Epilogue
Zoe
I adjust my dress, standing in front of the full-length mirror. Mom looks over my shoulder, smiling as she fluffs my skirt. “You look beautiful, honey.”
“You really do,” Calla says.
“I’m so glad Riggs and I are having a wedding with both of you here.” This just feels right. Especially now that life has calmed since Titan’s merger with Rev Sports is finalized. It’s nice to no longer have that hanging over our heads. We can focus on our relationship without so much outside scrutiny.
My mom hugs me for the thousandth time of the day. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Mom,” I groan, extracting myself from her arms.
“What? I am. You’re going back to school and making strides in therapy. My baby is all grown up.
Mom wipes a tear. “Three generations of our family in one room.”
Calla snorts. “I’m not calling you mom,” she tells me.
I shoot my mom a glare before turning back to Calla. “Um. . .” I look down at my still flat stomach, then back to her.
Her hand shoots to her mouth. “Oh, my god! You’re pregnant?”
“Shh,” I hiss. “We just found out and aren’t telling anyone yet.” Leave it to me to find out I’m pregnant a week before my twenty-first birthday. Instead of drinking shots with friends, I spent my special day fighting morning sickness that lasted all day.
Calla pulls me into a hug. “I get to be a big sister,” she cheers, quieter than before.
“Are you okay with this?” I ask, not wanting anything to ruin this special day.
“I’ve never seen my dad this happy. I’m glad he married you.” Calla and I have come a long way in the last few months. We’re still a far cry from being best friends, but we’re beginning to feel like family.
The first notes of music ring out, telling us it’s time. Kenny pops his head in. “Mrs. Patel, can I escort you to your seat?” he asks my mom. It’s still weird for me to hear her called by Stone’s last name. She gives me a hug before taking Kenny’s arm.
“Zoe, you look beautiful,” he tells me. “Calla, you do too.”
I can’t help but notice the way she blushes when his eyes linger on her. My mom does too, judging from her raised eyebrows.
Calla starts to follow them out, but I stop her. “He’s your dad’s best friend.”
She shakes her head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Stone steps into the room before I can press her on the matter. She escapes down the aisle, but I’m not finished talking to her about this.
“I hear there’s a bride who needs an escort. May I do the honors?”
I smile. “Nothing would make me happier.”
I take his arm, and we watch Calla make her way down the aisle to where her father stands. She kisses his cheek then moves to her maid of honor position. The music shifts, signaling it’s time.
My stomach tightens. “I shouldn’t be nervous. We’re already married.”
Stone smiles. “That’s how you know it’s real. I still get hit with nerves every time I look at your mother.”
I stand on my tiptoes and kiss his cheek. “I’m glad she chose you.”
“Me too, honey. Me too.”
We step out of the room, and everyone stands. Tears sting my eyes as I take in all the faces of our friends and family. Then my gaze turns to Riggs, standing at the end of the aisle, waiting for me. He smiles bigger than I’ve ever seen him smile.
Stone walks me to my husband, kissing my cheek before he joins Mom. Riggs takes my hand in his, and we take the last few steps down the aisle together.
He smiles. “Marrying you in Vegas was the best thing I’ve ever done. You make my life better in every way.”
I sniffle. “I love you.”
“I love you.” His eyes stray to my stomach, then back up to my face. “Both of you.”
I found the place I belong.
Forever.