Epilogue
LIZ
It’s the day. THE day! My two men are waiting for me – to make me a true member of the family. The wedding day is perfect, and made even more perfect by the fact that a month ago Becky happily relinquished all parental rights which allowed me to adopt Max. He is truly mine and Nate’s now and I am bursting with happiness even before the actual wedding.
The sun is warm against my skin, the breeze carrying the scent of salt and wildflowers. It’s perfect, the kind of day you can only dream of, where the waves kiss the shore in a rhythm that feels like it’s just for you. I stand barefoot on the soft sand, the hem of my simple, flowing white dress brushing my ankles. I can’t help but smile. This is exactly how I wanted it to be. It’s intimate, peaceful, and surrounded by love.
Max walks down the aisle first, clutching a small velvet pillow with a gold band resting delicately on it. His little face is a mix of determination and excitement, but what truly melts my heart is Boomer trotting closely alongside him, his tail wagging gently as though he understands the importance of today.
I bite my lip to keep from laughing when Max stops halfway, glances at Nate, and whispers loud enough for everyone to hear, “Am I doing it right, Dad?”
Nate grins from where he’s standing at the end of the aisle, his hands clasped in front of him, looking every bit the man who has claimed my heart in ways I never thought possible. “You’re perfect, buddy,” he says, his voice soft but filled with pride.
Max beams, continuing his journey toward Nate, who kneels to meet him halfway and ruffles his hair before taking the ring. The sight is so tender, so raw, that my chest tightens with emotion. It’s these little moments — moments of love and family—that remind me how lucky I am.
And then it’s my turn.
Bryan stands beside me, offering his arm with a grin that borders on smug. “Ready, little sis?”
I roll my eyes, though I can’t stop smiling. “If you call me ‘little sis’ one more time today, I might have to rethink letting you walk me down the aisle.”
“Too late for that,” he teases, but his voice softens as he adds, “You look beautiful, Liz. Nate’s a lucky guy.”
I glance at Nate, who’s waiting for me with a look in his eyes that steals my breath. “I’m the lucky one,” I whisper.
Bryan chuckles. “Then you’re both lucky. But if he messes this up, you know who to call.”
“Noted,” I say, laughing despite the lump forming in my throat.
As we take the first step together, I hear the soft melody of the string quartet playing in the background, the waves providing a natural harmony. The small group of friends and family gathered here turns to watch me, their smiles warm and genuine.
I catch Liam’s eye, and he gives me a small nod, his usual mischievous demeanor replaced with something softer, almost wistful. There’s a story behind that look, but today isn’t the day to ask.
Sue stands at the altar, as my maid of honor. She looks beautiful in a pale aqua blue dress, holding a bouquet of daisies. Her smile is almost as big as mine. It’s sort of an “I told you so” smile that makes me want to chuckle.
Step by step, I move closer to Nate, who doesn’t take his eyes off me. His gaze is so intense, so full of love, that I feel like I might dissolve under its weight. When I finally reach him, Bryan places my hand in Nate’s, leaning in to whisper, “Take care of her, or you’ll answer to me.”
Nate chuckles, but his grip on my hand tightens. “Always,” he promises, his voice steady.
The pastor begins, but my focus is entirely on Nate. His thumb brushes over the back of my hand, a small gesture that sends warmth coursing through me. When it’s time for our vows, he goes first, his deep voice carrying across the beach.
“Liz,” he begins, and I can already see the emotion in his eyes. “You came into my life when I thought I didn’t deserve another chance at love. You broke down walls I didn’t even know I had, and you showed me what it means to trust, to hope, to dream again. You’ve made me a better man, and I vow to spend every day of my life proving that I’m worthy of you.”
Tears blur my vision, and I blink rapidly, trying to keep them at bay. When it’s my turn, my voice trembles, but I don’t care.
“Nate,” I say, my heart full. “You’ve shown me what it means to be loved unconditionally, to be seen for who I truly am. You’ve given me a family, a home, and a kind of happiness I didn’t think was possible. I vow to stand by your side, through every challenge and every joy, for the rest of our lives.”
There isn’t a dry eye in the crowd by the time we exchange rings. When Nate slides the band onto my finger, his hand lingers, his touch steady and sure. And when the pastor declares us husband and wife, Nate doesn’t hesitate. He pulls me close, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that’s both tender and passionate, sealing a promise that will last a lifetime.
After the ceremony, we gather around a small table set up on the beach, the golden glow of the setting sun casting everything in a magical light. As the best man, Bryan raises a glass, his grin back in full force.
“To Liz and Nate,” he says, his voice loud enough to carry over the sound of the waves. “May your love be as endless as the ocean and as strong as Liz’s ability to put up with Nate.”
Laughter ripples through the group, and Nate shakes his head, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Thanks for that, Bryan.”
Liam chimes in, lifting his glass. “And here’s to Nate—proof that even the grumpiest of us can find love. Though, let’s not get any ideas about me or Bryan following suit.”
Bryan nods in agreement, but there’s a glimmer of something in his eyes, something that makes me wonder if his protests are as genuine as they seem. I file the thought away for later, determined to pry it out of him when the time is right.
As the evening winds down, I find myself standing by the shoreline, the cool water lapping at my toes. Nate and Max are a few feet away, building a sandcastle with Boomer sitting loyally beside them. The sight makes my heart swell, and I wrap my arms around myself, overwhelmed by the sheer happiness of it all.
I feel Nate’s presence before I see him. He walks up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder. “Penny for your thoughts?” he murmurs.
I lean into him, sighing contentedly. “Just thinking about how perfect today was.”
“It’s only the beginning,” he says, his voice low and full of promise.
I turn to face him, my hands resting on his chest. “I love you,” I say simply, the words feeling more profound now than ever.
He smiles, leaning down to kiss me softly. “I love you too, Mrs. Kingston.”
The sound of Max’s laughter draws our attention, and we both turn to watch him. He’s chasing Boomer down the beach, the dog’s tail wagging furiously as they race toward the water. Nate’s arm tightens around me, and I know we’re both thinking the same thing.
This is our family. This is our forever.
***