Fiona's heart pounded as she watched Caleb walk steadily toward the stage. He carried himself with quiet strength, the same steady presence that had grounded her through so many uncertain days. The emerald gown suddenly felt like armor as she stood among the stunned crowd, proud yet acutely aware of the small bump hidden beneath its flowing layers.
Caleb took the microphone from Tanya with a humble nod. The applause that followed was thunderous and sustained, rolling through the pavilion like a tide. He waited patiently for it to settle, his gaze finding Fiona's across the room for a brief, grounding second.
