Epilogue Jess
Several months later
Knock! Knock!
I wake up to the sound on the suite door.
With a groan, I reach for Sean, only to remember that he’s not sleeping next to me. He’s in the other suite one floor up because it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.
Oh, my God, the wedding.
My wedding.
I’m getting married.
I glance over and smile at the garment bag hanging from the closet, where my wedding dress is waiting for later.
The knock comes louder, and I sit up, rubbing sleep from my eyes. I’m so used to Pippin and Pippa waking me up, and at first, I wonder why they didn’t, then I remember they’re back at the apartment. Yes, my Pippin finally found his match, and Pippa’s a charming little beauty, who’s got him wrapped around her little claw. In fact, she’s turning our surly guy into a real Casanova. Looks like even the toughest nuts crack eventually!
Speaking of toughest nuts: Sean had crews working around the clock to finish the expansion in time for our wedding. Apparently, when you’re as rich as he is, money isn’t an object. He was determined for our wedding night to be the first night in our new home—and it looks like that’s exactly where we’ll be starting our married life.
Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock!
When I finally open the door, Pauline bursts in.
She’s dressed in comfortable clothes and flip-flops, showing off the pedicure we got together yesterday, along with the bridesmaids. “What in the name—? Were you still in bed?” Her expression mirrors that of someone who’s stumbled upon a bear in its den, mid-hibernation. “You gotta start getting ready now. We have spa appointments, then we have to hit the salon. Up, up, let’s go!”
My stomach rolls, and a wave of nausea hits me. The next thing I know, I’m running into the bathroom, dry heaving into the toilet. Pauline is at my side in an instant, rubbing my back.
“It’s okay, you’re okay. It’ll pass.”
“I hate this. I don’t know if its nerves or morning sickness.”
“Probably both.”
I found out I was pregnant earlier this week. At first, with the tiredness and sickness, I thought it was just pre-wedding jitters. Picture my shock when I visited my doctor, and she dropped the bombshell: “These are no pre-wedding jitters. This is no flu. And sorry, darling, it’s definitely not your home-made pancakes triggering an allergic reaction. Wanna take another wild guess?” Well, turns out, drumroll please, I’ve got a teeny, tiny roommate on the way. Surprise, surprise! Talk about flipping the script!
I decided to hold off telling Sean until tonight.
That’s if I can get through the ceremony without running to the bathroom.
“All right, Maid of Honor to the rescue,” Pauline declares after I rinse my mouth out in the sink. She comes back into the bathroom with a package of Saltines and a can of ginger ale. “Have both of these, take a hot shower, and you’ll be right as rain.”
“...and disgustingly cheerful?” I inquire, accepting the items.
“Yes, yes, and that,” she confirms.
“I’d be lost without you,” I admit, swallowing.
“Believe me, I’m acutely aware. Now, off to the shower with you!”
I cannot believe how much my life has changed in the last ten months. It’s almost been a year since Sean and I met, yet everything is different. Sean is running the board of directors, Connor is now the CEO, and I’ve promoted Pauline to General Manager. It was a sensible and logical choice. Pauline has the necessary qualifications, experience, and a good understanding of the hotel’s operations and can manage the property during my maternity leave. Best of all, nobody knows the staff’s needs better than her. Happy crew, joyful hotel—that’s the ticket to success. The plan involves hiring a new housekeeping manager to facilitate a smooth transition and maintain the hotel’s efficiency. Upon my return, she can continue to provide valuable support in effectively managing the property. I trust her implicitly and know she’s going to do great.
After showering and putting on some comfy clothes, I feel a lot better. “All right, what’s first on the to-do list of the day?” I ask as we take the back route out to her car.
“The girls are going to meet us at the spa for mimosas and massages. Obviously, just fruit juice for you, but the girls will be too buzzed to notice you’re not drinking,” Pauline explains smoothly, clearly thinking she’s concocted the best plan ever. “Then it’s brunch before going to the salon. You’ve got your hair and makeup at 2:30 p.m. Then back here to slip you into that stunning dress.”
“I’m glad it’ll still fit. Imagine if we pushed the wedding off to the summer like I originally wanted to? I’d definitely have a bump.”
“It’s a good thing your man is so impatient to marry you.”
I can’t help smiling. Sean proves time and time again what an amazing partner he is. I know he loves me and has my back through thick and thin. I know he will always be there for me, just like I will always be there for him.
My phone buzzes as Pauline pulls out of the parking lot, and I smile when I see Sean’s name. We’ve been texting nonstop since we last saw each other, not used to being apart for this long.
Sean:
I can’t wait to get you alone tonight, Mrs. Blackwood.
Me, teasingly:
Who said I’m taking your last name?
It has a nice ring to it. Jess Blackwood.
Hmm, I could rock that. I love you. Catch you at the altar!
I’ll be the one in the snazzy suit.
They always say that your wedding day goes fast. They’re right. Massages and mimosas (and orange juice, the pregnant lady’s staple) fly by. It feels good to be pampered and waited on, especially after working so hard for so long. All I can think about is marrying Sean and the fantastic honeymoon he has planned. Neither of us has had a vacation in eons, so Sean decided we’d go all out and use up all the vacation time we have.
Three weeks on a sunny Caribbean beach, here I come. As the hairdresser fixes my curls into an elegant updo, I breathe slowly through my nose and wait for the morning sickness to fade. Before I know it, I’m back in the suite and Pauline is helping me into my dress. She’s already wearing hers, a baby-pink off-the-shoulder bridesmaid’s dress she’d helped me pick out.
The gown is a little tighter than it was when I last tried it on. Mostly in the boob area. Sean will be happy about that.
“Breathe, Jess,” Pauline reminds me. “Deep breaths.”
“I can’t believe I’m getting married.”
Pauline smiles and pulls me into one of her signature motherly hugs. “You deserve this. Sean’s got you beaming like never before, and believe me—I never thought I’d see your joyfulness topped.”
“Right? It’s a shocker! I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy.” I squeeze her back, feeling the warmth of her support. “Thank you for everything, Pauline.”
“Hey, you promoted me and that’s thanks enough.”
I laugh, pushing her playfully.
She finishes zipping me into my dress, and the photographer arrives to take photos. Time ticks by, and I count down to when I’m going to see Sean.
Holy moly.
He looks so damn handsome in his tux.
Walking down the aisle, all I can see is him as I draw closer. With a grin spreading across my face, I mouth “Hey there, Mr. Snazzy Pants! Didn’t think you’d actually show up.” His smile widens, his eyes only for me, and when I finally reach him, he gives me a subtle wink and extends his hand. I gladly take it.
Sean leans in and whispers, “Well, had to make an appearance. Couldn’t let this dapper suit go to waste. But looks like you’re the real showstopper in that sparkly dress, Mrs. Blackwood.”
“Glad you recognized me,” I quip.
“Only because you’re not hiding behind one of your yogurt masks.”
“I’m saving the yogurt for the honeymoon.”
He grins. “Sounds like things are going to get creamy. I’ll be licking… my lips all honeymoon long.”
“Maybe we’ll need to stock up on strawberries…for dipping.”
“Baby. Count me in.”
With us giggling the whole time, I honestly do not remember what the justice of the peace says. We had a rehearsal the other day, but this is entirely different. It’s like my entire focus is narrowed on Sean and nothing and no one else. He’s giving me that look that makes me swoon, the one that makes me feel like I’m the only woman in the world. And when we’re pronounced husband and wife, he sweeps me up into a kiss that sends everyone into cheers.
In the ballroom, he leads me through our first dance. It’s only then that we have a moment to actually breathe.
“Seriously. The world hasn’t laid eyes on a more stunning bride,” he says softly, his cheek pressed to my temple as we slow dance.
“You clean up well, Blackwood,” I tease. “Might have to keep a tux around for personal use.”
He chuckles. “I can make that happen.”
I feel a little dizzy and sway. Thankfully, he’s holding me tight enough that he keeps me up. Though, he gives me a concerned look as he draws back slightly.
“You all right there, baby?” he asks.
“I’m fine,” I assure him with a smile.
“You sure? I know you haven’t been feeling well. We don’t need to do the full dance if you want to sit.”
I have the sudden urge to tell him right then, right there.
He looks so concerned, and I know he’s going to keep worrying for the rest of the night. I take my hand out of his and slide both arms around his neck while his wrap around my waist.
“About that,” I begin. “I went to the doctor on Monday.”
“Yes?”
“She said I can expect to feel this way for a while. But it should clear up around the second trimester.”
It takes a second for him to register what I’m saying. Sean’s eyebrows are knitted together in confusion, but then it dawns on him, and his eyes widen.
He stops.
Our first dance is completely forgotten.
“Oh, my God. Jess…are you?—?”
I smile back and nod. “I am. Nine weeks along.”
“Hell yeah! Hell yeah!”
Sean scoops me up and spins me around, laughing in excitement.
Guests start clapping and cameras are flashing all around the space. They have no idea what’s happening. This special news is just for my new husband, who kisses me deeply.
Smiling, I kiss him back.
“I love you so much,” Sean says, stroking my cheek. “Both of you. I bet it’s a boy.”
“I love you too, but how do you know?”
“My Spidey sense is telling me it’s a boy.” He punctures his declaration with a confident nod.
“Oh, yeah? I’m pretty sure it’s a girl.”
“Yeah? How’s that?”
“I can just tell.”
“Ha! Well, we’ll see about that.”
“Trust me. Women have a sixth sense about these things. And she’s going to be really special.”
He wraps his arms around me tight. “That’s for sure. Whether it’s a he or a she, our little one is going to be the most extraordinary kiddo around!”