21. Epilogue
Epilogue
Ellie
S IX MONTHS LATER
I squeeze Olivia's hand, beaming at her as she sits in front of a large mirror framed with soft lights that cast a warm glow on her face. "You're going to knock Asher off his feet," I say with a wink.
"Thanks to you guys," she replies, glancing at all of us that are in the suite helping with final preparations.
Lila leans in, her blonde hair tied back in a loose bun, revealing the sharp blue of her eyes that sparkle with excitement. Her hands are gentle as she adjusts the delicate veil, making sure each lace layer cascades just so over Olivia's wavy chestnut locks that shimmer in the soft light.
"Perfect," Lila declares, standing back to admire her work with a satisfied nod.
Clara, the whirlwind of energy that she is, flits around Olivia like a hummingbird, her movements quick and precise. She smooths a wrinkle here, pins a stray curl there, her keen eyes scanning for any imperfection. She's completely focused, a testament to the deep bond she shares with Olivia. "Not a single hair out of place," she says, giving Olivia a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
The room hums with energy, the air thick with anticipation, until Olivia gazes at her reflection, and something shifts. The air stills; even the champagne bubbles seem to pause mid-climb in their flutes. Olivia takes a deep breath, her green eyes filled with a serene calm that comes from knowing she's making the right choice. She smiles at herself, a smile that speaks of love, hope, and a future filled with endless possibilities, and I actually get teary-eyed—it's clear how much she loves Asher and is ready to commit to forever with him.
"Ready, my love?" It's Olivia's mother, peeking in through the doorway with a knowing smile—her own green eyes, bordered by laugh lines, are identical to Olivia's. She's an elegant echo of the bride, her silver-streaked hair styled similarly to Olivia's bridal updo.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Olivia responds, standing gracefully, a vision in white, her dress a cascade of lace and silk that dusts the floor as she moves.
We share one more group embrace, our arms encircling each other in a tight hug, before filing out, the bridal suite door closing softly behind us.
The forest outside is like a painting: the towering trees filter sunlight onto the path, like nature itself is blessing this union. Clara, looking stunning in her ocean-blue maid of honor dress that hugs her curves in all the right places, tucks Olivia's arm in hers. Lila follows, holding her bridesmaid bouquet, the delicate flowers a burst of blue and beige.
Since I'm not a bridesmaid myself, I find Jake and Charlotte nestled among the guests. Slipping into the seat beside them feels natural, like it's exactly where I should always be. Jake's dark eyes meet mine, and he's so handsome in that suit it's almost criminal, the dark fabric a stunning contrast to his bronzed skin. The way the fabric pulls taut across his broad shoulders sends a familiar flutter through me.
"Looking good, fireman," I whisper, my lips brushing against his ear, earning a kiss on the cheek and a hand entwined with mine.
Then, the gentle guitar music starts. The wedding party begins their walk, starting with the flower girl, Sophia, her tiny feet carrying her down the aisle with a determined grace. Then the groomsmen, including Marcus and Jason, walk with Clara and Lila to the altar where Asher is nervously waiting. He's a behemoth, and I'm surprised he fit himself into that tux, the black fabric stretching across his muscular frame.
The music shifts, then Olivia comes down the aisle with her father. Her dress is a vision of elegance, hugging her in all the right places before spilling into a train that whispers over the grass with each step she takes. When Asher sees her, his intense blue eyes soften in a way I've rarely witnessed. The gruff, no-nonsense firefighter is transformed in that moment into a man seeing only his future, his everything, the one he would move mountains for.
Charlotte snuggles closer to me, her little hand finding mine, and I give it a gentle squeeze.
"Doesn't she look like a princess?" Charlotte whispers, her voice filled with awe, and I nod, watching as Olivia's father hands her off to Asher with a mix of pride and bittersweet emotion. My throat tightens, and I blink back happy tears. This moment is so perfect it almost doesn't feel real. I can't help but sneak a glance at Jake, thinking how it'll be us up there someday, pledging our love in front of friends and family.
Then I touch my belly, feeling the gentle swell beneath my dress. Jake catches the gesture, his warm hand covering mine, lifting it to his lips. He kisses my knuckles. Our future—a small, growing promise—fills me with a joy so profound, it anchors me right here, in this perfect moment under the trees, the world falling away until it's just us.
The ceremony proceeds as the officiant begins his speech. Soon, the ceremony is coming to a close and it's time for the vows, the moment we've all been waiting for. Asher stands before Olivia, his tall frame dwarfing her petite one. He clears his throat, and even from where I sit, I can see the slight tremble in his hands as he holds his vows book—a warrior softened by love.
"Olivia," Asher begins, his deep voice rumbling, "I promise to be open and honest with you—even when it means admitting I'm wrong, which," he smirks, "as you know, I hate doing. And I'll try my best not to be grumpy...before my first cup of coffee." Laughter ripples through the guests.
"But most of all," he continues, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears, "I am grateful. Grateful because in you and Mary, I've found a family that fills the space in my heart I never knew was empty. You make me a better man, Olivia, and for that, I will spend my life making sure you and our daughter know just how much you are loved, cherished, and adored."
Tears sparkle in Olivia's eyes as she clears her throat and takes her turn, the sunlight catching the soft waves of her hair like a halo. "Asher, when I moved here to write about Cedar Ridge's charming fire chief, I didn't expect to fall head over heels for one of its grumpiest residents." Everyone chuckles.
"Life with you has been the most unexpected adventure," she says, her voice strong and clear, "and I vow to continue that journey with patience, kindness, and support. To believe in us, even on the days when we might find it hard to believe in ourselves, to be your rock when the world feels unsteady. I look forward to our future, to every challenge and triumph we'll share, because as long as we're together, I know it's going to be an incredible ride."
They exchange rings, and I'm really struggling to keep it together, my vision blurring with tears. Jake leans over, kissing away a tear that slipped out, his touch an anchor. I smile when I see his eyes are also misty. The glance we exchange speaks volumes, and in his brown eyes, I see our tomorrow—the joy, the challenges, and the endless love that awaits us, a future so bright it takes my breath away. I squeeze his hand, and he responds with a reassuring pressure.
"By the power vested in me…I now pronounce you husband and wife." The officiant's voice brings me back just in time to witness Olivia and Asher seal their vows with a kiss.
The applause that follows is thunderous, the sound of a community coming together to celebrate the love of two of their own. As the new Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery walk up the aisle, their joy is infectious, their smiles bright.
Jake pulls me close, and his lips find mine in a kiss that's sweet and full of promise, a preview of our own happily ever after. In his embrace, I'm at peace, the happiest I've ever been, my heart so full it feels like it might burst. Gratitude swells in me like a tide—I'm so thankful fate led me to the house next door, to Jake, my ruggedly handsome firefighter who taught me that love doesn't always need to be guarded, that sometimes it's worth the leap of faith.
He whispers, "You're next," and my heart flips in the best possible way.