Chapter 11 - The Aftermath and New Beginnings
The rest of the night was a celebration of freedom.
With my father and brother gone, the tension in the room evaporated.
I danced with Ethan, I laughed with his family, and I finally felt the pure, unadulterated joy that a wedding is supposed to bring.
I didn't care that I was sweating in my military uniform.
I wore it like a badge of honor.
By the end of the night, General Sterling found me sitting at a quiet table, resting my feet.
"You handled yourself with immense grace today, Captain," the General said, taking a seat beside me.
"I had good backup, sir," I smiled.
"Your father's business will be liquidated by the end of the month," he said seriously.
"And your brother will face charges. I want you to know I take no pleasure in tearing your family apart."
"They tore themselves apart," I answered honestly. "You just turned on the lights."
He nodded respectfully, patted my shoulder, and walked back to his family.
A few hours later, Ethan and I left the venue under a canopy of sparklers held by our friends.
When we got to our hotel room, I finally took off the heavy uniform jacket.
I stood in front of the mirror, looking at the tired, happy woman staring back at me.
"I'm sorry you didn't get to wear your dresses," Ethan said, wrapping his arms around me from behind.
"It doesn't matter," I told him, resting my head against his chest. "I got the man."
"Still," he smiled mysteriously. "I have a surprise for you."
He walked over to the closet and pulled out a large, white garment bag.
I looked at him in confusion.
"My mom went shopping this morning while you were getting ready," Ethan explained.
He unzipped the bag.
Inside was a simple, elegant, white silk slip dress.
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It wasn't elaborate. It wasn't covered in lace or beads.
But it was perfect.
