No Such Thing As A Hollywood Ending

chapter 46

The day of Henry and Lucy's wedding was bathed in sunshine, the late afternoon light casting a warm golden glow over the outdoor venue. The soft rustle of guests mingling and the quiet buzz of excitement filled the air as the ceremony drew closer. Henry stood at the front of the altar, dressed in a sharp suit, nervously adjusting his tie. Lucy, with her growing belly gently pushing against the delicate lace of her gown, was already at his side. Everything had been perfect so far, and he couldn't believe they were finally here, about to be married.

As the ceremony began, all eyes were on Lucy and Henry, their love evident in every glance they shared. The vows were heartfelt, filled with promises of commitment and devotion not only to each other but also to the children they were preparing to raise together. When Henry slid the ring onto Lucy's finger, there wasn't a dry eye in the crowd. It was everything they had dreamed of and more.

But Henry couldn't help but notice Amelia's presence at the edge of the crowd. She stood apart, a little awkwardly, with an ankle monitor clearly visible beneath the hem of her dress and several officers discreetly positioned around her. Her presence cast a strange tension over the event, though no one said anything out of respect for the occasion.

After the ceremony, when the guests began to mingle at the reception, Henry found himself walking over to Amelia, who was quietly sipping a glass of water at a table near the back. He wasn't angry, but he was confused. He had no idea why she had shown up.

"Amelia," he said gently, standing across from her. "I don't mean this in a rude way, but... why are you here?"

Amelia looked up at him, clearly surprised by the question. "What do you mean? I got an invitation," she replied, her brow furrowing in confusion. "I thought you sent it."

Henry blinked, taken aback. "I didn't. I wouldn't have... I mean, I didn't think you'd even want to be here."

Both of them instinctively turned their heads toward Lucy, who was standing a few feet away, chatting with some guests. She noticed their attention and quickly excused herself, walking over to join them.

Lucy bit her lip nervously, already sensing the conversation she was about to step into. "I sent the invitation," she admitted softly. "I know you've hurt Henry, Amelia, and it hasn't been easy for any of us. But I've been thinking a lot about what Henry said—about doing what's best for the baby."

Amelia's eyes widened slightly in surprise, and she stayed quiet, allowing Lucy to continue.

"I didn't want this wedding to be a reminder of all the pain," Lucy explained, her voice sincere. "We're about to raise a child together, and I know that child's well-being has to come first. If we're going to make things work, we all need to be able to get along for their sake—even if it's hard."

Henry's heart swelled with a mix of emotions. He hadn't expected Lucy to take such a step, especially considering how deeply hurt she had been on his behalf. But he also knew that Lucy cared deeply about their future, and she wanted their child, and Amelia's, to grow up in a world without anger or bitterness.

Amelia looked between the two of them, clearly moved by Lucy's words. "I... I don't know what to say," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I never expected you to invite me. I never thought... after what I did, I didn't think you could even look at me without hating me."

Lucy took a breath, her eyes filled with determination. "It's not easy," she admitted. "And I'm not going to lie—there are days when I still feel really angry about what happened. But I know that holding on to that anger isn't going to help anyone, least of all the children. So, I invited you because, whether we like it or not, we're all connected now. And I wanted to start this new chapter on the right foot."

Amelia's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she nodded. "I'm thankful you gave me the opportunity to be here," she said softly. "I don't deserve your kindness, but I'm grateful for it. And I know it's going to take time—if you ever forgive me at all. I just want you both to know that I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make sure the baby is raised in a loving, supportive environment."

Henry, listening to this exchange, felt a strange sense of relief. While the pain of what Amelia had done would never fully disappear, he knew now that they were all trying to move forward, even if it would take time. He didn't know what the future held, but at least they were starting to build something better, for the sake of the children and for themselves.

"We're all going to need time," Henry said quietly, meeting Amelia's eyes. "But I appreciate that you're trying. That means something."

Amelia gave a small nod, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you," she whispered.

As the reception continued around them, the three of them stood together in a quiet moment of understanding. It wasn't forgiveness, not yet. But it was a step toward healing, and that, for now, was enough.