Epilogue Emma
C ool grass tickles my bare feet, grounding me as my heart swells with nerves and excitement. The cherry blossoms overhead sway in the gentle breeze, their petals fluttering to the ground like nature’s confetti. The soft hum of the river fills the air, blending with the hushed voices of our guests, creating a perfect harmony of serenity and joy.
I walk down the aisle, white rose petals scattered beneath my steps, my fingers gripping my father’s arm. My chest tightens with emotion, not just because of the moment, but because he’s here, healthy, and strong enough to walk me toward the love of my life. Dressed in white shirts and grey pants, my brothers stand at the front, by the riverbank. I insisted they apologize to Eric, and he quickly forgave them.
Eric turns around in slow motion. He’s framed by the golden light of the setting sun, and my breath catches at the sight of him. He looks devastatingly handsome. His whiskey-brown eyes lock onto mine, filled with deep and unshakable love, and it almost roots me to the spot. He dabs a tissue under his eye and passes it back to his best man, Derek. A smile tugs at his lips, soft and knowing, like he’s been waiting his whole life for this moment.
And let’s be honest, so have I.
The memory of him helping me onto Shadow’s back all those years ago flickers in my mind. I hadn’t known then what that moment would lead to—though I certainly had hope—how every twist and turn in our journey would bring us right here, to this.
To forever.
Cherry blossom petals swirl around us as I reach him, my father pressing a kiss to my forehead before placing my hand in Eric’s. His fingers curl around mine, strong and steady, anchoring me in a way only he can. The world fades, and for a moment, it’s just the two of us.
The ceremony is simple and perfect. We exchange vows full of promises that already exist between us, unspoken but deeply felt. Eric’s voice is steady as he slides the wedding band onto my finger, the warmth of his touch sending shivers down my spine. Grandma Estonia’s ring sits perfectly above the band, like a symbol of love that has stood the test of time.
I barely hear the crowd cheer when we’re pronounced husband and wife. All I know is the feel of Eric’s hands cupping my face, the way his lips claim mine in a kiss so deep and so consuming, it steals my breath and replaces it with his.
When we finally break apart, I see nothing but love in his eyes.
“You look beautiful,” he murmurs, his forehead resting against mine.
I smile so hard, my cheeks ache. “You’re not so bad yourself, cowboy.”
After the ceremony, he leads me to the cherry tree by the river. The tree stands tall and strong, its bark weathered but holding the love of generations before us.
Eric pulls out a pocket knife and hands it to me.
“Time to make it official,” he says, his voice warm.
The bark is rough under my fingers as I carve our initials, the motion slow and deliberate, the weight of the moment settling deep in my bones. When I finish, Eric leans over and adds today’s date beneath the heart.
My throat tightens. We’ve finally etched ourselves into history and into something permanent.
Forever.
He reaches into his pocket and removes the sunflower anklet I lost when I ran after Misty. He lowers to his knees, and fastens the jewelry around my ankle.
I look down, and he looks up. I reach for his hand and I guide it to my belly.
“I have something to tell you,” I whisper, my voice barely above a breath.
He stills. His brows furrow slightly before realization dawns, his expression shifting from confusion to awe as he stands.
“You’re…” He swallows hard, his voice barely more than a whisper. “You’re pregnant?”
Tears well in my eyes as I nod. “Yes, Eric. We’re having a baby.”
His breath hitches, his entire body trembling with emotion. Then, in an instant, he pulls me against him, burying his face in my hair. “You’ve made me the happiest man in the world, Emma.” His voice is raw and thick, breaking on every word. He pulls back just enough to press his lips to mine, slow and deep, as if trying to pour everything he feels into the kiss.
“Shadow’s foal is going to have a new best friend,” he murmurs against my mouth, and I laugh, wiping at the happy tears streaming down my cheeks.
But before we can say another word, sudden commotion erupts in the west.
The sound of frantic shouting reaches my ears. I whip around just as Ethan and Joanne sprint toward a rising column of smoke. Thick, black clouds curl into the sky, billowing from the direction of the Waters’ family home.
My stomach lurches.
Eric’s grip on my hand tightens as panic surges through me.
The joyful buzz of the wedding is drowned out by the crackling flames now licking at the sky, swallowing the house whole.
Eric’s voice is hoarse, barely above a whisper. “No…”
And then he’s running.
I gather my dress and chase after him, my pulse pounding with terror as the fire roars, consuming Eric’s childhood home.