart, his love, his promises.

I gaze at it before Bryant cuts in with the one thing I know Jyeon is waiting on.

"You may now kiss your bride…. Keep it PG; your mom is watching."