Epilogue - Cole
I t’s my wedding day.
Time has passed in a blur the past three months, and now we’re here. I can’t even believe it. Four and a half months ago, everything was hopeless. I didn’t even think I’d make it out of that basement alive, and now I’m about to walk down the aisle to my husband. I’m about to promise him forever and always—and I’ve never been happier. I’m finally where I’ve wanted to be for years. By his side, permanently. We’re going to be unstoppable together. We already are.
We picked everything for the ceremony and the reception together. The same way we do everything else. He didn’t even suggest I do it all on my own, which I’m grateful for. I wanted him to be a part of it. It’s his wedding too, after all. Nothing, absolutely nothing, could taint today. I know it’s about to be the best day of my life.
Matteo has already left me in the groom’s suite to join his father at the altar—as my best man. Alessandro is Emiliano’s best man, and so they’re all waiting for me to walk down the aisle right about now. The wedding planner ushers me outside toward the back of the cabin, and when my shoes meet the grass, everything goes quiet in my head. I’m at peace, finally, exactly where I’m supposed to be.
The pianist begins to play as soon as he sees me, and everyone turns their heads to look at me. It’s beautiful here, with white chairs lined up in rows. White petals are strewn about on the grass, and it’s simple but elegant. We opted for a small ceremony with just close friends and family. We’re getting married in Washington State to avoid any interruptions from enemy gangs or anything we could be unprepared for. We’re determined for this day to be special.
I walk down the aisle slowly, my focus solely on Emiliano, and he grins at me. I can see the tears streaming down his face already, and it triggers my own. Fuck, I knew I’d be emotional, but I’m a mess. He wipes his eyes and face right as I get to him, and he gives me a soft smile that reaches his eyes. They crinkle at the corners, and it makes my heart burst in my chest. I hold his hands, and we turn our bodies to the side.
“We are gathered here today to join Emiliano and Cole on the most special day of their lives. Today, we will see them bind themselves and their lives to each other—for all eternity.”
The officiant talks a little more about our love, how strong it is, how much we’ve overcome. It brings a smile to my face, and before long, it’s my turn to say my vows.
“Emiliano.” I breathe in through my nose to stop myself from sobbing. “I take you today to be my husband. I promise to always choose you, forever and always. I’ll love you fiercely until the day that I die, and even in the afterlife. I will always find you, in this life and the next. You will always be mine.”
Emiliano’s eyes widen and he sniffles. Tears stream down his face as he looks at me, and his eyes dip to my lips as if he wants to kiss me already. I grin and squeeze his hands, reminding him it’s his turn to say his vows.
“Cole.” Emiliano clears his throat. “I promise to always fight for you and love you unconditionally for the rest of my life. You are my one and only, and that will never change. I’ll love you until my dying breath, and even after that.”
The officiant grins. “I declare you husbands.” I look at Emiliano expectantly, dropping his hands and stepping closer to him. We cup each other’s cheeks and gaze into each other’s eyes. “You may kiss now.”
This kiss is different from any other we’ve shared. It feels more meaningful.
The first press of our lips I feel in my chest. It’s as if he has a direct line to my heart, and when I part my lips and let him stroke his tongue along mine, my heart squeezes in my chest.
This .
This is what I had been waiting for all my life. This is what I had been yearning for. This love.
It’s everything.
He is.