Epilogue
EMBERLYNNE
Six months later
It’s a perfect day, under a clear blue sky on our sixth anniversary with the Royal Bastards gathered around.
The air is warm with the soft scent of wildflowers as I take my first steps down the aisle, my arm tucked securely under my father’s while he escorts me.
As I meet Maverick’s gaze, my heart swells, the weight of the past hurt, and struggles melting away, replaced by a deep, unwavering love.
Piper walks alongside me as I make my way to the altar, once again pledging my love.
To my husband. This moment is just for us…
a renewal of the vows that had been tested by fire, and yet, here we are stronger, and more in love than ever.
Instead of dissolving our marriage all those months ago, we decided to hold this ceremony as a symbol of having no more secrets.
My best friend, Kelly stands proud as my maid of honor once more, sharing in our happiness. In her words, she wouldn’t have it any other way after everything we’ve gone through. Ironically, she and Turbo have a lot in common, and he’s helping her with a security breach at her company.
When I finally reach Silas, he takes my hands, and for a brief, perfect moment, we’re the only two people in the world.
Piper takes her place between us, tail wagging as if she knows this moment is important for our family.
She was so happy to have us both again, and she loves running around the yard at the compound.
Maverick’s voice is raw with emotion as he speaks his vows, “Ember, I stand here, knowing I’m the luckiest man alive.
I swear, for every moment we’ve lost, I’ll give you a lifetime of honesty, strength, and love.
You’re my reason, my heart, and I promise to cherish you, and protect you, today and forever. ”
Tears burn my eyes as I look up at him, my hand gentle on his cheek. “Mav, we’ve walked through darkness, and still, here we are. You taught me what it means to be truly loved. I promise, from this day on, to stand by your side, no matter what we face.”
Maverick
There’s a moment of applause as the minister announces us husband and wife.
Having Ember by my side has been more than I ever imagined.
The women have taken to her, and Jazz has been right there to help her when she gets overwhelmed.
When the cheers subside, Ember smiles and reaches for my hand, pressing it gently against her stomach.
“I have one more vow,” she beams, her voice catching as she looks at me with all the love she holds. “We’re having a baby, Mav.”
My eyes widen as my hand rests over hers, the words sinking in.
More cheers erupt as I pick my wife up spinning her around.
Thinking back to what we lost, I can’t help but get choked up as my brothers slap each other on the back, grinning wide and Londyn rushing over to embrace Ember.
We have truly come full circle caught up in a whirlwind of joy and celebration.
We seal this chapter with another kiss, hopeful for a future that I thought was lost. Whatever challenges come, we’ll face them together, building a life and a family stronger than anything we could ever imagine. Happily ever after begins here, with a love that won’t ever falter.