Epilogue
ANNA
9 months later
Spoons clinked against glasses and a roar of applause rippled through the crowd as everyone stood. I glanced at Reign and though stoic, even he looked pleased to celebrate the newlyweds.
Emma and Chase entered the ballroom looking like true royalty. Emma floated down the aisle like a pageant queen, her entire face turned ruby as she buried herself in the loving embrace of her husband.
Emma Lowe.
Even Chase beamed in a way I never thought possible; he was such a grump. They took their seats in the middle of the table with Reign and I gathered around them. Emma’s bridal party was tiny, only consisting of me, but it was beautiful. Expensive ice sculptures surrounded the dining hall, and some of our newfound friends from Dade University were in attendance to celebrate the nuptials.
Ruby, the art professor, stood in a beautiful red gown next to a plump man who towered over her. Her body curled away from him, a faraway look in her eyes. Another round of the fine china’s symphony echoed through the ballroom, ceasing the applause as all eyes turned to us.
I stood feeling the dopey grin that was plastered on my face. “Emma,” I started into my maid of honor speech. “I am so honored to be here today.”
I stole a glance at the modest crowd of people. Tears and tissues were askew. Emma watched me with tears lining her vision. She was determined not to ruin her makeup. And I was determined to try.
“We’ve been through so much together.” I sniffed, already an emotional mess. “From Pittsburgh to Chicago, I've had the privilege of watching your love with Chase blossom into something beautiful. You bring out the best in him.” I dabbed at my eyes. “And he brings out an adventurous side of you that I didn’t quite understand.” I flicked my gaze to Reign. “Until I did.”
Chase’s eyes never left his new bride. He pressed a kiss to her temples that made my insides squeeze with happiness.
“I can see it in everything you both do, how much you love one another.” God, I was already sobbing. I snorted obnoxiously, pulling laughs and ‘awws’ from the crowd. “Chase,” I turned my attention to him. His green eyes met mine while his fingers traced loving circles into Emma’s bare shoulder. “Thank you for taking care of my best friend. You literally saved her life. And for that, I’ll be forever grateful.”
Tears blurred my vision, leaving Chase and Emma beautiful watercolored images.
Nothing screams romance like a man taking a bullet or three for his lady.
“I hope you love growing old with her,” I said, willing the tears to recede. “As much as I’ve loved growing up with her.” And cue the official waterworks .
Emma wasn’t a blood sister and we didn’t technically grow up together, but she treated me like family more than real family ever had.
She’d always be my person.
Applause roared through the crowd as Emma stood and embraced me in the tightest hug. She squeezed and whispered, “Thank you so much for everything, Anna.” She pulled back to look at me. Her hazel eyes brimmed with tears. “You’ve been the best friend I’ve ever had. The sister I always longed for. I can’t wait to see where life takes us.” She pulled me in again.
She pressed her thumbs under my eyes, sweeping away tears as I turned to face everyone again. “I’d like to raise a toast!” I held up our flutes that overflowed with sparkling champagne. “To the beautiful bride and her wonderful groom!” The room erupted in cheer and laughter.
“Alright, ladies and gentlemen, let's kick the night off right for the wonderful Dr. Chase and Emma Lowe!” The DJ howled through the speakers as music blared. I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas blasted through the speaker as tables were called up to the dinner buffet to load up their plates.
Reign and I snuck around the dance floor to the long tables of food. My eyes widened at the selection. Chase went all out and made sure Emma wanted for nothing. My mouth watered at the sight of the dessert table, overflowing with tempting sweets and delicacies.
“Gosh, look at all this.” I marveled at the neatly laid out buffet before me. The smells made my stomach rumble audibly. “How am I supposed to choose?”
I whipped my head up to Reign, who loaded his plate with a baked potato topped with sour cream, cheese, and bacon bits. He was ladling gravy over top of a pork loin and balanced another plate that held brisket and mac and cheese in his other hand .
“What?” His lopsided smile reached his eyes as he saw me gawking. “Just making sure they get their money’s worth.” He laughed. A real one. One that made my skin tingle and heated my bare skin.
I loved this man with all of me.
I followed suit and tried a bit of everything, and we sat down to eat, enjoying the amazing flavors. Emma and Chase nibbled theirs next to us, managing to finish their plates before the DJ announced it was time for their first dance. Emma picked her two favorite songs and blended them together perfectly. The moment the chorus was through, Crazier then faded into the song Timeless, both by Taylor Swift.
I could feel Reign watching me as happy tears streamed down my face. The beautiful mashup wafted through the speakers as Chase took hold of Emma’s face more tenderly than I’d ever seen and kissed her. He murmured something in her ear that saturated her entire face red. She was stunning in her dress, and she looked every bit of a princess.
She saw me watching and motioned for us to join them on the dance floor just as the DJ came over the speaker, inviting all the couples to the center of the room. The music picked up pace as more people joined in dancing, drinking, and laughing.
His hand nudged mine at my side. “Shall we?” I turned to see Reign grinning at me, his hand outstretched.
“You wanna dance with me?” His puzzled look made my heart skip a beat.
“Vixen,” he laughed, taking my hand in his and dragging me to the dance floor. “Of course I want to dance with you.”
It wasn’t a slow song, but that didn’t stop me from molding myself to his body, slipping off my heels, and planting my bare feet on his dress shoes as he swayed our bodies.
Emma’s stare met mine. Oh my god! She mouthed, motioning her head towards Reign and then shooting me a thumbs up .
She was still ecstatic for us. The moment we were alone and the smoke had cleared, she demanded details of me and Reign, and I happily gave into temptation, telling her everything. And I do mean everything. Like a weight had been lifted, we bonded over our two unhinged men, knowing we meant the entire world to them.
I sighed, relaxing into Reign's chest.
I’d finally arrived. Beautifully broken. Imperfectly perfect. Rebuilt.
I was home in his embrace.
The End