Epilogue
June 2024, Present day
I pace back and forth in the master bedroom, trying to calm my racing nerves. Today is the day I become Mrs. Coraline Cooper. Nothing has ever felt so right.
Some might say we’re rushing things—especially after everything that happened last summer with Nash and Keri—but I don’t care. This is the moment I’ve dreamed of since I was a little girl.
This is the same boy I fell in love with when I was fourteen—my first love, my first kiss. And somehow, I love him even more than I did back then. I never knew that was possible.
A few weeks ago, Nash was officially sentenced to life in prison, with no chance for parole. He’ll never see the light of day again.
Keri, on the other hand, was sentenced to twenty years.
As for Lloyd—Jesse’s dad—he was granted a divorce from her, and he’s been nothing short of amazing. He’s become the best papaw my kids could ask for, and I can’t help but feel a little grateful for that.
I take a deep breath and check my reflection for what feels like the thousandth time today. My dress has a deep V-neckline, that hugs my chest and waist before flowing outward, like something straight out of a fairytale—a real-life ballgown.
The sheer tulle shimmers softly, decorated with white lace flowers that are scattered throughout the entire gown. I was going for timeless, yet modern look, with just a touch of fairytale magic.
And right now? I feel just like a real-life Disney princess.
My strawberry blonde hair is curled half up and half down in loose, voluminous waves. The top half of my hair is twisted and braided back to give an elegant touch.
I opted not to wear a traditional veil over my face, but I still wanted one pinned in my hair that flows down my back.
My sister, Gemma, did my bridal makeup. She blended various shades of brown and a touch of shimmery gold on my eyelids to make them pop. The winged eyeliner gave it a bold, dramatic effect, and she finished the look with false eyelashes that made my eyes stand out even more. For my lips, we kept it simple with a soft, natural pink.
I look down at my flower bouquet and squeeze the piece of fabric that’s wrapped around the stems. I say a silent prayer to help ease my nerves.
I had my prayer quilt incorporated into my bouquet. It’s been with me through every major, life changing event since Pappy gave it to me all those years ago.
I may not have realized it back then, but it has been such a blessing and piece of comfort for me to know that I always have a savior that I can count on no matter the place, time or situation. God is always there.
The venue that we picked is right in Jesse’s yard, nestled perfectly between the rental house and his house, which is now ours. The past month has been a whirlwind of moving everything from the rental house into our new home.
Harrison and Michael no longer have to share a room now that we’re all living together. They’ve loved every minute of it—picking out decorations for their new rooms, painting walls, and making the space their own.
The kids will also have their own game room in Jesse’s man cave/garage. Over the past year, they’ve spent so much time there with him, especially during football and basketball season. Jesse’s been teaching them about sports, and they’ve been soaking up every minute of his attention.
“It’s time, sis,” Gemma says, taking my hands in hers.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath. The nerves have melted away. I don’t feel anxious anymore. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that the man standing at the end of the aisle loves me with his whole heart, and that he was handpicked for me and our two sons.
“Let’s do this.” I say, nodding once.
I glance out the window one last time. The sun has just begun to set behind the trees, casting a soft golden glow across everything. Flowers and twinkling lights are strung everywhere, creating a magical atmosphere. A small crowd of our closest friends and family is making their way to their seats.
It looks like something straight out of a romcom. I almost feel like Bella from Twilight —standing here, about to marry my one true love. Except, this is real life, and Jesse is definitely the farthest thing from a sparkly vampire.
The wedding party is lined up and ready to go. I stay hidden in the doorway of the bedroom until the last of the party descends down the steps and out onto the front porch.
Up until this point, the only people who have actually seen me are just my bridesmaids and my flower girl. I haven’t seen Jesse today, we aren’t superstitious, but we didn’t want to jinx anything. Just in case.
The music begins to play out of the speakers, signaling the start of the ceremony. I get goosebumps all over my arms when I hear it. My eyes are already welling up with unshed tears.
We chose an instrumental version of the first song we ever slow-danced to— A Thousand Years.
I can’t help but get emotional from thinking about how far we’ve come since then and how much our love has grown and changed.
Gemma, my maid of honor, is the first to walk down the aisle with Charlie by her side as Jesse’s best man. Next are Shae and John, arm in arm.
I notice that John gives Shae a small kiss to her forehead before they step forward together. She leans into his touch, and I can’t help but smile. They tied the knot this past spring.
Jenny, Charlie's daughter, walks down the aisle as our flower girl. She does a perfect job of taking her time distributing the white rose petals as with a big smile on her face. She stops every so often to make sure everyone is looking at her and is paying attention.
Next in line are Michael and Harrison, both serving as ring bearers. I wanted them to have something to do together, something special. Each of them carries a small briefcase, and their "Ring Security" badges are proudly displayed. Of course, they’re both wearing black sunglasses, a decision Michael insisted on because he thought it made them look cooler. I caved, of course.
They walk side by side until they reach Jesse. Once they reach him, they dramatically take off their sunglasses and give the briefcases to him. After the rings are “secure” they turn and run like wild animals to their seats by Granna. At least they behaved while they walked down the aisle.
The music stops when they sit down and changes to an instrumental version of ‘ Can’t Help Falling in Love ’.
I take a few deep breaths in and out.
I know that it’s now my turn to go now.
Being the center of attention has never been my thing, but this is the only wedding I plan on ever having and I want it to be special. There’s no turning back.
When we initially rehearsed, I was supposed to take my time walking down the aisle. But today, as soon as my eyes find Jesse's piercing blue ones, I feel like I need to take off and run to him.
My legs betray me and I start speed walking.
He looks so handsome it almost hurts. His dark hair is perfectly curly and messily styled, just like always. He’s wearing a dark grey suit, a crisp white button-down, and a bowtie. Both of his hands are clasped together, and his foot is tapping nervously.
I still can’t believe that he’s all mine and I get to spend forever with him.
At one point in my life, when I was at my lowest low, I believed that I didn’t deserve a happy ending. And then God stepped in and rescued me and brought me here, to this very moment.
I haven’t even looked around to see who is here or who isn’t. Right now, all I care about is getting to Jesse.
When I make it halfway down the aisle, he starts crying and I realize that I am too. In fact, I can almost guarantee that there’s not a dry eye in this place.
Once I finally reach him, I give my bouquet to Gemma and embrace her. She was the first friend I ever had. Sisters are special and I’m lucky that she’s mine. I can only pray that my sons are as close as we are when they grow up.
I look over her shoulder and notice that Pappy is dabbing his eyes with his pocket handkerchief. I turn from Gemma and embrace Pappy next.
“I love you babygirl. You look so beautiful and I am so very proud of you.” He kisses me on the cheek and then pulls away.
I take a step back and walk to Jesse. I grab both of his hands in mine and stare up at him.
Pappy begins his part of the ceremony.
I don't hear half of what he says. I’m too focused on Jesse and the fact that this is really happening. It feels like any minute I’m going to wake up and realize that this was all a dream.
We repeat the vows back to each other and now it’s time for the big kiss to seal the deal. Jesse takes my face in both of his hands and presses his lips to mine in a soft, sensual kiss. Then, he moves both of his hands to my lower back as I wrap one arm around his neck.
He dips me backwards, just like we practiced, with our lips never parting. It’s absolutely perfect. The crowd of our family and friends erupt out in cheers and I even hear a few whistles.
Once we break the kiss, we turn around and face the crowd, hand in hand. Our exit song starts to play and Jesse scoops me up into his arms and carries me all the way back down the aisle.
I’m so grateful that we ended up together after all.