The Turning Point

CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE - NO CLOUDS ABOVE US

Heloyse

Megan suggested an all-day party, Cielo insisted on plenty of food, and Eva wanted me to invite as many people as possible. Ashley proposed live country music, Alice thought the wedding should be at night, and Margot wanted white flowers everywhere. But me? All I wanted was to marry the man who didn’t just complete me—he made me whole.

After nearly losing my mind with so many ideas, I decided to blend them all and create the wedding of my dreams. Eva, Cielo, and the other women on the ranch were in charge of the food, while I had my heart set on baking our wedding cake.

The ranch was a whirlwind of activity, workers bustling everywhere, but Will, with his infectious humor, managed to surprise everyone. Always smiling, cracking jokes, or pulling some playful stunt, he radiated so much joy that Eva swore she had never seen him this happy. I was so proud of him.

I watched as he seemed lighter, as if all the burdens of the past had finally lifted. The way he interacted with Calvin—with simple gestures and overwhelming affection—made me fall even more in love with him every day.

He spent more time with Calvin, bonding like father and son. They worked on fixing the old truck used to haul feed, played pool after lunch, and sometimes, one strummed the guitar while the other sang. Will had become a calmer, more patient man—more connected with the people around him.

I moved into the small wooden cabin that once sheltered me. I didn’t want to share the nights before the wedding with him. But Will was stubborn, constantly showing up at my door, trying to convince me to change my mind or at least let him sleep beside me. And every time I saw the pout on his face after I turned him down, I couldn’t help but laugh.

We got married at the ranch.

The place was transformed into a fairytale. Flowers hung from trees, lanterns were scattered all around, and antique furniture was placed outside to create a cozy atmosphere. White chairs lined the aisle, leading to a crimson carpet where I would walk. Wooden crates filled with red and white flower arrangements decorated the pathway, with framed pictures of us nestled between them. At the entrance, a wooden sign adorned with flowers read:

"Welcome to the wedding of Heloyse Emily Sanders & William Davies O’Connor."

Some of the wooden pieces had been crafted by Will and Calvin, and the stage for the live band—featuring a wagon wheel wrapped in ribbons and flowers—looked perfect.

My bridesmaids—Megan, Ashley, Alice, and Selena—looked stunning in flowing sky-blue dresses, paired with pearl-strapped sandals.

My dress was off-white, fluid yet adorned with embroidered floral patterns made of delicate beads. The deep V neckline, both at the front and back, added an elegant touch. Mini pearl chains draped from the sleeves, while the skirt, starting fitted, cascaded into a mermaid silhouette. Around my wrist, I wore a bracelet made from the same fabric and embroidery as the dress.

My hair, now lighter, with a brown shade that turned golden at the ends, was styled sleek and adorned with a delicate headband that matched my dress. I wore strappy sandals that wrapped around my feet and ankles.

As I gazed into the mirror, I took a deep breath. My stomach tightened, a nervous bubble forming, and my heart pounded in my chest. My cold fingers clutched the cascading bouquet—deep wine, soft purple, and pristine white flowers intertwined with tiny succulents.

"You did a great job. You look beautiful. You’re marrying the man who loves you, and you love him. No need to be nervous."

I kept repeating the words in my head, trying to calm myself.