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Stella wore a white dress with medieval sleeves and a little crown of lemon tree leaves, and flat jewelled sandals, her hair down in loose curls and her make-up barely there.

Her heart was there completely.

Daisy was smiling as Stella walked down the small aisle, and Maria and Eduardo were both happy and proud, and Gina was holding little Sophia, and just a very select group of loyal staff who had really become family were in attendance.

Gabe stole the show though. He was stunning in an Italian-designed morning suit, his waistcoat pearl-grey, and the only man who could wear striped trousers and keep her heart. He looked incredible, dashing, but more than that, there was a smile in his eyes.

Happiness had returned.

The priest spoke and then it came to the vows and Gabe’s deep, clear voice broke once.

‘Stella, take my hand… I, Gabriel…’

And then he promised to love her all the days of her life, till death do us part. ‘And beyond,’ he added quietly, because love did not die.

Then it was her turn.

‘Gabriel, take my hand…. I, Stella…’

Once she had cried, on the night of the car chase, and now a few more tears fell. She felt safe, wanted…

And, oh, so loved.

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