EPILOGUE
Allison
E verything is perfect today. The sun is just bright enough, and its rays illuminate every shade and color beneath the bright blue sky. The endless expanse of blue stirs a memory of Jacob’s eyes, pulling him into my thoughts with an intensity I can't escape. The vibrant shades of green and red in the shrubbery around me testify that summer is here.
The air is dry and warm, pleasantly bringing the smell of the flowers and freshly cut grasses to my nose. This particular combination takes my mind back to a summer spent learning how to love and take care of a baby while being scared out of my mind that I would fail. The reminder is enough to bring a smile to my face.
Just as quickly as the smile appeared, it disappears when my mind wanders, and I remember half-forgotten fears. I take a deep breath and it is only when a hand is gently placed on mine that I realize I am unconsciously tightening my grip around the arm my own is threaded through, slightly digging my fingers into the jacket of the man next to me.
“Nervous, love?”
“How’d you guess that?”
“I’m not the most observant old geezer, but I’d say that particular shade of green your face is sporting means you’re either nervous or about to puke. I know which one I’m hoping for.”
His frame—slightly crooked as it is by old age—doesn’t succeed in hiding the height and strength he had sported in his youth. His wide shoulders are a testament to it and they rock in time with his silent amusement. Uncle Bill comically quirks a gray eyebrow at me, and this comic sight alone is enough to bolster my nerves.
“God, please. I can’t imagine if I actually did that. Threw up, or did anything embarrassing like that. It’ll mean that today will be ruined.”
“Hey, hey… don’t think about it. I’m sorry for even mentioning it, love.” He apologizes. “Thinking about it is halfway on the road to doing it and I don’t want you doing that for any reason.” He reaches out to pull me into a gentle hug and I cling to him.
“You’re going to walk with me, and you’re going to smile all the way down there because today is meant to be a happy day—it’s going to be perfect, rain or shine—and there’s no way it won’t be. Okay?”
Pulling away from me and giving me time to regain my composure, he pats a wrinkled and spotted hand on mine, giving me all the reassurance I need. I take a deep breath and all my nerves settle miraculously.
“You’re very good at this, Uncle Bill.” When he raises a brow in question, I add, “at this comforting thing. I feel much better now.”
“I have a lot of practice with young women. You might not believe it, but I was quite the catch in my day.”
“I don’t doubt it.” Age might have taken a lot from him, but it isn’t able to take away his dashing good looks.
“Are you ready to go now, Allie?”
“I am.” I link my hand through his again and we make our way to join the rest of the bridal train waiting for me.
* * *
Maddison is as pretty as an angel in her white gown and she walks with a confidence that belies her age. She walks in front of me in quick strides, pausing every so often to scatter some flowers and wave in the direction of the people she recognizes in the crowd. A beautiful smile is plastered on her face and excitement lights up her hazel eyes as she performs her task.
“Granny!” She calls out at Sherry, waving enthusiastically in her direction before remembering her duties and returning to her role of scattering flowers.
“Granny!” She calls again, but this time my mother is the object of her attention. Completely remembering her duties this time, she limits her wave to a short one, and her smile widens when my mom sends a thumbs-up in her direction.
Her actions draw a snicker out of Uncle Bill who is walking me down the aisle right behind her, and I would scold him if I wasn’t doing my best to hold back a laugh, too.
“Maddison…” I sigh under my breath with a mix of disbelief and amusement. I look up at the altar to glance at her dad who is waiting for me. He is watching me come closer, and with every step I take, he appears even more handsome. His gaze doesn’t stray from me until I am standing right next to him.
“Hey, baby. Glad to see you could make it,” he teases in a light whisper.
“I had some free time and I decided to put it down on my schedule. You’re a lucky boy.”
“Trust me, I know that.”
My smile widens even further, and I turn my gaze to the number of people seated and waiting for us to be joined in holy matrimony. In the crowd I see so many smiling faces: Mom, Uncle Bill, Sherry, and Janice are just a few I recognize.
I look to Jacob's side and I see Micky and Pete who throw a wink in my direction. I reply with a smile and then I return my focus to the man I am about to marry.
As the officiate begins to talk, I only have eyes for Jacob.
He looks even more handsome today than he ever has before. His hair is starting to get salt-and-peppery—just a bit on the sides, belying his age—but his eyes are the same piercing blue they’ve always been. He’s gorgeous, and after today, he’ll be all mine.
Not that he hasn’t been for the last two years.
Jacob smiles at me. When amusement crawls across his face, I realize it’s my turn to speak.
“Sorry,” I murmur, and the crowd laughs happily. I don’t spare them a glance. “I love you, Jacob. I… I never would have thought that this is what my life would look like. I never would have dreamed that I could have such an incredible love, such a beautiful life. You gave me that.”
I have to take a moment, my heart heavy even as it soars. I blink, clearing my throat, and Jacob nods, like he knows what I’m thinking about—who I am thinking about. The maid of honor that should be here, teasing me for loving her brother.
“Our life is perfect. Now, it’s just going to be a lot easier paperwork-wise,” I joke, and again, those gathered around us laugh. I smile at Jake’s snort. “I love you, Jacob. Here’s to the rest of our life, yeah?”
He nods, and he leans forward in that familiar way. I know he wants to kiss me. I grin.
“Allie,” he starts his vows. “You are the love of my life. My life has seen darkness, more than most. I used to think there would never be any light, that darkness was all I’d ever know. There were times overseas when I thought the war would be my forever. But now… sometimes, I still get lost in that darkness, in what I lost when our Emily died. But I know if she were here, she’d be so happy to see us—after making fun of me, of course.”
I laugh, my eyes welling with tears. Jacob reaches out and presses a hand to my cheek.
“She led me to you, Allie, and I’ll always be grateful to her for that. And I’ll always be grateful to you for pulling me out of that darkness. You and Maddie are the lights of my life. I promise to always be your light, too. To be whoever you need.”
“You’re all I need,” I whisper, and then I grab him by the hair and kiss him.
The guests cheer while the officiate breaks us up.
“Hey, hey,” he says chidingly, and we laugh. But with a soft smile, the officiate waves a hand. “You may kiss the bride.”
I can feel the anticipation and thrill running through every person in attendance but I don’t pay any attention to them. My eyes are only for Jacob.
My husband.
“I can’t wait to do forever with you, Allie,” he tells me, squeezing my hand in his.
“Neither can I baby.” I reply, and when he claims my lips with his to the cheers of our loved ones, I know our story has just begun.