Epilogue
ELLIOT
I learned fast that becoming part of the Spearmans means I have six brothers and a sassy little sister. Also, that any time Fern needs something they’re there for her no matter the time.
They’re not the only ones who look out for her. She has uncles, aunts, and cousins.
A week after I proposed we invite everyone to our house in Santa Cruz.
June, one of her favorite cousins, with the help of Maia and Keaton, help us organize an impromptu wedding.
Cory is in charge of the drinks since she has a line of mocktails that are perfect for the family.
It seems like many of the cousins are expecting babies soon.
Dawn isn’t invited to the wedding. Fern says that she wants Lysander to enjoy the party but tells her siblings that things between them are too rocky to want her here on her special day.
The truth is that after a long conversation she had with Lysander, she realized that when their mom is around, he’s always too tense.
Something happened between them, but she won’t pressure him to say more than he’s comfortable with. At least, not for now.
“Are you ready?” Kyle, who stands next to me, asks. He’s my best man. Blake, Ryder, and Cruz are my groomsmen.
Aslan is officiating the ceremony, and Gatz and Lysander walk Fern down the aisle.
As she marches toward me, I smile. I’ve never seen anyone so beautiful in my entire life.
Ever since the first time I saw her, I knew there was something special about her.
It’s like my soul just knew. I want to experience it all with her.
She’s all I need. Her heart understands mine while her light illuminates all the darkness that lives inside me.
“Hey,” I greet her when she reaches me. “Are you ready?”
She smiles shyly and nods.
While Aslan begins his speech, I stare at Fern and then at the house. I suddenly understand what I saw when I came across this lot.
I saw her and our future.
I was getting ready for her. I just had to be patient and believe that there was something at the end of the tunnel.
When it’s time to read our vows, Fern shakes her head and looks at the guests. “I should’ve listened to you, Alex, and sent him a letter. I’m going to cry too much.”
Everyone laughs, but then Cory gives her a paper.
“Elliot, having three older brothers made me want to be as strong, independent, and stubborn as them. It was hard to keep up, but I had to do it. It wasn’t until you came along that I understood that I don’t need to beat them to be happy or to succeed.
Most importantly, I learned that I can lean on others and take breaks.
“That it’s okay to let others love me and learn how to love myself. You taught me just that, to believe in myself and take everything one day at a time. Thank you for loving me and my crazy family. Most of all, thank you for our babies. Thank you for wanting to share the rest of your life with me.
“I promise to be with you forever, even in the afterlife.”
I take out my handkerchief and wipe her tears.
“Fern, you came along at the most unexpected time, when I had lost all hope. You made me understand what true love is and the importance of forgiveness. The hardest part about letting go of past resentments and regrets is showing compassion to myself. You taught me how to do that. I’m thankful every day for having you in my life, and I promise to take care of you, our family, and our love. ”
We don’t wait for Aslan to declare us husband and wife. I take her into my arms and kiss her. I might not have said all the right words, but I know I can make her feel every emotion I feel for her. This is what real love is all about.