Epilogue
QUINN
“ You look beautiful,” Natasha says as she helps adjust my pearl studded veil over my curly locks.
“Thanks,” I say, beaming as I look at her in the mirror.
My curls are pinned up in an intricate knot on top of my head with only a few loose strands to frame my face. I like the subtle makeup Natasha helped me perfect. I’d initially thought about going with that airbrushed look—the natural-looking but not natural makeup style. But Lance talked me out of it because he says he loves my freckles. And I loved that so much, I want to keep them on display. For him.
My loose, off-the-shoulder drape sleeves hang nearly to my elbows, their beaded fabric sheer to make it look light and airy. And the heart-shaped neckline of my dress is flattering to my newfound cleavage.
I smooth the flowing fabric of my white skirt over my baby bump. It’s not incredibly noticeable yet—not that I’m trying to hide it. But the tulle frills of my dress and the empire waistline—chosen for comfort—do naturally mask it. I smile, knowing that even if our little girl won’t be here for another four months, she’s going to be a part of this magical day.
“You nervous?” Natasha asks.
“For the ceremony? Or the baby?” I ask, realizing she could have been watching me.
“Both? Either?”
“Honestly, no. I’m just excited. I’ve wanted to marry Lance since I was ten years old. And I always thought it would be fun to have babies. This seems like a pretty ideal time now that I’m done with school.”
Natasha nods, her high cheekbones plumping slightly as she gives me a genuine smile.
I like my relationship with my sister-in-law. We’ve grown really close over the last six months. And I trust her with everything, from self-defense training to relationship advice. She was an easy pick for my matron of honor—and my only bridesmaid.
“That’s so nice,” she says. “Seeing all your dreams falling into place. You and Lance are so good together. It’s hard to remember there was ever a time before you were a couple.”
I laugh. “You only say that because you didn’t know us very long before we got together. I promise, Killian would sing a different tune if we asked him.”
Natasha laughs too. “I’m glad we got his head screwed back on right.”
“Agreed.”
“And now he’s Lance’s best man.” She shakes her head. “Your brother’s an idiot.”
“Don’t I know it? But he’s an adorable idiot, which is why we keep him around.”
“Agreed,” Natasha echoes, and we both giggle.
I don’t know that I could have put this wedding together without my sister-in-law. I didn’t want a big fancy affair, but I did want a party that would include all the King men. So we’re having it at Killian’s house, with the ceremony set to happen right on the beach.
Killian paid to have a temporary dance floor built across the heated pool.
And I’m excited because even Jamie, Finn, and Henry are flying in with their wives and children to be a part of it. It’s been a long time since all the King boys were in the same room with each other. And that’s always a hoot.
“The pianist is in place,” Kayla says, peeking her head around the door to let me know. “Aw, you look so beautiful!”
“Thanks, Kay.”
“Girl, I’m so excited for you. I just want to find me one of those tall, dark, and brooding men like you found,” she jokes.
“Someday,” I assure her.
“Also, it’s 4:50. This is the ten-minute warning you asked for.”
“Thanks, Kay.”
My friend slips back outside, and I take one last deep breath, checking that I have everything. She and Ellie have been all-stars on coordinating the timing today. They took it upon themselves to get everyone where they’re supposed to be on time since I didn’t bother with a wedding coordinator.
Today is about as casual as it gets, and I’m grateful to all my friends for pitching in to make it feel that way.
“Ready?” Natasha asks.
“Yeah,” I say. And I let her help me down off the stool I was using to get ready.
I was back in my old wing of the house to get ready this morning while Lance stayed over on Killian’s side so we wouldn’t bump into each other. I haven’t seen him since we came over first thing for breakfast, and I find I’m near giddy with anticipation of seeing him in just a few minutes.
I rarely get to see Lance in a suit, and I can only imagine how good he’s going to look for our wedding day, dressed in a tux and fully done up.
“Bouquet,” Natasha says, taking hers and passing me mine.
Then we’re heading down the stairs and toward the back doors that will take us to the beach. Rather than heels, I chose some strappy sandals for the occasion—because I’ll have grass to walk down for my aisle. And because my feet have started to swell in anticipation of the baby.
We stop at the French doors, and I take a moment to look out at the setup the boys put together for us today. The metal hexagonal arch set as our backdrop is finely decorated with fresh flowers and ribbon—something we decided to leave to the professionals. But the guest chairs are nicely lined up along both sides of the aisle.
I smile to see all the rowdy, rough-around-the-edges King men dressed in suits with combed hair. They could almost pass as gentlemen, and I can’t wait for the reception, when they’ll let loose once more.
The pianist finishes her final welcoming song, and I catch my first glimpse of Lance in his black tux as he and Killian find their places at the end of the aisle. It’s nearing sunset, so the long shadows make it tricky to make out Lance’s face from this distance. But already my heart swells at the thought of meeting him down the aisle.
Gently squeezing my wrist, Natasha gives me one last warm smile. Then she makes her way down the grass aisle. Killian watches her, his eyes warm in a way that tells me he loves her just as much as the day he married her—if not more. And I’m so proud of my brother for finding such a perfect match for him. I love Natasha and consider her family. It’s nice to have a sister around. And she’s good for Killian.
Then the wedding march begins, signaling that it’s my turn down the aisle.
The guests rise—no doubt directed to do so by our officiant. And I take my first step out onto the crisp green lawn. Heads turn as I walk myself down the aisle. And while my parents couldn’t be here in body, I can feel them here in spirit, supporting both me and their foster son, who they loved just as much as their own children.
My eyes find Lance’s as I reach the first row of guest chairs, and he steals my breath away. He looks absolutely striking in a black suit that accentuates his dark hair. But his blue eyes are what make my heart flutter. And I feel the baby give me a gentle nudge, acknowledging just how handsome her daddy is. Because his Mediterranean-blue gaze is following me with the warmth of the sun.
His signature scowl is absent today, replaced by the most tender expression I’ve ever seen. And it melts my heart at the same time as it makes me want to toss my bouquet and sprint down the aisle into his arms.
With monumental effort, I get there at a steady pace, and I pass Natasha my bouquet so I can take Lance’s hands.
“You look stunning,” he murmurs, the pads of his thumbs brushing across my knuckles and releasing butterflies in my stomach.
“So are you,” I say, grinning despite myself.
Lance chuckles. “Thanks.”
“Welcome, friends and family of Miss Quinn King and Mr. Lance Knight. We’re gathered here today to celebrate the union of this sweet couple…”
We picked a simple ceremony—short and sweet—and I’m so riveted by Lance’s gaze, I scarcely hear the officiant who has us repeat our lines after him. Tingles ripple up my spine when it’s time to exchange rings. And Lance’s warm fingers gently slide my ring onto my finger symbolizing the infinite nature of our union.
“I love you,” he mouths as he does it. And my eyes sting with unshed tears at the unexpected affection.
“I love you too,” I mouth. And then I slide the simple gold band onto his hand.
“By the power vested in me by the beautiful state of New York, in the witness of friends and family, it is my great privilege to pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!”
And Lance doesn’t hesitate to snake his arms around my waist and pull me close. Arching me backward, he curves his body along my length as he kisses me deeply. The crowd goes wild, all those civil-looking men suddenly back to their rowdy, brazen selves as they wolf whistle and catcall.
Hand in hand, Lance and I walk back down the aisle, and I can’t stop smiling as our guests cheer.
We make it as far as the French doors of the house before Lance pulls me into his arms once again. And this time when he kisses me, it’s with far more tantalizing passion. Hand cradling the back of my head, he strokes his tongue between my lips. And he doesn’t care in the slightest if he steals some of my lipstick as he tastes me deeply.
He kisses me senseless, and by the time we break apart, I’m gasping for breath.
“What was that for?” I ask, smiling up at him.
“You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen, and I just couldn’t resist,” he rasps. “Now, I intend to take you up to your room and take you as my wife for the first time.”
I giggle as he grasps my hand and hauls me toward the stairs. “Lance, we’re supposed to be getting ready for the reception.”
“We’ll be quick,” he growls. “You can leave your dress on.”
And when he casts his heat-filled gaze in my direction, my stomach quivers with anticipation. For all the years I longed for him, I craved him and thought he would never feel the same, I can’t believe Lance Knight ended up wanting me.
Of all the women in the world he could have fallen for, how did he fall in love with me?
I’m not sure I’ll ever know how I got so lucky. But I love how insatiably he craves me. It makes me feel beautiful, desirable, irresistible.
And I feel exactly the same way about my Knight in shining armor.