The morning sunlight spilled through Chloe's apartment, spilling over the little mess of flowers, ribbons, and boxes that had accompanied weeks of planning.
Bella sat cross-legged on the sofa, Timothy curled into her side, still half-asleep. She traced the edge of her ring with her thumb, feeling the familiar warmth and weight, not as a symbol of rescue, but as proof of choices she had survived and today, she was choosing love anyway.
"Mommy?" Timothy murmured, blinking sleep from his eyes.
She kissed the top of his head. "Yes, baby?"
He yawned, stretching his small arms. "I'm ready."
Bella smiled, a soft, steady smile, and hugged him close. "Me too."
Chloe appeared moments later, bright and unrelenting, with the dress bag in hand and a sparkle in her eyes. "It's today! No turning back now!"
