Tangled Vows (Willow Brook Falls #3)

Epilogue

SHAYLA

Seven months later…

“ W ake up, sleepy head.” A soft hand brushed the hair from my face, and I turned into the warm body next to me. Easton’s deep chuckle met my ears, and he dropped a kiss to my forehead. “We’re about to land,” he announced, and I bolted upright, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Turning, I gazed out the window, taking in the verdant green and lush rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands.

“Wow,” I gasped, soaking in the view. “It’s so beautiful.”

Easton and I never got to take a honeymoon, so once the dust settled from the media shit storm Maxwell caused, he promised to take me anywhere I wanted to go. We just had to wait for hockey season to end. Since I’d always wanted to stay in an old castle and explore the Highlands, I chose Scotland. And Easton took care of the rest.

When we pulled up to the castle hotel, I stared up in wonder. It was beautiful, the aged stone set against the backdrop of the clear blue summer sky. I turned to find Easton watching me, a contented smile spreading over his lips.

Once we were checked in, and our luggage had been brought to our room, we decided to take a tour. The inside of the castle was immaculate, but the grounds were stunning. The gardens were full of lush greenery and bursting with colorful blooms.

I couldn’t believe we got to spend a whole week here. My husband had chosen the perfect spot for us to take our long overdue honeymoon. I turned to him and wrapped my arms around his waist, resting my chin on his chest.

“I love you,” I said, gazing up at the man I adored.

He cupped my face and whispered, “I love you too.” Lowering his mouth to mine, he pressed a soft kiss to my lips. It started out slow and sweet, but when I slipped my tongue into his mouth, it heated quickly.

“Why don’t we go back to our room and you can show me just how much you love me,” I offered suggestively. He didn’t make me ask twice.

The next morning, I awoke to someone knocking on the door. I rolled over to burrow into Easton’s side, but the spot next to me was empty. Where was my husband? Checking my phone, I saw it was already ten o’clock. Jet lag must’ve hit me harder than I thought.

The knocking grew more insistent, so I threw off the covers and grabbed my robe. I’d fallen asleep naked after Easton thoroughly explored my body. Slipping it on, I went to the door and opened it. A pretty blonde woman with the brightest blue eyes I’d ever seen smiled at me warmly.

“Can I help you?” I asked.

“I’m here to do your hair and makeup,” she offered, and I noticed she had a rolling makeup case. My brow knitted in confusion.

“I think you have the wrong room.”

“Are you Mrs. Walker?” she asked.

“Yes,” I answered hesitantly.

“Then I’m in the right room. My name is Lorna,” she offered, reaching out to shake my hand. I accepted in a daze, unsure if I was still dreaming or if this was really happening. Lorna breezed past me, her makeup case in tow, and opened the blinds. “The lighting in here is perfect,” she announced in her lilting Scottish accent.

“Are you sure you’re in the right room? I didn’t book these services.”

“Your husband did,” she informed me, and my brows shot to my hairline. “He said he has something special planned for you today and wanted to make sure you got the five star treatment,” she offered, a dreamy look overtaking her features.

“Okay,” I replied, too stunned to say much more. While she set up her workspace, I grabbed some comfortable clothes and went to the bathroom to get dressed.

“Do you have any idea what my husband is planning for today?” I asked as I sank onto the chair.

“I might have some idea,” she replied conspiratorially, “but it’s a surprise.”

I typed out a quick text to Easton, asking where he was. That could give me some clues as to what he was up to. His vague reply came through a minute later.

Easton: Out and about.

Me: You’re not going to tell me what we’re doing today, are you?

Easton: Nope.

I let out a huff of frustration, and Lorna pinched her lips together to suppress a grin. Then she set to work, curling and pinning my hair and wielding her makeup brushes like a magic wand.

Two hours later, my hair was expertly coiffed in a half-up style that left soft curls cascading down my back, and my makeup was red carpet worthy.

There was another knock on the door as Lorna was packing up her supplies. I opened it to find another woman carrying a large garment bag.

“Right on time,” Lorna crooned, and the woman stepped inside. “Caitlin will take it from here.”

“What is going on?” I mumbled as Caitlin draped the bag over my bed and unzipped it.

“Would you like some help getting into your dress?” she asked.

“My dress?”

Reaching into the bag, she plucked a notecard with Easton’s masculine scrawl and handed it to me.

Shayla,

Meet me in the garden.

Wear the dress.

Your loving husband,

Easton

My heart beat double time, and butterflies took flight in my belly. It was like the note he’d left me on our wedding day, only shorter and much more demanding. What did my husband have up his sleeve?

“Do you want to have a look?” Caitlin asked, reaching into the garment bag.

“Yes,” I answered, my voice trembling. She pulled out the dress and held it up for my inspection. I gasped and covered my mouth as my eyes misted with tears.

“Now don’t go messing up your makeup, lass,” she said, and I dabbed at the corners of my eyes, careful to avoid smearing my mascara.

“I’m good. Let’s get this dress on.”

I slid the dress over my hips and pushed my arms through the sleeves. Caitlin zipped me up, and I turned to face the mirror. I had never felt more beautiful in my entire life. The A-line, off-the-shoulder dress with loose sheer sleeves and lace embellishments was an absolute dream. The corseted top with its sweetheart neckline accentuated my curves, and the tulle skirt gave it an airy, romantic feel. It looked exactly like something I would pick out for myself.

“It’s perfect,” I said, marveling at my reflection.

“Let’s get you to the garden,” Caitlin announced, holding up a pair of shoes I hadn’t noticed her bring in with the dress. I slipped them on and followed her down the grand staircase and outside. My pulse quickened as we neared the garden, and I picked up my pace, eager to see what awaited me. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and I couldn’t see anything past the stone wall concealing the garden until I reached the entrance.

I halted in my tracks. My heart stopped, and my lungs refused to draw in air at the sight before me. There, standing in front of the fountain, was my husband, dressed in a kilt.

Holy shit. I never knew I had a thing for men in kilts until this very moment. My knees wobbled, and my thighs pressed together as a slow smile curved his lips. He. Was. Breathtaking. I blinked away the fog of lust and noticed for the first time, we weren’t alone. There were rows of chairs lined up on each side, creating an aisle down the center.

I choked out a sob when I saw my mother rise from a chair lining the left side of the aisle. She was still regaining her strength but was finally in remission again. Makenna stood next to her and looped her arm through Mom’s. They beamed at me with matching smiles and watery eyes.

Everyone else followed suit and stood. I scanned the sea of familiar faces. Roni and Max were there accompanied by Easton’s grandpa, David. Weiss, Kent, and Tillman, along with their dates, took up the rows behind them. All of the men on Easton’s side wore matching kilts, even Max. All my closest friends were there with their partners and kids: Brynlee and Macon, Delilah and Vance, Haley and Jonah, Melody and Gavin, Cameron and Blake, Emily, Sean, and Claire.

Emotion welled in my chest, and I sniffed as tears threatened to spill over. I started down the aisle on shaky legs, but stopped when Harper and Charlie ran toward me.

“These are for you!” Charlie announced, thrusting a bundle of wildflowers at me.

“And I have a few to put in your hair,” Harper offered. I ducked my head so she could strategically place each flower in the perfect spot.

“Thank you,” I said, my voice trembling as I offered them a watery smile. Then I took a deep breath and made my way toward Easton. He reached for me and gripped my free hand.

“What is all this?” I asked, glancing around.

“Most of our friends and family weren’t there when we got married, and I know how much it meant to you for them to be a part of our special day. I couldn’t give that to you then, but I can give it to you now for our vow renewal ceremony.”

My eyes widened in surprise. “Our vow renewal? We haven’t even been married a year yet.” I thought that was something couples did for milestone anniversaries like ten or twenty-five years. He chuckled and leaned in close so only I could hear.

“I realize that, but our circumstances were different then. We got married out of necessity, not choice.” He lifted his hand to cup my face, and his gaze searched mine. “That’s why I want to recommit to you. I want you to know that I choose you. I will choose you every time, over and over until the day I take my last breath.”

“Easton.” My voice came out as a whisper, and he gently brushed his thumb across my cheek.

“This is our chance to do things right, to say our vows in front of our loved ones, and to pledge our love and our lives to each other. If we weren’t already married, I would gladly make you my wife right here, right now. I want forever with you.” He pressed my hand to his chest, and I felt his thunderous pulse against my palm.

The implications of what he said slammed into me and nearly stole my breath. I’d been heartbroken over not having my mom at my wedding, and he was giving me a do-over. But more than that, this was his way of proving that he was fully committed to me and our marriage. He wanted this. He wanted to be my husband, and he was showing the whole world what I meant to him.

“I want forever with you too,” I said, and he released a relieved breath as though he’d been worried I wouldn’t feel the same. Not a chance.

“Can we get on with this? Someone promised us a party,” Kent hollered, and laughter rumbled through the crowd.

“Okay, okay,” Easton said, holding up his hands in a placating gesture. He motioned the minister forward, and I handed my flowers off to Makenna. The ceremony took less than fifteen minutes. Easton held my hands the whole time, promising to love and cherish me as we spoke our vows, recommitting to upholding the promises we made all those months ago. When it was over, he drew me into his arms and kissed me fiercely. I clung to him like I never wanted to let go.

After the ceremony, we had a small reception in the garden. The weather was perfect. The mild July temperature was a stark contrast to Virginia in the summer, and the cloudless sky lent the perfect backdrop for an outdoor celebration.

“You look absolutely stunning,” Easton said as we swayed to the soft music being played by a string quartet in the corner. He really pulled out all the stops for this.

“Thank you. This dress is perfect.” He grinned down at me, satisfaction glittering in his eyes.

“I’m glad you like it.”

“You look rather handsome yourself. I’m loving this new look, but I have to ask … why the kilt?”

“My great-great grandfather was from Scotland. He lived about an hour from here.” My mouth fell open in surprise. I had no idea of his Scottish roots when I’d asked him to bring me here. “That's why I chose this exact location. I want to visit the town he grew up in while we’re here,” he added hopefully.

“I think that’s a great idea.”

He leaned in close, and his hot breath tickled my ear. “I have a few more ideas I’d like to share with you,” he proclaimed, and the heat in his voice sent shivers down my spine. “We didn’t have a proper wedding night, but I plan to make it up to you as soon as this party is over.”

THE END

Thank you so much for reading Tangled Vows!