Epilogue
Helena fought not to bite her lip and ruin her lipstick. Jade had fussed over her makeup while her mother applied a final touch of hairspray before placing the veil over her hair. A perfect black veil that went with her dress, while white on the bottom, faded up into a black beaded bodice. Her mother had come around to her idea of a black dress after Helena and Jade both agreed all white was just not suited well for her.
The dusty rose-colored lip paired with her more minimal eye makeup completed the look. She met Ray behind the closed doors of their wedding venue. The banquet hall offered excellent accessibility for Grayson and had done a lovely job decorating the space she had seen so far.
“You ready, kiddo?” Ray held out his arm.
Of course, more tears threatened to cut a track through the miraculous foundation Jade had found for her.
“I’m nervous,” she whispered over the music that signaled it was time for all their guests to stand for the bride.
“Don’t worry. I’m here.” The corners of his eyes wrinkled with his smile. Helena stole a moment to hug and kiss him on the cheek.
“Thanks, Dad.”
Two attendants slowly opened the doors, and the black carpet led them down the aisle where Grayson waited in his chair. He looked perfect in a black suit with the purple pocket square to match the black and purple theme. His father stood as the best man, and Jade her maid of honor. Her mother dabbed her eyes gently as she took in the sight. Eddie held Emily, looking adorable in her purple dress and hair bow.
“It’s Aunt Hellie!” Helena heard her whisper to Eddie in excitement.
Helena’s heart swelled, unable to comprehend how in such a short time, everything had changed so drastically. She was about to be married. She was on the cusp of graduating and even had some internships lined up. She and Grayson had even begun discussing a baby. More on that tonight.
Ray left her at the altar with a kiss on the cheek, shaking Grayson’s hand.
“I’ll take care of her,” her groom promised.
They stared at one another as she kept one hand encased with his as she clutched her black and purple bouquet. Their shared gaze speaking all that needed to be said, they barely heard the officiant.
His voice faded in the background along with the intermittent sniffles of their closest friends and family. Only Grayson and she existed at this moment.
The officiant must have asked if Grayson took her to be his wife, because his mouth moved with an, “I do.”
With two simple words, Helena’s life would be all she wanted it to be, and more.
He asked if she took Grayson to be her husband, and Helena added “Daddy” to that sentence in her mind. The corner of his mouth tipped up, knowing for sure that she had.
“I do. Forever.”
“Forever, babygirl.”
The End