Epilogue - One Year Later
Jake
“I am pleased to present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Jake and Natalie Taylor.” The emcee announced our names as we made our way to the dance floor for our first dance.
Our entire families were here including Natalie’s sister, Liz, as her maid of honor.
Timing had worked out for Liz to take over the lease on Natalie’s apartment, so she moved into my house—our house—as soon as we decided to stay married.
Once the dust had settled, we told our families the entire story.
It was easier to share since it had a happy ending.
Once they digested the strange story, they were excited for us.
And really excited at the prospect of grandbabies.
Natalie was shining in a Cinderella dress, but she was glowing for a whole other reason that we were planning to announce during the speeches.
Since we were both getting close to forty, we were eager to start a family as soon as possible but decided to wait until I’d had more time to work through everything in therapy and plan a dream wedding.
I still went once a week, seeing no reason to close myself off when it had taken so long to reach out for support.
With our first dance over, we went up to the head table and I grabbed the microphone.
I was not great at dressing up, being the center of attention, or giving speeches but there wasn’t a thing I wouldn’t do for Natalie.
“I want to thank everyone for coming out to celebrate with us today. It isn’t easy to bring a fairytale to life but somehow Natalie pulled it off. ”
There was a round of applause as everyone took a moment to admire the sparking chandeliers, candles, and flowers.
“To my beautiful wife. I will never be able to express how much you have changed my life for the better. You have brought stability and a sparkle that I didn’t know I was missing.
I am in constant awe of your selflessness, intelligence, and your generosity.
” I stopped to take a breath as my throat threatened to close.
“Most importantly, I cannot wait to become a parent with you.” There was an awed hush in the room.
We smiled at each other, and she came to stand beside me, in her hands was a onesie that read Book Worm In Training.
“We are excited to announce that baby Taylor will be here in March.”
I could hear the applause but all I saw was her. She was all I had seen since the day she first smiled at me all those months ago. She was my rock; my soulmate and I was in this for the long haul.