Epilogue
WILLOW
Two Years Later
“Looks like the weather is with us today,” Willow announced to her staff as they helped her prepare Willow’s Web for that day’s festivities.
She pulled out a sign that said Closed Private Event. “Hey,” she said to the barista. “I’m counting on you to make sure the reception goes smoothly.”
The young man smiled. “You bet, Ms. Nolan.”
Willow briskly walked toward the espresso bar to gather her things and patted Theola’s back. “Let’s go! Baron is on the way to the church and already picked up Ted,” she said.
Theola had been sitting on one stool waiting for her, and gushed once more, “I’m so excited!” She smoothed her mauve-colored gown as they exited together.
Willow hurried out to her parked car and sat in the driver’s seat. “Get in! We’ll be late,” she called after Theola.
Willow pulled her car up at St. Stephen’s Cathedral and saw people gathering, both locals and non-locals alike.
The cathedral looked even more immaculate that day; flowers lined its arched entrance, and nearly half the town had gathered for this momentous day.
When the crowd had entered the church, a white car arrived, and Sal stepped out of it in an elegant white silk gown.
Finally, Willow thought, and tears welled up in her eyes. Her friend was never more dazzling than now. Sal had pulled her hair up in a bun, and her face radiated warmth and happiness. Willow handed her the bouquet.
“Sal,” she said with watery eyes, “you look breathtaking, babe.”
Sal smiled back. “Don’t make me cry,” she said. “Is everyone here?”
“Yes—Ted, Theola, Auden, Baron, the whole town is practically here.” She chuckled.
“And the groom?”
“He’s already inside.”
Sal grasped her hand, and Willow excused herself to join the others in the cathedral.
Bouquet in hand, she positioned herself with everyone else in the bridal party.
From the front, Willow witnessed St. Stephenshire gathered before her very eyes.
Old Ted sported his cane and rocked his usual Barong Tagalog.
Marie Campbell sat proudly as her daughter stood beside Willow as part of the entourage.
Mayor Fayemoore was there. Vicky held Chaplin next to a smiling Baron, and the Tovar matriarch, Iris Tovar, was seated in the front pew, eyeing her golden boy, Rafa, the handsome groom.
Beside Willow stood Theola, Auden, and Rafa’s sisters, and opposite them was Arthur as the best man.
The music picked up, the doors opened, and Sal emerged.
She walked ever so gracefully down the aisle—magnificent and full of agency.
On that day, a couple said their vows, exchanged rings, people gave toasts, and the first spring blossom of St. Stephenshire bloomed.
It proved that even when magic disappears, it finds places to go and is never lost.