The Avila mansion had never been more alive.
Every corner buzzed with wedding energy. Delivery vans came and went. Florists carried armfuls of white roses, silver eucalyptus, and deep emerald greenery. Tables in the grand hall were covered with fabric swatches, candle samples, and stacks of seating charts. The air smelled of fresh flowers, vanilla, and excitement.
Claire stood in the middle of it all, holding Xander’s hand, feeling a deep sense of peace she hadn’t known in months.
“This is really happening,” she whispered, looking up at him with a soft smile.
Xander squeezed her hand and leaned down to steal a quick kiss on her temple. “It’s happening. And I can’t wait to call you my wife.”
They spent the entire day together, moving from one wedding task to another. First came the cak
