Epilogue
EPILOGUE
Monroe
T he soft sound of a piano fills the air, blending perfectly with the gentle rustling of leaves in the late August breeze. I stand at the edge of the garden, my heart pounding with anticipation. Today is the day I will marry Zane, the man who has changed my life in ways I could never have imagined.
As the music shifts to a familiar tune, signaling my entrance, I step onto the garden path lined with roses and twinkling lights. Guests turn to look, their faces glowing with happiness.
At the end of the aisle, Zane stands waiting, his eyes locked onto mine. He looks devastatingly handsome in his tailored suit, and the love and adoration in his gaze make my heart swell. What were once icy blue omens of danger have transformed into the warmest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. There’s love there, and nothing else.
Each step brings me closer to him, to the future we are about to start together. Memories of our journey flash through my mind. The danger, the passion, the countless moments that have brought us to this day.
When I finally reach him, Zane takes my hand, his touch reminding me that I never have to go through another day alone. He’s here to be my rock, my protector, and one and only love.
“You look stunning,” he whispers, his voice deep and steady.
“So do you,” I reply, squeezing his hand.
The officiant begins the ceremony, but all I can focus on is Zane. His eyes hold a promise of love, protection, and a future filled with hope.
When it is time for our vows, Zane’s deep, steady voice breaks the silence. “Monroe, from the moment you entered my life, everything changed. You showed me the power of love, trust, and resilience. I promise to protect you, to cherish you, and to stand by your side through every challenge we face. You are my heart, my soul, and my forever.”
Tears well up in my eyes as his words wash over me. Taking a deep breath, I begin my vows. “Zane, you came into my life like a storm, and nothing has been the same since. You’ve shown me what it means to be truly loved and protected. I promise to stand by you, to support you, and to love you with all my heart. Together, we are unstoppable. You are my strength, my safe haven, and my forever.”
With the exchange of rings, we seal our promises. When the officiant pronounces us husband and wife, Zane pulls me into his arms, capturing my lips in a kiss that speaks of all the love and passion we share. Applause erupts around us, but in that moment, it is just us. We’re alone here in the crowd.
The reception is a blur of laughter, dancing, and celebration. I don’t know many people at the wedding, as they’re mostly Bratva associates, but I have fun meeting and talking with them.
As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the garden, Zane leads me to the dance floor for our first dance as husband and wife. We sway to the music, our movements slow and intimate.
“This feels like a dream,” I say, resting my head on his chest.
“It’s our reality now,” Zane replies, his arms tightening around me. “And it’s only the beginning. Soon, we’ll have to share it with someone new.”
We share a secret smile, both of us thinking about the life growing inside me. Only Zane, Kiro, and I know about the pregnancy. It’s still early, not yet showing, but the knowledge adds an extra layer of warmth to the day.
The thought of our baby fills me with a sense of wonder and excitement. I can’t wait to tell our child one day about how much love surrounded them even before they were born.
Later, as the celebration winds down and the guests begin to leave, Zane and I find ourselves alone in the garden. The twinkling lights cast a magical glow, and the soft hum of cicadas fills the air.
Zane takes my hand, leading me to a secluded bench beneath a sky full of stars. “I have something for you,” he says, reaching into his pocket.
Curious, I watch as he pulls out a small velvet box. My heart skips a beat as he opens it to reveal a delicate necklace with a pendant shaped like a key.
“This is something you will take with you wherever you go,” he explains, fastening the necklace around my neck. “A reminder that no matter what challenges come our way, we’ll face them together. You hold the key to my heart, Monroe.”
Tears fill my eyes as I touch the pendant, feeling the smoothness of the precious metal. “I love it, Zane. I love you.”
“I love you too,” he says, pulling me into a kiss.
We sit there for a while, wrapped in each other’s arms, dreaming of the life we will build together. The foundation we have started is already making a difference, and we have so many plans for the future.
As the stars twinkle above, I know that our journey is far from over. There will be new adventures, new challenges, and countless moments of joy and love. But no matter what comes our way, we will face it together, united by a bond that nothing can break.
And as I look into Zane’s eyes, I know that he’s the only man I could ever love this way. I place my hand on my belly, and I smile. We’re finally getting our happily ever after.