71. Epilogue
Epilogue
A few years later
The hall was bathed in golden light, the warm hues casting a soft glow over the gathered friends and family.
Stained glass windows lined the church, their vibrant reds, blues, and golds casting soft, ethereal hues on the people below.
Troy adjusted his cufflinks, standing at the edge of the aisle, his gaze fixed ahead as he held Lilly's arm.
At fifty, he was still striking, his sharp features carrying the same effortless charm that had always turned heads.
He stood tall and proud, the navy vest beneath his suit accentuating his lean, athletic frame.
Jenna sat in the front pew, watching through misty eyes as Lilly walked with Troy towards the altar.
Her daughter-her little girl-now a stunning bride in an ethereal gown, lace and tulle floating around her as if spun from dreams. Her steps were measured but eager, her fingers clutching the bouquet as she neared Josh, who was already blinking rapidly, his emotions barely contained.
Beside her, Hunter sat quietly, a small miracle in itself, his massive frame still and silent for once during the ceremony.
Beside Jenna, Oliver, Max, and Dylan stood as best men, the three of them forming an impressive line.
Dylan, now towering over everyone at 6'4", had taken after his father's strong build.
He was studying architecture at university, but for today, his focus was solely on his sister.
Dani stood among the bridesmaids, along with Grant's children, their pastel dresses soft and delicate against the grandeur of the ceremony.
Jenna glanced over to see Margaret, lips pressed together but silent, and Victoria, watching with a rare softness in her eyes.
The ceremony passed in a blur of vows and heartfelt promises, and by the time the reception began, the air was thick with laughter and celebration. As the toasts commenced, Troy stood, glass in hand, eyes flicking toward the index cards he held.
"Every couple faces their own struggles," he began, his voice rich with emotion.
"But the ones who make it, the ones who truly last, are the ones who fight through it.
Who choose each other, over and over again.
" His gaze lingered on Lilly, then flickered-just briefly-to Jenna.
"And Lilly, my girl, I have watched you grow into a woman I am endlessly proud of.
" He swallowed, glancing at the card before setting it down.
"Josh, mate, if you ever forget how lucky you are, remember my gun collection-" he lifted his glass, "I know where to find you.
" The laughter was immediate, the tension breaking as Josh grinned, raising his hands in surrender.
The evening wound down slowly. The newlyweds had left, their car decorated with ribbons and streamers, and only a few stragglers remained. The music had softened, the once-bustling floor now scattered with a handful of guests still swaying in the dim light.
Jenna was about to slip away when she felt a warm presence beside her.
"May I have this dance?"
She turned, finding Troy standing there, his expression unreadable yet familiar.
He extended a hand, and after a pause, she took it.
As For the first time by Kenny Loggins played softly from the speakers, they moved together, the years of tension, love, and loss settling into the space between them .
Troy held her close, his breath warm against her hair. His arms encircled her, strong and steady, the way they once had so many years ago.
"Thank you," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the music.
Jenna only smiled, resting her head against his shoulder. She didn't ask for what. She didn't need to.
Across the hall, Hunter-now massive-snuck another bit of food from an abandoned plate, but for once, he remained quiet, a small miracle in itself.
The night slowed, the weight of years settling lightly over them, and as Jenna swayed in Troy's arms, she realized how easily she could have taken another path, but she was grateful she had taken the one that led to him.