Epilogue
Six Months Later
Nathan
T he soft late afternoon breeze carries the scent of flowers across the immaculately decorated gazebo at Solana Vineyard. I adjust my tie for the tenth time, taking in the moment before the ceremony begins. As Jonathan’s brother and groomsman, I want everything to be perfect for his big day.
“You look fine,” Jonathan assures me, standing beside me in his impeccable tuxedo. My brother has never looked more confident or happier than today, about to marry the woman he loves.
“Just want everything to be perfect for you,” I reply, dropping my hands to my sides.
Jonathan smiles. “It already is. Look around you.”
I do as he suggests, taking in the vision that Lyla, Marco, and his team have transformed into reality. The vineyard gazebo stands adorned with seasonal wildflowers in soft creams and purples, accented with trailing vines and grape leaves woven through the structure. Beyond the assembled rows of white chairs, the rolling hills stretch toward the horizon, painted in the golden light. The air charges with anticipation and joy.
The officiant takes his place at the front, looking poised and dignified as the guests take their seats. My eyes find Quinn in the far back beside Lyla, a tablet in hand. She looks radiant in a soft burgundy dress that makes her eyes seem even brighter. She catches me looking and gives me that private smile that still makes my heart race after these past six months together. I think of the engagement ring I gave her six months ago, and I’m filled with gratitude all over again that she said yes to spending her life with me.
The string quartet begins playing, signaling the start of the ceremony. Jonathan and Jake, his best man, walk to the front and take their positions. My brother somehow maintains his composure despite the anticipation clearly written on his face. I follow shortly after with the other groomsmen, escorting Mia, before taking my position beside Jake.
The music shifts to a processional tune, and the bridesmaids begin making their entrance one by one. Kami follows a moment later, looking elegant in her lavender dress as maid of honor. From her seat, Quinn exchanges a quick smile with Lyla, who’s standing discreetly to the side overseeing the ceremony as wedding planner.
After all the bridesmaids are in position, everyone rises to their feet as the music begins.
The music swells, soft and hauntingly beautiful, as Kiera steps forward. The hush in the room feels almost reverent.
The bride is a vision in white that draws gasps from the assembled guests. Her dress is simple elegance, hugging her now-recovered post-baby figure before flowing out gently at her hips. Her dark hair is swept up, tiny wildflowers woven through the intricate style, and a delicate veil frames her face. But it’s her smile—that radiant, joyful smile directed solely at my brother—that touches everyone watching.
She walks with her father, his proud expression unmistakable as he escorts her down the aisle. When they reach the front, I watch my brother’s face transform with such pure love that I have to swallow the unexpected lump in my throat.
“Take care of my little girl,” Kiera’s father says, placing her hand in Jonathan’s.
“With everything I am,” my brother promises.
From my position, I catch Quinn’s eye again. She’s watching the exchange with misty eyes, her hand resting lightly over her heart. When she notices me looking, she mouths I love you across the space between us. The simple gesture fills me with warmth.
The ceremony flows beautifully, from the officiant’s words about love and commitment to the personalized vows Jonathan and Kiera exchange. They’ve written their own, and there’s hardly a dry eye in the audience as they promise to support each other, to cherish their family, to face whatever challenges life brings together.
When they’re finally pronounced husband and wife, Jonathan pulls Kiera into a kiss that seals their promises, and everyone erupts in cheers and applause.
As they walk back up the aisle together, petals shower down from strategically placed baskets above, a surprise Marco had arranged at the last minute. Jake follows with Kami on his arm as best man and maid of honor, then the rest of us groomsmen and bridesmaids in pairs. I spot Lyla giving discreet signals to the staff, ensuring everything runs perfectly.
Once free of official duties, I make my way to Quinn in the crowd, threading through well-wishers to reach her side.
“Beautiful ceremony,” she says as I reach her, her eyes still shining with happy tears.
“Almost as beautiful as you,” I reply, taking her hand and bringing it to my lips.
She blushes, the color highlighting her cheekbones. Damn, seeing her like this makes me fall in love with her all over again. “Charmer.”
Then again, it’s like that every time I see her.
I intertwine our fingers, feeling the engagement ring I gave her cool against my palm. The diamond catches the afternoon sunlight. “Only with you, future Mrs. Knight.”
Quinn
The reception is in full swing, the converted wine barn at Solana transformed into a magical space filled with twinkling lights and laughter. Hanging lanterns cast a warm glow over the tables, while candlelight flickers from centerpieces crafted from grapevine wreaths, seasonal blooms, and trailing ivy. The entire space smells of flowers, fresh-baked bread, and happiness.
I watch from our table as Jake delivers his best man speech, sharing heartfelt stories about his friendship with Jonathan since college. His final words about watching Jonathan become not just a business leader alongside him but a loving husband and father bring fresh tears to Kiera’s eyes.
Then Nathan takes the microphone for a brief toast as the brother of the groom, his face animated as he shares stories about growing up with Jonathan, carefully edited for the audience but still drawing roars of laughter.
“To my brother and his beautiful bride.” Nathan raises his glass in conclusion. “May your love story continue to inspire us all. To Jonathan and Kiera!”
“To Jonathan and Kiera!” the crowd echoes, glasses raised.
As Nathan returns to his seat beside me, I slip my hand into his beneath the table. “That was perfect,” I tell him.
He squeezes my hand, bringing it to his lips for a quick kiss. “Think so? I was worried the story about the frog in the hot tub might have been too much.”
“Just enough,” I assure him with a laugh. “The look on Jonathan’s face was priceless.”
“So.” Lyla slides into the seat on my other side, champagne flute in hand. “You two are disgustingly cute together. You know that?”
“We’re just warming up.” I grin, unable to stop the happiness bubbling inside me. The feeling is similar to being drunk yet somehow better.
“After everything you went through, you deserve it,” she says, clinking her glass against mine. “I’m just glad I had a front-row seat to the epic romance.”
I laugh. “Epic romance? Is that what you’re calling it?”
“Yep!” She grins. “But seriously, Quinn. Seeing you like this…” She gestures to my face, the general aura of joy I know I’m radiating. “It’s everything.”
I squeeze her hand. “Thank you. For being there through all of it. The good, the bad, the downright ugly crying sessions, mountain of ice cream, and all the K-dramas.”
“What are best friends for?” She winks. “Though I expect the same support when Mr. Right comes along. I swear, I’m beginning to think he doesn’t truly exist for me.”
Her phone buzzes in her clutch, and she pulls it out with an apologetic smile. As she checks the screen, her expression transforms dramatically—eyes widening, mouth falling open.
“Everything okay?” I ask, concerned by her reaction.
“I… Yeah, I think so,” she says, her voice unusually shaky. “Remember that dating show I auditioned for months ago? For shits and giggles?”
I nod, recalling her hilarious stories about the casting process.
“Well, they want me. They actually want me for the next season.” She stares at her phone in disbelief. “Filming starts in three weeks.”
“Lyla, that’s amazing!” I exclaim, genuinely excited for her.
She nods, but her smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “It is, but…”
“But what?”
She hesitates, then shakes her head. “Nothing. It’s just unexpected. I never thought they’d actually pick me.”
Nathan’s phone chimes, and he glances at it briefly before tucking it away. “Huh. Scott just sent a companywide email. He’s taking an extended leave starting in three weeks. That’s a first for him since he hasn’t taken a vacation in years.”
Lyla’s champagne flute freezes halfway to her lips. “Scott? As in Scott Bennett?”
“Yeah, Knight Industries’ head of security,” Nathan says. “Lyla, are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” she says too quickly, her voice an octave higher than normal. “What a small world that we know the same people and that he’s taking time off at the exact same time I am. What an interesting coincidence, right? Is the universe weird or what?”
“It certainly works in mysterious ways.” I take a glance at my man when I say this, before putting my attention back on Lyla. “Do you know Scott?”
She hesitates before responding. “Something like that. I haven’t seen him in years.”
Something in her tone makes me suspicious of her nonchalance. “Are you sure you’re okay?” I ask quietly.
For a brief moment, I see something flash across her face—an expression I’ve never seen on my usually confident bestie. But then it’s gone so fast I almost think I imagined it. She then gives me her trademark smile. “Of course,” she says with forced brightness. “What could possibly go wrong on a dating show with the whole country watching, right?”
Before I can press further, Nathan appears at my side, hand extended. “May I have this dance with my beautiful fiancée?” Nathan asks.
I stand, taking Nathan’s outstretched palm. “Always.”
He leads me close to the center of the dance floor as the band begins playing a slow, romantic melody. His arms envelop me, one hand warm against the small of my back, the other holding mine against his chest where I can feel his heartbeat.
“Happy?” he murmurs against my hair.
I tilt my face up to his warm gaze; all my attention is to him. “Completely.”
“Good.” He pulls me closer as we sway to the music. “Because this is just the beginning for us, Quinn.”
I smile up at him. “The beginning, huh? What exactly do you have in mind?”
His eyes darken with promise. “Forever. With you. Starting tonight.”
As Nathan’s lips meet mine in a kiss that holds promise and passionate devotion, I know with absolute certainty that whatever challenges lie ahead, we will face them together.
No secrets, no doubts, only us.
I’ve tried to move on. He’s making sure I don’t.