Epilogue
Stella
Five Years Later
“I’m gonna throw up,” I announce to the room.
“You’re not going to throw up,” Maddie says, giving me a dramatic eye roll. “You wouldn’t risk ruining your dress,” she adds, matter-of-factly.
I laugh nervously, fanning my face with my hand.
Nora walks over, handing me my bouquet of white roses, baby’s breath, eucalyptus leaves, and forget-me-nots. “You look perfect, Stells. Everything looks perfect. Just breathe and go marry that fine-ass man outside.”
I take one more long look at myself in the floor-to-ceiling mirror.
My dress is a cream-white, with white lace flowers overlaying the silk.
Pearls are sewn in elegant clusters around the bodice and skirt.
My hair is curled in a beautiful, low updo with pieces left out to frame my face.
My veil is also lined with pearls. Nora’s right, everything’s perfect.
Dani squeezes one of my hands reassuringly. I look around the room at the five girls gathered around me in their dusty blue, floral print bridesmaid dresses, grateful that these are people I get to have support me.
“You’re right,” I say. “Let’s get this show on the road!”
Colt’s career in the NHL took off after senior year. He signed with the Philadelphia Flyers and has been playing for his dream team ever since.
I got into and graduated from Physical Therapy school, and am currently working through my Sports Certified Specialist residency program. I’ve got a job with the Flyers under their head Sports Therapist, gaining experience and hours in the field.
And the best part is, Colt and I only had to do long distance for a few years while I was in school before he helped me land this job, and now I get to travel along with the team.
The girls and I file out of the bridal suite, and I find Papaw waiting for me in the entryway of the venue, ready to escort me outside.
“You look beautiful, Lala,” he says, placing a kiss on my head.
The music starts to play, and I watch through the windows as my friends and Colt’s walk arm in arm toward the altar, where my fiancé hugs them each in turn.
When the music changes, I see the rise and fall of his chest quicken, and I know he’s just as nervous as I am.
Papaw and I make our way out as the ushers open the doors. I reach the end of the floral-lined aisle as the music crescendos, and the crowd of our teammates, friends, and family rises.
Colt’s eyes fill with tears, and he lifts a hand to his face, trying to gather his emotions before reconnecting his eyes with mine, and the biggest smile I’ve ever seen splits his face.
I feel the tears sliding from the corners of my own eyes as I return his grin, making my way toward the love of my life.
Toward the person who helped make all of my dreams come true.
Toward the man who healed my heart.