Epilogue
EPILOGUE
ONE YEAR LATER
The soft breeze rustles my hair and tugs at my shirt as I stand on the dock, letting the sun shine down on me. It warms my face as I look out at the water, watching the gentle waves roll into shore, and the salty air fills my lungs with every deep inhale.
But a smile forms on my lips as footsteps approach behind me. And when I turn around, I see soft freckles and warm brown eyes.
I reach for him as he steps closer, and he takes my hand so I can pull him against me. His lips are soft against mine as my hair swirls around us in the breeze, and the sounds of birds chirping and water lapping against the dock all fade away in his presence.
I breathe him in before I release him, and he keeps his eyes locked on mine as he smiles softly. “Everything is ready.”
My gaze shifts to the house, but I just nod as I bring my attention back to him.
Theo starts to turn, but I hang onto his hand and keep my feet planted, keeping him right here with me. I let my eyes fall to his hand in mine, tracing the pale scars that tell the story of his strength. This hand that has hauled countless lobster traps, built homes for our town, and has cared for so many. And even with these scars, he continues to do all of that… while also caring for himself.
My thumb rubs over the metal band on his ring finger, a promise we exchanged just hours ago that marks him as my husband. I lift his hand to my lips and press a kiss to his knuckles.
His lips tilt up in a gentle smile. “Tha gaol agam ort.”
I step into him, lifting my hand to brush my thumb over his cheek. “Tha gaol agam ort, mo chridhe.”
He leans in and kisses me again, before I let him lead me back up to the house, where our families and friends are gathered around a long table overlooking the water.
Mason immediately bounds over to us, looking excited and… dirty.
“Uncle Theo, Uncle Liam!” He stops before us with wide eyes and a dirt-streaked suit. “Guess what?”
Theo cautiously looks down at him. “What?”
He glances over his shoulder at Heather, who is in deep conversation with my mom. Then he leans in closer to us, opening up his suit jacket pocket, revealing about five squirming worms.
“Can we fish with them?” he asks excitedly.
I chuckle with a nod. “Yeah, just… make sure they stay in there for now.”
He nods seriously, closing up his pocket. “I will.”
Theo shakes his head as Mason takes off around the corner of the house, probably to look for more. “Well, the suit was nice while it lasted.”
I smile, holding his hand a little tighter as I look around at everyone who came here today to be with us. Mine and Theo’s parents, Theo’s crew, Phil and Leah, and friends from in town are all here.
I married the man I love today, standing on the dock where we shared our first kiss in the rain.And we get to celebrate with the most important people in our lives, in the home that started this all.
As everyone takes their seats at the long table, Theo and I sit in the middle, leaving two empty chairs at the ends.
One for Theo’s dad, and one for Nick.
I take a moment to look at each of them, imagining them here with us. Theo’s dad being the strong and steady support I know he always was for Theo, and Nick bringing laughter and light to the day, just like he always did.
Theo’s hand slips into mine, and I shift my gaze back to him so I can look into his eyes.
This perfect man, who makes all my days sunny, and is the port in my storm.
Mo chridhe.
THE END