Epilogue – Cal
Early February . . .
“Okay, Cal, you can turn around,” Stephanie Prescott instructed.
Hiring her and Ruby as the photographers for our wedding was the best thing. That, and doing a first look. I wasn’t a stickler for tradition, and I liked the idea of having the first moment just for us.
I took a deep breath of the crisp February sunshine, then paused, a chill snaking down my spine. Wait a second— “Grey, I swear, if you’re standing there instead of Elle as a joke, I’m gonna punch you. And then Paisley will hate me for messing up your ugly mug.”
Stephanie sighed. “Cal, you’re twins. You practically share a face.”
“Doesn’t work on him, clearly. Everyone knows I’m the handsome one.”
“Grey isn’t here. Now hurry up and turn around because we’re running out of time.”
“Is it Myles? Because—”
“Callan James, turn around.” Noelle’s bossy voice came from behind me. “It’s February, and it’s freezing.”
Heat flooded my veins, and I grinned. “Yes, ma’am.” Spinning with a flourish, I stared at her. Dumbfounded. You could have knocked me over with a light breeze.
Noelle was a vision in white. I didn’t know silk from satin or the difference between A-line and sheath silhouettes, but my girl was beautiful in buttery soft-looking fabric and lace. I was a fan. Very much a fan.
And she’d finally gotten her wedding calla lilies. The bouquet she held suited her perfectly.
“Well?” Noelle shifted, a smile tugging at her lips.
I ran a hand over my mouth. “I . . . you . . . wow.”
She stepped closer, brown eyes shining. “I do believe I’ve rendered you speechless.” She smirked. “It’s a miracle.”
Sweetheart, I am so many things right now. She had no idea what she did to me. So I said the one thing that mattered most: “I love you.”
Her whole expression softened. “I love you, too.” Then she shivered.
“Guess I need to warm you up.” Reaching out, I tugged her into a hug, loving the way she fit perfectly in my arms. “You are so much better than Grey.”
She shook with laughter but nestled further into my suit jacket. “Do you really think he could have been persuaded to do a first look with you?”
“Given my prank record and Paisley’s influence, absolutely. He’d love to mess with me.”
She swatted my chest. “You’re trouble, Cap.”
“Sure am. But you’re keeping me anyway.”
“Yeah, you’re all mine. No take backs.” She kissed my cheek. “Now let’s get married.”
I didn’t let go of her. “I’ll be the one at the end of the aisle, crying.”
She laughed, and the soft peals echoed in the stillness of the winter afternoon. “And I’ll be the one saying ‘I do,’ forever and ever.”
“Forever sounds good to me, Holiday.” And leaning down, I kissed her. Just so we had enough practice for when Pastor John announced us husband and wife.
THE END