Epilogue
Emma
One Year later
The sun was sweltering, causing sweat to slide down my spine as I stood in the backyard, waiting to walk down the aisle for the second time. The day was so much like that day a year ago when I’d first said “I do” to Liam, but it couldn’t have been more different. Everything had changed.
There was no more Bridget, no more required gigs or obligations, and most importantly, no more scheming. Liam had paid his way out of his contract with her and the label, and instead, made connections with a couple producers based in Nashville who were excited about his sound. We hadn’t been sure how it would all pan out when Liam told Bridget she was fired, but everything had fallen into place exactly how it was supposed to.
Even my YouTube channel had exploded, and I had over one hundred thousand subscribers, with the number growing every day. People were finally getting excited about weather, and I was so glad I had taken a chance on creating the channel.
And now, instead of walking down a white velvet aisle in the Walkers’ backyard, I was about to walk down a grass path lined with sunflowers in our own backyard.
Yep, our own.
Liam and I had finished out the six-month lease on the townhouse before looking for a place of our own. It took a bit of time, but we eventually found the absolute perfect place for us. It was on the southern edge of Meridel on several acres, with a pond and the biggest maple tree I’d ever seen, and a cute little tire swing hanging from the branches.
It was picturesque, just like the small farmhouse that was nestled in the center. It was perfect and homey for the two of us with plenty of room to grow in the future. Liam was even able to turn one of the bedrooms into a recording studio, so he only left Meridel when it was completely necessary.
Goosebumps pebbled on my skin at the thought of the future. Because that future included Liam and me. A dream I’d never thought would come true.
We were technically still married even though our contract was moot, but over the past year we decided to truly date each other and find out who we were as lovers instead of just friends. It was the best decision we’d ever made—taking a chance on each other. And now, I waited in our backyard, ready to say my vows once more—real ones this time—and officially start this life with Liam.
We kept things simple. There were no twig seats or explosions of peonies or strange bald men performing the ceremony. It was just Liam and me, with Jameson doing the ceremony, his wife Elsie tearing up at his side, Maya and Oliver—who were trying to be discreet about snapping pictures of all of us—and, of course, Mom. Even Liam’s brother, Wyatt, had agreed to come this time. I wasn’t sure if Liam would ever have normal relationships with his family, but hope surged in my heart at the sight of Wyatt standing at his brother’s side.
As I made it to the end of the aisle, Liam took hold of my hands, our friends and family making a circle around us.
“You look beautiful,” Liam said softly, squeezing my hands. My cheeks hurt from how hard I was smiling.
This was everything. Standing here with my best friend, the love of my life, surrounded by the people that meant the most to us. Even the dark clouds threatening rain in the distance couldn’t sour my mood—it actually made it even better. I liked storms, okay?
Jameson started talking, but his words were far in the background as I lost myself in Liam’s gaze. It was only when my brother told me to recite my vows that I snapped back to the present.
This is it.
Maya handed me a folded piece of paper. Even though I had no doubt in my mind about the vows I was about to say, my hands still trembled as I unfolded the page.
“Liam,” I began, willing the emotion to stay out of my voice long enough to get through this. “I truly never thought the day would come where I could stand here and tell you how much I love you—have loved you for so long. You’re my best friend, my favorite person, and my husband, and I’m the luckiest girl in the entire world to be able to call you mine. I promise to love you, and to support your dreams and help you chase them in whatever way I’m able. I promise to hold your hand when I drag you tornado chasing, and to be your biggest fan for the rest of my life. You’re my everything, Liam, and I love you.”
Liam’s green eyes were shimmering as I finished, and he had to clear his throat a couple times before he recited his own vows.
“Emma.” He blew out a shaky breath. “I’m sorry it took me so long to see what was right in front of me for so many years. You’ve always been by my side, supporting me, even when I didn’t deserve it. You are the most wonderful person I know, and I’m the luckiest man in the world to be able to call you my wife. I promise to support your dreams—even if they terrify me—and help you chase after as many tornadoes as you wish. I promise to love you, to hold you each night, and never let go. It’s always been you, sweetheart, and I can’t wait to love you for the rest of my life.”
Tears spilled down my cheeks, and he was quick to wipe them away with his thumbs.
“By the power vested in me by the state of Iowa, I now pronounce you husband and wife…again,” Jameson declared, and everyone erupted into cheers and hollers as Liam swooped me backward and kissed me soundly.
When we finally came up for air, we were smothered in hugs, one by one.
“I told you those tornado chasin’ panties would come in handy,” Mom said in my ear as she pulled me tight against her.
I laughed. “You were right, Mom. I just needed a little boost to be brave.”
“What’s that about panties?” Liam asked, hugging me from behind.
“Nothing,” Mom and I said in unison which made everybody laugh.
Liam chuckled and kissed my cheek.
“I guess I’ll need to get you a pair though,” I said to him. “Since you promised to go chasing with me.”
He smiled. “I don’t know about special panties…but maybe an extra pair of underwear would be a good idea…just in case.”
Our circle of family cackled and poked fun at Liam just as the first raindrops started falling from the sky. Some people might have been upset to have their wedding ruined by some rain, but I simply tilted my head back and enjoyed the cool splashes on my face.
Rain was life. It caused flowers to bloom and food to grow and nature to thrive.
And having it rain now…it felt like the best kind of blessing.
In a matter of minutes, it turned into a downpour, and all of us were quickly soaked to the bone, but instead of running inside, we all danced through the rain, singing one of Liam’s new songs.
And with our hands intertwined as we stood in the rain, Liam’s lips on mine, I truly felt like the luckiest girl in the world.
Oh, and I’d definitely be surprising him with some tornado chasin’ panties.
THE END