The lakeside then, Ethan suggested, with the mountains in the background. Cold, Eleanor observed. We’ll keep each other warm, Ethan said, his eyes never leaving Jessica’s.
Six months later, as December snow dusted the shores of Lake Champlain, Jessica Porter became Jessica Porter Mitchell, in an intimate ceremony witnessed by their closest friends. Eleanor, radiant in silver blue, dabbed at tears as they exchanged vows beneath an arch of winter roses and pine boughs. When I first met you, Ethan said, his voice carrying clearly across the hushed gathering.
You challenged everything I thought I knew about success, about worth, about what matters. You stood your ground when it would have been easier to run. You chose truth when lies would have been safer.
He squeezed her hands. I promised to be worthy of that courage every day of our lives together. When I first met you, Jessica replied, her smile teasing despite the tears in her eyes.
I thought you were the most arrogant man I’d ever encountered. Laughter rippled through the audience. I wasn’t wrong, she continued, but I discovered that your arrogance was matched by your integrity once you found it again.
Your determination by your compassion, your ambition by your capacity for love. Her voice softened. I promised to remind you of those qualities whenever the world tries to make you forget them again.
As they sealed their vows with a kiss, snow began to fall, gentle, pristine flakes that glittered like diamonds in the winter sunlight. A perfect circle, Eleanor would later say, a story written in snow and second chances. At the reception, Jessica found herself momentarily alone, watching Ethan across the room as he laughed with friends.
She thought of the journey that had brought them here, from a desperate whistleblower and a ruthless CEO to partners in every sense. Penny for your thoughts? Eleanor appeared at her side, resplendent in her mother-of-the-groom finery. Just reflecting on how different his life might have been if you hadn’t gotten lost in that blizzard, Jessica replied, linking her arm through the older woman’s.
Eleanor’s eyes twinkled. Who says I was lost? Jessica stared at her. You mean, sometimes, Eleanor said with a mysterious smile.
A mother knows exactly what her son needs, even when he doesn’t. You planned it? Jessica asked incredulously. Getting stranded at my diner? Planned is a strong word.
Let’s say I created an opportunity. The blizzard was just fortunate timing. She patted Jessica’s hand.
The taxi driver was very well compensated, I assure you. Before Jessica could respond, Ethan joined them, sliding his arm around his new wife’s waist. What are you two conspiring about? Your mother was just explaining.
How happy I am that you found each other, Eleanor interrupted smoothly. A perfect match, as if fate itself arranged it. And you’re a meddling mother, Jessica murmured, though her eyes danced with amusement.
What was that, dear? Eleanor asked innocently. Nothing, Jessica laughed, leaning into Ethan’s embrace. Just agreeing about fate.
As they moved to the dance floor for their first waltz as husband and wife, Ethan pulled her close. You look like you’re keeping a secret, he observed. Jessica smiled up at him, snowflakes catching in her lashes.
I’ll tell you someday, when we’re old and grey and still arguing about ethics violations in board meetings. Promise, he asked, spinning her beneath the twinkling lights. Promise, she agreed, rising on tiptoe to kiss him.
Outside, snow continued to fall, covering Burlington in a fresh blanket of possibility, a reminder that sometimes the most perfect endings begin with unexpected storms, and the courage to shelter someone in need.
