CHAPTER 68

The outside was more beautiful. How did they transform the entire palace into a festive atmosphere in just one night?

The entire palace was decked out in red, white, and gold. There were flowers everywhere, and she could hear music somewhere. There were many cars parked in the yard, but she couldn't see anyone. She tracked Leah down to the queen's salon, where she found her waiting for her.

"There she is, the girl of the day," she said, widening her arms, "come here, daughter. Don't you look stunning?"

She walked into her godmother's arms and held on for a while before they parted.

"I can tell just by looking at you that you are very aware of everything but are pretending you aren't."

"Won't I ruin everything if I act as if I know? Dylan, after all, raked his brains for it."

"You certainly know how to make others happy."

"I'm giving it my all."

"Everyone has been seated, and the only thing left for you to do is walk down the aisle. Let's get this over with; there have been a lot of people waiting for an hour now."

"Let's do this," she said as she followed the queen out the door. When she got to the corner, her godfather appeared and took her hand in his.

"You look lovely, my daughter. I'm honored to be the one to walk you down the aisle," the king said as he took her hand in his.

"I am honored to be your godfather," she said.

She then heard the emcee call for order and the guests to take their seats. After a while, the emcee motioned for her to enter. The doors were opened, and she entered hand in hand with the king and queen.

People were taking pictures and opening their mouths in awe. She, too, would have been taken aback if she saw someone wearing a red wedding gown. She fixed her gaze on the front, where her sneaky young fiancé was standing.

He was so beautiful that she wanted to swallow him whole. Martha had to have designed that tuxedo; she was a genius. It's no surprise that she adored the clothes she created.

He walked down to meet her, and the king gave Dylan her hand in marriage. She smiled at him, and he averted his gaze as if he could see how angry and happy, she was at the same time.

He bowed to the king and queen before escorting her to the altar.

"I'm going to kill you for this," she threatened.

"I'm sorry, but I couldn't help myself," he replied quietly.

Before announcing the vows, the bishop began to speak nonstop, quoting bible verses about marriage and family. Dylan had apparently made his own personal vow, so she stood there and listened as Dylan shyly said it out loud.

"I know you're mad at me right now because I kept this from you and it's urgent, but I couldn't help myself. I wanted to marry you the first time I realized I loved you, but it was a short time later.

People may accuse me of being impatient, but who wouldn't be when he's dating such a lovely woman?

I just want you to know that you are a very special person to me, a woman I can't imagine my life without. I'm lucky to have met you, and I'm glad I did. I'd like to thank you for believing in me and loving me.

For the rest of my life, I will always make you happy. I love you, Violet," Dylan said, looking deep into her eyes, a tear falling down his cheek.

This kid knew exactly how to break her heart. When the bishop asked her to make her vow, she looked him in the eyes and smiled.

"Before I met you, I had never felt anything like this. I assumed that for a person like me, love would be something I would see in the eyes of others. But you walked into my life as if it were a joke, and I saw myself falling.

At first, I thought this was so wrong because, in most people's eyes, you're just a kid, about the same age as my first daughter. Isn't dating you the same as dating my own child?

That's what I was thinking until someone told me to be happy and not regret it. Because of that person, I followed my heart and found happiness. I should thank you for entering my life and loving a woman like you.

You understand and love me, so I won't be mad at you for planning this surprise wedding for my birthday. This is the best birthday present I've ever received. I love you Dylan and will always love you," Violet said as the beard people applauded.

The bishop continued the ceremony, and it was time for the exchange of gifts. Leah stepped forward, holding the basket containing the wedding bands. Dylan was the first to place the ring on her finger as she listened to the bishop's words.

After Dylan had finished, it was her turn to put the ring on him as well. They completed the procedure, and the bishop delivered the words she had been waiting for.

"I now declare you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride," he said, and Dylan drew closer to her, embraced her in his arms, and passionately kissed her in front of everyone.

People cheered and clapped until they couldn't anymore. She was too shy to look at the guests at this point, but Dylan assisted her in descending from the altar. They signed the marriage certificates and took numerous photographs.

After the ceremony, there was a reception where everyone congratulated her and offered words of encouragement.

She hugged and talked with Martha and her in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Dark. She was having a great time laughing and talking with her daughters.

"When are you going to get me a younger brother, Mother?" Leah asked.

"Not now, princess; let us wait until you're a little older."

"But you'll have one, won't you?"

"Of course, we will. As many as you like."