Heartprints in the Void
⊰ 3 ⊱ A Promise at Lakeside

The morning sun dances across the surface of the small lake, the water sparkling like diamonds as Cade and I walk hand in hand along the shore. The gentle breeze rustles through the trees, carrying with it the sweet scent of wildflowers and the promise of a new beginning.

I glance down at my simple white dress, the soft fabric swishing around my ankles with each step. It's not the extravagant gown I might have once imagined for my wedding day, but somehow, it feels perfect.

Beside me, Cade looks dashing in one of his *less fancy* suits, the dark fabric a striking contrast to the pale blue of his dress shirt. I can't help but smile to myself, thinking about how he'd fretted over his outfit, not wanting to "out dress" me on our special day.

*Always the gentleman, my Cade.*

As we approach the gazebo where the pastor awaits, a familiar figure comes into view. My breath catches, my steps faltering for a moment as I recognize Maribel, her kind face split in a wide grin. "What..?" I murmur, turning to Cade with questioning eyes.

He just smiles, squeezing my hand as he guides me forward. When we reach Maribel, he carefully hands Naomi over to her, the little girl immediately snuggling into the nanny's embrace. "Thank you for being here, Maribel," Cade says sincerely, his voice thick. "It means the world to us."

Maribel beams, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "It's an honor, Mr. Sinclair. Truly. Congratulations to you both."

I blink back my own tears, overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of Cade's gesture. To have Maribel here, to include her in this moment... It's a testament to the family we've become.

The ceremony is short and sweet, the pastor's words washing over us as we stand hand in hand, our eyes locked on each other. When it comes time to exchange rings, Cade's hands tremble slightly as he slips the simple silver band onto my finger, the metal still warm from his touch.

"I do," he whispers, his voice rough.

"I do," I echo, my own voice quavering as I slide the matching ring onto his finger.

And just like that, with a kiss that tastes of joy and forever, we're married. Husband and wife, bound together in love and commitment.

*Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair.*

The thought brings a fresh wave of tears to my eyes, happy tears that I don't bother to wipe away. Because this moment, this perfect, shining moment, is everything I've ever wanted. Everything I never dared to dream I could have. The drive back to the cabin passes in a blur of laughter and stolen kisses, our hands clasped tightly over the center console. Naomi babbles happily in her car seat, her little face alight with the infectious joy that surrounds us. When we pull up to the cabin, I'm surprised to see Maribel's car parked next to ours. My brows furrow, glancing over at Cade who merely grins at the questioning look on my face, mischief dancing in his eyes.

"I thought we could use a night to ourselves," he explains, his voice low and intimate. "Maribel's agreed to stay with Naomi in the cabin next door."

My heart swells, a rush of love washing over me. "Cade... You didn't have to do that."

He brings my hand to his lips, pressing a tender kiss to my knuckles. "I wanted to. You deserve a proper wedding night, Ely."

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, my throat tightening. "Thank you," I whisper, leaning in to capture his lips in a soft, sweet kiss.

Together, we make our way inside, Maribel promising to call if she needs anything. The moment the door closes behind us, I'm struck by the transformative power of the wedding. The atmosphere seems softer, charged in an entirely new way that sets my heart racing and prickling my skin.

Only I don't think it's the wedding. I think it's the hundreds of candles flickering around the room, casting a warm glow over the rose petals scattered across the floor and bed.

*Oh, Cade...*

I turn to him, my eyes wide and shining in the candlelight. He stands behind me, his hands resting on my hips, his chin on my shoulder.

"Do you like it?" he murmurs, his breath hot against my ear.

"I love it," I breathe, leaning back into him. "I love you.'

He turns me in his arms, his hands sliding up my back as he pulls me flush against him. "I love you, Mrs. Sinclair," he whispers, his lips replaceing mine in a kiss that starts tender and quickly turns heated.

My hands fist in his hair, a moan rising in my throat as his tongue sweeps into my mouth, tangling with my own. He walks me backward, our lips never parting, until the backs of my knees hit the bed.

We tumble down onto the mattress, a tangle of limbs and gasping breaths. Cade's hands skim over my curves, leaving trails of fire in their wake. I arch into his touch, craving more, needing to feel his skin against mine.

As if reading my mind, he sits back, his fingers replaceing the zipper of my dress. Slowly, almost reverently, he draws it down, the fabric parting to reveal my flushed skin inch by inch.

"Beautiful," he murmurs, his eyes dark and heavy-lidded as he takes me in. "So beautiful, Ely."

I sit up, letting the dress pool around my waist as I reach for him, my hands making quick work of the buttons of his shirt as he works at his belt and zipper of his pants. He slips out of them, tossing it aside before lowering me back down, his body covering mine.

There's no more barriers between us, nothing but skin on skin and the whispered words of love and devotion. He worships me with his hands and mouth, replaceing all the places that make me gasp and moan and shudder. "Please, Cade," I pant, my nails digging into his shoulders, my hips canting up to meet his. "I need you."

He groans, a low and guttural sound that vibrates through me. "I need you too, Ely. Always."

I feel him position at my entrance, sliding into me, filling me, completing me. I cry out, my hand thrown back, my eyes squeezed shut at the pleasurable stretch and fullness.

He makes long and deep strokes, igniting every nerve ending, every cell in my body. I meet him thrust for thrust, our bodies moving in sync.

"Look at me, Ely," he commands, his voice rough and raw. "I want to see you."

I force my eyes open, hooded, meeting his gaze, and the love filled in them, the pure, unbridled adoration, is almost my undoing. He sits back, never pulling out of me, and brings his hand between us, his fingers replaceing my sensitive bud, massaging it perfectly. Almost instantly, I shatter, my release crashing over me in waves of pure ecstasy.

Uncontrollably moans erupt from my throat, mixing with his as he follows me over the edge, my name a hoarse shout on his lips as he spills himself inside me, his hips shuttering against mine. I feel him pulsing inside me as he collapses on top of me, his weight a welcome anchor grounding me in the here and now.

For a long moment, we simply hold each other, our racing hearts gradually slowing, our breathing evening out. Cade presses soft kisses to my hair, my forehead, my eyelids, each one a silent promise, a vow of forever.

"I love you," he whispers. "More than anything in this world, Ely. You and Naomi... You're my everything."

Tears slide down my cheeks, happy tears, overwhelmed tears. "I love you too," I murmur, cupping his face in my hands. "So much, Cade."

He smiles, and I pull him down for another kiss. And we make love again, slower this time, savoring each touch, each gasp, each whispered endearment. *Forever.*