Epilogue
Olivia
Two years, nine months later
Sprays of wildflowers decorated both sides of the aisle in colorful bouquets of violet, pink, and yellow. I peered out the window at the gathering crowd as Lucy, my friend and wedding planner, flitted around the room, ensuring everything was in order for the ceremony. I released the curtain and let it fall into place, hiding me from our guests.
“Are you ready?” Honey asked, her eyes searching mine for any hint of hesitation. I had no doubt she would pull up in her getaway car if I suddenly decided to become a runaway bride, but there was zero doubt in my mind this was what I wanted. I would’ve married Landon a long time ago if we hadn’t been waiting for the right moment.
I nodded as a sense of peace and rightness settled over me. I wasn’t even nervous. It wasn’t like anything would change afterward, except I’d finally bear Landon’s last name. He'd moved in with me over two years ago. We’d remodeled my nan’s old house together, even that bathroom he pretended to work on when we were first dating and trying to hide our relationship from the town. We clearly hadn’t done a very good job considering his brother had known about us long before Landon tried to tell him we were dating.
“Olivia,” Honey said, breaking into my thoughts. “I’m gonna need the words from your mouth. If there’s anything holding you back, now’s the time t?—”
“Yes,” I replied, interrupting her obligatory best friend I’ll-help-you-escape-if-you’ve-changed-your-mind speech. “I am. I’ve never been more sure of anything. I’m ready to become Landon’s wife.” Her wide eyes filled with tears, and her chin quivered.
“Let’s do this,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion. It wasn’t every day you got to watch your best friend walk down the aisle.
“You look beautiful, baby girl.” I turned to find my mother standing behind me, her rose hued mother-of-the bride dress accentuating her dark hair and fair complexion. Her chocolate brown tresses were all I seemed to inherit from her. My olive complexion and brown eyes must’ve come from the father I never knew. I always felt like I was missing out when I was a kid, not having a dad, but my grandparents more than made up for it. My mother might not have been the most nurturing, but at least she made sure I was surrounded by family and a grandmother who could fill that void.
“Thanks, Mama.” Tears welled in her eyes, and she tilted her head to the side as she studied me.
“There’s so much of her in you,” she said, her soft gaze cataloging my features. My lower lip trembled, and I bit it to keep the waterworks at bay. I didn’t want to ruin my makeup before I even said my vows. How I wished my grandmother could be a part of this special day, but she was here in spirit. “I’m proud of you, and I’m so happy you found someone to cherish you for the rest of your life. You deserve all the joy and love this world has to offer.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, the tears breaking loose without my permission. She brought a tissue to my face and dabbed beneath my eyes without disturbing the makeup underneath.
“There,” she began, lowering her hand, “good as new.”
“It’s time, people. Let’s line up,” Lucy announced, clapping her hands to get our attention. She stepped up to the doors and peeked through the crack as the instrumental version of To Make You Feel My Love began to play.
“Okay, the groomsmen are lining up, and … there’s the groom.” She let out a low whistle and turned to me, a sly grin forming on her lips. “Promise me you’ll wait until after the first dance to sneak away with your new husband,” she pleaded teasingly. Damn, he must’ve looked good. Lucy didn’t have eyes for anyone but Beau, but she was a little flustered after seeing Landon.
“I can only make a promise to one person today, and that person isn’t you,” I teased. The bridal party giggled, and Lucy rolled her eyes.
“At least let the photographer take all the pictures before he smears your lipstick and musses your hair,” she countered.
“Deal.”
When it was time, Lucy slid the doors open, and Kara began the processional. In the years since Lyle got locked away, we’d become good friends. When she needed a place to stay after escaping her controlling parents, I opened my home to her and her babies. It took her several months to get back on her feet, but I made sure she knew she had a soft place to land if she ever needed to come back. She and her parents had since come to an understanding, but we were still close, and she was one of my best friends.
Honey stepped up next and disappeared through the doors. She made a stunning maid of honor, and I was certain JD wouldn’t be able to take his eyes off her. He might have a hard time officiating the wedding with her in his line of sight.
“You got the rings, little man?” Lucy asked, crouching in front of Jayden. He nodded enthusiastically, lifting his ring bearer pillow as proof. “Great job,” she said, turning her focus to his baby sister, Mia. “Do you have enough flowers, pretty girl?”
“Fowers,” she repeated, holding up her little basket full of petals.
“Great!” Lucy replied excitedly. “It’s your turn now.” She ushered the two little ones forward, and they disappeared through the door. A moment later, Mia’s little voice rang out over the crowd.
“Daddy!” she squealed, and a chorus of “awws” sounded from our guests. The sound of tiny footsteps running down the aisle faded away as she drew further from the barn.
“You’re up,” Lucy said, and I drew in a deep breath as my mother looped her arm through mine. I didn’t have a father to walk me down the aisle, and my grandfather had long since passed. But my mother had been there for me in a way I had never expected the past few years. It was only fitting that she escort me to my husband-to-be and the future that awaited us.
We stepped up to the doors, and everyone stood from their seats. My eyes scanned over the crowd until they landed on my groom, and my breath caught in my throat. He stood at the front in a dark, cobalt blue suit that accentuated his bright blue eyes, a bundle of wildflowers pinned to his lapel. A wide, brilliant smile lit up his face as he watched me step forward from the shadows.
Landon’s eyes locked on mine, and I saw only him. I slowly made my way to the front where the wedding party awaited when all I wanted to do was run into Landon’s arms. His eyes never left me as they misted over, and his throat bobbed with a heavy swallow.
Movement to Landon’s left caught my eye, and I shifted my gaze to the best man. Lyle stood at his brother’s side, watching me approach with a soft smile playing on his lips. Mia was perched on his hip, playing with his tie as she swung her little legs back and forth. Jayden clung to his side, sucking his thumb as he peered at the crowd from behind Lyle’s pants leg. Lyle rested his hand on Jayden’s shoulder, pulling him in close so he wouldn’t be scared. My throat tightened with a flurry of emotions erupting in my chest.
Lyle was released from prison early for good behavior and had been out for nearly a year. We had since reconciled, and Lyle apologized for everything. He even offered to pay me back for the damages to my car and bakery, but I declined. It was all water under the bridge, and I wanted to keep it that way. There were no hard feelings between us, and he fully supported Landon’s relationship with me. I wanted his fresh start to remain untainted by our painful past.
Getting arrested was the best thing that had ever happened to him. It saved his life. He got the help he needed and was able to work through his issues in counseling. Now he was a father to a little girl who adored him. Jayden thought he hung the moon and stars. Even though the little boy wasn’t his by blood, Lyle loved him all the same. I was proud of him. He turned his life around and was now fighting for the future he wanted. He was no longer the broken boy who blamed the world for his problems. He was a man who loved his family fiercely and would do anything for them.
Wade stood on his other side, a big cheesy grin stretched across his face. Pure joy radiated from him like a beam of sunlight as he gave me an approving nod and a wink.
I reached Landon, and my mom released me, guiding my hands to my groom’s. His eyes were full of wander, and he looked at me like I was the most rare and precious diamond that had ever been unearthed.
“You look beautiful,” he whispered, and I gave him a watery smile. JD leaned in, speaking low enough no one but us could hear.
“Wait your turn, Landon. Sheesh, you never did know how to follow directions.”
I giggled, and Landon shot him a glare. JD snorted then cleared his throat.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…” JD’s voice melted away as I stared into the eyes of the man I loved. He held my gaze as well as my hands as we exchanged vows. Landon’s voice shook as he held my left hand in his, the wedding band poised at the tip of my finger.
“With this ring, I thee wed.” The cool metal slid over my finger, and he squeezed my hand. I repeated the vows and slid the simple platinum band onto his finger.
JD pronounced us man and wife, and Landon didn’t waste any time. He cupped my face in both hands and gently tugged me to him. His lips descended on mine, and I felt the promise of his kiss to the depths of my soul. He promised to love and cherish me until the day he took his last breath, but I knew it wouldn’t end there. Our love was timeless. Eternal. He would love me forever, in this life and the next.
“May I have this dance?” I turned to find my father-in-law standing behind me. Like his son, Daniel Crawford had come a long way the last few years. He’d grown more accustomed to his prosthesis and no longer used a cane. Thanks to physical therapy, he didn’t require a wheelchair when he left his house anymore, and his new long-acting insulin kept his blood sugar levels well controlled. The birth of his first grandchild, as well as the addition of Jayden into the family, gave him a new lease on life and brought him out of a years’ long depression, something he’d been battling since losing his leg.
“Of course,” I replied, a pleased grin gracing my lips. He pulled me onto the dance floor, and we were joined by Landon and my mom. Landon and I had already had our first dance, and I’d needed a cold drink—and a cold shower— afterward. He described, in detail, everything he would do to me in our marriage bed while he twirled me around the room with our friends and family watching.
Now it was time for the bride and groom to dance with their new in-laws. Dan had accepted me into the fold more readily than I expected. After all, Lyle had told him the same story about the night of the wreck that he'd spun for Landon. But he knew his son. He’d read the police reports and never believed for a second that I’d been drinking. However, he was hurt that I never came to see Lyle in the hospital or called to check on him. When he learned the real reason I’d stayed away, it broke his heart.
“You look beautiful tonight. My son is a lucky man,” he announced as he clutched my hand in his. His gait was a little unsteady at times, but otherwise, you would never know he had a prosthetic leg.
“Thank you. But I think I’m the lucky one. Landon is...” I began, but couldn’t find the words to adequately express how I felt. “He’s my everything. My moon and stars. The air in my lungs and the blood in veins. I couldn't live without him.”
Daniel’s eyes watered, and he hastily brushed a rogue tear from his cheek.
“I’m so glad he has you. You bring so much joy to his life. You make him want to be a better man.” His eyes flicked to the side, and I followed his gaze to where Lyle sat holding a sleeping Mia against his chest. His free arm was wrapped around Kara’s shoulder. She was deep in conversation with Wade and his wife Lemon while their children played with Jayden.
“Both my boys are happy. I couldn’t ask for anything more than that,” he said, a look of pure elation settling over his face. “Except for maybe more grandbabies,” he added and shot me a cheesy grin.
“One major life event at time, old man,” Landon said, sidling up next to us. His megawatt smile and sparkling blue eyes still made my knees week. “Can I cut in?” he asked, his question directed at his father, but his eyes never left mine.
Daniel released me and took a step back, granting his son’s request. Landon wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me against his chest.
“How are you, Mrs. Crawford?”
“I’m doing just fine, Mr. Crawford. There’s just one problem.”
“What’s that?” he asked, quirking a brow.
“My husband hasn’t kissed me in far too long.” His eyes darkened, and his heated gaze dropped to my lips when the words my husband passed over them.
“All you have to do is ask,” he said, leaning in to press his lips to my ear. A shiver ran down my spine as his hot breath fanned over my neck. “Whatever my wife wants, my wife gets.” My stomach clenched, and my breath hitched. Who knew hearing him call me his wife would feel like an aphrodisiac.
“I want you,” I breathed, pressing my hand to his chest. His pulse thundered against my palm.
“I've been waiting all night to hear you say that,” he claimed before bending and scooping me into his arms. He carried me from the dance floor, and applause erupted from our guests. I waved at them over his shoulder and caught sight of Honey and Lucy huddled together, giggling like schoolgirls.
Landon refused to put me down until we reached his truck. He placed me on my feet and opened my door. Before I could climb inside, he pulled me to him roughly. He clamped an arm around my waist and tangled his free hand in my hair. His kiss was unbridled and demanding. Unlike the sweet kisses he’d lavished me with while our friends and family looked on, this one was primal, a clash of lips and tongues that twisted and tangled.
When he finally pulled back, our chests heaved with panting breaths. His feral gaze ignited a need in my belly only he could satisfy. His lips curled in a knowing grin, and he cupped my face, tilting it toward his.
“My sweet wife,” he began, and the deep timbre of his voice sent a bolt of arousal straight to my aching core. “I hope you’re ready for our honeymoon because it starts right now.”
The End