Epilogue
Haley
“Girl, you look beautiful,” my old friend Emma coos while we stare in the mirror together. I’m in a gorgeous gown of white lace which gently swaths my belly while also highlighting my big bust.
“You think?” I ask in a wry tone. “I’m still postpartum, so tell me if I start getting wet spots where my boobs are because it means I’m leaking milk.”
“You won’t,” Emma smiles sassily. “But yes, little Freddy is sooo cute and I love being a big sister finally. You know I’ve always wanted a sibling, and thanks to you and my dad, I finally have one!”
I smile because my son was born right on December 25 as the best Christmas gift of all.
Freddy’s now a few months old and the light of our lives despite only just being able to sleep through the night.
But he’s the spitting image of his father, with the same black hair and blue eyes, and Chase dotes on his son.
We even found Freddy a little tux to wear to our small ceremony, and he’s outside right now in the arms of his nanny.
My mom has settled into a better place too.
After confessing her financial woes to me, I told Chase about her situation, and the alpha male took control.
He hired a private detective who tracked down Brenda’s good-for-nothing ex, and now the young man is being sued for the return of the funds.
We have no idea if we’ll ever see a cent because God knows, that boy was spending money like water, but we’re in a better place because at least something’s being done.
Plus, I explained to my fiancé that my mom holds no grudges against us.
Brenda’s happy for me and Chase, and over the moon about her first grandchild.
So in a way, our marriage is reuniting our family. My mom and I are on good terms, and Chase’s daughter is back in town for our wedding. I smile at my high school buddy.
“So what’s going on LA?” I ask with a tilt of my head. “I haven’t seen you in ages, girlfriend, and it must have been a shock when your dad told you that we’d started dating.”
My pretty blonde friend shoots me a wry look.
“It’s always a shock when your dad calls and says that not only has he been dating your high school pal, but that she’s knocked up and soon to be your stepmother!
But it’s all good,” Emma laughs, pretty in a pink satin gown.
“I’m happy for you, and life in LA is amazing!
You and my dad will have to bring the baby and come visit me. ”
“But are you getting jobs as an aspiring actress?” I ask curiously. “I mean, I hear auditions are like Shark Tank episodes.”
Emma colors a bit, her cheeks going pink.
“Well, I am auditioning, and yes, the casting couch can be a bit... well, how do I say it? Sexy.”
“Sexy?” I gasp, my eyes opening wide. “Oh my god, what do you mean? Like they have you put on a bikini and say sexy lines?”
Emma winks.
“If that’s what the role demands, then yes,” she says. “How do you think they do auditions for Baywatch? They’re not rehearsing Shakespeare.”
I giggle.
“Oh my god, you’re too much!”
My friend merely winks again.
“Yeah, and there’s a particularly hot director from Europe that I’m meeting with next week,” she adds. “For a spicy role in a film tentatively titled Le X Factor.”
“Why is the title in French though?” I ask, one brow raised. “You’re doing foreign films? Do you even speak French?”
“No, but the director is French and his Euro accent makes everything sound sexy,” Emma giggles saucily. “I can’t wait to get on the casting couch in front of his camera.”
I stare at my buddy because casting couches are notorious for being raunchy and salacious.
Isn’t there a porn series where girls slither around during auditions, playing with toys while cooing for the camera?
I’m just about to ask, but at that moment, the door opens, and my handsome fiancé steps into the small dressing room.
“Hi Daddy!” Emma sings before dancing into Chase’s arms for a hug. “I’m so excited you’re getting married to my best friend.”
“Hi honey,” he says while pressing a kiss to her cheek. “It’s good to see you, and both of you ladies look beautiful. Are you guys ready for the ceremony? Brenda and my friend Nick are already waiting outside.”
“Let me just run to the restroom,” Emma babbles. “I’ll meet you out there in a sec.”
Then, my friend flies off, leaving me and my gorgeous fiancé in the small dressing room. Chase advances, that blue gaze hungry yet adoring as he takes in my curvy figure.
“You’re a beautiful bride, Haley,” he murmurs before pressing a kiss to my lips. “I’ve waited for this day for a long time.”
“And you’re a very handsome groom,” I murmur in return, sliding my arms about his broad shoulders. “But you should talk to your daughter because something’s going on in LA. I think Emma’s getting up to no good. Showbiz is sketchy!”
My fiancé’s features darken.
“Damn. My daughter’s always been a handful, and setting her loose in Hollywood was probably a bad idea.”
I laugh gently.
“Then I won’t tell you my suspicions right now because we’re about to tie the knot,” I murmur before kissing him again. “But how are you otherwise?”
Chase grins wryly, one corner of his mobile mouth pulling up.
“Good, but Emma’s not the only one causing trouble. My best man, Nick, is also in the hot seat.”
I stare curiously, remembering the tall, dark stranger in a grey suit. He was handsome, with flashing blue eyes and a reserved air, and yet perfectly polite and friendly as he greeted me.
“Oh really? I thought Nick was married though.”
My fiancé snorts.
“Far from it. Nick always swore he wouldn’t get hitched because he’s not that kind of guy. But I think he’s knocked up a woman, so he’s going to be a daddy soon.”
My brows shoot up.
“Oh, like a one-night stand situation?”
“No, not even,” my fiancé says in a grim tone. “I think she’s a housekeeper.”
“Really?” I ask, my eyebrows flying up. “He was canoodling with the help? Plus, I thought housekeepers were all sixty-year-old matrons who look like Mrs. Doubtfire.”
My fiancé shakes his dark head.
“Evidently, there was some snafu and Nick thought the young woman was the lady of the manor. But yeah, it turns out that the pretty blonde was the live-in housekeeper, and she’s expecting his baby now.”
“Wow,” I manage. “Just wow.”
My fiancé shakes his head before bending down for another deep kiss.
“But enough about other people,” Chase growls. “I’m tying the knot with you, sweetheart, and I can’t wait. Are you ready to do this?”
I shoot him a brilliant smile, so happy that my chest is almost overflowing with joy.
“Yes,” I murmur as he takes my hand to lead me to the officiant. “I’m more than ready to become Mrs. Chase Wheaton.”
But as we make our way down the darkened hallway, I catch a glimpse of Nick Bannister, who indeed, is very handsome, if a bit reserved and preoccupied.
Male power radiates from his big form, and his features are harsh and stark.
Did he really knock up an innocent young housekeeper by accident?
What is he going to do about it? I shake my head with wonder.
Then, my eyes are caught by my pretty best friend and future stepdaughter, glowing in her pink satin dress.
What’s going to happen with Emma? My gorgeous buddy is obviously up to no good in LA, but what if she falls head over heels for a sexy French playboy?
And what if he captures their sexy shenanigans on film?
Relax, the voice in my head whispers. This is your wedding day, Haley. Don’t focus on other people. Just focus on yourself.
Of course, the voice is right, and when we finally reach the end of the hall to where a makeshift altar has been set up, my eyes shine with joy as I gaze at my handsome fiancé. Chase Wheaton fills my life with love, joy, and appreciation ... and now, I’m his forever.
THE END