Epilogue
Emma
The silk of the wedding dress whispers against my skin as I take a steadying breath. Sunlight streams through the arched windows of the venue, casting a warm glow on the faces of friends and family gathered in the pews. A wave of emotion washes over me, a tidal wave of joy tinged with nerves. This is it. Today, I am marrying Liam.
My brother, Damon, stands beside me, his face etched with a mix of pride and amusement. We've always been close, partners in crime throughout our childhood, and having him by my side feels like a comforting anchor in this whirlwind of emotions. He squeezes my hand gently, a silent reassurance.
Taking a deep breath, I lift my gaze. There, at the end of the aisle, stands Liam. He is breathtaking. Clad in a sharp black suit, his hair a mess of controlled chaos, he looks like something straight out of a magazine. But it is the look in his eyes that truly steals my breath away. Unbridled love and adoration shine within them, a reflection of the emotions bubbling in my own chest.
The string quartet begins a soft melody, signaling the start of the processional. Tears well up in my eyes, blurring the vision of smiling faces before me. A lump forms in my throat, a strange mix of nervous excitement. My baby bump, still barely there, feels like a precious secret nestled beneath the layers of white satin.
Damon offers me a reassuring smile and starts walking. I place my hand on his arm, clutching it tightly as we begin our slow march down the aisle. The scent of lilies and fresh-cut grass fills the air, a heady perfume mingling with the nervous flutter in my stomach.
Each step feels deliberate, a surreal dance toward my future. Heads turn, whispers flutter through the crowd. I catch glimpses of familiar faces—June and Dr. Miller beaming with pride, Liam’s mom — now Mrs. Robertson is standing beside her ex-husband, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue, even Maria, who surprisingly is an acquaintance of Liam’s mom and has been feeding her information about what’s happening with her ex-husband for years. Maria’s minions — Avery, and Rachel from high school are also standing by, their usual smug expressions replaced by a grudging awe.
Reaching the end of the aisle, I let go of Damon's arm and turn to face Liam. My heart hammers against my ribs, a frantic drum solo in the orchestra of emotions. His eyes hold mine, unwavering, a silent promise etched within their depths.
A gentle smile plays on his lips as he extends his hand to me. I place mine in his, feeling a surge of warmth course through me. He helps me onto the small podium, a silent vow of support echoing in his touch.
“You look absolutely stunning,” he murmurs, his voice husky with emotion.
“Thank you,” I breathe, tears threatening to spill over again. “Do you really think so?”
The vulnerability in my voice surprises me. Pregnancy hormones are definitely messing with my head.
He cups my face in his hands, his thumbs gently wiping away a stray tear that traces its way down my cheek. “More than you know, Mrs. Miller-to-be.”
A laugh bubbles up in my chest, a welcome release of tension. “Not quite yet, Dr. Miller.”
The ceremony begins. The minister's voice drones on, but it is mere background noise. All my focus is on Liam, his face etched with such profound love that it steals my breath away. Every word spoken, every vow exchanged, feels like a promise whispered directly to my soul.
As we reach the point of exchanging rings, Liam's eyes hold a tender intensity. The simple gold band slides onto my finger, a perfect fit symbolizing the way he fits so perfectly into my life.
When we reach the part about saying “I do,” the words tumble out of my mouth with a fervor that surprises even myself. It is a heartfelt declaration, an oath whispered with the unwavering certainty of forever.
And then, the kiss. The world around us fades away. The only thing that matters is the feel of his lips against mine, a melding of souls sealed with a promise. The applause that follows washes over us like a wave, pulling us back to reality.
The ceremony ends, and a giddy relief washes over me. Stepping down from the podium, I can't help but ask, “Do you think I really looked beautiful today?”
Liam chuckles, a familiar sound that sends a shiver down my spine. “Beautiful doesn't even begin to describe it, Em. But if you need convincing…” He trails off, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Before I can question him further, he scoops me up in his arms, ignoring the surprised gasps from the crowd.
He jogs over to the microphone, shoving aside the MC who is about to start the reception.
“Excuse me, everyone,” Liam calls into the microphone, his voice carrying across the crowd. “I need to apologize because we’re going to start the reception a little late. My wife is too beautiful, and I need to have some alone time with her before we join you all.”
The crowd erupts in laughter and applause, and I cover my face, feeling a mix of embarrassment and joy. A playful squeal escapes my lips as he hurries to a small room tucked away in a corner of the venue.
“Liam, what are you doing?” I shriek amidst my laughter.
“Proving just how gorgeous you are,” he replies, a triumphant grin spread across his face.
He pushes open the door and deposits me on a plush loveseat tucked away in the corner. The room is soundproofed, a haven of quiet amidst the celebratory chaos outside. Sunlight streams through a small window, bathing the space in a warm glow.
“There,” he declares, a playful glint in his eyes, “Now nobody can interrupt us.”
My breath hitches as he kneels before me, his gaze filled with a love so intense it leaves me breathless. “Emma,” he begins, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine, “this wedding is incredible, but you are the most breathtaking thing I've ever seen. Even in a dress that probably weighs more than you do.”
I swat him on the arm playfully, a laugh bubbling up in my chest. “Hey!”
“Seriously though,” he continues, his voice turning serious. “You radiate a beauty that goes far beyond the dress or the venue. It's the happiness in your eyes, the love you carry for our child, the strength and kindness that make you who you are.”
Tears well up in my eyes again, blurring his image slightly. “Liam,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion.
He reaches out, gently wiping away a stray tear with his thumb. “You're perfect, Emma. Every single part of you. And I promise to spend the rest of my life showing you just how much you mean to me.”
He leans in then, his lips brushing mine in a soft, tender kiss. It is a promise, a reassurance, a declaration of love all rolled into one. When we pull away, his forehead rests against mine.
“Now,” he murmurs, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his lips, “let me show you more how much I wanted you from the moment you walked up in that dress before we rejoin the party… Ready, Mrs. Miller?”
His playful prod sends a blush creeping up my cheeks. “Alright, Dr. Miller,” I concede, a wide grin spreading across my face. “But only because you promised me a lifetime of showing me how beautiful I am. And make it quick. We’ve got guests.”
He grins. “You’re my everything, Emma.”
Tears fill my eyes again, but this time they’re tears of pure happiness. “I love you so much,” I whisper.
Liam leans in, kissing me softly. “And I love you. Forever.”
We start to strip ourselves quickly of our clothes, ignoring the music and voices that we can hear from outside the room.
All of that doesn’t matter to me. What matters to me is in this room—the man my heart beats for and the love that we share and the promise to hold on to each other for the rest of our days.
The End