Epilogue - Best Bridesmaids
Sasha
It’s been a month since Matteo proposed to me. I have been planning the wedding, settling into our new life at Villa Serafina and just cherishing having the most amazing man ever.
My friends have come to visit me at my new home, and we are having wine in the garden overlooking the vineyard.
I take a moment to study each of my friend’s faces - Gabriella, vibrant as always, Naomi, poised and elegant, Isabelle, warm and unrestrained, and Erina, steady and perceptive. They have been my rock, my unwavering support through every twist and turn of my journey.
"I want to thank you all for being here," I begin, my voice already thickening with emotion. "Not just today, but for every day since that fateful night when we made our pact. I wouldn't be where I am, who I am, without each of you."
Naomi reaches across the table to squeeze my hand. "We wouldn't have missed a moment of it, darling. Your happiness means everything to us."
"Which is why," I continue, a smile breaking across my face, "I can't imagine taking this next step without you by my side. Will you be my bridesmaids?"
Squeals of delight erupt around the table, Isabelle already dabbing at misty eyes.
"Of course!" Gabriella exclaims, leaping up to embrace me. "I've been practicing my maid of honor speech since Rome!"
I laugh, returning the fierce hug. "I thought that was a given, Gabi. You've been my ride-or-die since college."
Erina raises her glass, her smile warm and genuine. "To Sasha and Matteo, and a love story for the ages. We'll be honored to stand with you as you begin this new chapter."
As they clink glasses once more, Gabriella clears her throat. "Speaking of new chapters, I have some news of my own."
All eyes turn to her.
"I'm moving to Spain," she announces, her grin wide and a touch nervous. "I've been offered a job in Madrid, and I've decided to take it."
A beat of surprised silence, then a chorus of congratulations and questions.
"When did this happen?" Isabelle asks, leaning forward eagerly.
"Just last week," Gabriella explains. "Remember that gallery event I coordinated a few months ago? The owner was impressed and offered me a position as their event director. It's an incredible opportunity."
"Gabi, that's amazing," I say, my heart swelling with pride.
“Hey! Maybe I’ll find a sexy Hispanic man who’ll sweep me off my feet,” Gabriella jokes, and the rest of the group laughs, but I know all too well just how possible it is.
THE END