Chapter 10 - The Vow on the Coast
Six months later.
The private beach behind the Skidaway Island estate was decorated with simple, breathtaking elegance. White linen runners stretched across the smooth sand, bordered by thousands of blooming white hydrangeas and sea grass.
A small, intimate group of twenty people sat on wooden chairs facing the ocean—including Vance, Marcus, Monica Langford (who had successfully launched her independent shipping firm), and a few close friends.
At the end of the aisle stood Grant Holloway. He wore a crisp, tailored linen suit, looking relaxed, healthy, and deeply content. Beside him stood Vance, holding little six-month-old Leo, who was happily babbling in a tiny suit outfit.
The soft acoustic guitar began to play a slow, romantic melody.
Grant looked up, his heart skipping a beat.
Jolene walked down the aisle toward him. She wore a stunning, minimalist silk gown that hugged her slender frame, her long light-brown hair styled in soft waves adorned with small white flowers. She looked breathtaking—a vision of pure light and life.
She reached the end of the aisle, setting her hand gently into Grant’s waiting palm.
The minister stepped forward, smiling warmly at the couple. "We are gathered here today in the presence of family and loved ones to unite Grant Holloway and Jolene Tab in holy matrimony."
When the time came for the vows, Grant didn't read from a prepared paper. He looked directly into Jolene’s eyes, holding both of her hands in his strong, warm grip.
"Jolene," Grant’s voice was rich, steady, and filled with deep emotion. "Five months ago, I thought my life was over. I thought the world was just a cold, dark place where I had to survive. But you showed me that love isn't just something you feel—it’s something you fight for. You brought me back from the dead. I promise to spend every day of my life protecting you, loving you, and building a world where our son will always be proud of my name."
Jolene’s eyes filled with happy tears. She squeezed his hands tight.
"Grant," she said softly, her voice carrying across the quiet breeze. "I hid from the world because I was afraid. But the day I looked through that store glass and saw you, I knew I was done hiding. You fought through every storm, every enemy, and every lie to bring us home. You are my anchor, my protector, and my absolute home. I love you, now and forever."
"By the power vested in me," the minister declared with a broad smile, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Grant, you may kiss your bride."
Grant didn't hesitate. He pulled Jolene into his arms, dipping her back slightly as he kissed her deeply under the warm afternoon sun. The small crowd erupted into cheers and applause, while little Leo let out a delighted gurgle from Vance’s arms.
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As they pulled back, Grant looked at his wife, then reached over to take his son into his arms, holding them both tight against his chest.
The ocean waves crashed gently against the shore, carrying away the dark memories of the past, leaving behind a clear, beautiful horizon for the Holloway family.
