Epilogue
EPILOGUE
Claire (2 Years later)
T he Pennsylvania summer sun warms us on the sprawling grounds of Valerian’s estate. I stand at the edge of the manicured lawn, taking in the scene before me. White chairs line a path leading to an elegant arch adorned with cascading flowers. Our family and friends fill the seats, their excited chatter carried on the gentle breeze.
My parents stand nearby, beaming with pride. Mom dabs at her eyes with a lace handkerchief while Dad gives me an encouraging nod. Jay, watching through the iPad Dmitri holds, seems like he might cry too. “Good luck, sis,” he says. “You deserve to be happy.”
I touch the screen of the tablet, wishing he could be here in person. If he continues his rehabilitation, he might be eligible for parole in four years. I have a strong feeling he will. He’s really changed over the past two years, and his presence, even if it’s via the modern marvel of technology—with Valerian pulling a few strings to get the warden to allow him to virtually attend— after everything we’ve been through, fills me with joy. “You do too, Jay.”
He smiles. “You’d better get down the aisle. You don’t want to be late.”
“You ready, sweetheart?” asks Dad a second later, offering his arm.
I smooth my hands over the ivory silk of my gown. “I’ve been ready for this moment for two years.”
The music swells, and all gazes turn to us. I grip Dad’s arm tighter as we begin our walk down the aisle. Each step brings me closer to Valerian.
Halfway down the aisle, I spot our children. Simone and Natalia, our beautiful girls, toddle forward, scattering rose petals with chubby hands. Their matching yellow dresses swish around their knees as they giggle and toss flowers with abandon.
Behind them, our twin boys, Kolya and Andy, march proudly. Their little faces are scrunched in concentration as they balance the pillow holding our rings. My heart swells with love for these four miracles we created.
And then I see him. Valerian. I gasp as our gazes meet. He stands tall and proud at the altar, watching me. The years have only made him more handsome, with the hint of silver at his temples adding to his allure.
Once I reach him, Dad places my hand in Valerian’s. The warmth of his touch sends a familiar thrill through me. His eyes shine with emotion as he whispers, “You are breathtaking, lyubimaya .”
The officiant begins the ceremony, but I barely hear the words. I’m lost in Valerian’s eyes, and in the promise of our future together. We exchange vows, our voices steady and sure. When it’s time for the rings, Kolya and Andy step forward, grinning up at us.
Valerian takes the ring, sliding it onto my finger. “With this ring, I thee wed,” he says, his voice thick with emotion. “I promise to love you, protect you, and cherish you for all of our days.”
I blink back tears as I place his ring on his finger. “With this ring, I thee wed. I promise to stand by your side, to love you fiercely, and to face whatever life brings us together.”
“By the power vested in me,” declares the officiant, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Valerian cups my face in his hands, his touch reverent. Our lips meet in a kiss that seals our bond, tender yet passionate. The crowd erupts in cheers, but I only hear the beating of our hearts in perfect sync.
As we turn to face our guests, I catch sight of our children clapping and jumping with excitement. Simone tugs on Natalia’s dress, pointing at us with a toothy grin. Kolya and Andy high-five each other, their job as ring bearers complete.
We make our way back down the aisle, hand in hand. Rose petals rain down on us as our loved ones shower us with congratulations. I lean into Valerian’s solid warmth, overwhelmed by the love surrounding us.
At the reception, we twirl across the dance floor, lost in our own world. Valerian’s arms encircle me, strong and protective. “How does it feel to be Mrs. Rostova?” he murmurs against my ear.
I pull back to meet his gaze, a smile playing on my lips. “Like coming home. Like I’ve finally found where I belong.”
His eyes darken with emotion. “You’ve always belonged with me, Claire. From the moment I first saw you.”
The memory of our tumultuous beginning flashes through my mind. “We’ve come so far,” I say softly.
He nods, his expression serious. “And I promise we’ll go even farther together. Just us and our family.”
As if on cue, a high-pitched squeal cuts through the music. We turn to see Simone toddling toward us, her arms outstretched. Valerian scoops her up, settling her on his hip.
“Dance, Papa!” she demands, her little hands patting his cheeks.
Valerian chuckles. “As you wish, princess.”
I watch them sway together, my heart so full it might burst. Natalia soon joins them, not wanting to be left out. I feel a tug on my dress and look down to see Kolya and Andy, their matching brown eyes pleading.
“Mama, dance?” asks Kolya, holding up his arms.
I gather both boys close, swaying gently to the music. “Always, my loves.”
As we dance, surrounded by our children and the love of our family and friends, I catch Valerian’s gaze over Simone’s curly head. The look we share speaks volumes. This is our world now, built on love, trust, and the unbreakable bond we’ve forged together.
The music fades, and Valerian pulls me close, our children nestled between us. “I love you, Claire Rostova,” he whispers, his lips brushing my forehead.
I lean into his embrace, savoring the warmth of our family. “And I love you, Valerian Rostova. Always and forever.”
As the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the reception, I take a moment to soak it all in. The laughter of our guests, the joyful shrieks of our children as they chase each other across the lawn, and the solid presence of Valerian by my side. This is the life we’ve built together, brick by brick, overcoming every obstacle thrown our way.
As the night wears on, and our guests begin to depart, Valerian and I find a quiet moment alone. We stand on the terrace, overlooking the twinkling lights of the estate. He wraps his arms around me from behind, and I lean into his solid warmth.
“Thank you for giving me this life and this family.”
He turns me in his arms, his gaze intense. “You showed me what real love is, and what it means to have a family. I should be thanking you.”
I reach up, tracing the line of his jaw. “Let’s just be grateful for each other, and for this life we’ve built together.”
He leans down, capturing my lips in a kiss that speaks of passion, of promise, and a love that will last a lifetime. As we rejoin the party, our children running to greet us with open arms, this is just the beginning of our greatest adventure yet.