Epilogue
Staring into the full-length mirror, Katherine smoothed the front of her knee-length ivory dress.
The V neck and cinched waist showed off her curves while the full skirt kept everything demure and elegant.
She wore her long hair down and jewelry minimal—diamond studs in her ears and her engagement ring on her left hand.
The fabric flower attached to the satin bow tied around her waist was made from her first wedding dress. A simple way to keep Theo a part of her new family.
Marie and Sadie stood on each side of her with tears in their eyes.
A lot of things were different about her second wedding, but having her new sisters with her was one of the best parts.
“You look beautiful,” Marie said, giving her a quick hug.
“Stunning,” Sadie agreed. She handed over the bouquet of calla lilies wrapped in a blush pink ribbon. “You guys pulled this wedding off in record time.”
“Ollie wouldn’t have it any other way.” She brought the flowers to her nose and drew in a deep breath. The sweet fragrance overwhelmed her senses. “Doesn’t hurt that we decided to get married in the backyard. It’s the only place where Bailey was allowed to attend.”
As if saying her son’s name summoned him, Ollie bounded inside with Bailey at his heels.
Her heart melted at the sight of his white button up shirt and black suspenders. He’d tied a matching bow around Bailey’s neck.
“You look pretty, Mom.” He ran and gave her a big hug. “Grandpa says it’s time.”
Grinning, she rolled her eyes. It was her day, but she was still on her dad’s schedule. “Well, where is he? I need you both to walk me down the aisle.”
Sadie laid a hand on her arm and squeezed. “I’ll send him in. Marie and I will find our seats. See you out there.”
Grateful for the moment alone with her son, she held out her hand for him to take. “You look very handsome. Your daddy would have loved to see you all dressed up.”
He twisted his lips to the side. “But if Daddy was here, I wouldn’t be dressed up because you wouldn’t be marrying Cody.”
“That’s true.”
“I miss Daddy, but I love Cody,” he said, frowning. “It’s kinda confusing.”
“It’s confusing at times for me too, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be happy about this next step.
Daddy would want that. For both of us.” She believed that with her entire heart.
Theo would always be there, his memory forever shaping her and Ollie’s lives.
But Cody was the leading man in her next chapter.
She didn’t have to understand it, she just had to be grateful for the second chance at love.
“I am happy,” he said.
Bailey barked in agreement.
“Me, too buddy. And I love you so much. Thank you for always being the favorite part of my day.”
Ollie’s expression crumbled in concern. “You better not tell Cody that. At least not today. He should be your favorite part.”
She laughed and ruffled his hair before placing a kiss on the top of his head. “Fair point.”
The sound of a clearing throat drew her attention to the doorway. Her dad stood there dressed in a black suit and matching tie. He held out his arm. “Ready?”
“Ready.” She took hold of Ollie’s hand then looped her arm through her dad’s.
The trio walked out the backdoor and the wedding march played from speakers hidden somewhere down below. They descended the stairs and her gaze drifted down the aisle the second her foot hit the grass.
White chairs filled the lawn with a runner dividing them down the middle.
Friends and family stood and watched her every step as she moved along with her dad and son.
Owen and Tommy sat with Marie and Sadie in the front row—Amelia and Nora wearing matching pink dresses.
Pappy leaned on his cane beside Marie with tears in his eyes.
Mrs. Collins hooked an arm through Laura’s, Cade and Isla at Laura’s other side. Jenna and Calvin watched alongside Elsie and Dean. Jimmy and Oliver waving at Ollie with grins on their little faces. Clara and Heath held hands while Avery and Davey whispered beside them.
But it was the man at the end of the aisle that captured her attention.
Cody stood tall and more handsome than she’d ever seen with his white button up shirt. He’d rolled his sleeves to his elbows and opted for no tie, leaving the collar open. His eyes stayed focused on her as she made her way past everyone she loved to get to his side.
Her dad pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I love you, honey. Be happy.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
Ollie stayed beside her, both of them facing Cody.
Cody grabbed her free hand and grazed his thumb over her skin, sending ripples of goosebumps cascading over her body despite the summer sun. “You look beautiful.”
She grinned. “You’re not too shabby yourself.”
“What about me?” Ollie asked, gaining a chuckle from the crowd.
“Looking good, Dude.” Cody held up his free palm for a high five.
Ollie slapped his hand. “Can I sit with Bailey now?”
Katherine chuckled. “Sure.” She waited for her son to sit on a chair by Pappy with Bailey on the other side before facing Cody.
The minister began the ceremony, the words of love and commitment floating by as she kept her eyes locked on Cody. Her body vibrated with excitement when he slipped the wedding ring on her finger, and she did the same for him.
“You may now kiss the bride,” the minister shouted, invoking a chorus of cheers.
Cody wrapped her in his arms and grinned down at her. “I love you, Mrs. Hogan. Now and forever. You’ll always have my heart. Thank you for giving me a family.”
Happiness exploded inside her and tears glistened in her eyes, blurring her vision. “I love you, too, Mr. Hogan. And I’m so glad you’re happy about our family because it’s about to get a little bigger.”
His jaw dropped. “Seriously?”
Tears streamed down her face, and she nodded.
He let out a whoop of joy then crushed his mouth to hers.
She melted against him, memorizing every touch, every taste, every feel of this wonderful man who’d fallen into her life when she’d least expected it. She’d never understand how she’d gotten so lucky—found real, strong love twice in a lifetime.
And now she had that whole lifetime ahead of her to make countless memories with her handsome husband, amazing child, and a baby on the way.
Life was good, and she’d make sure to never, ever forget it.
Don’t miss out on an exciting new series! In Hard to Break, a bull-riding wreck sends Lane Tipton back to the town he swore off, he’s forced to face the woman—and the secret—he left behind. But when danger closes in, their second chance might be their last.