Epilogue
“Don’t cry. You’re going to ruin your makeup,” I tell my mom. “And you’re going to make me cry.”
“I can’t help it. You just look… so beautiful. I’ve dreamed about this day since you were born, about you falling in love. Finding someone who makes you as happy and fulfilled as your father makes me. I’m just so happy, Frankie.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Holy shit.” Evie walks into the room with Eliana.
“Wow. Emilio is going to drop dead when he sees you in that dress,” Eliana says.
“Let’s hope not. I kinda like him alive,” I tell her.
“I’m aware of how much you like him—thin walls.” Eliana scrunches up her face in disgust.
“Do you feel beautiful?” Evie asks. She never comes out and tells me or Eliana that we’re beautiful. It has something to do with how she was raised, but she always wants us to feel beautiful, because she says that’s what’s important.
I turn, look at my reflection in the mirror, and nod. “I do.”
“Good. I love this dress,” Evie says. “But more importantly, I love you and I couldn’t think of anyone better matched for my son.”
“Thank you.” It’s not the first time she’s told me this.
“Now, it’s time to get out there. Charlotte, you need to make sure your husband actually walks her down that aisle and doesn’t run off with her,” Evie jokes with Mom.
“He’s going to need a minute, I’m sure,” Mom says. “Okay, I’m going to get your father to come get you and then we’re doing this. Our little girl is getting married, Evie. Can you believe it?”
“I’m just thankful she picked the right groom,” Evie replies as they all walk out of the room.
I’m left alone for what feels like the first time all morning. I’m happy, beyond happy. I’m marrying the man I love. Technically, we’re already married, but today is about showing everyone that we’re committed to each other.
I have no idea how our mothers pulled this off in such a short time, but I was insistent they either did this or we were going to a Vegas chapel. I didn’t want to wait much longer for this day.
When my dad walks into the room, he freezes on the spot. His eyes bore into mine. Holy shit, is he crying?
“Don’t you dare cry too,” I warn him.
“I’m not going to cry,” he grunts, but I can see his eyes water.
“Good. I’ve been dealing with Mom crying for hours. I can’t handle you turning into a puddle too.”
“You look fucking beautiful, princess,” Dad says. “So fucking beautiful.”
“Thanks, Daddy.” I smile at him. “Are you ready to strut down the aisle with me?”
“I’m never going to be ready for this day,” he admits. “I don’t want to give you away to anyone. I’d much prefer to keep you.”
“Me marrying Emilio isn’t you losing me or you giving me away.
I’m always going to be your little girl, and I’m always going to need my daddy.
You’ve been my biggest cheerleader, my biggest protector.
You’re my literal hero, Daddy. That’s not going to ever change.
” I wipe at the corner of my eye. Great, now I’m going to start crying.
“So don’t think of this as you losing a daughter, but more of you gaining another son. ”
“I have two of them. It’s overrated, princess.” Dad chuckles.
“Shh, they might hear you.” I laugh.
“Let’s do this.” He holds his arm out to me. “Unless you want to run?” he offers with a hopeful look on his face.
“Nope, I want to marry Emilio more than I’ve ever wanted anything,” I assure him.
“I never have been able to say no to you when you wanted something.” He leans forward and kisses my forehead. “I love you so damn much.”
“I love you too, Daddy.”
Walking down the aisle, saying our vows… All of it is a blur until we get to the moment where the priest says, “You may kiss the bride.”
This is the moment I’ve waited for. Emilio cups my face in his hands, and then ever so softly his lips press against mine. He keeps it very PG.
“Te amo,” he whispers against my mouth.
“Te amo,” I tell him. “Let’s get out of here.”
“We have a party to attend, remember?”
“Think they’ll miss us if we don’t show up to the reception?” Emilio asks in Spanish.
I look at him and smile. After about a week of marriage, I came clean and told him I was pretty decent at the language. He looked at me and said I know with a cocky-ass smirk on his face.
I nod and give him a knowing look.
“Guess we have a party to get to then, Mrs. Lopez.”
“Lead the way, Mr. Lopez. I’ll follow you anywhere.”