Epilogue
EVRARD
The July sun warms the back of my neck as I stand with my brother to my right. Alyssa sits in the front with Grandma Blanche holding baby Terri in her arms. They watch with tears in their eyes as the bridesmaids and Petula make their way down the aisle.
When the music changes, the audience stands, turning to see my beautiful bride enter into view. I suddenly choke up, tears pricking the corners of my eyes while watching her walk toward me, a gorgeous bouquet of summer flowers in her hands as she beams with joy.
I never thought I'd be here again. After my ex-wife, I swore off love, convinced it wasn't in the cards for me. But then Joelle walked into my life with her magic touch and her warm smile, and everything changed.
Reaching me, she hands the bouquet to her sister, and I take her hands, hot tears falling down my cheeks.
"Oh, babe," she says, reaching up and brushing one off with her thumb. "Are you ready for this?"
"I'm forever ready for this," I say.
The officiant begins, but I barely hear the words.
I'm too focused on Joelle's hazel eyes, the way the sunlight catches in her auburn hair, and the soft squeeze of her hands in mine.
She's wearing a white dress that hugs her curves in all the right places, and I have to remind myself we're in a church.
When it's time for our vows, I clear my throat.
"Joelle, when I met you, I was just trying to make my grandmother happy. I never expected to fall in love." I pause, swallowing hard. "You brought me back to life. You made me believe in romance again, in partnership, in forever. I promise to spend every day showing you how much you mean to me."
Her eyes are glossy with tears now, and when she speaks, her voice shakes.
"Evrard, you are the bravest man I know.
Not only do you run into burning buildings to save people, but you also have the courage to let me into your heart.
You make me laugh, you make me feel safe, and you make me feel loved every single day.
I promise to be your partner, your best friend, and your love for the rest of our lives. "
The officiant says something about rings, and Tanner hands me the simple gold band we picked out together. My hands shake as I slide it onto Joelle's finger.
"With this ring, I thee wed," I say.
She takes my ring from Petula, her fingers steady as she places it on my hand.
"With this ring, I thee wed," she repeats.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."
I don't wait for him to finish. I pull Joelle close, my hand cradling her face as I kiss her deeply. The audience erupts into cheers and applause, but all I can hear is the sound of my heart pounding and Joelle's soft laugh against my lips.
When we finally break apart, she whispers, "I love you, hubby."
"I love you too, my stunning wife," I whisper back, grinning like a fool.
We turn to face our family and friends, and the officiant announces, "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Boyd."
Hand in hand, we walk back down the aisle as our loved ones throw flower petals. Grandma Blanche is crying, baby Terri is reaching for us, and Tanner is whooping louder than anyone.
This is it. This is my forever. And I've never been more certain of anything in my life.