Epilogue
Isnt she cute? I cradled my baby sister in my arms.
She has your hair colour, Ollie said.
I grimaced. I hope she doesnt have my temper. Up until now, all of Dad and Skyes children had her calm, sweet personality.
I wondered if having me somehow washed out the demon blood from our family line. Okay, Im not that bad, but my little siblings were sweethearts. By no means perfect, but I adored them all.
If she has half of your brains, then shell be very smart, Ollie said. He smiled down at her.
It was no surprise to me that he and my siblings had taken to each other so well. He adored children and they looked at him like a kind of cool uncle. Especially now we had more time to visit. We seemed to find ourselves in Queensland every second weekend or so.
That would end soon enough. With the new football season about to start, Ollie would have his hands full. Ever since he retired from playing, he was busier than ever with the team.
The other side of the business kept me busy. We now owned several houses in Queensland, as well as a bunch back in Victoria.
I should probably give her back to her mother before she pukes on my dress.
Ill take her back to them, Ollie said. He held out his arms.
Okay, but if she vomits on your suit… I raised my eyebrows at him in warning.
Wed already tried this three times now. Every time we did, something came up. An injury, a problem with one of the houses we were renovating, or we were just too busy.
If she messes up my suit, then next time well just elope. He grinned and headed out the door.
I shook my head. Im starting to think we should have done that to begin with.
Grace, elegant in a long black bridesmaid dress, laughed. It worked for Bam and I, but I dont think its your style. You like getting dressed up and having your hair done.
I looked at my reflection in the mirror. My white dress fell just past my knees. Made in the latest style, it would probably be out of fashion next week.
I left my hair out, to fall past my shoulders, but one side was fastened back with a silver and diamond clip.
Once upon a time, Id have laughed at the idea of ever being a bride. But today, all of my dreams would come true.
Today Id marry the man who made me whole, my Prince Charming, my heart, my soul, my family.
Youre right, I said. Theres a reason its taken this long. We wanted to do it right.
What could be more right than a wedding on a beach? Ashley stood beside Bec.
Both women wore black bridesmaid dresses too, but each in a different style. The dresses were made to perfectly fit their taste and body shape. No one at my wedding was going to look anything less than perfect.
And I didnt want anyone to be anything less than as deliriously happy as I was.
Nothing I can think of. I blinked and blew out a breath through pursed lips. If we keep talking like this, I am going to ruin my mascara. I wouldnt, it was waterproof. This was just my way of saying I was getting emotional.
Its time. Dad stuck his head through the door. He stopped and did a double take. Well, look at my baby all grown-up. Youve never looked so beautiful.
I fanned myself with my hand. Dont make me cry, I insisted. You look very sharp yourself.
After his health scare, hed taken on a much more relaxing life. He looked younger, and happier than he ever had. And in his perfectly tailored tuxedo, he looked very dashing. To my surprise, he and Skye had made their marriage work. I might even go as far as to say they had a model relationship. If Ollie and I could do as well as them, then we would be okay.
Dad held out his arm to me, and gestured for the other women to go out in front of us.
In case I havent said it enough, Dad said. Im very proud of you. I always had high hopes and expectations for you but you succeeded every single one of them. I know sometimes Ive been a pain in the ass —
I raised an eyebrow at him.
Okay, a lot of the time. He smiled. But in spite of me youve made a success of your life I know youll make a success of your marriage. He gave me a hug and then walked with me out the door towards my future.
The sight of Ollie waiting for me at the end of the aisle, okay, long mat on the sand, took my breath away. In a tuxedo, but with bare feet, he looked like the sweetest thing I ever saw.
When he smiled, my breath caught in my throat.
I love you, he said softly.
I love you too. Tears poured down my cheeks. Maybe crying in front of everyone wasn’t so bad. Not when I was so happy.
I wanted to shout to the world how in love we were. I got over my fear of love and being left.
I knew Ollie would walk by my side for the rest of our lives.
He took my hands and we became one.
Forever.
The end. Thank you for reading!