Epilogue
Wendy
The sun dips low, casting a golden glow over the lush garden where our commitment ceremony is about to take place. The air hums with the scent of blooming roses and freshly cut grass, mingling with the soft strains of a string quartet playing in the background.
Fairy lights twinkle overhead, woven through the branches of ancient oak trees, creating a canopy of stars even before nightfall.
I stand at the edge of the aisle, my heart pounding in rhythm with the music. The aisle is lined with delicate petals in shades of blush and ivory, leading up to a flora arch bursting with peonies, hydrangeas, and trailing ivy.
The guests are seated on rustic wooden chairs adorned with small bustles of lavender and baby's breath, their faces alight with anticipation.
Taking a deep breath, I smooth the fabric of my ivory gown; the lace catching the light as it hugs my figure. The dress is simple yet elegant, with a sweetheart neckline and a flowing train that whispers against the grass, and my bouquet of wildflowers is tied together with a satin ribbon, the colors the same soft shades of the surrounding flowers.
I walk down the aisle with my heart in my throat. It's almost impossible to contain my joy, my excitement, my pure pleasure at knowing that soon I'll be tied to these men forever.
I step up to them, standing between them. Ethan nudges my side, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he offers me his arm. He's dressed in a tailored navy suit that complements his impressive frame, a playful grin dancing on his lips.
"So... you ready to make an honest man out of me?" he jokes, his voice a low murmur meant only for me and Cole to hear.
I laugh, softly. The action easing some of my nerves. "Well, sir, I think it's the other way around."
He winks at me. "Details, smetails."
Cole clears his throat, obviously trying to stop himself from laughing. I turn my attention to him and take in my handsome fiancé. Soon to be husband.
His broad shoulders fill out his charcoal-gray suit impeccably. The tie matches the blue of Ethan's suit, a subtle nod to their unity. His expression is serious, even if his eyes are filled with mirth.
We make eye contact, and a huge smile breaks through. The smile only Ethan or I tend to get out of him, and seeing it fills my heart with warmth.
The ceremony begins, the officiant's words a gentle murmur as he speaks of love, commitment, and the journey we've embarked upon together.
We exchange our vows under the floral arch, the setting sun casting a warm glow over us, and once we've all shared the small, personal declarations with one another, the officiant pronounces us committed partners, and we share heartfelt kisses, sealing our promises to one another.
As we turn to face our friends and family, everyone stands up from their chairs, cheering us on.
Monte, Lorcan, and Annie approach us first, their faces glowing with happiness. Monte and Lorcan, both dashing in their suits, flank Annie, who looks radiant. Her vibrant orange hair matches her dress almost exactly.
Annie pulls me into a tight hug. "Finally, you're officially family. Welcome," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion.
"Thank you," I reply, my heart swelling with gratitude.
The next hour is a blur as, at first, we're surrounded by well-wishers, covered in a spectacle of bubbles, and then spend way too long taking wedding photos.
Once the sun is completely below the horizon, and all the photos are taken, we head to the tent set up for the reception. Not long after we take a seat at our table, the speeches start.
First up, Suzie, Ethan's sister and my new close friend. Her eyes are bright with unshed tears, and she dabs at them with a tissue.
"I never expected to attend my brother's second wedding," she teases, her voice warm with affection. "Especially not a second one, to the same man."
The crowd chuckles, and Ethan shakes his head at his sister. "What can I say?" he calls over the crowd. "Obviously, I'm a glutton for punishment."
Cole reaches over and gently smacks him behind the head.
Suzie continues. "Regardless of Cole making the same mistake twice, I'm hoping that having Wendy in the mix might even things out so my crazy brother doesn't drive his husband to drink."
She makes a few more jokes at her brother's expense before reaching down and taking one of her husbands’ hands in hers. "All kidding aside, I'm thrilled for all three of you, and wish you all the best. I love you. Now, I think I'll stick with a family tradition, take my men home and go make another baby."
Everyone roars with laughter, and a fond smile settles on my face. Ethan had shared with me how Suzie had gotten pregnant the night of his and Cole's wedding, and how that baby had changed all their lives.
It was sweet.
There were a few more speeches, the usual reception shenanigans, and finally the dance floor opened up.
After many discussions about who would have my first dance, ultimately we'd decided to just be us.
So all three of us head to the dance floor, and my two men wrap themselves around me, Cole in front, Ethan behind me.
The music comes on, and we slowly sway, the world around us disappearing as we bask in our moment.
Our day.
The first day of our happily ever after.
THE END