One year later, the sky above Seattle bloomed with summer light.
Sun poured through the glass ceiling of the conservatory where Katherine adjusted Lily's flower crown.
“You sure this isn't too much sparkle?" she asked.
Lily spun in her white dress, glittering sneakers catching the sun. “Mom, we saved *three* hearts. We deserve sparkle."
Aiden stepped into the greenhouse from the far door, straightening his tie. His reinstatement badge—Dr. Aiden Stone, M.D., University of Washington Faculty—was pinned discreetly inside his jacket.
He looked at Katherine like he was seeing her for the first time again.
“You're late," she teased.
“You're glowing," he replied.
“Still nervous?"
He shook his head. “Not even a little."
They took each other's hands at the altar framed by blooming echinac
