Page 120 of Love so Hot

As if on cue, my bridesmaids file into the room, each dressed in stunning gowns that look like they've grown straight out of the forest floor. Ferns spiral around their waists, wildflowers adorn their bodices, and trailing vines form elegant trains.

I can't help but laugh. "We look like we're about to lead the charge in the most fabulous eco-warrior battle ever."

Mrs. Sullivan's eyes crinkle with amusement. "Perhaps you are, dear. Every moment is an opportunity to show the world the beauty of living in harmony with nature."

As I slip into my dress, feeling the soft brush of petals against my skin, I can't help but marvel at how far we've come. From protests and confrontations to this - a celebration of love and nature. Who would've thought?

"You know," I muse, adjusting a leaf on my shoulder, "I think Larry might have actually outdone himself this time."

Another knock at the door interrupts my reverie. Roman peeks out, then turns to us with a sparkle in his eye. "Ladies, your chariot awaits."

We file out of the room, a parade of living flowers and foliage, and I nearly trip over my own feet at the sight before us. There, in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, stands a horse-drawn carriage straight out of a fairy tale. It's adorned with trailing vines and blooming wildflowers, the white horses wearing floral wreaths around their necks.

I shake my head in disbelief. "Larry really went all out on the eco-chic theme, didn't he?"

Roman snorts, eyeing the carriage with a mix of amusement and grudging respect. "I've got to hand it to the guy, he knows how to make an impression."

As we climb into the carriage, I can't help but giggle at the absurdity of it all. "You know, a year ago, if someone had told me I'd be riding to my wedding in a flower-covered carriage to marry Lawrence Sinclair, I'd have told them to lay off the psychedelic mushrooms."

The carriage lurches forward, and we're off, winding our way deeper into the forest. The air grows thick with the scent of pine and wild roses, and I find myself holding my breath, wondering what other surprises await us.

"So," I say, turning to my bridesmaids with a grin, "anyone want to place bets on whether Larry will be wearing a suit made of bark?"

Before anyone can answer, the carriage rounds a bend, and suddenly, the forest opens up before us. My jaw drops, and I'm pretty sure I hear an audible gasp from everyone in the carriage.

"Sweet mother nature," I breathe, eyes widening in awe.

I step out of the carriage, my heart pounding as I take in the sight before me. The chapel, if you can even call it that, looks like Mother Nature herself decided to throw a party. Vines and flowers weave together to form walls and a roof, creating a living, breathing structure that seems to pulse with life.

As I approach the entrance, the scent of wildflowers envelops me, and I can't help but smile. Who would've thought that the man I once considered my sworn enemy, a man who wanted to tear through this land with bulldozers, would create something so breathtakingly beautiful?

Taking a deep breath, I step inside, and it's like entering another world. Sunlight filters through gaps in the leafy canopy above, casting beautiful patterns on the floor. The air is thick with the perfume of a thousand blooms, and everywhere I look, nature seems to be reaching out to embrace us.

And there, at the end of the aisle, stands Lawrence. My breath catches in my throat. He's wearing a suit that somehow manages to look both impeccably tailored and as if it grew right out of the forest floor. His red hair is a flame against all the green, and his hazel eyes lock onto mine with an intensity that makes my knees weak.

"Damn,"I think to myself, fighting back a grin."How did I get so lucky?"

As I make my way down the aisle, Larry's lips curve into that infuriatingly charming smile of his. "You look absolutely radiant," he says softly when I reach him, his voice a mix of awe and mischief.

"Not so bad yourself," I quip back.

The officiant begins the ceremony, but I'm barely listening. I'm too busy marveling at how we got here, from bitter enemies to... this. Whatever this is.

Larry clears his throat, pulling me back to the present. It's time for the vows. He takes my hands in his, those piercing hazel eyes boring into mine.

"Willow," he begins, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "When we first met, I thought you were the most infuriating, stubborn, beautiful woman I'd ever encountered." He pauses, a smirk playing at his lips. "I still think that."

I can't help but laugh, even as tears prick at my eyes.

"But," he continues, "you've also shown me a whole new way of seeing the world. You've challenged me, pushed me to be better, and somehow, against all odds, you've made me fall head over heels in love with you. I promise to always listen to you, even when you're telling me I'm being an idiot. I promise to support your dreams, even if they involve chaining yourself to more trees. And I promise to love you, fiercely and completely, for the rest of our lives."

As Larry finishes, I realize I'm crying in earnest now. Damn him and his surprising eloquence.

I take a deep breath, trying to compose myself. "Larry, when we first met, I thought you were the most arrogant, pig-headed, annoyingly handsome man I'd ever encountered." I pause, mirroring his smirk. "And I still think that."

The audience chuckles, and I see Larry's eyes dancing with amusement.

"But you've shown me that there's more to you than just a ruthless businessman. You've opened your heart to me and to the causes I care about. You've proven that people can change, that love can bridge even the widest of gaps. I promise to always challenge you to be your best self, to never stop fighting for what's right, and to love you unconditionally, even when you're being impossibly stubborn."