Epilogue
Levi
Three Years Later
Standing here listening to the church bells ring, I think of the last seven years.
Spencer attended college, graduating with a degree in physical therapy.
He’s now Dr. Collins, well known and loved by the local sports teams for his care and dedication to their players.
Scarlett is currently completing a residency at Memorial Hospital to obtain her pediatrician license, following in the footsteps of Dr. David Collins, her senior mentor.
Our new home is beautiful, nestled just down the road from Anna and David’s. With Spencer and Scarlett a block over, making weekly family dinners possible for everyone.
Now, it’s time, the time we’ve all been waiting for. The violins begin to play, their vibrations echoing through the pews filled with well-dressed families and friends.
“Letty, baby sister, you look stunning. Before I take you down this aisle, please know that I’m so incredibly proud of you.
I love you and Spencer, and I can’t imagine giving you away to anyone else.
I see the way he looks at you, Scarlett.
I know it’s real because it’s the same look I give Maddie.
It’s looking at your entire world, praying to God, she looks back at you, thinking the same thing.
And I know you do. I know I’m supposed to give you away today, but I’ve decided I can’t.
Instead, I’ll share you with someone who loves you as much as I do.
” A tear falls down her cheek; quickly, I dab it.
“Can’t ruin your make-up before Spencer sees his darling bride. ”
David walks up, in a matching navy-blue suit with a white tie. His eyes are red as tears swell in them, and he leans in, hugging Letty tightly, warmly, lovingly. “It’s time, sweet girl. You look divine. I hope today is everything you dreamt of, and more. We love you so much.”
“Thank you for everything. Thank you for blessing me with your son and for loving me as your daughter. You’re the best dad a girl could ask for.” There is a slight tug at my dress pants. Sweet Annie, my beautiful flower girl, looks at me.
“Daddy, can I throw the flowers yet? Please?” Annie stands tall, looking at all of us, the prettiest flower girl there has ever been.
I smile down at my daughter, then crouch and kiss her forehead. “You bet, Princess.”
Scarlett throws her arms over my shoulders. “I love you, Levi.” We nod at the doorkeepers, pushing them open, and my heart explodes.
Annie dances and twirls down the aisle, throwing white peonies to create a special walkway.
Scarlett’s eyes gleam at Spencer, standing in an all-black suit, with tears streaming down his face, as he brings his hand to his heart.
The minister looks up as we reach the steps.
“Who gives this woman away?” Annie smiles big before her little voice speaks out.
“We do.” David and I smile, squeezing my daughter’s hand, and I wink at Spencer.
The ceremony was beautiful, and everything I could have pictured.
Spencer and Scarlett stood before guests and promised each other forever.
In every wave and every tide they get lost in, they will stand by one another constantly, loving each other more in those moments.
Vowing to grow in love, to forgive when necessary, and never to forget the devotion we feel in this moment.
After tears of joy crashed over our family and friends, they walked down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Collins. It was time for the reception, where more dreams were about to come true.
Everything is as it should be. Scarlett is safe and married to my best friend. My sweet Maddie sits at a table beside the dance floor, watching me dance with our daughter, spinning her around, making her feel like the most treasured princess in all the land, something I will always do.
The music stops, and the DJ requests that all the unmarried ladies come to the dance floor; it’s time for the bouquet toss.
Annie and Maddie dance their way to the floor, following the other single ladies out.
Scarlett turns around with her back to the jumping ladies, all hoping for the bouquet.
Scarlett swings it up, once, twice, three times, before turning around and handing it to Annie.
All the girls smile in awe as my gorgeous green-eyed mini-me twirls around with her new flowers, before walking them over to Maddie.
“Good job, sweetie!” She picks her up, spinning her around.
“Mommy, they’re for you.” Quickly getting into position, I kneel behind her. Maddie turns around and gasps, squeezing our greatest blessing tightly, as tears fill her eyes. Dad, if you’re up there watching me, help me through this next part.
“Maddie, Peach. The love we see today is much like ours; it’s everlasting. Will you make me the happiest man, and be my wife?” Everyone claps behind me as happy tears stream down her face.
Annie smiles widely, showcasing her cute dimples. She touches her nose to Maddie's. “Mommy, this is where you tell Daddy yes.”
Maddie leans down, taking my face in her hand, planting a passionate kiss on my lips for all to see. “Yes. Yes. Yes!” Family and friends around go wild with applause, and David walks up behind me, patting my shoulder, giving me the look of ‘thata boy.’
Sliding the ring on Maddie’s finger seals the deal.
I’m finally getting everything I could have dreamed of.
Scarlett takes Annie as a slow dance comes on, allowing me to take my fiancée out for a dance.
Holding her close to my body, I whisper in her ear all the reasons I can’t wait to make her mine, and all I am grateful for.
Annie comes running up, just as the song is about to end, but I can’t have my Princess miss this, so I scoop her into my arms, dancing with her and my future wife.
I have my whole world in my hands; it’s everything and more.
Time to live, love, and be endlessly happy.