Epilogue
As I stand on the beach with my daughter snuggled safely in her baby carrier, I can’t help but marvel at the beauty of dawn. The sun is just starting to peek over the horizon, casting a warm glow on the ocean. The dying stars and the moon above seem to be winking at us as they slowly fade away.
“See that, Gracie? That’s Venus.” I point towards the sparkling planet in the sky. “And up there, that’s the Big Dipper.”
She coos gently in response, and I can’t help but smile. It’s a warm summer morning, and I feel so grateful for my life.
My thoughts drift to how different things were just a year ago. When Maria told me she was pregnant, everything changed. I knew I had to make some big decisions, not just for myself but for the family we were about to start.
I bought a big house in Montauk for us, making sure we had enough space for our growing family. I also shifted my work schedule, splitting my time between Manhattan and working remotely from our new home. Maria finally opened the store she had dreamed of, and together we renovated her family cabin, which we use on weekends when we want to be closer to the beach.
“Your mommy and I have come a long way, huh?” I whisper to Grace as her tiny hands grip my finger. “She’s pretty amazing, you know. She’s worked so hard to build a life for us here.”
Maria has faced her fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to love and intimacy. After witnessing her parents’ relationship crumble, she grew cautious about opening her heart to anyone. But somehow, we’ve managed to break down those barriers together.
“Everything we have now, it’s all because of her. And you, little one,” I add with a smile. “You’ve changed our lives in ways we never could have imagined.”
It’s hard to believe that just three months ago, Maria and I welcomed our sweet, happy baby girl into the world. As I stroll along the beach, carrying Grace securely in the baby carrier, I can’t believe how much love I have for her. I never thought I could love someone as fiercely as I love Maria, but now here we are, completely smitten with our beautiful daughter.
“Your mommy is going to become my wife today.” My heart races at the thought. “Can you believe it?”
Grace doesn’t respond, of course, and I’m a little sad that she won’t be able to remember this day. I don’t want to wait any longer to marry Maria, though. I’ve lived decades without her as my wife, and I don’t want to spend another day that way.
I walk back towards the cabin, noticing how many cars are parked outside. It seems everyone we know has come to Montauk to celebrate our wedding day. The excitement in the air is palpable.
“Mommy’s going to look so beautiful when she walks down the aisle,” I continue. “And you, my love, will get to watch it all from the front row.”
I look down at Grace. Her brown eyes are wide, taking in everything around her. Just like her mother, she never misses a thing.
As I approach the cabin door, it suddenly swings open, revealing Kelsey. Her eyes widen at the sight of me.
“You shouldn’t be here!” She plants her hands on her hips. “You can’t see the bride before the wedding!”
“Relax, Kelsey. It’s just a superstition.”
“Tradition or not, you shouldn’t risk it!” Her brow furrows.
It’s too late, though. Maria appears in the yard, dressed in a silk robe that hugs her curves. Her brown eyes light up upon seeing us, and she rushes over.
“Nathan, what are you doing here?” She tries not to smile, but it’s impossible. Her lips are turned upwards, her eyes dancing at the sight of me.
“Couldn’t wait any longer to see my beautiful bride,” I confess, my heart swelling with love for her.
Maria gives me a big kiss, her mouth warm and inviting. The taste of her sends shivers down my spine, and I know I’d break any tradition just to be near her. She steps away and scoops Grace into her arms, showering our daughter with affection.
“All right, lovebirds, break it up.” Kelsey claps her hands, trying to regain control of the situation. “Maria, you need to get into your dress.”
“Fine.” Maria sighs, her eyes locked on mine. “But I’ll see you soon, okay?” She hands Grace back to me and kisses me once more before slipping back into the cabin.
Kelsey gives me a stern look. “Now, go to your spot. We’re starting soon. And no more sneaking around!”
I chuckle and nod my agreement before heading down the road toward the beach. My heart flutters with anticipation as I imagine Maria walking down the sandy aisle toward me. As I reach the beach, I’m greeted by the sight of our friends and family gathered near the water’s edge. The altar, adorned with delicate seashells and soft, flowing fabrics, stands waiting for us to begin our new life together.
It might seem odd that we’re having a wedding so early in the morning, but Maria and I didn’t want to disrupt Grace’s schedule. Even on a day like today, her well-being is the most important thing to us. An early morning ceremony means that she’ll be awake for it.
As far as our guests, we were able to book them all rooms at the hotel right by the beach, so everything has worked out. The day is perfect.
As I stand there, taking in the scene, my thoughts drift back to the first time I met Maria, when she came in for a job interview. She was beautiful and smart, but I never let my thoughts stray any further than acknowledging that.
I never could have imagined our journey would bring us here, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Our love has grown stronger with each passing day, and now, with Grace in our lives, I feel like the luckiest man in the world.
As I approach the gathering of friends and family, Corey spots me and strides over with a wide grin. He pulls me into a side embrace, thumping my back in typical best-man fashion.
“Today’s the big day, man!” He pulls away to tickle Grace’s cheek. His excitement is infectious, and I can’t help but return his grin.
“Thanks, Corey.” I cast a glance at his new wife, Michelle, who stands nearby, beaming. “You two set a high standard with your wedding.”
Michelle laughs and gives Corey a loving nudge. “We’re just happy to share this special day with you guys.” She glances around at the gathering crowd, a mix of coworkers and friends we’ve made since moving to Montauk. “Everyone’s here to celebrate your love.”
A familiar warmth fills my chest at her words, and I nod my appreciation.
“Here.” Michelle takes Grace from my arms. “I’ll take her to the front row.”
I watch as she carries my daughter to Maria’s mom, who takes the baby gently in her arms. The ceremony is about to begin.
“Ready?” Corey asks as we take our places at the altar. I look down at the sand beneath my feet, feeling its warmth, and then out to the ocean waves crashing in the distance. The salty breeze tugs at my hair, and I take a deep breath, savoring the moment.
“More than ready,” I answer, meaning it with every fiber of my being.
The music begins, soft and romantic, as Kelsey appears on the sand, her bridesmaid dress flowing gracefully with each step she takes down the aisle. Her smile is radiant, and I can’t help but think of how far our friendship has come since that first day we met. She gave me a hard time at first, for sure.
Not that I blame her for it. As Maria’s sister, she’s only doing her job by being protective. Plus I didn’t exactly set a good track record for myself leading up to Maria and I officially getting together.
Since then, though, she’s welcomed me into the family. Though Maria’s parents have also been friendly, it’s been different. Their affection is removed, while what Kelsey offers is that of a real family. Together, she, Maria, and I have built our own brood with Grace. In doing so, the disappointments with both sets of our parents have started to feel far behind us.
My pulse quickens as the music shifts, signaling Maria’s arrival. Guests rise to their feet, craning their necks for a glimpse of the bride.
There she is. The love of my life, looking absolutely stunning in her wedding dress, a vision of beauty framed by the sun and sea.
“Wow,” Corey whispers beside me, echoing my thoughts exactly.
“Tell me about it,” I murmur back, unable to tear my eyes away from Maria.
Every step she takes, every flutter of her dress, etches itself into my memory. I am completely captivated. And as she draws nearer, my heart swells with anticipation, knowing that soon, we will be united as husband and wife.
Maria’s eyes sparkle like the ocean behind her as she gracefully walks down the sand, one delicate step at a time. I can’t help but drink in every detail of her — her soft curls cascading over her shoulders, the way her dress catches the sunlight, and the warmth of her smile that reaches all the way to her eyes.
“Are you ready for this?” Corey whispers beside me, his voice barely audible over the crashing waves and the gentle strumming of the guitar.
“More than anything.” My heart pounds with anticipation.
As Maria reaches the altar, she lets out a long, happy sigh. I know what she’s feeling — satisfaction at the end of a long path. And I feel the same way.
Our fingers intertwine, and I squeeze her hand reassuringly, reveling in the electricity between us.
“Welcome, everyone,” the officiant begins, his voice warm and inviting. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the love between Nathan and Maria…”
Throughout the ceremony, I find myself lost in Maria’s eyes, basking in the love we share. When it’s time to exchange handwritten vows, Maria goes first, her voice carrying the weight of her emotions.
“From the moment we met, I knew there was something special about you, Nathan. Your kindness, your humor, your deep support… you’ve shown me what true love looks like.”
Tears prick my eyes. I’m about to make the most important promise of my life, and I simply can’t wait. When it’s my turn, I take a deep breath and pour my heart out to her.
“Maria, you have changed my life in ways I never thought possible,” I say, my voice steady despite the overwhelming emotion coursing through me. “You’ve given me love, hope, and the greatest gift of all — our beautiful daughter, Grace. I vow to always cherish and protect you, and to be by your side through the good times and the bad.”
As we exchange rings and seal our vows with a passionate kiss, the world around us seems to fade away. It’s just Maria and me, lost in our love for one another.
“Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Colton!” the officiant announces, and the guests erupt into cheers and applause.
Hand in hand, we make our way to the big tent where our reception awaits. The sun casts golden rays across the grass as we step onto the dance floor for our first dance as husband and wife.
“Maria.” I pull her tight to me, but I still can’t get her close enough. “I want you to know that I will never let you go. You and Grace are the best things that have ever happened to me.”
Her eyes twinkle mischievously as she leans in, a playful smile dancing on her lips. “Don’t you mean me, Grace… and the new baby?”
My heart skips a beat, my mind racing to catch up with her words. “Wait — are you saying…?”
She nods, joy radiating from her. “We’re having another baby, Nathan.”
My jaw drops. “But… it’s…”
“I know.” She nods. “It’s soon, and we weren’t planning on it…” She shrugs.
“But I couldn’t be happier.” I kiss her softly. “Are you?”
“Yep.” Her eyes glisten. “I know it’s a lot, but the new baby will be close in age to Grace. I’m only a few weeks along.”
“It’s perfect.” I kiss her again.
The music swells around us, and I pull Maria even closer, our bodies moving in perfect harmony to the rhythm. Our eyes lock, and the depth of love we feel for one another is palpable. Time seems to stop as we lose ourselves in a tender kiss — a promise of our boundless devotion.
“Maria,” I whisper against her lips, “this moment… it’s incredible.”
She smiles warmly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I can’t wait to start my future with you.”
As we continue to dance, my mind races with thoughts of our future together. The laughter-filled days, the late-night cuddles with Grace, and now the anticipation of welcoming a new child into our family. The love that once seemed so elusive has finally found its way into my heart.
With the music playing in the background and the joyous chatter of our friends and family surrounding us, I realize just how far I’ve come. From a lonely existence filled with fear and uncertainty, to finding a love so powerful it shattered my defenses and brought me more happiness than I ever thought possible.
“Here’s to us,” Maria whispers, her lips brushing mine once again.
“Here’s to us,” I echo, sealing our promise with a tender kiss.
And as we dance, the sun climbing behind us and casting its warm glow on our intertwined forms, I know without a doubt that this is only the beginning.
The End