Epilogue
Hunter
The day had finally come when Ember would become mine. It was a year since the snowstorm had brought us back together, and Elliott’s birthday. We wanted to make the day a celebration again, and not a day of sadness as it had been for the past three years.
When I looked back now, I wondered if fate had brought us together. Or if it had been divine intervention from Elliott. I guessed we would never know. All I did know was the most wonderful woman alive was finally going to become my wife.
I had decided not to have a best man because there was no one I would have wanted more than Elliott.
So instead, we had a photo next to me of him in uniform, with both of our rings attached, so he was here in spirit.
I hoped I had made my peace with him now, and that he blessed us both, because there was no one I wanted by my side except Ember.
I had a few friends from my time in the army here, but if it hadn’t been for Ember’s family, my side of the church would have looked very empty.
She arranged for some of her family to sit on my side, as it was a celebration of me officially becoming part of their family, even if I had been a part of it for sixteen years.
As I stood at the altar, I could feel my nerves start to appear.
What if she decided she couldn’t go through with it? That her brother's request was more important than the love we had for each other? But as soon as I heard the music start to play announcing her entrance, I knew I shouldn’t have worried.
I turned to see her walking up the aisle with Bryan.
She looked radiant. Her dress was stylish and simple, but it was perfect for her.
It enhanced her beauty perfectly and made me realise just how lucky I was to have her walking down the aisle towards me.
If there were only one thing I would remember from this day, it would be exactly how she looked right now.
I wiped away a tear that escaped as she came up to stand next to me.
Bryan gave her a kiss on the cheek and passed her hand over to mine.
“You look beautiful.”
“You look very handsome yourself.”
We both stood there gazing at each other throughout the ceremony.
I couldn’t tell you what happened, because the whole time, I was mesmerised by my beautiful wife-to-be.
I guessed I had said everything I needed to say at the right time, because not once did anyone say anything.
It wasn’t until I heard the words, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride,” that I finally came out of my trance.
We kissed, went off to sign the register, and then headed out of the church. It wasn’t until we stepped outside that Ember stopped me.
“Before we go to the reception, I have to do something.”
I looked at her, puzzled for a moment, until she walked around the church and towards the graveyard. I knew exactly where she was going, so I followed a short way behind, just in case she needed me by her side as she stopped in front of Elliott’s grave.
“I know you made Hunter promise not to be with me, but he makes me so happy. If you were here now, I know you wouldn’t deny the love we have for each other.
He is everything I want in a man. Loving, caring, helpful, and strong.
Everything I thought I had in Wayne but realised too late that I didn’t.
“I’m not sure I believed in fate until this day last year.
Of all the places I could have broken down, it was there.
Add to the fact that when we got the car back, there was nothing wrong with it and it worked fine.
If that was your way of telling us that the promise should be broken, then we got your message. ”
I was trying not to listen to the words she was saying in this private moment, but it was hard not to hear. I was sure she knew I was standing behind her and that she wanted me to hear this as much as Elliott.
“Please forgive him. Forgive us both. But this is the life I wanted. We had been apart for too long, and it had to end. I know you sent a sign to Hunter. If you are truly happy for us both, send me one now.”
I stood there for a moment wondering if anything would happen. Whether the robin that had appeared before me had just been a coincidence. After a few moments, I walked towards her and placed my hand on her shoulder.
“I’m sure he will forgive us. It might just take a little time. Just remember he loved you more than anything. The same as I still do.”
Ember looked up at me and smiled, giving me a small nod. She pulled out a single white rose from her bouquet and placed it on his grave before getting up and standing next to me.
“I love you, Elliott.”
As she said those words, I felt a slight puff of air come past me, and there was the robin again, sitting on top of Elliott’s headstone. It gave a small chirp and then bowed down. I could see the tears appearing in Ember’s eyes and pulled her to my side.
“Thank you, Elliott. You don’t know how much that means to us.”
With another chirp and a bob of the head, the robin flew away again and disappeared from sight. We finally had the approval we had always sought. I knew people wouldn’t believe us, but we didn’t care. In our hearts, we had the answer we wanted. And the rest of our lives to make up for lost time.
I looked over at Ember, who had a tear in her eye, but a smile on her face. “He would have been proud of the woman you have become, Emmy. Come on, let’s enjoy the rest of our day.”
With that, we turned away from Elliott’s grave and headed out of the graveyard, happy in the knowledge that we now had his blessing to live our life together.
The End