Extended Epilogue
Brittany
Four Months Later
“You’re going to knock them dead out there,” Harlee tells me, wrapping her arm around my shoulder.
I give her a smile as Amy returns to the bridal suite, my dad and brother in tow. They step in, looking dapper as ever in their tuxedos. They both smile at me, and I see, in that moment, how much they favor each other.
“Are you ready, kiddo?” Dad asks me, his voice softening. I spot the shiny new wedding band on his left hand. He got married to Susie in Vegas over Christmas, and I can’t even be mad at him for it. He’s living his best life in Florida, and I couldn’t be happier for him.
“I’m ready,” I breathe out, my lips curling into a smile. My heart beats frantically beneath the lacey exterior of my mermaid gown. I’m more excited than I am nervous, but I can’t stop imagining tripping down the aisle.
“You know, you actually clean up pretty nice.” Parker snorts, winking at me. “I gotta give you that.”
“Thanks.” I beam.
“Okay, Mr. Officiant,” Amy says, nudging him. “Shouldn’t you be getting into position?”
Parker gives a small nod. “I will ensure that I’m up there, ready to marry my best friend to my little sister.” He draws me into an embrace. “I’m so happy for you, Brit. I really am.”
“Thank you,” I whisper back, feeling myself growing emotional. I bat away the tears forming in my eyes, careful not to smear my mascara. “It means so much to me for you to do this for us.”
“You know I was born to be a wedding officiant. It was only a matter of time before I found my true calling.” He leans away, shooting me one of his usual smirks.
I giggle and shake my head as he slips out of the bridal suite and heads back to the chapel.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my shaking hands.
I’ve waited my whole life for this moment, and for the first time, I’m not nervous because I think it’ll go bad—well, other than my tripping fear—but nervous because I know this is the start of the rest of my life.
And I think it’ll be the most beautiful chapter yet.
Weston
“You look like you might pass out.” Parker chuckles as he comes walking into the groom’s suite. “It’s time for us to get this show on the road. We gotta get up there and get this thing moving. Don’t you have a plane to Morocco to catch?”
“Yeah,” I say, my mouth feeling like it’s already in the desert. “I’m so glad she didn’t want a reception, and she’s ready to jet off to an amazing honeymoon. I could do without all the people.”
“Uh-huh.” Parker slaps his hand on my shoulder and squeezes.
“I’m just glad you’re happy—Morocco or not.
You’re the best thing that’s happened to my sister, and she’s the best thing that’s happened to you.
I’m glad I didn’t hold my ground with the rules.
It’s obvious you two are meant for each other. ”
“Wow, that’s so sweet of you,” I drawl, rolling my shoulders beneath my own tux. I’m ready to give this woman my last name, then steal her away for the rest of our lives.
“Let’s go.” Parker gives me one final nod, and we head out of the groom’s room. I follow him through the hallway to the main doors. We step through and I make my way to my place at the front of the sanctuary. The crowd is small, only consisting of the people closest to us.
Maria gives me a small wave and a thumbs up, and I return it. I then wipe my sweaty palms on the front of my slacks, taking a deep breath. Surely she won’t be able to see the sweat on my pants, right? They’re black … Black doesn’t show sweat…
“Don’t pass out,” Parker whispers.
I nod, unable to utter another word as the music starts to play. My fingers fidget by rubbing against each other, and I keep praying that the air will dry the sweat from them. I don’t want to gross Brittany out.
I watch as Buddy jogs down the aisle as our ring bearer. I laugh at the way he ignores everyone, coming right for me. I bend down and give him a good pat, then hand the leash to Maria, who’s been waiting for this job.
And then the music shifts.
The big doors seem to float open, and in steps the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Her blonde hair spills over her shoulders, carefully curled. Her white veil gives her the purest, most angelic look I’ve ever seen.
She’s about to be my wife. Mrs. Shaw.
I can’t help it. Tears form in my eyes, and I choke up as her gaze meets mine, her smile so freaking beautiful in the natural light of the cathedral. Her father leads her to where the exchange takes place, and I take her hand, helping her up the steps.
“You look absolutely phenomenal,” I say quietly.
“So do you,” she replies, batting her own tears from her cheek. “Here’s to forever.”
I nod, my heart soaring. “Here’s to forever.”