42. Epilogue
Epilogue
ONE MONTH LATER...
WESTON
I fiddled with my tie, having tried to get it right for what felt like the hundredth time. My attention was abruptly pulled to the doorway as Darcy made her presence known. She looked beautiful in her bridesmaid dress. However, the unusual sparkle in her normally analytical eyes caught me off guard.
“Becky wants to see you,” she said, her voice surprisingly warm. “I know it’s not traditional, but she’s nervous.”
I simply nodded, casting a last glance at my reflection in the mirror. Following Darcy’s lead, I strode down the carpeted hallway, our hushed footsteps the soundtrack to my building anticipation.
Darcy turned to me. “You know,” she started, her voice delicate and sincere, “I had my doubts you’d be able to convince Becky to marry you. But I’m so thankful you did. She is just like the nickname you’ve given her: Sunshine. And, no offense, Wes, you need to borrow all the sunshine you can get. She’s perfect for you. I’m delighted that I get to call her my sister after today.”
I grunted in response, not quite adept at receiving such emotional praise from her. Feeling overwhelmed with gratitude, I wrapped her in a side hug as we walked. I hoped she wouldn’t be mad about my last-minute adjustment to the guest list.
As we approached the bridal suite, my heart seemed to skip a beat. With a light rap on the door, I heard a muffled, “Come in.” I winked a goodbye to Darcy, and I pushed the door open, revealing my bride.
Becky stood in her wedding gown, a vision of radiant beauty. Her chocolate hair fell in soft curls around her face, highlighting her eyes—those captivating dark pools that drew me in every single time.
“You look... stunning,” I managed, my head still trying to catch up with the fact that this beautiful creature would soon be my wife .
A soft blush colored her cheeks as she met my gaze. “Thanks, you look impossibly handsome, my love,” she responded, pressing a kiss to my cheek. She looked up at me, her eyes shimmering with curiosity and joy. “Why the funny smile, Weston?” she asked, the corner of her lips twitching upwards.
Feeling mischievous, I leaned into her, my voice dropping to a whisper. “I have a secret. I invited an old friend of mine, someone Darcy hasn’t seen in years.”
Her eyebrows shot up, intrigue lighting up her features. “Really? Who is it?”
I simply chuckled, placing my arms around her. “All in good time, my love. For now, I want to hold you, pray with you, and then get to our ceremony. I have a feeling they’re expecting us.”
Her laughter was light and melodic as she snuggled deeper into my chest. “Well, we can’t keep them waiting.”
As we stood there, encased in each other’s arms, I thought of the gathered crowd of family and friends outside, each heart filled with joy for our union. Becky’s relationship with her mother, once strained, had begun to mend, and she would have the honor of walking Becky down the aisle .
Our honeymoon was a dream deferred to summer, a sweet promise of blissful days to come. But until then, Atlanta awaited us. Becky would complete her studies, and I would lay the groundwork for my new online store, Broken Things , where I hoped to sell the creations I made from leftover car parts. The name was a testament to new beginnings, to the beauty that can be found and created from what was once lost.
The excitement of starting a life together with Becky, of building something meaningful and enduring, filled me with indescribable happiness.
We stood there for a few more moments, praying together, our hearts beating in sync. Darcy’s tale could wait; it was time to embark on our own story.
THE END (Until Darcy’s story—coming 2024)