26. Epilogue
Chapter 26
Epilogue
E PILOGUE
RORY
A YEAR LATER
"Callie, please don't forget," I said into the phone. "Elodie needs to have her bath by 8pm and she's already had dinner so..."
"Rory, I got it," Callie said, chuckling. "You're always so worried. My niece and I will be just fine. Isn't that right, cutie?"
A low giggling sound came from the background and I laughed.
"Go," Callie said. "Have a nice time with Raphael. You two haven't had a night out in a while."
I glanced at Raphael. He was seated at the other end of the car, his legs crossed and his gaze on his phone. He was dressed in a white suit that made him look extra handsome. His hair was coiffured, and he smelled good, too.
"Fine," I said. "But don't hesitate to call me, okay? Raphael's mom will be there soon too."
"Okay, okay. Bye!"
"Bye," I said, hanging up.
"Is Elodie fine?" Raphael asked.
"Yeah," I sighed. "But I'm worried."
He dropped his phone and pulled me close, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. "It'll be fine," he said. "If you want, we can have the driver take us back home."
I shook my head. "No. I'm curious about where you're taking me. Are you going to give me a hint now?"
"I've told you," He said, kissing my cheek. "No hints."
I rolled my eyes, looking out the window. New York whizzed by us like a blur. Raphael fingers trailed around my arm, leaving heat in its wake. I looked up at him and smiled.
Eventually, we arrived at our destination and as I stepped out of the car, I looked up to see tall gates flanked by tall pillars. Beyond it, all I could see were tall trees. A guard stood outside, his hands clasped.
"Raphael," I gasped. "What is this place?"
"Come on," he said, holding out his hand. He led me as we walked through the gate. The doors closed behind us and the air grew heavier with the scent of roses.
It was a private garden.
Raphael and I walked along a cobblestone path, lined with an array of vibrant flowers that swayed gently in the evening breeze. The garden was illuminated by delicate fairy lights, casting a soft, magical glow over everything. The fragrance of jasmine and lavender filled the air, mingling with the sweet notes of honeysuckle.
We passed a small pond where koi fish swam lazily under water lilies. A charming wooden bridge arched over the pond, its railings entwined with ivy. The air was filled with the gentle sound of trickling water.
As we walked further, I noticed lanterns hanging from the branches of cherry blossom trees, their petals falling like pink snowflakes. Raphael squeezed my hand and led me down a pathway bordered by tall hedges. We turned a corner and entered a clearing. My breath caught in my throat. In the center of the garden was a beautifully set up area, adorned with cascading floral arrangements and twinkling lights. A grand archway, covered in roses and peonies, stood tall with the words "MARRY ME" elegantly displayed in golden letters above it.
"Raphael-" I tried to say but my voice was caught in my throat.
Slow music filled the air and I turned to see the rest of No Limit standing in a corner, playing their instruments. I smiled. Then I glanced at Raphael, my heart thundering.
He was on one knee.
"Oh, my God," I breathed, my eyes stinging.
He smiled up at me, his eyes glistening with tears.
"Rory Quinn, since the day I met you, my life has never been the same. You came into my life like a whirlwind, stealing my heart and making it yours. You gave me the most beautiful gift, our daughter. There are no words to describe how much I love you, how much you mean to me, or how happy you make me. So, instead of trying to find them, I figured I'd ask you the only question that makes sense."
He pulled out a velvet box and opened it. My vision blurred. I pressed my hand to my lips, tears slipping down my cheeks. Inside, was a gorgeous ring, a large diamond surrounded by two smaller diamonds, the stones shining in the moonlight.
"Will you marry me, Rory?"
I couldn't speak.
All I could do was nod.
He rose, smiling, and I threw my arms around him, my body trembling with sobs. He hugged me tightly, lifting me up and spinning me. I laughed and he placed me on the ground. Then he cupped my face, staring into my eyes.
"I love you," he whispered, reaching for my hand and kissing my palm.
"I love you, too," I said, grinning.
He slid the ring onto my finger, and I stared at it. My eyes welled and I looked up at him. He leaned in and kissed me and it was the softest, sweetest kiss. I sighed against his lips, wrapping my arms around his neck. The fairy lights twinkled brighter, and the garden seemed to come alive.
It was our happy ending.