Chapter 10 - A NEW DAWN
One year later.
The courtyard of the Cross estate was decorated in breathtaking elegance. White silk drapes hung from the grand archways, thousands of white roses lined the marble aisle, and soft golden afternoon sunlight washed over the hundred guests seated in the garden.
Holden Cross stood at the altar, looking immaculate in a tailored white tuxedo jacket and black trousers. Beside him as his best man was Marcus, wearing a proud smile. Sitting quietly on a velvet rug beside the altar, wearing a custom collar made of white roses, was Phantom, calm and majestic as ever.
The music shifted to a sweet, soaring bridal march.
Every guest stood up and turned toward the aisle.
First came Lily, now eight years old, wearing a beautiful lace flower-girl dress, tossing white rose petals onto the aisle with a radiant smile.
And then came Evelyn.
She looked breathtaking in a custom lace bridal gown with a long flowing train, holding a bouquet of lily-of-the-valley flowers. Her eyes were locked onto Holden’s, filled with pure, unconditional love.
As she reached the altar, Holden stepped forward, taking her hands in his.
The priest began the ceremony, but for Holden and Evelyn, the words spoken were simply a formal confirmation of what their hearts had known for years. They made their vows—vows of loyalty, devotion, and eternal protection—promising to walk together through every joy and challenge the world might bring.
“By the power vested in me,” the priest announced with a warm smile, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!”
Holden pulled Evelyn close, dipping her gently as he kissed her passionately, prompting cheers and applause from the gathered guests.
Phantom let out a joyful, deep bark that echoed across the estate, making everyone laugh heartily.
Later that evening, as the reception filled the garden with music, dancing, and celebration, Holden, Evelyn, and Lily walked down to the edge of the estate’s private lake. The water reflected the soft glow of the moon, and a gentle breeze swept through the trees.
Lily held both of their hands, swinging her feet playfully as they walked. Phantom trotted right beside them, his nose nudging Lily’s hand every few steps.
“Daddy?” Lily asked, stopping near the water’s edge.
Holden crouched down beside her. “Yes, my princess?”
“Do you remember the night I snuck under the gate?” Lily asked with a soft giggle. “When Phantom knelt down and everyone thought he was going to eat me?”
Holden smiled warmly, reaching out to gently pinch her nose. “I remember it like it was yesterday. It was the scariest, best moment of my life.”
“I knew he wouldn't hurt me,” Lily said proudly, hugging Phantom around the neck as the dog sat happily beside her. “Good dogs know who family is.”
Evelyn knelt down on Holden’s other side, resting her head against his shoulder as they watched their daughter playing with the dog in the moonlight.
“You built a paradise out of a fortress, Holden,” Evelyn whispered softly, kissing his cheek.
Holden wrapped his strong arms around both of them, pulling his wife and daughter tightly against his chest as Phantom rested his heavy head on Holden’s knee.
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“I didn't build it alone,” Holden replied, looking up at the endless starlit sky with a heart overflowing with gratitude. “A little girl and a loyal dog showed me the way home.”
And there, surrounded by peace, safety, and endless love, the Cross family lived happily ever after.
