Epilogue
The Wedding
Ella
“Throw that thang, Ella,” Pamela shouts over the music.
“You better show out for your husband.” Kyra claps in front of me.
We were on the dance floor at my reception. One hand was in the air as the other clutched the hem of my white dress. My husband was behind me as I shook my ass on him.
Never in all my days did I think I’d be here, feeling lighter than a feather and happier than I’ve ever been, surrounded by my friends, family, and the man I love.
I kept my word to Mitchell. Four months after he asked me to marry him, we are officially husband and wife.
The funny thing is that no one was shocked.
There were no speeches about it being too soon.
No one questioned whether or not we were ready.
And this time, I was prepared to defend our decision. But I didn’t have to.
Cameron and Jacob came up beside us and started doing some funny-looking arm dance that had us all laughing. I think the two people who are happiest about this union are Jacob and Cameron. They get a kick out of telling people they are brothers now.
“Let’s see what you've got, AJ.” I cheered my oldest on. He’s dancing with baby Ari in his arms.
AJ and Mitch’s relationship has changed in the last few months, but in the best way ever.
They’ve grown closer. When we got back from the cabin after the engagement, Mitch took AJ for a ride where he said they had an actual conversation about his intentions with me.
AJ was able to voice his opinions and expectations, and Mitch listened and reassured him.
It made me happy that Mitch understood the importance of my son’s feelings. Like I said that day in my living room. We would always respect his emotions and opinions, but he didn’t get to dictate our lives.
“Wait a minute,” my mother says, sliding onto the dance floor. “Let me show ya'll how it’s done.” She grabs the hem of her dress and starts dancing.
We all burst out laughing when my father slid right up behind her.
“You better work it, Mama Faye,” Jada shouts.
I was truly happy. Looking around the room, I took in all the support we had here.
This wasn’t a huge wedding. We didn’t need to rent out a large venue.
The only people here were the ones we truly loved.
All my girls were here. Jada, Meagan, Pamela, Kyra, and Destiny.
I couldn’t have done this without them. They were my backbone.
Just as important to my journey of self-discovery as Mitch.
And each stood beside me as I took my vows.
Also among the guest list are Devon, Quincy, Shaun, and the full staff at Miller Construction and Remodeling are here.
I was worried Devon and the guys would pick sides.
I assumed they’d go with Andrew. But I was mistaken.
In fact, Devon and Mitch have grown closer.
It’s almost like Devon was just waiting for Andrew to get out of the way so he could be the best friend.
I don’t focus on the faces that aren’t here.
Mitch had to threaten Val to get her to allow Jacob around me.
She was making it really hard for a while, but Mitch wasn’t having it.
He sat her down with me and explained either she cut the shit, or he’d take her ass to court.
Val’s idea of punishment was that she dropped Jacob off two months ago and has yet to pick him back up.
Clearly she doesn’t know her ex. Jacob and Mitch have never been happier.
The other missing face in the crowd belongs to Andrew. Unlike him, I didn’t demand that he come to my wedding. Not that I could have. I haven’t heard from or seen him since the day I put him out of my house. The boys have tried to call him a few times, but they haven’t heard from him either.
Shaun told Mitch that Andrew had been around, but not himself. I figured right now Andrew is somewhere licking his wounds. Eventually, he will surface again, but he isn’t my concern.
Strong arms wrap around me from behind. I look up and over my shoulder into the blue eyes of my husband.
“How do you feel?”
I grin as I glance back at all the happy people around me before turning to face my man.
“I feel at peace,” I admit.
His deep chuckle sent a shiver up my spine. “I’m glad I can help you feel that peace.” He plants a quick kiss on my lips. “Things are going to get hectic soon. Next month, we close on our forever home. And then in five months, the bakery will be ready to open. Are you ready for all of that?”
Mitch and I opted to rent out our houses for extra income and buy something together. We found the perfect two-story home not far from our old neighborhood. And just as he said, Ann’s Bakery will be open to the public in less than five months. I couldn’t be happier.
“With you, I’m ready for anything.”
He grins. “That’s because you know I always got you, Mrs. Miller.”
Something about being called that name does something to me.
“And I got you, Mr. Miller. “
He smiles big before leaning down and placing a toe curing kiss on my lips. “All of me, Mrs. Miller. You got all of me.”
He stands me back up, grabs my hand and spins me out. I toss my head back and laugh. That night, I danced until my feet hurt. I laughed until my sides ached, and I was truly happy.
The End