Epilogue
Jade
“You look beautiful.” Sarah cries.
“Stop crying, or you’ll make me cry!”
“The tears are making great pictures, keep it up!” Wren says from behind her camera lens.
Our tears turn to laughs.
“Okay, okay. That’s enough. I don’t want to ruin my makeup.”
I turn to look at myself in the bedroom mirror one more time.
My dress is form-fitting with intricate lace detail all the way down its cathedral style train.
It’s got a V that makes my cleavage look fantastic, and my favourite part of the entire dress is the long, whimsical sleeves.
My hair is curled and pinned in a loose updo, and my make-up is simple.
In my hair is a floral crown that matches Maysie’s, and I smile at how excited she was to see us match.
“How’s it going in here, girls?” Astrid peeks her head into the room, and when she sees me standing here in my dress, a hand goes to her chest and tears shine in her eyes. “Oh, Jade, hunny. You look so beautiful.”
“Thank you, Astrid.” I smile, holding out my arms for her to come get a hug.
“Has Wren shown you pictures of the yard yet?”
“She did! You did such a beautiful job, Astrid. Thank you.”
West and I decided to get married here at home.
The trees have all changed colour in time for fall, and just like our proposal, flower petals line the patio all the way down to the dock.
I chose white and orange florals to match the colour of the trees, and it looks better than I could have imagined.
At the end of the dock stands a beautiful arch draped with an orange fabric and adorned with florals and pampas.
The girls scattered petals into the river and you can see them floating in the background. It’s like a fairy tale.
Out front on the grass, Astrid set up a tent and did such a beautiful job on the tables. On each table sits a wood round with lanterns and acorns, with napkins to match the burnt orange of the fabric on the arch and bridesmaid dresses.
It’s a small wedding with all our closest friends and family, and of course, Mrs. Ira. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Knock, knock,” a whimsical voice sounds from the other side of the door before Wren pulls it open. In walks Mabel and Maysie. “Flower girl and bridesmaid, at your service.”
“Oh, Maysie! Look at you! You look just like a little princess.” I smile, a huge grin taking over my face.
“Thanks! Mommy Mabel did my hair!” Maysie smiles so proudly, and when I glance over at Mabel, she’s got tears in her eyes at being called mommy. I am so happy for my new friend.
“Okay, now that everyone’s here, let’s go get you married!” Sarah yells with glee, ushering us all out the door.
Beau Donovan is officiating the wedding, and through the glass of the patio doors, I can see them at the end of the dock.
Beau’s got a hand on his son’s shoulder and a smile full of pride.
I smile at how handsome West looks. Next to West stands Hudson.
He’s wearing a suit that matches West’s brothers, but with suspenders instead.
He was so excited when West asked him to stand as best man.
The music begins to play, and Mabel signals Maysie to go out.
When she makes it halfway down, Sarah, Harper, and Mabel follow behind.
Wren is also a bridesmaid, but she wanted to be our photographer too, so while she won’t be walking down the aisle with us, she is still in a dress that matches the others.
Once the girls make it down to West, the music changes and all eyes turn up here.
“You ready?” Nick asks, taking my arm.
Together we step out onto the patio, and when my eyes meet the man waiting for me, I feel it.
All my broken and shattered pieces are finally mended.