Epilogue
GAGE
The music started to play, and Ethan murmured, “Ready?”
“Absolutely.”
My wedding day was finally here. I lost three years with Tessa due to my own stupidity, and it took me another three to get her to walk down the aisle to me.
She preferred a small ceremony with only our closest friends and family, rather than the big production people would expect from a Langford.
And I made sure the wedding was exactly what she wanted.
Even when it meant sending Jace an invitation since he was her friend, the price I paid for messing up six years ago.
I stood under a makeshift arch draped in white roses and fairy lights in the backyard of my parents’ house. Ethan was at my side as my best man, and his daughter toddled toward us, tossing rose petals in her wake.
The idea that Tessa was about to walk down the aisle to become my wife still felt like a dream I didn’t deserve.
Lily’s flower basket was still half full when she climbed onto Callie’s lap and blew a kiss at her dad. My chuckle at her antics cut off when the string quartet switched to the wedding march. I looked up and lost my breath at the sight of my bride at the end of the aisle on her father’s arm.
Tessa had never looked more beautiful. The ivory lace dress skimmed her curves, her dark hair was half up, loose curls catching the late-afternoon sun, and she carried a bouquet of honey-colored roses.
She’d opted not to wear a veil, and her gaze found mine immediately. Unconditional love shone from them, and I took an instinctive step forward. Her plush lips curved into the smile she saved only for me, and she shook her head.
Ethan grabbed my elbow. “Hold steady, Gage. Let him bring her to you.”
I knew he was right, but it took everything I had not to rush forward. Her dad had finally given his blessing for our wedding, but he still hadn’t fully forgiven me for hurting his daughter. That was fair since I hadn’t forgiven myself either.
He walked her toward me at a painstakingly slow pace, as though he was still deciding whether to hand her over. When they reached me, he leaned in. His voice was low enough that only I could hear as he murmured, “You break her heart again, son, and they’ll never find the body.”
“I won’t, sir. I swear on my life,” I promised.
He studied me, then gave his grudging approval and placed her hand in mine. Tessa squeezed my fingers, and the world narrowed to just the two of us.
It was good that the ceremony was being recorded because I barely registered what was said. I couldn’t stop staring at her.
After I slid a platinum band on her finger, I pressed a kiss to her knuckles. Then I moved her engagement ring—the one I bought her six years ago—from her right hand to the left.
Her soft laughter filled the air as she gave me the wedding band I planned to wear for the rest of my life.
The officiant finally said, “You may kiss your bride.”
I cupped her face with both hands, my thumbs brushing away the tears on her cheeks, and kissed her as my wife for the first time. Her arms wound around my neck, and we took our time.
When we broke apart, the backyard erupted in cheers. I rested my forehead against hers. “Hello, Mrs. Langford.”
“Hello, husband.”
Fucking hell, it felt damn good to hear her call me that.
We walked back down the aisle hand in hand, rose petals raining around us.
We made it to the reception tent a couple of hours later—after photos and some stolen alone time that allowed me to properly appreciate how gorgeous my wife was.
My parents were the first to spot us. Mom pulled me into a hug, holding on longer than usual. Then she leaned back to smile at me. “All we ever wanted was your happiness, Gage. That’s what Tessa gives you. With her at your side, I finally got my son back.”
I kissed her cheek. “Thanks, Mom.”
She turned toward Tessa next and hugged her. “Welcome to the family.”
“Thank you.” Tessa beamed a smile at my parents.
My dad hugged her next. “You make a beautiful bride, my dear.”
“And you host a gorgeous wedding.” She brushed a kiss against his cheek. “Thanks for letting us have it here.”
“It’s our pleasure,” my mom assured her.
While Tessa and Mom chatted about flowers and food, my dad clapped me on the back. “I’m proud of you, son.”
“That means a lot, Dad.”
His gaze turned serious. “Ready to come back to Langford Tech?”
The company had flourished under Rupert’s leadership for the past three years, and the nonprofit I started had grown beyond our community to six other states in the Northeast. Plus, I pitched in as a delivery driver for Hale & Honey when Tessa needed help since her bakery was more popular than ever.
“I’m not sure, Dad. I’m happy with what I’m doing right now, and I’d need to talk to my wife before I made a decision like that. ”
“Damn straight,” Dad agreed with a grin.
Tessa wrapped her arm around my waist, leaning against my side. “Answers like that are why we got married.”
“Couldn’t agree more.” I tipped her chin up so I could see those hazel eyes that had the power to undo me. “And you’re stuck with me now.”