Epilogue
epilogue
T he morning of the wedding dawned crisp and bright; the ranch bathed in a golden glow that seemed almost unreal. Lavender fields surrounding the property filled the air with their soothing scent, blending with the hum of activity as final touches were made to the outdoor ceremony. Rows of white chairs lined the lawn that led to an archway of wisteria and fairy lights—the backdrop for what promised to be an unforgettable day.
Maxine adjusted the hem of her gown in the mirror, her reflection betraying her nervous anticipation. The simple elegance of the satin dress complemented her perfectly, its flowing lines accentuating the quiet strength she carried through months of turmoil. Around her neck hung the dragonfly locket, a constant reminder of her father’s presence.
“You look breathtaking,” Brooklyn’s voice came from the doorway. She stepped in, resplendent in a lavender bridesmaid dress, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Sebastian’s going to lose his mind when he sees you.”
Maxine laughed softly, shaking her head. “Let’s hope he doesn’t faint. He’s terrible under pressure.”
Brooklyn grinned. “If anyone can keep him steady, it’s you. Are you ready for this?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Maxine exhaled deeply, her gaze flicking to the window where we could see the guests gathering. “You’re thinking about her, aren’t you?” Brooklyn asked gently.
Maxine hesitated, then nodded. “I don’t know if she’ll ever truly understand what her choices cost us. But today isn’t about that.” She straightened her shoulders. “Today is about moving forward.”
Brooklyn squeezed her hand. “And about you marrying the man who’s been head-over-heels for you forever.”
They both laughed, the tension breaking, and a knock at the door announced Maria, the housekeeper, who was more family than staff.
“It’s time,” Maria said, her voice warm with emotion. “You look beautiful, mijita. Carlos would be so proud.”
Maxine’s throat tightened, and she nodded. “Thank you, Maria.”
Sebastian stood under the archway, as he watched the crowd as a blur in his periphery. His focus was singular: Maxine. The moment she appeared at the end of the aisle, time seemed to stop. Her father’s absence was a palpable ache, but the strength in her step was a testament to the legacy he had left her.
As she reached him, Sebastian extended his hand, steady and sure. She took it, their fingers intertwining, grounding them both.
The officiant’s words faded into the background as their vows unfolded, raw and heartfelt. When Sebastian slipped the ring onto her finger, he whispered, “For every moment, every challenge, and every joy—together.”
The reception buzzed with celebration, the air alive with music and laughter. Guests mingled under twinkling lights, and the dance floor was alive with energy. Maxine stood at the edge of the festivities, watching as Brooklyn and Jace attempted an elaborate swing dance move.
“Do you think we’ll ever stop being surprised by them?” Sebastian’s voice came from behind her, his arms circling her waist.
Maxine leaned back into him. “Not a chance.”
They stood in comfortable silence, the weight of the day settling into a shared peace. Then Sebastian cleared his throat, his tone suddenly serious.
“There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”
She turned in his arms, eyebrows raised. “Didn’t we cover the big question earlier?”
He smiled as he pulled a small box from his pocket. “This is a little different.”
Kneeling before her, Sebastian opened the box to reveal a delicate diamond ring, its band shaped like a dragonfly.
“Maxine,” he began, his voice steady despite the emotion in his eyes, “today was about us becoming a family in the eyes of everyone here. But this—this is about every day after. Will you promise to build that life with me, to make every dream and every challenge ours?”
Maxine’s breath hitched, tears spilling down her cheeks. “Yes,” she said, her voice trembling with joy. “A thousand times, yes.”
Cheers erupted as the crowd noticed the scene, Brooklyn leading the charge with a whoop of delight. Sebastian slid the ring onto Maxine’s finger, then stood, pulling her into a kiss that sealed not just their vows but their future.
Under the glow of the fairy lights, surrounded by their messy, complicated, and fiercely loving family, Sebastian and Maxine began the next chapter of their lives together.
Nearby, Maxine’s friends Tabby, Melissa, and Marla huddled together by the dessert table, watching the couple with a mix of excitement and affection.
“I’m just saying,” Tabby said, balancing a cupcake in one hand and a champagne flute in the other. “If my future husband doesn’t propose with a dragonfly-themed ring, I’m suing for emotional damages.”
Melissa rolled her eyes. “Sebastian’s set the bar too high. I’ll settle for someone who knows how to operate a grill without setting the deck on fire.”
“Or someone who remembers anniversaries,” Marla added, laughing. “But seriously, look at her. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Max this happy.”
They all turned to watch Maxine and Sebastian, who were surrounded by a crowd of cheering guests. Maxine’s smile was radiant, her laughter carrying across the lawn as Sebastian twirled her in a spontaneous dance.
“She deserves it,” Tabby said softly, a rare moment of seriousness settling over the group. “After everything she’s been through, this… this is perfect.”
Melissa nodded. “And knowing Max, she’s probably planning how to repay everyone here for coming. She never stops thinking about other people.”
Marla grinned. “Well, she can start by sharing that dragonfly ring. I want a closer look.”
The three friends made their way toward Maxine, determined to catch her in between dances. When they reached her, Maxine’s eyes lit up. “You guys made it! I’ve been meaning to come find you.”
“Oh, we wouldn’t miss this,” Tabby said, pulling her into a tight hug. “But let’s talk about that ring…”
Maxine laughed, holding out her hand, so they could admire it. “Sebastian’s full of surprises, isn’t he?”
“Understatement of the year,” Melissa teased. “But seriously, Max, you’ve outdone yourself. This wedding, that dress, your smile—everything’s perfect.”
“You three being here makes it even better,” Maxine said, her voice warm with gratitude. “Thank you for always having my back.”
Tabby raised her champagne flute. “To Maxine and Sebastian, and to friendships that survived bad dates, the worst breakups, and all the crazy family drama life has thrown at us.”
They clinked glasses, the moment a testament to the strength of their bond. As the night carried on, the dance floor filled, laughter and music blending into a symphony of joy. And through it all, Maxine and Sebastian remained at the center, their love a beacon for everyone gathered to celebrate their story.