Mias Epilogue
My stomach churns as I stand before the full-length mirror in my childhood bedroom—now transformed into a temporary bridal suite for the day, with the home gym equipment at the other end.
The reflection staring back at me is unrecognizable.
I'm a stranger with wide, terrified eyes, clutching her wedding dress like a lifeline, and I'm not even wearing it yet.
"Oh God, Emma," I whisper, turning to face my best friend who's been by my side since a very long time. "What if this is a huge mistake? What if Jake and I are moving too fast?"
Emma smiles reassuringly, setting down the makeup brush she was using on me. "Hey, none of that," she says gently, taking both of my hands in hers. "This isn't you, Mia. You're the most confident woman I know."
I shake my head, tears welling up in my eyes. "Not today," I admit, feeling the weight of the day crashing down on me. "Today, I'm just a nervous wreck who can't believe she's finally getting married."
Emma laughs softly, giving my hands a squeeze before letting go and picking up the hem of my dress to help me step into it.
"Well, first things first—let's get this gorgeous gown on you so you can see just how amazing you look," she says, deftly maneuvering the fabric over my curves until I'm fully encased in white satin and lace.
As she begins to fasten the delicate buttons up my back, I take a deep breath and try to center myself. Emma's right; this isn't like me at all. But then again, nothing about my journey with Jake has been typical.
"You know," I say as memories of our past six months together flood through my mind, "it feels like just yesterday that you and I were sneaking out to meet boys behind Ryan's back."
We did that sometimes and it used to be so much fun. Even now, those memories bring a smile to my face.
Emma chuckles, pausing her task for a moment. "And now look at us. You're about to marry one of those 'boys,' and I'm happily married myself with a baby on the way." She smiles warmly at me through the mirror before continuing to fasten my dress.
I'm happy she found someone too after what her ex did to her. We all deserve good partners and people that make us happy.
I can't help but grin back at her too, my nerves momentarily forgotten as I think about how far we've both come. "Do you remember that time Ryan found out about our little 'dates' and grounded us for a month?" I ask, laughter bubbling up in my throat at the memory.
Even back then, he was too controlling. I'm glad he's finally started to ease up on that.
"Oh God," Emma groans, rolling her eyes. "Yes! He made us promise to never go near any of those 'bad influences' again." She uses air quotes around the last part, mimicking my overprotective older brother's stern lecture from so many years ago.
It's funny that he was even able to ground her, even though she's just my friend. He doesn't have as much common sense as he thinks.
My laughter fades as I remember how much that grounding sucked at the time, but now I realize it was just another way Ryan was trying to keep me safe, especially after what happened with Mom and Dad…
"Hey," Emma says softly, noticing my sudden change in mood. "Where'd you go just now?"
I shake my head, pushing away thoughts of my parents' accident that still haunts us all. They didn't die back then, but the memory is still a nightmare. "Nowhere," I say, offering her a small smile. "Just… remembering."
She nods understandingly, continuing to work on the buttons until she reaches the top. Once she's finished, she spins me around to face her again and cups my cheeks in her hands. "Today is about you and Jake," she says firmly. "The past doesn't get to intrude on your happiness—not today."
I take a deep breath, letting Emma's words sink in as I look into her kind eyes. She's right. Today is supposed to be one of the happiest days of my life, and I won't let anything mar that.
"Thank you," I whisper, feeling grateful for having her by my side on this crazy journey called love.
"No need," she replies, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek before grabbing her makeup bag again. "Now let's get your face done so we can go find your groom-to-be and give him a heart attack with how stunning you look."
I laugh, feeling some of my earlier nerves melting away as Emma begins to apply my makeup. As she works, I steal glances at myself in the mirror, admiring the way the dress fits me perfectly, accentuating every curve while still managing to make me feel elegant and sophisticated.
"I can't believe Jake picked this out for me," I say softly, running a hand over the delicate lace at my hip. "He has such great taste."
Emma smirks knowingly. "Well, considering he's had six months to fantasize about you in it, I'm not surprised he chose something that'll drive him wild." She winks at me through the mirror, making me blush.
"Stop," I groan playfully, swatting her arm with my hand. "I don't need any more reminders of how much sex we've been having. My vibrator is practically retired at this point."
Emma laughs loudly, drawing a curious glance from one of the bridesmaids outside our room. She quickly covers her mouth, trying to stifle her giggles as she leans in closer to me.
"Okay, but for real," she whispers, "you and Jake have some serious chemistry. I've never seen two people more meant for each other."
I smile at the compliment, feeling a warmth spread through me at the thought of my fiancé. "He's… incredible," I say, searching for words that could adequately describe Jake. "Every day with him feels like an adventure, and he makes me want to be better, not just for him, but for myself too."
Emma's expression softens as she listens to me gush about Jake. "I'm so happy for you, Mia," she says, giving my hand a squeeze. "You deserve all the happiness in the world after everything you've been through."
As Emma puts the final touches on my makeup, I take one last look at myself in the mirror before taking a deep breath and standing up. Today is the day I've been dreaming about since I was a little girl, the day I finally get to marry the man who has captured my heart completely.
"Are you ready?" Emma asks softly, giving me an encouraging smile as she stands beside me.
I nod, feeling a rush of emotion threatening to overwhelm me. "As ready as I'll ever be," I say, linking arms with her as we make our way out of the room and down the hallway towards the waiting car that will take us to the ceremony venue.
As we walk, Emma fills me in on the last-minute details she's been handling for me—flowers, seating arrangements, the cake cutting schedule—and I listen attentively, grateful for her help. Without her, I'd be completely lost trying to put together this massive event in such a short amount of time.
When we arrive at the venue—a beautiful historic church with stunning architecture and lush gardens—I'm immediately greeted by Jake's family and our common friends, all eager to offer their congratulations and well wishes. Among them is Paris, a childhood friend of mine.
"Wow," she breathes, her eyes widening as she takes in the sight of me in my wedding gown. "Mia, you look absolutely stunning."
I blush at her praise, feeling grateful for her kind words. "Thank you, Paris," I say, giving her a quick hug. "And thank you so much for everything you've done to help plan this. It would've been impossible without you."
She waves off my gratitude, smiling warmly as she takes Emma's arm. "That's what friends are for," she says. "Now come on, let's get you to your groom before he has a panic attack."
As we make our way towards the chapel where Jake is waiting, I can't help but steal glances around at all the familiar faces who have gathered to celebrate our love story with us.
It feels surreal to think that just six months ago, Jake and I were still navigating the delicate balance of keeping our relationship a secret from Ryan and now here we are, about to exchange vows in front of everyone who matters most.
As we approach the doors to the chapel, Paris gives me one last quick hug before disappearing inside with Emma to take their places. I stand alone for a moment, taking a few deep breaths to calm my nerves as I prepare to walk down the aisle towards the man who has changed my life forever.
The music starts, signaling the beginning of the ceremony, and I take that as my cue to begin making my way inside.
Ryan is the one helping me now. As soon as I step through the doors and catch sight of Jake standing at the altar, waiting for me with an expression of pure adoration on his face, any remaining nerves melt away, replaced by a sense of calm certainty.
This is right. This man is my future, and today marks the beginning of our life together.
I keep my eyes locked onto Jake's as I walk down the aisle, barely noticing the hushed whispers or subtle glances from the guests seated around us. All that matters right now is the love we share, and the promise of a lifetime together that awaits us after this ceremony.
When I finally reach the altar, Jake steps forward to take my hand, his thumb tracing circles on my skin as he leads me up the stairs and into position beside him. As we turn to face each other, I can't help but smile at the sight of him in his tailored suit, every inch the handsome groom.
"Hey," he whispers, leaning in close so only I can hear him.
"Hi," I whisper back, my heart fluttering in my chest as I stare into his eyes.
"You look incredible," he says softly, his gaze dropping to take in every detail of my wedding dress. "I'm the luckiest man alive."
My blush deepens at his words, and I feel a warmth spread through me at the intensity of our connection. It's like everything else fades away, leaving just the two of us in this moment.
The officiant clears her throat, drawing our attention back to the ceremony at hand, and we both turn to face her, ready to begin.
As she guides us through the various readings and traditions, I find myself completely lost in Jake's gaze, barely able to focus on anything but the love that passes between us.
When it comes time for us to exchange vows, however, I make sure to give him my full attention.
After all, these are words I've been waiting my entire life to say.
"Jake," I begin, my voice steady despite the emotions swirling within me.
"From the moment we first met, you've challenged me, inspired me, and made me feel like the best version of myself.
You've shown me what it truly means to love someone with every fiber of your being, and for that, I will be forever grateful. "
I pause, taking a deep breath before continuing.
"Today, I stand before you not just as the woman who loves you more than anything in this world—but also as your partner, your confidante, and your greatest adventure.
We can beat whatever life throws at us and I promise to never give up on us.
Not today, not tomorrow, and not for as long as we both shall live. "
As I finish my vows, a single tear slips down my cheek, and Jake reaches out to brush it away gently with his thumb.
"Mia," he says, clearing his throat. "You've shown me what it means to love without fear, to trust completely, and to cherish every moment we have together. You are my heart, my soul, and the very air I breathe."
He takes a deep breath before continuing.
"Today, I promise to be the husband you deserve.
One who supports your dreams, challenges you when needed, and loves you fiercely through every trial and triumph life throws our way.
I vow to protect you, honor you, and always make you feel like the most incredible woman in the world, which you truly are. "
As Jake finishes speaking, a soft murmur of approval ripples through the congregation, and we both share a private smile before turning back to face the officiant.
"By the power vested in me," she says, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."
Jake doesn't need any further encouragement; he leans in immediately, pressing his lips softly against mine in a tender, loving kiss that promises a lifetime of happiness together. As we pull away from each other, I can't help but grin widely at the sight of him—my husband.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the officiant announces, "it is my pleasure to introduce for the very first time... Mr. And Mrs. Morrison."