Epilogue
Carter
After what felt like the world’s longest engagement, I was so happy it was finally time to marry the love of my life.
A lot had happened over the past two years, which had slowed down the process.
A few months after proposing, Jax bought the cafe from my Uncle Ethan.
Just two more months after that, the whole family was together as my grandma took her last breath.
After that, it was a complete whirlwind as we accepted her house as part of our inheritance and worked to make it our own.
We still had a long way to go, but I was happy with what we had gotten done so far.
On top of all of that, I somehow found the time to finish my second book and was planning to publish it once all of the wedding craziness died down.
I looked in the mirror and ran my hands down the front of my dress. It was a simple white satin dress with no frills. I had loved it from the moment I laid eyes on it, but I really hoped Jax also liked it.
My sister walked up behind me and wrapped her arms around me, putting her chin on my shoulder. “You look absolutely breathtaking.”
I smiled as I leaned back against her. “Aren’t you supposed to be the matron of honor to the other bride?”
“I am, but she is as cool as a cucumber and I figured you were not, so I decided to check on you.” She looked around the room. “Where’s your man of honor?”
“Ronan?” I laughed. “I have no idea. I haven’t seen him all day. I hope he’s with Uncle Jamie and Uncle Ethan getting into his suit.”
“Don’t worry, I’m taking good care of her,” Annika said as she walked over to join us, holding two glasses of champagne. She handed one to me and the other to Olivia, even though I was pretty sure she had originally grabbed that for herself.
I was so happy I had chosen to ask Annika to be a bridesmaid in our wedding. Even though Ronan was officially the Man of Honor so he wouldn’t feel left out, Annika had taken over the role of Matron of Honor for me. Thank god.
Jax had one of her best guy friends as her other bridesman, and that made up our whole wedding party.
I didn’t want to do anything major for the wedding, so Jax agreed to keep it small.
The ceremony was taking place in our back yard, and it was just our families and the families of our two extra wedding party members who were in attendance.
I was so happy Jax had agreed to keep this part intimate before we celebrated with over two-hundred guests at our reception.
Most of those attending were friends of Jax, but I was happy to also have been able to contribute to the guest list by including my friends from a book club I had started a year ago and some of my work friends.
Even though I didn’t see my work friends very often due to working remotely very far from the office, I made it a point to get to New York for at least one happy hour a month and the big holiday party at the end of each year.
Because of that, I had actually made more work friends while working remotely than I had when I actually lived in New York.
Annika left the bedroom where I was getting ready, but came back a minute later holding a champagne for herself. She lifted it in the air toward me and Olivia. “To the beautiful brides.”
“To the beautiful brides,” Olivia repeated before we all tapped our glasses together.
I took a tiny sip, which was in stark contrast to Olivia and Annika who both finished their glasses.
There was a knock at the open door, and I turned to see my mom standing there. She held her arms out as she walked toward me. “You look so beautiful, sweetie.”
I hugged my mom tightly up against me. “So do you.”
She really did. She was wearing a black suit, white button up, and a blue tie (for the wedding’s something blue), and she was glowing in the same way I was.
She pulled back, but kept her hands on my arms, tears coming to her eyes as she stared at me. “I’m just so happy for you. I feel so blessed that all of my children have found the person to spend their lives with.” She leaned in close to whisper in my ear. “Jax looks beautiful by the way.”
She didn’t have to tell me that. Not that I had seen Jax yet today, but Jax always looked beautiful. I had no doubt that she looked even more beautiful than usual today (if that was even possible).
I wiped the tears that were now falling down my face as well. “I can’t wait to see her.”
“Funny you should say that.” My mom moved so she was now standing beside me and put her arm out for me to wrap mine with. “Because it’s time.”
“That’s my cue!” Olivia said as she started heading out of the room. “Have to go complete my matron of honor duties.”
I was about to ask where my mama was when she came walking into the room wearing a blue dress that matched my mom’s tie. She already had tears in her eyes. “My beautiful baby girl,” she said while wiping them away. “I’m so happy your big day is finally here.”
She came to the side my mom wasn’t standing on and took that arm.
The three of us walked into my back yard just in time to see the most handsome ring bearer and cutest little flower girls walking down the aisle.
When the music changed, everyone stood and faced my direction.
I was so happy it was just our families there for this part, or else all of that attention would have been too much for me.
My brother and sister were already standing by the altar with the two other members of the bridal party and they both had tears in their eyes. My heart warmed at the sight. I was so lucky that my best friends in the whole world had been by my side from the moment I was born.
My Uncle Ethan stood in the middle of the altar since he was the one doing our ceremony. My Uncle Jamie and cousin Finn were sitting in the front row and both gave me a thumbs up as I passed them.
Speck laid on the ground close to the front, but only lifted his ears slightly as I took my spot at the altar. He was a very old man at this point and couldn’t be bothered to do much more than that.
My moms both gave me a kiss before taking their seats next to Uncle Jamie and Finn. The music changed once again, signaling that it was time for Jax to come down the aisle. The back door of our house opened and my soon-to-be bride walked out with her dad on one side of her and her mom on the other.
I lost my breath when I ran my eyes over her body. Her dress was mermaid-cut with beading that caused it to sparkle under the light of the sun. Her eyes as she stared at me were the only things sparkling brighter than her dress while she walked down the aisle.
I was sure my eyes were glistening as well. I had told myself I wasn’t going to cry, but one look at Jax and I couldn’t help myself. How did I get so lucky?
When Jax made it to me, her parents each gave her a hug before giving me one as well. “Take care of my little girl,” her mom whispered in my ear.
“Always,” I whispered back.
My Uncle Ethan started the ceremony, but I didn’t even know what he was saying because all I could focus on was the woman standing in front of me.
I was so lost in Jax’s eyes, I almost missed my uncle saying it was time to read our vows to each other.
It clicked what he had said when Olivia handed Jax a piece of paper and she unfolded it with shaky hands.
She cleared her throat and looked back and forth between me and the paper in her hands.
“Carter, from the moment you walked into my dorm room with your sister freshman year, I knew I had to find a way to make you mine. Thank god all it took was a few years, a new job, and countless attempts at flirting with you. In all seriousness, I would have waited forever for you because from the beginning, I could tell how special you were. Five years ago, I learned that you were even better than I ever expected. I still pinch myself every single day when I wake up beside you. I can’t believe someone like you sees something in me, but damn, I’m so happy you do.
You’ve always believed in me, even when my dreams seemed far-fetched.
You never judged me for having my head in the clouds.
Instead, you supported me more than anyone ever has.
I love everything about this life we’ve created together.
I can’t wait to see what the years ahead of us hold.
No matter what happens, I know they’ll be amazing since I’ll have you by my side.
I’m so glad I get to be your wife. I promise to never make you regret giving me this chance because honestly, it’s the chance of a lifetime.
I love you so much, Carter Miller-Cooper. ”
I took a shaky breath and blew it out as I tried to calm my emotions enough to make it through the vows I had written for Jax. Her words were perfect and I could only hope that mine somewhat compared.
“I thought I was supposed to be the writer,” I joked as I grabbed my own page of notes from my brother.
It took me a minute to focus on the words, because my tears were blurring my vision.
“Jax, I’m not sure where to start. I’m still amazed that out of all of the people in the world, you love me.
It’s safe to say that you saw something in me when no one else did.
You brought out a part of me that I didn’t even realize I had hidden away.
You give me confidence I never thought I could have.
You’re not only my best friend, but also my home.
No matter where I am or what’s going on in my life, I know I’ll always belong as long as you are on my side.
You give my life excitement and help me fly when I’d otherwise stay grounded.
I never believed I could be as happy as I am when I’m with you.
You make every single day an adventure, and I can’t wait to see where life takes us next.
I know that no matter what the future holds, it’s going to be wonderful because I have you.
I love you, Jax. I’m so excited to be your wife. ”