His Little Amelia

EPILOGUE | Part 2

·Several months later·

"Ah...were you this nervous on your big day?

" I huffed, the nerves not leaving even when I let out a deep breath.

I chuckled, shaking my head as I adjusted the cuffs of my white dress shirt for the umpteenth time; it felt like every direction wasn't good enough.

The suit looked good; the white shirt was ironed stiff and lay crisply on my body, while the dark brown slacks I wore ran straight to my ankles.

But still, I couldn't leave my reflection be.

The cuffs were perfect, the collar sharp, the shoes buffed, the tie.

..okay, the tie could be straighter. I pulled at it again and blew out a breath.

The mirror reflected a man who should've looked composed; sleek hair swooped back without a strand out of place, jaw freshly shaved, skin smooth and clean.

I looked like someone who didn't even have the word 'nervous' in his vocabulary.

But inside?

I couldn't even begin to explain how nervous I felt.

"Tug on the tie anymore, and it would grow some legs and walk off. You look good, man. Let it go," Gabe snorted behind me.

I turned, and there he was- my best man and best friend for almost a decade, leaning casually against the wall of the suite, arms crossed, a grin playing on his face like he'd been waiting for this moment his whole life.

"You didn't answer the question." I shot him a glare.

"Oh, you mean whether I was a mess on my big day?" Gabe's smile widened. "Everest, you mocked me. Literally mocked me, for wanting to take another shower before the wedding started. I was sweating buckets, remember? You're getting married! That does something to you."

He walked over and patted my shoulder like I was a toddler needing reassurance. "I think you even said - and I quote - 'Get a grip, man, she already said yes.'"

"Okay, okay," I muttered, the corners of my mouth twitching. "That was insensitive."

"A little," Gabe agreed, clearly satisfied.

He walked over and plopped himself into the armchair across from me, legs stretched, hands behind his head like he was lounging at a beach resort, not backstage at my wedding.

"I haven't seen you this nervous since that operation during our third year together," Gabe said, shaking his head a little.

"You didn't sleep that night, just kept checking over your gear, making sure every man was ready.

I thought you'd crack under the weight of it.

But you didn't." He glanced at the door, then back at me. "You won't today either."

I remembered that night. The silence. The tension.

The flicker of doubt that ran through my spine every time I thought of who might not make it back.

I had walked into danger then with my jaw set and my hands steady.

But now? Now my hands were shaking. And the only thing waiting for me on the other side of those double doors was the woman I loved.

"I'm terrified, man." I admitted, my voice quiet. "This? This is everything I want...and I just don't want to screw it up." Gabe leaned forward, his elbows on his knees, the teasing gone from his voice. "You won't."

"She doesn't want you to be perfect, Everest," Gabe said after a beat. "She just wants you."

He didn't say anything after that. Didn't need to. Gabe knew when to shut up. He'd said his piece - and somehow, it landed exactly where I needed it to.

The door creaked open a second later.

It was my Dad.

I saw his eyes flick from me to Gabe, and then back to me.

He smiled, the kind he'd only ever reserved for life's biggest milestones.

"Well," He said, stepping forward, jacket folded over one arm, "If you weren't nervous, then I'd be worried.

" He teased, clearly telling I was nervous with a little as a look at me.

I stepped toward him almost instinctively, "What gave it away?" I asked almost breathless, pulling him into a hug. I hugged him hard, and he patted my back reassuringly. I let out a low breath, trying to smile as I pulled back. "Anyways, Gabe here just gave me a pep talk, so I'll be alright."

His brows lifted knowingly. "I'm sure he did."

He held me at arm's length, examining me with a proud glint in his eyes. "It's a big moment," He uttered. "It should shake you a little. But you walk through it anyway."

I nodded, jaw clenched to keep the emotions from pushing up too high. My dad wasn't the kind of man to say I'm proud of you outright. But it was there, in the way he smoothed a wrinkle from my shirt, in the way his voice softened as he said, "You look sharp, son."

"Thanks, Dad."

When I glanced over at the chair Gabe was sitting on, I realized he was already on his feet again, pulling something from the garment bag he'd slung across the coat rack earlier. "Alright, soldier," He said with mock gravity, holding up my brown blazer and matching vest with a grin.

I gave a low chuckle, rubbing a hand over the back of my neck. "Didn't realize I'd need a dresser."

Gabe just rolled his eyes and stepped behind me. "You'd probably put your vest on backwards if left on your own." He slapped the vest lightly against my chest.

I obliged, letting him help me into the vest first, then the blazer. He adjusted the collar, tugged at the shoulders, and gave a satisfied nod before reaching for the small packet on the dressing table. When he took out the gold brooch; Amelia's initials engraved in delicate cursive.

It didn't matter how many times I saw the brooch, it still made my heart swell with pride.

He pinned it to my left breast pocket carefully, then stepped back, his eyes lingering on it with a big smile. "And you ask me why I call you a lover boy."

He teased quietly, tapping my shoulders. "Now go and get your wife."

"We'll head out now. Remember, when they introduce you, just walk to the alter, okay? I'm rooting for you, my man." I smiled, waving at them before turning back to my reflection. "Okay Everest Simon, you got this." While glancing at myself, I wondered how Amelia was doing.

I hadn't seen her in almost three days, apparently I wasn't meant to see the bride beforehand, but seventy-two hours without seeing her was grueling. Goodness, I missed her. What did her dress look like? How was she being styled? I knew it would be an awe and this made me more excited to see her.

Amelia was going to be my wife.

I chuckled, this time a lot less nervous as I stared at myself in the mirror, standing tall.

A part of me had calmed down and now, my gaze was to the ceiling.

"Lord...I know we don't talk much...I know I don't talk to You much, but thank you.

Thank you for blessing me with such a woman, I thought I'd be a bitter old and gray man, longing about my lost love.

..but you gave me a new, and frankly better one.

" I muttered under my breath, closing my eyes.

"I know you made our paths cross, so I want to do this marriage with you...and also do life with you...if you allow me to."

I said to myself, and as if in immediate response, I heard my late mother's words.

'God is always willing to walk with you.

' My body tensed up, "Did you just speak to me, Lord?

" I asked in shock, the words weren't so audible, but I heard them in my own voice.

But, honestly? I knew my mind couldn't have come up with that response so fast. This drew a wide grin on my face.

"I hear You, Lord. I hear You..." Now my entire being was calm.

Stepping back, I slowly turned to the door, opening it to get into position. With my hands clasped in front of me, I listened closely for my call. And after what seemed like five minutes, it happened.

"Let us welcome the groom, Mr. Everest Simon." The priest's warm voice called out.

Smiling, I walked out of the corner, the church center coming into view. From where I stood, I could see the moment the entire audience shifted to turn my way to stare. Familiar faces turned my way, people I'd known for years, and even months.

As I made my way to the front of the hall, I noticed a number of people.

The first was Cas — she sat in a silk gown with a grin on her face, Bran, her husband beside her.

When I had invited her for the wedding, she was all squeals, saying she knew Amelia would be my wife when I'd brought her as my plus one to her wedding.

How time had passed, now she was here, attending my wedding with a husband and proud grin.

The next person my eyes went to was someone Amelia was familiar with — well, some people.

In a row of the church sat Amelia's former colleagues.

The first was Preston — I still remembered his face, still remembered the day I'd come into their bakery shop, searching for Amelia was mad at me.

She's not here, he had told me, his tone protective.

It was nice knowing she had people that cared for her, and it had been far too long since she'd seen any of them.

Beside him was a woman I hadn't seen before, and from the way she looked over at Preston with a small, loving smile and back at me, I guessed she was his date. Then my gaze went over to the girl I'd seen before, the one who had helped me push Amelia out the door that day, Ava.

I didn't know all there names but there was a girl with jet black hair, and a the quiet guy I had met sitting beside Ava.

I was glad they could make it.

Looking to the left, I was halfway through the hall now.

That was when I saw him, the man who just loved making appearances after months of going MIA.

It was Adam Chester, he grinned at me, winking when we locked eyes.

Chester was a good friend of mine, we had hung out after Cas' wedding but after that, he had to leave town for a couple of months.

At the second row where the guys were sat the men I'd grown accustomed to, the men I'd worked with in Abel's workshop.

Guy sat beside Rasu and his wife, while Andrew sat at the edge.

They were all grinning at me, it must have felt nostalgic for them.

They were in the workshop several times Amelia had come in, like the day she pecked me in the middle of the workshop — they teased me to stupor that day.

They were also aware of our fights, saying it showed on me.

And they were there when we made up after the incident with Raul.

Finally, I reached the priest's side, turning to face the audience.

The front seats were reserved for family. My eyes locked with my father who sat proudly, hand intertwined with his wife. Beside them was Saffron, quietly blowing into a tissue. I smiled, rolling my eyes at her antics. Saffron looked like a proper lady.

Her wild red hair was tamed into a sleek bum, her cheeks flushed red not just by the tears but with makeup as well.

Saffron had on a golden silk dress, the neck swooped to expose just enough cleavage for me to make a mental note to scold her on.

Seated beside her was Rivers — that boyfriend of hers who I'd reluctantly accepted into the family.

He gave me a small smile, rubbing Saffron's back reassuringly.

At the opposite side was Amelia's side of the family — but it was still empty. Abel was standing beside Gabe as my best man, while Joseph was still with his beloved daughter. He was going to walk her down the aisle.

I gave the priest a nod, signaling for him to continue. So he did. "Let us welcome, the friends of the bride. Her bridesmaids." He called out and in a minute, one by one, they began strolling in.

The first was Binta.

Her movements were elegant, slow, and when her eyes met mine, she smiled. Her nod seemed approving if anything. Then, she took her position in front.

Next was Kaji.

Amelia had let me know that they were cousins, perhaps that was why their resemblance was so candid.

They both wore a gold gown that trailed to the floor.

The theme for the wedding was gold, while I and Amelia would wear white and dark brown.

As the ladies walked past, my anticipation grew to see my bride, was she going to be next?

Thinning my lips, I took a deep breath, my palms feeling moist again.

I was nervous, staring at that door like I had the power to slam it open with a glance.

"Shall we all rise, to welcome the bride, Amelia Njoli."

When the priest said this, my shoulders tended, and for whatever reason, I held my breath.

She was coming.

The door creaked open, revealing two people.

It was Amelia, arms interlocked with her father — Joseph.

My eyes widened, gaze set solely on her.

My gorgeous woman. Goodness, I couldn't look away. Amelia stood confidently, allowing us to take in her appearance. As she began to take slow steps towards where I stood, my heart began to thud hard. She was here, walking towards me, about to be my bride.

I'd seen Amelia in different attires before, but today surpassed them all.

Her gown caught the light first. At the top, it clung to her skin in a sheer, nude material which was kissed with delicate gems that glimmered when she moved.

They trailed along her wrists like stardust, and then gathered across her bust, flowing downward in white lace and gemstones that shaped her frame in a way that left my chest tight.

The dress narrowed over her waist before fanning out, hugging her thighs in a fishtail that spilled behind her in a train.

The dress was absolutely made for her, gorgeous was so much of an understatement. Every part of her was complimented in this. I bit my lip, knowing even if I saw this gown a thousand times on her, I would want to see it ten thousand more.

But it wasn't just the dress. It was her.

Her natural curls were drawn up into a sleek bun, the edges smooth, curved with gel, and on the top of her head sat her beautiful curls. I hardly saw her in her natural curls as she had on braids most of the time, but this..this was something I would want to be seeing more often.

Her face was glowing — not just from the makeup, though that helped highlight her cheekbones and the soft curve of her lips — but from something inside.

That joy, that innocence I had fallen in love with.

She was both cute and breathtakingly pretty, the girl I knew and the woman I was marrying, all in one.

Her bouquet was clutched against her chest, white roses, scattered with stems of chrysanthemums. Our flower. I swallowed hard. She carried them with such grace, pressing them just below her heart, her smile never leaving her face.

My vision blurred. It started as a sting. I blinked, once, twice, but the tears rolled hot anyway, clouding her image before me. I sniffed, tried to steel myself, but I couldn't. My wife was walking towards me, and I was undone.

A light tap came on my shoulder, and when I turned, I saw Gabe, pressing a folded hanky into my palm without a word. I gave him a grateful nod, dabbing at my eyes with the rough cloth, though it did little. The tears kept breaking through.

I knew I'd be emotional today, but having waterworks before she even reached my side? This was a new record.

Amelia noticed. Even from across the aisle, even with her arm looped in Joseph's, her lips curved.

A soft giggle, slipped from her as she looked down at her flowers, shaking her head as though to say, Evie, you're hopeless.

That giggle, it resounded across the space, straight into me, and I almost laughed too, if I hadn't been so busy trying to breathe.

Joseph walked steady beside her, shoulders squared with pride and heaviness all at once. When they reached me, he released her arm carefully, as though letting go of something sacred. Then, he turned to me, his gaze searching, then extended his hand.

I took it and he came closer, his free hand pulling me into a hug.

"Please...take care of my daughter, cherish her.

..love her...please." Joseph said.

His voice wavered slightly, the words thick.

He didn't need to tell me twice, those words stuck to me.

I could hear his plea from it. Sometime ago, we were sat at the mechanic shop where he told me blatant that he didn't like me.

But we had settled our differences.

Now here we were, exchanging hugs at the alter.

I nodded, my hand gripping his tightly and reassuringly. "I will. With everything in me." I told him, my voice firm.

I would go to war for this woman, he didn't have to worry.

His palm pressed firm against mine, then patted my back once, a father's final act of entrusting. Just like my dad would do. As he went to his seat, I saw Abel in the corner of my eye. He nodded toward his father. Joseph returned the nod, his eyes rimmed red.

Then I turned, extending my hand for Amelia to take. The woman grinned, gently placing hers in mine.

With a slight tug, she climbed the altar as well, one hand in mind and the other holding the bouquet.

Her hands fitted in mine perfectly, that warmth that I often missed the moment we would leg go.

Her hands, soft and always warm. Today, her nails were done, painted white, the edges tipped with a blush of pink.

It made them look almost too pretty to touch.

I tightened my grip around hers, making her know I was with her.

"You look..." My throat closed, the words catching. I tried clearing them, my eyes burning again. "You look so gorgeous, baby."

Her cheeks beamed instantly. She looked down shyly, then glanced back up at me with those eyes that always undid me. Turning slightly, she handed her bouquet over to Kaji then whispered, "Thank you, you look very handsome too, Evie."

We stood there, hands still locked, grinning at each other.

Just then, the priest began.

"Beloved family and friends, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and man to witness the joining of Amelia Njoli and Everest Simon in holy matrimony.

" He began, "Marriage is a covenant, a bond that is not only a union of two souls but a partnership ordained by God Himself.

It is a journey filled with joy, sacrifice, patience, and above all, love. "

He paused, his gaze sweeping the room, before resting kindly on us.

"Today is not merely about promises spoken aloud, but about hearts committed, choosing every day to remain faithful and true.

Marriage is a beautiful thing. A gift, an assignment, a blessing.

And so, in front of those who love you and in the presence of the Almighty, we will now allow you both to openly declare your vows. "

The crowd shifted, breaths quieting, the weight of the moment sinking in. The priest gave a small nod, inviting us to begin.

I glanced at Amelia, unable to stop the smile tugging at my lips. "You go first," I whispered. My voice was low, but she caught it.

Her cheeks warmed with a blush, and she bit her lip, nodding shyly. She turned to Kaji, who immediately held out a folded slip of paper. Amelia's fingers trembled as she took it, then she faced forward again. A deep breath lifted her chest.

She looked at me, only me. Her eyes holding me in place, her lips curving into a small smile.

It took everything in me to remain still and not swoop her off her feet into the freaking sunset.

The room, the audience, even the priest faded.

Then, her eyes fluttered back to the paper, and she began.

"Everest Simon, my Evie. I'm standing here today, with you, because you're such a man.

You're kind, faithful, forgiving, extremely loving and.

..just a perfect man in all aspects. I mean, look at him, doesn't the look so handsome today as well?

" She teased with a giggle, the audience laughed as well.

My lips widened, I probably now had on a goofy grin.

"When I met you, I didn't know what to expect.

I wasn't even sure I was ready to meet someone like you.

You came in and in such a short time, you began to mean so much to me.

You always listen to me, you remember everything I tell you, you make me realize things that I wouldn't have seen even if it knocked me in the face.

" She let out a quiet chuckle. "You saw me for who I was and loved me regardless. "

Her voice trembled, soft but steady enough to carry through the room.

"You've taught me so much about what love really is.

It's not about perfection, or even always getting it right.

It's about choosing each other every day, even when it's hard.

It's patience. It's forgiveness. It's laughter after arguments, hugs after long days, and knowing that I have someone who's always in my corner. "

A small smile curved her lips as she blinked away the tears beginning to form. My heart swelled at her words, and before I know it, my eyes began to sting again.

"You've shown me what grace looks like. You've shown me that love can be safe, gentle, and still passionate all at once. You've made me laugh till my stomach hurt, and cry from being overwhelmed by how much you care. I don't think I'll ever get over how lucky I am that it's you."

Her words caught slightly, and she pressed her lips together before continuing.

"So today, in front of everyone here and before God, I make these promises to you.

I promise to love you with my whole heart and respect you with everything in me.

I promise to be your peace when life gets loud, your home when things fall apart, and your biggest cheerleader when the world underestimates you.

I promise to pray with you, to fight beside you, and to keep building this love that God started between us. "

Her gaze softened, voice thick with emotion. I bit my lips, trying to stop the tears from coming but every time I dabbed my face with the handkerchief, it only got wet again.

Had I ever cried this much?

I didn't think so.

Yet, hearing her say all these words, watching how much she had matured, how she could say all this without looking away from me, goodness.

It was the best feeling a man could ask for.

Amelia smiled, her gaze both triumphant and shocked to see how much I had cried in such a short amount of time.

I chuckled quietly to myself, utterly undone by her words.

"I promise to keep choosing you, every day, for the rest of our lives."

She swallowed hard, her voice breaking.

"I love you, Evie. With everything in me, I love you."

Her final words came out like a whisper, tender and trembling, and for a long moment, the hall was still, every heart holding its breath at the weight of what she'd just said.

When Amelia finished, the air seemed to still. The soft murmur of sniffles rippled faintly through the crowd, and even I could hear my own uneven breath. My heart was hammering so hard it hurt.

She folded the paper slowly, her fingers trembling, and passed it back to Kaji before tapping at the corner of her eyes. She was trying not to cry too much. I could tell. That was probably because of the makeup she had on. But her cheeks were flushed, her lips curved, and her eyes glowed.

The priest gave me a small nod. It was my turn.

I took a deep breath, trying to speak past the lump in my throat. "First of all," I began, voice rough but with a shaky smile, "I didn't realize that I was going to cry this much, if I did, I'd have come with a bigger hanky."

The crowd chuckled softly. A few people laughed louder, and even Amelia let out a small giggle, tilting her head as if to say I told you so.

I exhaled, shoulders easing a little. "But standing here, looking at you... I can't help it."

I paused, the words tumbling out in a voice that wavered between gratitude and disbelief.

"When I first met you, I knew I wanted to get to know you more, and when I did, I fell faster than I ever had. I knew I wanted to be with you. So, thank you. Thank you for loving me back."

My voice broke again, and I had to look down for a second, blinking fast to hold it together. Slowly, Amelia stretched out her hand, hers finding mine. Her smaller hands cupped mine, squeezing it reassuringly. I smiled, appreciating her warmth and support.

"I promise," I said, tightening my grip, "To love you the way Christ loved the church — selflessly, faithfully, endlessly.

I promise to cherish you, to protect your heart as if it were my own.

I promise to choose you, even when it's hard, even when we don't see eye to eye.

It will never be me versus you. It will always be us versus the problem. "

Her lips quivered into a smile, and her thumb brushed over my palm as if urging me to keep going.

"I promise to walk with you in faith, to pray with you, to grow with you, to keep God at the center of everything we do.

I promise to be your strength when you're weary, your comfort when you're anxious, and your partner in every dream we chase.

You'll never have to face anything alone, not while I'm breathing. "

I swallowed hard, drawing in a shaky breath. "I love you, Amelia. And for the rest of my life, I'll keep proving it."

When I stopped speaking, the hall was quiet again. There were tears, soft sniffles, and quiet smiles everywhere. But all I could see was her; the woman in front of me, the one I knew God had given me and the one who'd just become my forever.

The priest stepped forward again, his tone gentle yet commanding.

"Do you, Amelia Njoli take Everest Simon as your lawfully wedded husband?" He asked, turning to face my woman who was already nodding in a smile, her eyes clouded with tears. "Of course, I do."

"And do you, Everest Simon, take Amelia Njoli to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do." I'd never been so sure of anything in my life. "By the power vested in me by God Almighty and by the state council, I now pronounce you, Amelia Simon, and you, Everest Simon, husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride."

My chest expanded with a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. I took a step forward, closing the small distance between us.

Her eyes fluttered shut before I even touched her. My hands framed her face, thumbs brushing the damp trails of her tears, and then I leaned in, kissing her.

Her hands slid up to my shoulders, one curling at the back of my neck as she leaned into me, soft and sure.

When she tilted her head slightly, I followed the motion instinctively, my lips moving against hers in a rhythm. Her fingers tightened, nails grazing the back of my neck, and a quiet hum left her throat, soft, almost shy, but it sent a rush straight through me.

I smiled into the kiss, couldn't help it. She was everything.

Then—

A pointed ahem broke the spell.

We froze.

The priest cleared his throat again, though I swore I saw the corner of his mouth twitch with amusement. "The ceremony is still ongoing," He said lightly, to the laughter of the audience.

Amelia pulled back, her cheeks flushed, her lips pink and a little swollen. She hid her face against my chest, laughing breathlessly, while I chuckled and snaked a hand around her waist, pulling her closer to me.

"My bad, I couldn't help myself," I muttered, loud enough for only her to hear.

"Me neither." She whispered back, smiling up at me from beneath her lashes.

God help me, I already wanted to kiss her again.

The priest lifted his hand, beaming. "Family and friends, it is my honor to introduce to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Simon!"

The crowd erupted. Cheers, whistles, laughter, all of it exploding in a wave of joy that filled every corner of the room. People stood, clapping, crying, celebrating.

But even through all of it, I couldn't take my eyes off her. My wife. My Amelia.

Intertwining our hands, we began to make our way through the length we had walked at the beginning alone, now hand in hand. We moved slowly through the crowd, nodding and grinning to the congratulations.

As we reached the middle where we had agreed to take a photograph, the confetti blew, making her squeal.

And in an instant, as practice, I dipped her, making the woman squeal.

And for the second time this afternoon, I took her lips in mine.

I could hear the clicks of the camera, people squealing and probably recording.

Amelia held my shoulder, kissing me back.

After a few seconds, I spun her back to her feet. She gasped, her palms pressed against my chest. "Evie! That was so romantic!" Amelia giggled, pulling me down to kiss my cheek. I grinned, silently thanking Gabe for the idea.

Watching her cheeks beam in a smile, my hands instinctively went to her face, my thumb tracing the corner of her smile."My wife," I murmured, barely recognizing my own voice; it was softer and the words were still foreign on my lips. "I love you so much."

Her lashes fluttered, laughter spilling from her lips.

"I love you too, my sweet husband," She whispered, her words melting my insides.

Then slowly, she wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me closer until I could feel her heartbeat drumming against mine.

She leaned back slightly, eyes still on mine, and for a second I thought about how blessed I was.

Smirking, I trailed my hands up hers, taking her palms in mine, raising them over her head.

Then I spun her one last time, just to see her laugh again.

The ends of her dress fanning out; the fabric shimmering as she twirled back into my arms. Amelia landed against my chest with a small gasp, smiling so wide it reached her eyes.

"Tonight..." I whispered, moving closer. She stifled a giggle, tilting her head with a suggestive grin of her own. "Yeah?"

I brushed my lips against her ear, my voice dropping low. "You're all mine."