Marguerite seeked out Summerlee the following day, joining him for a walk through gardens. Her voice quivered slightly as she said, "I feel like I could use a bit of comforting. You've always been so kind and understanding of me."
Summerlee looked at her with soft eyes, "Of course, my dear. What is it?"
Marguerite took a deep breath, "It's about me and Roxton."
Summerlee smiled warmly, "Oh, I'm utterly happy for both of you. He loves you so very much."
Marguerite nodded, "I know. I love him too. We're getting married, and that's all very nice. But… sometimes I wonder, do I really deserve all of this? I'm still pretty much conflicted with with a lot of things from my past."
Summerlee thoughtfully replied, "Aren't we all? But then again, I can't name a single person who is more deserving of happiness than you. You helped save the plateau, and by extension, the world by large. How many people can brag they did the same?"
Marguerite looked reflective, "You're right, but what if… What if I've done things in the past that are so ghastly I can't even mention them?"
Summerlee gently placed a reassuring hand on Marguerite's shoulder, "We all have our shadows, my dear. But it's not the mistakes of our past that define us, but how we rise above them and move forward. John sees the good in you, as do we all. The love you share, the challenges you've faced together on this plateau, and the family you're about to start - these are testaments to the person you've become. Let the past be a lesson, not a life sentence."
Marguerite smiled. Arthur Summerlee always had a way words. And he always said just the right words. Her smile dropped a little as she added "I just fear if he knew the real Marguerite, he wouldn't love me anymore."
Summerlee looked at her intently, "Real Marguerite... Who is the real Marguerite according to you?"
Marguerite sighed, her eyes clouding over with memories. "The real Marguerite is someone who has gotten her hands dirty with shady dealings, associated with questionable individuals, and embarked on risky midnight escapades. Someone who's made grave mistakes, hurt people unintentionally, and often acted out of pure self-preservation, even if it meant betraying those close to her."
Summerlee's gaze softened, his voice gentle as he responded, "You did what you had to, to survive. It's not your fault the world can be barbarous. You must accept your past actions as a part of you, but also believe in your worth despite them. Also consider this: You grew up thinking your family had abandoned you. Such a profound trauma can cast a long shadow. It made you believe you were unworthy of love because it was denied to you so early on. Those feelings, though deep-seated, aren't rooted in reality. And now, you've come to know that your family didn't abandon you after all; you were taken from them. They love you and await you. This revelation should offer some healing."
He continued, "Then, there's the matter of lineage. My dear, your worth isn't determined by your title or lack thereof. Even if you had been born a simple village girl, you would be no less deserving of love and happiness. But look how fate has played its cards – you're of noble blood. The universe has an odd way of setting things right. Just trust that everything will fall into place, as it always does."
Summerlee paused to sum up his thoughts, then said "You must first accept and reconcile with your past, embracing both your flaws and your strengths. It isn't a matter of whether John will love you and forgive you when he learns everything, but rather, do you forgive yourself?"
Do I forgive myself? she pondered. She thought of the countless nights spent wrestling with guilt and regret, the shadow of her past ever looming over her. But she also remembered the moments of resilience, strength, and the love she had shown, even when it seemed the world was against her. She recalled the kindness and acceptance she'd received from her friends on the Plateau. Perhaps, she thought, it's time to see myself through their eyes, to understand my worth not just from my missteps but from my triumphs as well. Maybe it's time to forgive the old Marguerite and embrace the woman I've become.
Marguerite's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she whispered, "Thank you, Arthur." Gently, she leaned down, pressing a tender kiss on his forehead, a gesture brimming with deep familial affection, akin to that between a father and daughter.
Summerlee, touched by the moment, responded, "You're always welcome, my dear. I am only trying to make you see what is obvious to the rest of us."
Marguerite ventured, her heart guiding her towards Roxton. Finding him, she wasted no moment, pulling him into a passionate kiss. Pulling back just enough to lock eyes with him, she whispered, "Let's do it. Let's say our wedding vows right here."
Roxton, while keeping the intensity in his eyes, tilted his head slightly, a curious smile playing at the corners of his lips. "What prompted this sudden change of heart?" he whispered.
Marguerite took a deep breath, her eyes glistening with emotion. "I realized that the past shouldn't dictate the future. And most importantly, I'me learning to forgive myself, which means I can truly love you without reservations. I don't want to wait any longer." She paused, touching his face gently. "I want to be yours, now and always."
Abigail, dressed in a simple yet elegant gown, stepped forward, clearing her throat to address the intimate gathering. "We are here today, not just to witness the union of two hearts, but to celebrate the journey of love that Marguerite and John have embarked upon. Love is not just about finding the right person, but about creating the right relationship. It's not just about the beginning, but sustaining that love through thick and thin."
Summerlee, acting as Marguerite's father figure, stood by her side, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. He offered her arm, leading her down an aisle made of flower petals, while Veronica, the bridesmaid, followed gracefully, holding a bouquet of wildflowers.
On the other side, Malone stood tall and proud as Roxton's best man, while Finn and Challenger looked on with broad smiles, their faces glowing.
As Marguerite approached Roxton, their eyes met, and the world seemed to fade away. It was their moment – intimate and heartfelt.
Roxton took a deep breath, his voice filled with emotion, "Marguerite, I've known for a long time that you are the love of my life. With every passing day, this belief only grows stronger. With you, every moment feels like a new adventure. I promise to cherish, honor, and love you, come what may, till the end of my days."
Marguerite began, her voice soft yet confident, "John, from the moment we met, our journey has been nothing short of magical. With you, I have found a love that is fearless and true. I promise to stand by your side, through every challenge and joy, for as long as we both shall live."
Abigail, touched by their vows, spoke, "By the powers vested in me, and more importantly, by the love and trust you've placed in each other, I pronounce you husband and wife. May your journey be filled with endless love and countless adventures."
With that, the newlyweds shared a passionate kiss, sealing their vows, as their friends cheered and celebrated the beginning of their new life together. The atmosphere was filled with love, joy, and the promise of many more adventures to come.
