Georgia bustled over and took charge of them both, shepherding them to their places. The music swelled, and each member of the wedding party went down the aisle. Will and Willow, who was the officiant, waited under a driftwood arch.

Then Caroline found herself completely alone for a moment, about to take the biggest step of her life. She dwelled on all the things that had brought her to this moment—the devastating losses and dizzying triumphs and everything in between.

She didn’t hurry down the aisle but paced herself. She wanted to take in the warmth of the smiling faces turned in her direction. She felt so connected here, in a way she never had before, with the family she’d created in the aftermath of tragedy, the friends she’d made by reaching out and opening her heart.

She made her way to the end of the aisle and stood before Will. The whole world was in his face.

The music trailed softly away. A waiting silence descended. Will took both of Caroline’s hands in his.

Willow looked from one to the other. “Shall we begin?”