Epilogue
Ann, Maggie, and Emily stared at their reflections in the mirror. “You look stunning!” Emily whispered, wiping at her tears. She glanced at Maggie. “I can’t believe that both of you have found your happily ever after and are leaving me!”
Ann laughed and hugged her friend. “We will come back often to visit.”
Maggie joined in the hug. “You know we will.”
Emily nodded. “But it won’t be the same.” She gazed at her two friends. “We had some good times over the years.”
Ann and Maggie nodded. “That we did!”
Emily sighed and pulled back. “But now you both are going off. I feel like a mother hen watching her babies toddle off into the world!”
Maggie rolled her eyes. “You’re only a year older than us!”
The trio laughed, but their moment was interrupted when the dark-haired Astra, who had graciously agreed to organize a super-fast wedding, stepped into the room. “No tears!” she yelped, laughing at the bride and two bridesmaids. “You’ll ruin your makeup!”
Ann smiled and accepted the tissue Astra offered. “You’re right, of course.”
Astra clapped her hands as she gazed at Maggie and Emily. “I love that soft orange color. Excellent choice and perfect for this time of the year, what with Halloween and Thanksgiving on the way!”
Ann sighed. “They look gorgeous!”
Levi, Sean, and Matteo stood in the doorway. “Everyone is ready,” Levi announced. As the three owners of the club, they’d graciously offered the club for the wedding, even closing it off to club members so that Ann could have a private wedding venue.
“Thanks guys!” Ann said, hugging each of her former bosses, then stepping back. “When the three of you took over this place, it changed my life. I can’t thank you enough.”
Levi chucked her on the arm. “You are like a daughter to me.” Matteo and Sean both nodded their agreement. Ann started to tear up, but before her emotions could get out of control, she inhaled sharply and looked around. “Okay, enough of this mushy stuff. I want to get married!”
Everyone laughed and the group filed out.
Maggie went first, walking from the doorway to the end of the stone patio. Then it was Emily’s turn. A moment later, Astra nudged Ann. “Your turn!” she whispered.
Ann hesitated, but then stepped through the doorway, her long, satin gown flowing around her like a shimmering cascade. She held the soft orange roses in front of her and tried to tamp down on her happiness, but she was too filled with love for Tazim.
However, it was Archer’s voice that broke through the soft music.
“Momma!” he gasped, standing next to Tazim as the best man. There were about thirty guests, all of them powerful, wealthy people who had gone through a lot to reach this place in life. When Archer gasped at his mother’s loveliness, they all chuckled, relieving a bit of the tension.
When Tazim took her hands, Ann knew that she’d never stopped loving this man. She may have hated him for a while, but her intense emotions were backed by love.
The minister cleared his throat. Ann tried to look at him, but her eyes kept straying to Tazim, so happy that they were finally getting married.
When he slid the platinum ring onto her finger, the basic band snuggling up against the huge diamond he’d given her several days ago, Ann knew that she was happier than she’d ever thought possible.
The minister announced, “I now pronounce you husband and wife!”
There was a huge cheer after that moment along with popping sounds as Levi, Sean, and Matteo opened bottles of chilled champagne. And then the music started! It was one of those happy, thrilling parties that would live on in everyone’s memories.
“ In breaking news, Governor Gary Liptiz and his sister, both considered front runners for the governor’s race, have stepped away from their run for the governor’s office. Both explain that they need to take a break from public life. Both candidates, from opposing parties, encourage all citizens to vote in the upcoming election cycle, but there is no additional information on why they have called a halt to their run for the governor’s mansion. In other news…”
A note from Elizabeth:
As you reach the final pages of this story, get ready for two thrilling sneak peeks!
First, dive into an excerpt from the finale novella of the current series—a story brimming with high stakes, passion, and the resolution you've been waiting for. Will love triumph? Will secrets unravel? This teaser will leave you counting down the days to the final chapter.
Next, embark on an exciting journey with the first look at the next series! Meet captivating new characters, explore fresh settings, and get swept away in a story that promises even more romance, drama, and intrigue.
Don’t wait—preorder the first book in the new series today and ensure you’re first in line for the next adventure!
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