Epilogue 1 Kat #2
I roll my eyes teasingly, knowing immediately that he and Blanche must have been in cahoots about my something blue.
She had promised me a bracelet of her mother’s, but suddenly she had “misremembered” this morning, and it was in fact a gaudy citrine rather than a sapphire.
Now I see that she had been keeping Ivan’s surprise.
He pulls a box from his inner suit pocket and produces a dainty sapphire and diamond bracelet, understated and perfect for my wrist today.
“This was the only piece of jewelry I ever gave your mother. It was thin enough that it was usually tucked just under her watch band. But every so often, it would catch the light just right and sparkle, and we would both smile to ourselves just knowing it was there,” he says, clearing his throat as he clasps the bracelet around my wrist.
“You’ve inherited so many of her positive qualities, Katarina.
And as I’ve gotten to know Henry, I’ve realized the two of you are a truly special match.
I’m so happy for both of you.” His voice cracks on the end as he pulls me close for a tight hug.
Finally asking if I’m ready, I nod as I hear my processional swell, indicating it’s time for us to start our short walk down the aisle.
This wedding is entirely different from our last, with a guest list consisting of only our closest family members and favorite staff.
My dress, a far cry from the puff ball that Mrs. Nixon picked out, is a sleek silk number with barely there spaghetti straps and a nonexistent back.
It’s cut with no forgiveness to my body, intended to show off my toned shoulders and back, and I feel gorgeous and strong, just what I had always wanted for my wedding dress.
My thoughts quickly focus back in as Ivan and I reach the beginning of the aisle.
Henry waits for me at the end, in front of the fountain in the garden, flowers surrounding him, with a quack now and then reminding me of our resident ducks that are thriving these days.
Our friends and family turn to look at us, and I can see Sasha’s beaming smile from here, but my focus is on my Henry.
He’s not even pretending not to cry, letting his tears track down his face as he smiles at me.
Reaching him, Ivan shakes his hand and whispers in his ear, before I hand my bouquet to Sasha and take Henry’s hands.
Jack was already ordained, so he proudly begins the short ceremony we decided on as Henry and I melt into each other’s eyes. Before I know it, we’ve arrived at our vows.
Clearing his throat, Henry begins.
“Katarina, my love. Thank you for making me the luckiest man in the world not once, but twice, by agreeing to marry me all over again. I’ve told you before that you are the greatest gift I’ve ever been given, and I feel that’s doubly true today.” He gives me a soft smile.
“I’ll follow you wherever you lead, and I promise to always be your protector and haven, to love and cherish you above all others.
There will be no secrets between us, and there is nothing that we can’t face together.
The world is ours, and I intend to take it on with you by my side until my last day,” he finishes, tearing up again by the end as I squeeze his hand.
I’m lost in his stormy eyes when he returns my squeeze, reminding me that it’s my turn to speak. Taking a deep breath, I try to get through as much as possible without tears.
“Henry, my love,” I begin, my voice breaking immediately, betraying the emotion I’ve been trying so hard to keep contained.
“You rescued me unintentionally but completely, and I cannot imagine my life had you not barreled into it. It’s impossible to think of any day without you because you are woven into the fabric of the magic of a life that I never thought would be possible.
I’ll follow you wherever you lead, and I promise to vex you as often as possible. And to keep you young.”
This gets a laugh from the crowd, and my desired effect: a grin and an eye roll from Henry.
“I vow to love and cherish you above all others, and face life as a family regardless of what comes our way, until my last day,” I finish, enjoying the predatory gaze in his eyes because he knows what’s coming.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair. You may kiss the bride!” Jack exclaims, and Henry is immediately on me like he’s never kissed me before, as if I’m an oasis in the desert.
After way too long, he pulls away and gives me a look of such pure love that my heart feels like it’s going to burst. I can’t believe this is my life.
We turn, and everyone cheers from where they’ve already spread out to the snack tables.
We must have been absorbed in our kiss for longer than we thought.
I see Ivan cooing over one of the two newborns Margot is holding, Ledger trying to help LJ walk, Mrs. Potts laughing with Sloane, and Sasha deep in conversation with Blanche…
As Henry and I quietly sneak back inside, I know that nobody will miss us for a few minutes. I’m going to defile my husband, then laugh the night away with my family. Kat from six months ago could never have dreamed things would end up this way, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
I have my family, and I’m home.