Epilogue
The moment we arrive in Quebec, it feels like stepping into a storybook.
The hotel Meghan and Justin have arranged for everyone is nestled in the heart of Old Quebec, its stone facade kissed by climbing vines, and the view overlooking the Saint Lawrence River is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s clear no expense has been spared.
The Chateau Frontenac hotel is a masterpiece of opulence. High ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers, gleaming marble floors, and grand staircases that curve like something out of a royal palace create an atmosphere of timeless luxury.
As I’m admiring the stunning architecture, I hear a familiar voice calling out, “You guys are finally here!”
I turn to see Meghan, practically glowing, walking toward us with Inès and Camille by her side. It’s been a while since I’ve seen them, and the sight of their friendly faces makes me smile instantly.
“Hi!” I exclaim, moving forward to hug Meghan. “Sorry, we’re a little late. Calvin had a last-minute emergency meeting.”
“No worries at all,” Meghan says. “I’m just so happy you’re here!”
Inès steps in next, her smile as radiant as ever, her eyes darting to my baby bump. “Blair, oh my goodness, look at you. You’re glowing!” she says, hugging me gently.
“Pregnancy perks,” I reply with a laugh, patting my belly before turning to Camille. “Hi Camille, it’s so nice to see you again. We definitely need to get together for lunch when we’re back in New York.”
“Absolutely,” she says enthusiastically. “I’ll give you my number later. We’ll make it happen.”
I glance around at the grand hotel lobby. “This place, though! Holy hell, it’s beautiful.”
“It’s incredible, right?” Meghan says. “Justin wanted everything to be perfect.”
“And it will be,” I say.
Just then, Calvin and Desmond walk in with their usual air of confidence, holding our luggage. Calvin’s gaze softens when it lands on me.
“Ladies,” he greets with a small smile, nodding to each of them.
Desmond follows suit, flashing his signature grin. “Nice to see everyone again.”
“Where are the guys?” Calvin asks, slipping his arm around my waist as we all exchange pleasantries.
“They’re on the rooftop,” Meghan replies. “There’s a bar up there, and they’ve been waiting for you two.”
Desmond chuckles. “Figures.”
“We’ll check in and join them soon,” Calvin says.
Meghan turns to me with a conspiratorial smile. “While they’re off doing whatever it is they do, I have our own little gathering planned. There’s a private lounge on this floor. We need to catch up.”
“Sounds like a plan,” I agree excitedly.
These past few months have been a whirlwind.
I honestly can’t remember the last time I had a moment to just sit, breathe, and truly relax.
Moving to New York was a massive change.
Exciting, yes, but overwhelming in its own way.
Starting my new job at Vogue felt like stepping into a dream and a pressure cooker all at once.
Every day is a rush of deadlines, creative meetings, and navigating the fast-paced fashion world.
And on top of that, I’m still working on my clothing line. It’s my passion project, my baby, but balancing it with a full-time role at one of the most iconic fashion magazines in the world and being pregnant has been… let’s just say, challenging.
Calvin hates that I’m taking on too much.
But honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
The adrenaline, the creativity, the feeling of chasing my dreams, it’s everything I’ve ever wanted.
Still, I can’t deny that I’ve been neglecting some of the best parts of my life, like spending time with my girls.
We haven’t had a proper hangout in months.
Don’t even get me started on the romance book we decided to read together back in December.
It’s June now, and we haven’t even discussed the first chapter, so I’m very much looking forward to this get-together.
Desmond’s room is conveniently right next to ours, and after exchanging some quick banter, Calvin and I make our way to our suite.
The moment we step inside, I’m awestruck.
The suite is massive, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the St. Lawrence River and the city’s charming architecture.
The combination of modern luxury and old-world charm is enough to make my heart flutter.
Calvin, on the other hand, seems completely at ease in such grandeur. He lounges on the king-sized bed like he owns the place, scrolling through his phone while I dart around the room, taking in every detail.
The bathroom is nothing short of a spa, with a deep soaking tub that practically begs me to jump in, heated marble floors, and gold accents that glint under the soft lighting. Even the toiletries smell like heaven.
When I finally finish gushing over every inch of the suite, I freshen up and step back into the bedroom. Calvin is still on the bed, phone in hand, but the moment he sees me, he sets it aside and gives me a small smile, the kind that always makes my knees weak.
I walk over and place my hands on his shoulders, gently massaging out the tension I know has built up over his long workdays.
Calvin’s been just as busy as I have, pouring his heart into designing the tallest building in New York.
His dedication to his craft is one of the things I love most about him.
“Hey,” he says, his voice low and full of warmth as he tilts his head up to look at me.
“Hi,” I reply softly, leaning down to kiss his temple.
“Come here,” he says, tugging me gently onto his lap.
“This kid needs to hurry up and come out so we can get started on those twins,” Calvin says with complete seriousness, his hand resting protectively over my belly.
When we found out we were just having one baby, he wasn’t even disappointed…
no, he took it as motivation. Swore he was going to get me pregnant with twins next time, like it was some kind of personal mission.
I can’t help but laugh before his lips find mine. The kiss is slow, sweet, and deep. It’s the kind of kiss that makes time feel like it’s standing still.
When I pull back, his voice drops to that husky tone that always sends shivers down my spine. “Hmm, give me more,” he whispers, capturing my lips again. His hands begin to roam, and I can feel the heat between us rising.
“Cal, we need to go meet our friends,” I manage to say between kisses, though my voice is half-hearted.
“They won’t even notice if we’re late,” he says against my lips, his hands slipping to the waistband of my leggings as he lays me back onto the plush bed.
I’m just about to lose myself in the moment when a loud, persistent knock on the door startles us both.
“Hey, stop fucking and let’s go!” Desmond’s voice booms from the other side of the door, making me burst into laughter.
Calvin groans, clearly annoyed. “I’m going to kill him,” he grumbles. “My mom might be mad for a few years, but she’ll get over it, won’t she?” His serious tone only makes me laugh harder.
“Let’s just go,” I say, playfully shoving him off me and fixing my clothes.
Calvin sighs dramatically but helps me up, his lips brushing against my forehead as we head to the door. “This isn’t over,” he says, landing a firm spank on my ass that makes my cheeks flush.
The lounge feels like a hidden gem, with plush seating in soft velvet, golden lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the river. It’s both intimate and luxurious, tailor-made for moments like this.
As we settle in, Meghan takes charge, pouring drinks with her signature grace. For me, it’s sparkling water, courtesy of my current “pregnancy perks,” while the others indulge in champagne. She raises her glass with a radiant smile. “To friendship and celebrations!”
“To Meghan’s wedding!” Camille chimes in, her glass clinking against the others’.
Laughter bubbles around the room. The conversation flows effortlessly, skipping from wedding plans to baby talk and everything in between.
“This is exactly what I needed,” Camille says, leaning back in her chair with a small sigh.
Her voice carries a note of vulnerability that tugs at my heart.
Things have been rocky between her and Avery lately, though she hasn’t shared the full details.
I haven’t known Camille for long; we first met when the girls threw me a graduation-slash-moving-away party in Boston.
Back then, she was staying with Inès and Kingsley because her fights with Avery had reached a boiling point.
And after that, we saw each other twice in New York because I made the bridesmaids’ and maid of honor’s dresses.
It’s clear she’s still carrying that weight, and I want nothing more than to see her at ease, even if just for tonight.
“You know what? Me too,” I say, hoping to lift the mood. “It’s so good to see all of you again. It feels like it’s been forever.”
The corners of Camille’s lips lift into a small smile, and Meghan reaches over to squeeze her hand.
“Life gets so crazy,” Inès adds, her voice warm. “I swear, we blink, and months go by. But we’re here now, and that’s what matters.”
Meghan, always the planner, sits up straighter. “We should make a pact: girls’ getaways at least once a year. Somewhere fabulous each time. What do you think?”
“Oh my god, yes.” Camille lights up.
“Can we include spa days and unlimited snacks?” I joke, earning a round of laughter from all of them.
“Obviously,” Meghan says with mock seriousness. “What’s a getaway without spoiling ourselves rotten?”
The warmth in the room feels almost tangible. It’s moments like this that make the craziness of life, work, relationships, and even pregnancy feel manageable. We’re a team, a sisterhood, and no matter where life takes us, I know we’ll always come back to moments like this.
The day of the wedding dawns with clear blue skies and a gentle summer breeze. Perfect for a June wedding.
The ceremony takes place in a garden overlooking the river, with an arch of flowers framing the couple as they exchange their vows. The chairs are draped in white and gold, and a live string quartet plays softly in the background.
It gives royal wedding with the historic castle-like hotel perched on a hill, with its iconic green roofs and towers, which is really making me want to get married in Quebec too.
Justin looks dashing in his tailored tuxedo, and when Meghan walks down the aisle, there’s not a dry eye in the crowd.
She looks stunning as the bride. Her dress was custom-made by a very popular designer who has dressed tons of celebrities and high-profile people.
When Meghan asked me to make the bridesmaids’ and the maid of honor’s dresses, I was so humbled and grateful.
Meghan’s dress has intricate lace detailing that trails into a long train.
Her blonde hair is exquisitely styled, and her makeup is flawless.
Inès is fluttering around her, making sure everything is perfect.
Camille and I are dressed in blush silk gowns that flow elegantly with every step, with mine hugging my baby bump flatteringly.
I mean, I would know, I made them. I can’t help but feel a little emotional seeing all of us together.
Inside, the ballroom is an ethereal dream. White roses, peonies, and hydrangeas spill from towering arrangements, and the air is filled with their soft fragrance. Twinkling lights drape the walls, and the golden accents of the room gleam in the sunlight streaming through the grand windows.
The chandeliers sparkle above us, and the long dining tables are adorned with gold-rimmed plates, crystal glasses, and more flowers than I can count. A live band plays romantic jazz, and the mood is one of pure celebration.
Calvin, Desmond, Kingsley, and Justin look undeniably dashing in their tailored suits, each one exuding effortless charm.
But my eyes are drawn to only one: Calvin.
Every glance he sends my way feels electric, as though the crowded room has receded and it’s just us, tethered by something unspoken yet undeniably powerful.
During dinner, he keeps his hand gently resting on my back. He doesn’t miss a beat in making sure I’m comfortable, slipping extra bites of dessert onto my plate when he thinks I’m not paying attention. I catch him every time, and his sheepish smile makes my heart melt.
The next morning, we gather for a bittersweet breakfast together.
There’s laughter, teasing, and heartfelt goodbyes.
Meghan and Justin leave for their honeymoon, glowing with newlywed bliss.
Inès and Kingsley return to Boston, Camille heads back to New York, and Desmond does the same.
Though when he left, he was furious, on the phone yelling at someone about members’ privacy and something to do with an underground something.
I didn’t catch the rest. I’ve never seen Desmond angry before.
Hell, I’ve never even seen him annoyed. He’s always the one cracking jokes, the easygoing one.
I thought Calvin was the scary one, but maybe I had that completely backward.
This side of Desmond was new, and honestly, kind of terrifying.
Calvin and I decide to stay for two more days, savoring the luxury and tranquility of this magical place. We explore the cobblestone streets hand-in-hand, indulge in decadent meals, and lounge by the rooftop pool, soaking in the sun and each other’s company. These moments feel like a gift.
But it’s time to return to New York, to the city that holds the life we’re building together. As we pack up and prepare to leave, Calvin pulls me close, one arm wrapping around me and the other resting gently on my stomach as he gazes down at me, his expression soft and full of love.
“Ready to go home?” he asks.
I place my hand over his, feeling the gentle flutter of life growing within me, and look up into his warm, familiar eyes. “I’m ready.”
He smiles, leaning down to press a soft kiss to my forehead before resting his against mine. The moment feels suspended in time as if the world outside doesn’t exist. Just us, our love, and the promise of everything ahead.
“I love you,” I whisper.
His gaze softens even more, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I love you more,” he replies. “Come on, let’s go home.”
Hand in hand, we step forward, ready for the next chapter of our lives, together.
The End