Epilogue
SIXTEEN MONTHS LATER
AUTUMN
The burgundy chiffon dress falls to my ankles in a cool waterfall of fabric as I swish the skirt around in front of the dressing room mirror.
“How does it look?” Davie calls from the other side of the curtain.
Sliding the thick material to the side, I step out and strike a pose. “Gorgeous, of course. Is it a rule that vow renewal bridesmaid dresses actually be flattering? Because I need that to make its way to the original wedding outfits.”
Davie and Cormac’s vow renewal is in a few weeks, and this is the final fitting for my gown. When she’d asked me to stand up with her during the ceremony, I’d been honored, though surprised. I didn’t know that bridesmaids—wifes-maids?—were a thing during a renewal service versus a true wedding.
If Cormac had gotten married in the traditional way, Briggs and Deacon would have been his groomsmen, but since he and Davie had eloped at the courthouse, his brother, Connor, had been the only one standing with him, while Davie had her best friend, Linnea.
This time, they’re doing everything the way it should have been. Briggs got fitted for his tux yesterday, and he looked hot as hell.
Of course, I always think he’s the sexiest man around.
It’s hard to believe that over a year ago, we were strangers. Practically enemies after that first meeting.
And now, he’s the love of my life.
The grumpy beast I tamed, at least, that’s how the people of High Ridge characterize it. Honestly, I think he saved me just as much as I may have rescued him.
I was in a toxic cycle with Jason and my parents, no matter how hard I was trying to change. Even my tattoo—the fall leaves—had been a metaphor for that desire to transition into a different season of life, even if initially I played it off as an allusion to my name.
Briggs broke me free from the shell of the woman I used to be.
Taught me that it was okay to be myself—flaws and all—because that’s exactly who he was, too. Always his authentic self, even if some people found it off-putting.
“I’m not sure what the protocol is for vow renewals, but I wasn’t about to have my best friends stand with me looking like uncomfortable taffeta dolls,” Davie says, eyeing the way the light fabric skims over my curves.
We debated going strapless or one strap, but with how busty Linnea and I are, it would have been disastrous.
“And we appreciate your concern,” I tease, remembering to dial back on thoughts of Briggs while with Davie. I’ll see him after this appointment anyway.
Because he’s mine—now and forever.