Epilogue
Cora - Six Months Later
Theo Strickland in a tux is a sight I truly thought I’d never see. I’ve never really been into the whole clean-cut vibe, but somehow, he looks even hotter than he does in his typical cowboy hat and Wranglers.
Or maybe it’s the fact that I’m in a wedding dress, twirling on a lit-up dancefloor, having just declared my everlasting love for him.
Yeah, that might be it.
The music swells, and Theo twirls me under his arm, spinning me back against his body. His warm scent envelops me, and his breath is hot on my neck as he whispers, “Forever, huh?”
I smile, even though I know he can’t see it from his angle. “Forever,” I agree, and he hugs me tighter, swaying us gently with the music.
I look around at the dancefloor filled with everyone we love. Our friends from Thatcher Ranch, his family—my family now.
Despite being already legally married, Theo had insisted we have a real wedding, complete with a real proposal—his grandmother’s diamond engagement ring included—a real ceremony and reception, and a real honeymoon that we’ll be embarking on tomorrow. Paris.
We’d told all our friends and family a version of the truth, although it’s a bit stretched. We got married because I needed a green card and we were in love. And we’re having a wedding a bit late simply to celebrate the occasion.
No one needs to know that the falling in love was a bit out of order. For me, anyways. Addison and Cruz are the only ones who know the full truth, and as our maid of honor and best man, they’ll be keeping the secret safe.
Theo’s parents were shocked to learn of our legal marriage but elated nonetheless. And his mom immediately jumped into planning mode once we told them we were having a real wedding. Theo’s dad even walked me down the aisle.
I feel someone gently grabbing my arm and pulling me from Theo’s embrace, and I turn to see Addison, grinning in her light pink bridesmaid dress. “You’re hogging the bride!” she accuses over my shoulder.
Theo laughs, feigning offense. “She’s my bride!”
“Okay, you get her forever, we get it,” Addison teases over the music. “So let me have her for a few dances!”
She leads me away, and I smile over my shoulder at Theo, who simply watches me go with a look of amusement.
The night continues with more dancing, cake cutting, late night snacks, drinks, and even more dancing.
And by the time only a few of us are left on the dancefloor and the music is winding down, Theo pulls me into his arms and sways with me.
“Was it everything you wanted?” I ask quietly, glancing around the room at the tables filled with empty plates and glasses, the lights above us low and soft.
“Was it everything you wanted?” he counters.
I nod.
He grins. “Then, yeah, it was.”
I lay my head against his chest for the rest of the song, and then as the DJ packs up and the remaining bridal party gathers their things, Theo looks at me with that soft smile of his that melts my heart. “Big day tomorrow, Mrs. Strickland.”
I giggle at the usage of my name—my real name now after finally having changed it. “We should probably get some rest,” I concede.
He holds out a hand. “Home, darling?”
My heart swells, and I take his hand in mine. “Home,” I agree.