The Rogue and His Flower (Princetown Heirs #2)

Epilogue

DAISY

Fourteen months later

My stomach flutters with a mixture of excitement and nerves as I step out onto the catwalk, the soft glow of the runway lights catching the gemstones sewn into the bodice of my dress, the very same dress I wore to my wedding to Dalton exactly fourteen months ago to the day.

Beaming, I stride down the catwalk, whilst behind me the models sway gracefully, their steps synchronised to the beat of the music that fills the room, each one wearing one of my designs from my collection aptly titled Rainbow.

Each colourful dress represents a different emotion that I have felt over the past fourteen months. The vibrant red symbolises the passion and love I feel for Dalton, the serene blue embodies the peace I have found within myself and our relationship, the emerald green the growth we’ve both made together as a couple and individually, the sunny yellow signifies the happiness and joy that fills my heart, the soft pink those moments of bliss where Dalton and I have made love for hours on end. Every colour of the rainbow is represented, each dress designed and made with love.

Standing proudly at the end of the catwalk, I look back at the long line of models shimmering in the colourful array of floor length gowns, each with floating chiffon skirts and jewel-encrusted bodices. This moment is a dream come true. From the first sketch on paper to this unveiling of my collection, it has been a whirlwind journey, much like my relationship with the man I love.

Among the sea of faces, I spot Dalton, his gaze unwavering as he watches me with pride, his beaming smile matching the rainbow coloured silk shirt that he insisted on wearing. I grin, motioning for him to join me. Climbing up onto the catwalk, he takes my hand in his, pressing a kiss against my temple as he slides his hand into mine.

“Ready?” he asks me, and I nod.

Raising my hand, I wait for the audience to become silent, and as the music quietens, I take the microphone from the emcee.

“Firstly I’d like to thank you all for being here today. Designing has been a passion of mine for many years, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude to Matilda for believing in my designs and allowing me the freedom to bring to life this story of colour,” I say, my heart swelling with emotion as I smile at her. She dips her head, deep lines forming around her eyes as she smiles. “But most of all, I want to thank my husband, Dalton, for being my rock, my inspiration, and my love. Without your steadfast support none of this would be possible.”

The crowd erupts into cheers and applause, and I feel tears prickling at the corner of my eyes. Dalton squeezes my hand encouraging me to continue.

“This collection is more than just fabric and thread. It’s a reflection of the journey Dalton and I have been on together, and the unwavering love that we share. Each dress tells a story, not just of colour, but of passion, growth, happiness and love.”

“Here, here!” Drix shouts from the crowd, grinning up at me.

“And this dress that I’m wearing, some of you might recognise. It was the dress I wore to our wedding, a dress that I designed and Matilda brought to life all those months ago, gifted to me by Dalton in an act of generosity, understanding and kindness. It’s woven together with many of the colours that you see here on this catwalk, and it is a representation of everything I hold dear, but more importantly,” I pause, my throat constricting with emotion, my eyes brimming with tears. “It represents both the beginning of our love story and the start of a new chapter in our lives. Because, you see, this collection has been named Rainbow not just because of my love for colour, but also because after many gruelling months of IVF treatment I am now four months pregnant.”

The crowd erupts in joyful applause, wrapping us both up in happiness as Dalton pulls me into his arms and kisses me deeply. Eventually we pull apart, breathless, happy, and with a final deep breath, I lock eyes with Dalton, grasp his hand and rest it on my gently rounded belly. “Here’s to love in all its shades and hues. Here’s to us, and here’s to our miracle rainbow baby…”

The End.