Chapter 26

P O V: Gabriela Dawson

February 14th 2020

"Do you take this women to have, to hold and to treasure through sickness, health? Through death due you part?"

Antonio's eyes hold the most beautiful sparkle as he holds Sylvie's hands his smile is wide as his breath hitched "Yes I do,"

"Sylvie," Chaplain Sheffield asked turning towards Sylvie who stands tall looking healthy, beautiful next to her maid of honor, me. Matt Antonio's best man stands across from her grinning ear to ear.

"Do you take this man to have, to hold and to treasure through sickness, health? Through death due you part?"

She smiled back towards Antonio "I do 100%, I do,"

"Is there anyone here who objects to these two becoming man and wife? Speak now or forever hold your peace,"

"I do!" All heads turned to see who objected and look down to see my seven year old son Brent grinning, "Antonio didn't ask my permission to marry my aunt Sylvie, a man should ask permission first!"

He was kidding I think but Antonio got down on his knee in front of Brent who was taller now his hair now to his neck he looked phenomenal in his tux, healthy glowing, both have had a rough year of recovering from transplants. Things are looking up now Brent who is back in school he passed to first grade. Sylvie is back to work part time her strength still isn't up to 100% yet. Their still going through Chemo twice a week to keep the cancer at bay.

"Okay little brave man. May I please have your permission to marry this gorgeous woman your aunt Sylvie?"

He seemed to think about it "yes if you promise to love her when she's throwing up kiss her when she's sad and be the best daddy to my cousin the way my daddy is to me,"

He threw his arms around Antonio who laughed "I promise little man," "Okay than continue," Everyone laughed as Antonio stood back up taking Sylvie's hands as Chaplain Sheffield turned to them "With the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride,"

Antonio lifted her veil smiling wide "May I Sylvie?"

"What are you waiting for plant those gorgeous lips on mine,"

Everyone cheered as Antonio dipped her kissing her passionately. This day is beautiful I stand there crying opening, unashamed. Sad Shay can't be here or his kids both are locked up. Maj managed to get an amazing lawyer for them who got deals for them, they turned over Evidence against Blake. He got Life in Prison, Eva and Diego got four years for each of the beatings, and four years of probation, the charges against Hailey were dropped by her parents, who pleaded for them.

It still hurts everyday but their home in Chicago with good behavior they may get out in another year. Maj has been amazing helping us financially visiting with them promising them jobs when they get out. she's gotten them consoling, she gives them a reason to stay clean and behave.

She also managed to get enough media attention that Asher the young boy who was kidnapped is now safe at home with his family.

Our family's been through hell but we've come out stronger. Ambrosia is now almost a year old she's beautiful and funny, right now she's dancing with four year old Sam.

Looking around I feel blessed and as whole as I can be without my best friend Shay. Matt and I are renewing our vows later today, right now I take Sylvie in my arms and thank god I can hold her and my son.

"Sylvie Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses. I am so blessed so thankful to have you in my life, I love you."

Her arms wrap around me as a beautiful song comes on by Matthew West. "May I have this dance please?" She kisses my check "Yes, you may,"

"This is the story of your life
You decide
How the rest is gonna read
This is your chance between the lines
To redefine what kind of legacy you leave
This is the story of your life
And it's a story worth telling"

She feels amazing in my arms but I happily part so Matt can have a dance with his sister. This summer they are going on that vacation they've had planned. He's smiling so wide as he spins his sister who is radiant her checks glowing, she's beautiful.

This is the joy
And it's the pain
And all the pages in between
Your finest hour
Your weakest moment
It where you've been
It's where you are
It's where you're going

She rests her head on his shoulder "Thank you Matt for giving me the gift of life, for your friendship, your love, and your brotherly advice and protection, I will forever be grateful."

He handed her over to Antonio "Take care of my baby sister or I promise you I will be the last face you see," Antonio held up his hands laughing "I promise I will never take her for-granted. You my friend just better do the same for my hermana."

Antonio took Sylive into his arms as they gazed into each other's eyes and kissed.

This is the story of your life
You decide
How the rest is gonna read
This is your chance between the lines
To redefine the kind of legacy you leave
This is the story of your life
Go tell the story of your life
Cause it's a story worth telling
It's worth telling

Is this the end?
Or only the beginning?

A/N: Lyrics by Matthew West