Epilogue
Jack
People may think our relationship is weird, they may think that I was insane for getting involved with a woman that was a single mum, not only a single mum but turns out a single mum with a sick daughter. Well I’m not insane, I’m not desperate or after her money. Not that she has any.
It’s simple really. A woman, no a beautiful woman walked into my apartment all those years ago, looking for whatever that scumbag’s name was, then she fainted.
I didn’t have to drive her home. I felt for her.
She was clearly heartbroken and not only did I want to hunt this arsehole down for squatting in my apartment but I wanted to hunt him down for her.
There was something about her then that stayed with me.
Something that I just couldn’t forget, whether it was her sparkling eyes, her smile that somehow made you feel good.
It was infectious. Either way I wanted to know more about this mysterious woman, so I drove to her flat a few months later, giving her that time to get over the low life.
I was raised a gentleman and to treat women with respect and that’s what I did.
Even though I really wanted to go all cave man and stake my claim sooner.
I saw her, her cheeks were flushed and she was laughing with a friend, who I later found out was Bella, then I saw the obvious round bump.
She was pregnant and obviously with that dickhead.
I would never wreck or interfere with a family and she looked happy.
Reluctantly, I drove away. I wasn’t meant to have her.
So I spent the next four to five years casual dating.
Until that day she came into my office. Miss Smith.
I was nearly knocked off of my feet but she didn’t remember me.
I wasn’t about to remind her of a time that was clearly a bad time for her.
I wanted to date her, get to know her. Of course it didn’t end up exactly like that.
It ended up being a kind of backwards relationship as it went from 0 to 100 in mere seconds.
It didn’t scare me, it felt right. I knew she was it for me.
My father always said that when the right woman would walk into your life you would know.
She would make you laugh, she would be intelligent, she would have a beauty that would hold you captivated.
She would be the only one on your mind. She would consume all thoughts.
Most importantly for her, you would want to be a better man. He was right in every way.
So as I stand here at the altar with the vicar stood smiling pleasantly at our guests on our wedding day I’m not nervous. I’m excited to spend the rest of my life with her.
The music plays and the doors open at the back of the church. “Face me son. Trust me, the anticipation of seeing her will make it all the more incredible,” the vicar states, smiling.
I nod. “Wow. She looks stunning,” Phil my best man and Bella’s now husband comments. “And Bella looks like she’s about to jump me,” he adds.
“That will be the hormones. If you both disappear at the reception we will know where you’ve gone,” I tease.
The vicar clears his throat to silence us. Phil leans in and whispers, “So how well did Neve take the fact that your family is minted?”
“Not too great. She offered to sign a pre-nup, stating she wouldn’t take a penny. I talked her out of it.” I wink.
“I don’t get how she didn’t realise. Your apartment, your car. Even your posh school boy accent screams wealth,” Phil comments.
“Alright easy, you’re going to give me a complex,” I mock hurt.
“Oh you’re up.” Phil nudges.
I turn to my side and see Neve looking beyond breath-taking in her lace-fitted dress. “Hey!” She smiles.
“Hey.” I smile back.
“Did she protest much?” I ask her.
Neve rolls her eyes. “I compromised. With the shoes.”
I look over to see Hope stood there with the other bridesmaids.
It has been two years since her surgery and her hair has grown into a short bob.
She has a smug smile on her face. I look down at her feet and see her bright glittered rainbow coloured boots.
I laugh. She catches me laughing and gives me a thumbs up.
I lean in, placing my hand on Neve’s small stomach. “If this one is as spirited as their older sister, we are in for a hell of a time.” I smirk.
The End