Epilogue #2
“Family and friends, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Heath and Skylar in marriage. Today is not just a celebration of love, but of partnership, commitment, and the promise of a lifetime together.”
The couple stand hand in hand beneath the floral arch, sunlight spilling over them as if the universe itself is offering its blessing to the couple. Their eyes never stray from each other, as if they’re the only two people in the world.
The celebrant smiles. “Heath and Skylar have chosen to say their own vows today. Heath, if you would like to begin.”
Heath takes a deep breath and clears his throat, his thumb brushing over Skylar’s knuckles as he steadies himself. His voice trembles at first but grows more confident with every word.
“My dearest Skylar, from the moment I met you, I knew that one day you’d become something more to me—that you’d become my wife.
You showed me hope when I had none, laughter when I needed it most, and love when I least expected it.
From this day onwards, I promise to always protect your heart, to fight for our happiness, and to grow with you, for all of our lives.
You are my soulmate, my world, and my forever. ”
Skylar’s eyes shimmer with unshed tears as she squeezes her fiancé’s hand, her own voice breaking softly when she speaks.
“My darling Heath, you are my greatest gift, my heart and my home.
You have taught me the meaning of true happiness, and, above all, what it feels like to be truly loved and cherished.
I promise to stand by your side through every high and every low, to love you unconditionally, and to always choose us, every single day of our lives.
Today, I offer you not only my hand, but all of me—for all eternity.
The celebrant pauses, letting the vows settle over the crowd before continuing. “May I have the rings, please?”
The best man steps forward, placing the rings in the celebrant’s hand. She passes them to Heath, who wastes no time gently sliding the elegant band onto Skylar’s finger.
“With this ring, I give you my heart and my soul. I promise to stand by you, cherish you and honour you, for the rest of my days.”
Skylar repeats the gesture, her fingers trembling but her voice is steady and strong.
“With this ring, I give you my heart and my soul. I promise to stand by you, cherish you and honour you, for all of my days.”
The celebrant glances between them and beams. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Heath, you may kiss your bride.”
“About bloody time!” And then without missing a beat, Heath pulls Skylar into his arms.
Gasps and cheers rise from the guests as he dips her low in a sweeping, romantic kiss that steals her breath and leaves her laughing against his lips.
When he lifts her back up, their foreheads rest together, and the crowd erupts in applause.
Beside me, Tina lets out a faint sniffle, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. I wrap an arm around her, and she immediately leans into my comfort.
When Skylar and Heath turn to face the crowd, their hands raised high between them like true victors, the guests rise to their feet, erupting in cheers that vibrate through the air.
The blissful couple begin their walk down the aisle, hand in hand, the bridal party trailing closely behind them. When Mila goes to walk past me, I shoot her a wink this time—and sure enough, that breathtaking smile graces her face once more. Yep! I’m definitely one lucky bastard!
The reception unfolds spectacularly inside a glass marquee that stretches across the outside terrace. We dine beneath a blanket of stars, and when I look up through the glass ceiling, I can’t help but smile at the expansive night sky—so infinite and so magical.
Rows upon rows of long dining tables fill the marquee, with the bride and groom Seated right at the very heart of it all. Rather than a traditional bridal table set apart from the guests, they chose to sit among their closest family, keeping the celebration intimate and full of warmth.
I’m seated between Mila and her mother, the atmosphere light and pleasant as we chat respectfully amongst ourselves.
But when Mila excuses herself to use the bathroom for the third time since she first sat down, a knot of concern begins to tighten in my chest. I’m not sure why, but something inside is telling me there’s something wrong.
My eyes drift towards the exit door, debating whether I should follow her to make sure she’s okay, but Tina’s warm hand on my forearm halts me before I can move.
“You okay, darling?” she asks softly, leaning in closer. “Because the way you’ve been staring at that door makes me worry those frown lines are going to become permanent on your forehead.”
I chuckle and shake my head. “Yeah, sorry—force of habit, I guess,” I reply, rubbing the back of my neck. “I was just going to check on Mila. She’s been in and out of the bathroom a few times, and I wanted to see if she was okay.”
“She probably just ate too much too fast and now has an upset stomach.” Tina smiles that familiar, motherly smile.
“You know, Jason, I’m so glad she has you in her life.
I can see how much you really care about her.
To tell you the truth, I feel more at ease knowing both my girls have someone who will look after them.
That’s all a mother could ever hope for. ”
“Tina, I promise that I’ll always make sure your daughter feels safe and cared for. Her happiness means everything to me.”
Her smile widens, her expression softening with relief.
“I can tell. I see it in the way you look at her, like she’s the most precious jewel in the world.
” She lets out a sharp sigh. “To be honest, Jason, when I first found out you and Mila were dating, I wasn’t entirely on board.
It had nothing to do with the age difference or the fact that you’re a single dad.
I was more concerned that she might feel rushed to settle down because of where you are in life.
She’s still in her prime, and I worried she might miss out on experiences.
I wanted her to live fully, without regrets.
But then I saw how happy she is with you, how she lights up whenever you’re around, and that’s when I knew—she already has everything she wants in life. ”
She reaches for my hand and gives it a soft squeeze. “Knowing that you treat my daughter with the love, kindness, and respect she deserves, was all the proof I needed to see how perfect you are for my baby girl.”
I cover her hand with my other, offering a grateful smile. A wave of relief spreads over me, knowing I’ve not only earned her blessing, but I’ve earned her trust as well. “Thank you, Tina. That means the world to me to hear you say that.”
She nods with a smile before sliding her hand free from mine. With a light tap on the back of my hand, she teases, “Now, go make sure Mila hasn’t fallen into the toilet and drowned.”
I bark out a laugh, but nod as I push back my chair and rise to my feet. “Good idea.
I’ll be right back.”
She gives me a quick nod before turning to the person beside her.
I make my way towards the marquee exit and into the chateau to find the ladies’ restroom.
I’m lost in my thoughts, still floating after that conversation with Mila’s mother that I don’t see the woman rounding the corner so fast. We collide instantly, her petite frame nearly rebounding off my larger one.
“Shit, are you okay?” I blurt, catching her by the shoulders to steady her.
The moment our eyes meet, my mouth curls into a full smile. No matter how many times I see her, the sight of her beautiful face still catches my breath.
“Jason.” My name slips from her mouth like a soothing lullaby.
I run my hands gently up and down Mila’s arms. “Hey, everything okay? I noticed you’ve been in and out of the restroom quite a bit tonight. What’s going on?”
She picks at her thumbnail, nerves betraying themselves in the restless shift of her feet. After a deep breath, she tips her head towards outside. “I’m just feeling a little flushed. I think I need some air.”
“Okay, then.” I nod, slipping my hand into hers. “Let’s get you some air.”
We stroll out of the chateau, bypassing the outdoor dance floor and live band, and make our way over to the garden, where a few carved benches sit beneath towering trees draped in fairy lights.
As we approach one of the bench seats, where I was ready to pull Mila onto my lap, she suddenly stops. When I turn to her, I instantly notice a hint of nervousness in her expression.
“Mila?” My brows knit as I search her face. “What’s wrong?”
“Um, Jason… there’s something I need to tell you.” She lets go of my hand, her gaze dropping to her feet, as if she’s too afraid to meet mine. Her fingers fidget restlessly, and I worry she’s going to tear at her own skin with how she’s hacking into her fingernails.
I step closer until our bodies are nearly touching, gently tilting her chin so she looks at me. “Hey,” I murmur softly. “You know you can tell me anything, right? Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s okay.”
She exhales sharply, her warm breath brushing against my face. Her lips part, then close again, as though the words are lodged at the tip her throat, refusing to come out.
“Are you not feeling well?” I ask gently.
Mila shakes her head slowly before stepping back and sinking onto the bench. “I’ve been feeling a little sick these past couple of weeks. And I guess this heatwave is only making it worse.”
I watch closely as her hands rub against her thighs, restless. She looks distracted, burdened, as if something has been pressing on her all day. I hadn’t even realised she was feeling unwell until tonight. She doesn’t look too sick—just a little tired, and her eyes are a smidge red.