10. Epilogue
Epilogue
Marissa
The late afternoon sunbathed Mistmere in golden light, turning the historic estate into something that looked straight out of a fairy tale.
Marissa paused beneath the stone archway and stared in awe.
Fresh white roses spilled from antique urns lining the gardens.
String lights twinkled beneath centuries-old trees while the Atlantic sparkled beyond the manicured lawns.
It was perfect—everything she’d imagined without ever daring to hope for.
She smoothed her wedding gown one last time before glancing toward her sisters. Diana sniffled as she adjusted Marissa’s veil. “I’m not crying.”
“You absolutely are,” Mia teased, handing Diana another tissue.
“I’m emotional,” Diana said, dabbing at her tears to avoid messing her makeup. “I’ve heard that is common for pregnant women.”
Marissa laughed, shaking her head. Some things never changed. Mia and Diana could bicker about anything.
“Are you ready to become my sister?” Katie O’Halloran stepped beside them, carrying her flowers.
Marissa smiled, taking the bouquet. “I’ve only been ready for the past seventeen years.”
Katie threw her arms around her. “I’m so happy for both of you. My brother loves you more than life itself.”
“Katie, you’re going to make me cry.” Marissa returned the hug, squeezing Katie close. “Diana’s already a mess. We don’t need the bride to be a wreck too.”
Just as the last guest took their seat, the music drifted across the gardens. Helen Carrington herself had insisted they use Mistmere for the wedding, refusing to accept a penny for the venue. Having an heiress as your soon-to-be sister-in-law had its advantages.
Minutes later, her father appeared with a proud smile on his face. “You look beautiful, Marissa,” he said.
Before she could answer, the doors opened. Her gaze flew to where the justice of the peace stood. Her breath caught. As Shane stood beneath a floral arbor overlooking the ocean, his dark gaze focused on her. He looked devastatingly handsome in a charcoal tuxedo.
Beside him stood Liam O’Halloran. Next to him stood Henry Santana. Andre Jenkins smiled warmly from the opposite side. Three men who knew exactly how hard Shane had fought to become the man standing there today.
Then came the smallest members of the wedding party.
Michael Jenkins marched down the aisle carrying the rings. His twin sisters walked hand in hand behind him. The guests laughed when one stopped and yelled, “Hi, Daddy!” to Andre.
When Marissa reached Shane, he whispered, “You look even more beautiful than you did at prom.”
Tears blurred her vision. “And you’re still making me cry.”
His thumb brushed her hand. “Happy tears this time.”
She nodded. “Only happy tears.”
They exchanged vows overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and when the officiant announced, “You may kiss your bride,” Shane tipped her backward and kissed her as if they were alone in their bedroom.
After the ceremony, everyone dined on lobster tails and roasted summer vegetables.
Then the band began to play, and the dance floor buzzed with laughter.
Henry spun Victoria across the terrace. Liam danced with Helen while Andre teased Jennifer about stealing all the desserts. Katie swayed with Blake nearby.
Marissa caught Shane watching his little sister and her fiancé. “You still don’t like Blake.”
Shane snorted. “I tolerate him.”
She cocked an eyebrow. “You hugged him.”
Shane sighed. “He earned a promotion.”
She laughed. “From?”
“Pain in my ass,” he answered, drawing her closer as the music slowed.
“To?” Marissa questioned.
“My brother-in-law,” he said reluctantly.
“That’s progress.” Marissa leaned into him. “Baby steps are okay.”
He kissed her temple. “Yup. I want Katie to be happy. And for Katie, I’d do anything.
“She’s lucky to have a brother like you,” Marissa said, stretching on tiptoe to brush her lips to his. “Look around us, Shane. We are blessed with amazing friends and family.”
“I thank God every day for giving me you and these people celebrating our marriage with us. I love you, Mrs. O’Halloran.”
“I love you, too, Mr. O’Halloran, and so does this little one,” she said, patting her belly.
“Forever started the night we found our way back to each other.” Shane placed his hand atop hers, holding it over her stomach. “Our legacy begins tonight.”