Epilogue
Mindy
A few months later
The sound of laughter and music fills the air.
I adjust my veil one last time and glance out the window. The scene on the lawn makes my soul sing.
Today is double wedding day. Maron and I are getting married for the second time, alongside Alexis and Maurice. The two newlyweds, madly in love with each other, asked us if we wanted to marry again with them, and we said yes. The first ceremony was small, just a dinner with our nearest and dearest loved ones. Now, it’s time for the grand celebration.
I see Maron standing at the altar, looking dashing as ever in his tuxedo. Next to him is Maurice, fidgeting nervously as he waits for Alexis. My sister is probably having last-minute jitters in the adjacent room.
The guests are starting to take their seats. I spot Pavel and his wife, both looking healthy and happy. A few rows back, I spot a sight that still makes me do a double-take: Timofey with his arm around Betty. Their unexpected pairing was the talk of the town for weeks after they revealed their relationship.
Just over a month ago, Betty called me. Her voice was bubbling with excitement “Mindy, remember the guy I met through my database?” She’d exclaimed.
“Sure, Bets,” I’d said. “What about him?”
“Well, I haven’t revealed his identity to you. But now that we’re getting serious, I can tell you who he is!”
I remember laughing, “Alright, spill, girl! Who is this mystery stranger that swept my bestie off her feet.”
“Well…” she began slowly. “His name is Timofey Korolev,” she gushed.
At first, I could not believe my ears.
“Wait, Betty… is this the same Timofey I think it is? You’re dating my brother-in-law?”
“That’s right, babe!” She was technically bouncing from excitement. “You and me are not just besties anymore. We’re family!”
Sometimes I still can’t believe it. Timofey and my best friend, Betty. None of us ever thought of introducing them to each other, but now that they’re together, it feels like they’re a perfect match. And they found each other from two opposite ends of the world, while Betty was still in Bali.
And just like that, Betty booked the next flight out of Bali, leaving her tropical paradise behind without a second thought. Watching them now, holding hands and lost in their own world, I can’t hold back my smile. Sometimes, love really does work in mysterious ways.
I scan the crowd looking for my daughter, and eventually spot her chatting with the other kids by the gazebo, adorned with flowers. I still can’t believe her transformation. Not only she talks, almost entirely leaving her selective mutism behind, but she plays with other kids. She plays with other kids! I could not be more proud of her.
Then, I spot Tania, who recently returned from university in Texas, fussing over our nine-month-old twins, Boris and Daniil. When Tania contacted me about coming back, I immediately offered her a job. She now has her own apartment within the mansion.
Every time I catch Tania sneaking glances at Bradley, Sharon’s speech therapist, and Tania’s new flame, I can’t help but grin. Although he’s observing Sharon with a professional eye, the pride in his expression is evident.
"It’s incredible what a strong family unit can achieve," Bradley mentioned to us not too long ago. "You see, selective mutism is rarely an actual illness. It is more of a coping mechanism that develop in children who lack something in their lives. Like a loving family with a mother and a father figure."
As I take in the scene, a bittersweet pang ache hits me. Emily. I wish she was here with us. My twin, my other half, would have loved this day. I can almost imagine her standing beside me, her eyes sparkling with joy, probably cracking silly jokes about the double wedding.
But even though she’s not here physically, I feel her presence. Somehow, I know she’s watching over us, happy for the family we’ve built. It’s a comforting thought that brings a smile to my face, even as I blink back tears.
"Ready, sis?" Alexis appears, looking radiant in her wedding gown. Her transformation still amazes me. Her eyes are sparkling with excitement and nervous energy. I can see the slight tremble in her hands as she smooths down her dress, and I’m reminded that this is her big day.
I take a deep breath and nod. "Let’s do this, sis."
As we make our way down the aisle, I catch sight of Maurice standing next to Maron. It’s strange to think how far we’ve come - from the complicated mess of our past to this moment of shared joy. Despite his past actions, I’m genuinely happy for him and Alexis. Maurice has become more than just my brother-in-law. He’s a true member of our family. Seeing him clean, sober, and full of love for my sister fills me with a sense of peace I never thought I’d feel toward him.
And as I meet Maron’s eyes, seeing the love and promise of forever in them, I know that this is just the beginning of our happily ever after.
I continue down the aisle, my eyes locked with Maron’s. As I reach him, I see his breath catch, his eyes widening with love and adoration. He takes my hand, his touch sending a familiar thrill through me, all the way down to my core.
As we take our places at the altar, I suddenly feel overwhelmed with words. Without thinking, I turn to the officiant.
"May I say a few words before we begin?" I ask, surprising even myself.
The officiant looks taken aback but nods. "Of course," he says, stepping aside.
"Well," I begin, facing our friends and family, "when I pictured my wedding day a long time ago, I never imagined I’d be sharing it with my beautiful sister. But here we are, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Alexis, Maurice, Maron, and I – we’ve had quite the journey, as many of you know. And I’m grateful to all of you for sharing that journey with us. And even more so, I’m grateful that we’ve all ended up here, together in this beautiful moment. Thank you for sharing this day with us as two sisters marry two brothers. Talk about keeping it in the family, huh?"
As laughter and applause fill the air, I catch Maron’s eye. He's looking at me with so much love and pride that it makes my heart swell.
The officiant steps forward, a smile on his face. "Well, after that beautiful speech, let’s begin the ceremony."
As we exchange our vows, I hear Sharon’s delighted giggle, reminding me of the beautiful family we’ve built. I catch a glimpse of Alexis and Maurice, their faces glowing with happiness, and I’m struck by how perfectly everything has fallen into place.
When Maron slides the ring onto my finger for a second time, it feels like the final piece of a puzzle. We’ve come full circle, from strangers to lovers, from lovers to partners, in every sense.
The officiant turns to Alexis and Maurice. My sister’s hands are shaking slightly, but her smile is radiant. Maurice looks like he can’t quite believe this is happening. There’s a moment where he glances at me, a flash of our shared history passing between us. But then he turns back to Alexis, and I see nothing but pure love in his eyes.
The officiant’s voice rings out, "I now pronounce you husband and wife," then he looks at Maron and I, "and once again, husband and wife." The crowd erupts in cheers as both couples seal their vows with passionate kisses.
As we turn to face our guests, hand in hand with our spouses, I catch sight of Sharon yet again. She’s beaming, her little face alight with joy as she tosses flower petals into the air. The twins, nestled in Tania’s arms, gurgle happily, as if sensing the significance of the moment.
Maron leans in close, his breath warm against my ear. "Ready for the rest of our lives, Mrs. Korolev?"
I smile up at him, my heart full to bursting. "Always, Mr. Korolev."
As the four of us make our way down the aisle, showered with rose petals and surrounded by the love of our family and friends, I realize that this is just the beginning. It’s the beginning of something real.
Our family, unconventional as it may be, is finally complete.
THE END