Epilogue | Katia
Epilogue
Katia
Several months later
Iobserved Nick standing in front of the white altar in Michael’s back yard. The yard had been decorated with white and pink streamers and balloons, and it was a gorgeous September day. Bianca stood a few feet away from Nick, looking absolutely stunning in her updo and dark green dress.
The officiant asked us to rise, and I turned to see Alexis in her white dress. A veil covered her face as Michael slowly walked her down the aisle. When they arrived at the altar, Michael kissed her cheek and walked to stand behind Nick.
Nick lifted her veil, his smile broad as he gazed at her. Although her baby bump was now fully noticeable, it just added to her beauty as they turned to face the officiant.
The ceremony was short and sweet, with Nick placing a firm kiss on Alexis’s lips once the officiant gave the okay. They faced the crowd and lifted their joined hands, and everybody cheered as they walked down the aisle as husband and wife.
I grinned at Leo as he placed his fingers in his mouth and gave a loud whistle.
“You seem excited,” I teased, patting his arm. “Are you sad we missed all this?”
Glancing at me, he shrugged. “Nah. Getting married at the courthouse sped up the guardianship process, and we can use the money we would’ve spent on the wedding for a honeymoon in St. Lucia once I’m more settled in my job.
” Leaning forward, her whispered, “I’m really looking forward to removing your bikini with my teeth under the Caribbean moonlight. ”
I bit my lip. “Wow, that was kind of poetic...I think.”
Leo winked, and we picked up our chairs to move them to the tables that had been set up at the side of the yard. The ceremony was small, which contributed to the relaxed feel of the day.
After we’d eaten, Alexis stood and gestured toward the dance floor that had been set up atop the grass. “We have an amazing DJ who’s going to play a mix of dance tunes and slow songs, so you all better get ready to dance!”
“That will be fun,” I said to Dmitry as he sat beside me.
“I don’t dance,” he muttered, crossing his arms.
“Oh, we’re going to dance,” Natalia said beside him, a challenge in her eyes as she patted his thigh. “Don’t worry, Katia. I’ll drag him out there if I have to.”
Smiling, I acknowledged how much I liked Dmitry’s girlfriend.
He was settling into his life with us, and I thanked the lord every day that he was no longer tainted by Oskar.
Sometimes, I wondered if Elena had pushed him toward me somehow, giving me a second chance to save someone I loved.
The thought brought me hope, and I vowed to do my best to give Dmitry the life he deserved.
“We have a special treat for the first dance of the evening,” Alexis continued. “My very good friends, Katia and Leo, decided to get married a few weeks ago without telling me or having a ceremony—which was very rude, but I’ll forgive them one day.”
Laughter filtered through the yard as I grinned at Leo.
“Therefore, it’s only fitting that they get to have their first dance as husband and wife here, in the beautiful yard that so many of my friends and family helped us decorate.
” Lifting her glass of sparkling cider, she gave us a nod.
“Katia and Leo, please head to the dance floor for your first dance.”
Leo looked at me, his expression droll. “Did you know about this?”
Laughing, I stood and extended my hand. “Not at all, but it will be fun. Come on.”
He took my hand and led me to the dance floor as the DJ started playing Risk it All by Bruno Mars. Gliding my arms around his neck, I beamed as I gazed into his eyes. They sparkled under the late-afternoon sunlight, and I took a moment to admire how handsome he was.
“I love you,” I whispered, swaying back and forth with him as the attendees watched us dance.
“I hate having everyone watch us, but it’s okay since I’m holding you,” he muttered.
My chuckle surrounded us as I tightened my hand on his, his other hand tenderly cupping my lower back as we danced.
“Don’t be grumpy,” I said, pecking his lips. “It’s too nice of a day for that.”
His lips curved. “It is. I don’t want to kill the vibe.”
Resting my head on his shoulder, I finished the dance, closing my eyes as I reveled in the feel of his strong arms around me. When the song was over, everyone clapped and cheered, and Leo lifted my hand, pumping it in the air as we celebrated.
Afterward, Nick and Alexis had their first dance before everyone joined them in the revelry. Natalia even got Dmitry on the dance floor, and he looked mostly happy as she urged him on.
Eventually, the night wound down and several guests started to leave. Leo and I sat with Bianca, Michael, Adrian, Nick and Alexis, finishing our last glass of wine before heading home. Alexis sighed and rubbed her stomach, leaning back in her chair as she rested her feet on Nick’s lap.
“I loved dancing tonight, but my feet are killing me.”
Nick began massaging her bare feet since she’d shed her shoes hours ago. Alexis closed her eyes, joy evident on her face before her features constricted. Lowering her feet to the grass, she placed her hand on her belly as her eyes grew wide.
“Holy shit,” she whispered, and I noticed Adrian’s eyebrows lift.
“What’s wrong, princess?” Nick asked, concern marring his handsome features.
Adrian stood and rushed to her side, kneeling beside her as he placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Don’t freak out,” he said to the group as he rested his palm on Alexis’s stomach. “But I think she’s going into labor.”
Bianca rose and Adrian held up his hand. “Let’s give her some space,” he said. “I’ll call her OB/GYN. She’s going to be fine. You’re ready for this, right, Alexis?”
Her cheeks puffed as she exhaled a huge breath. Gazing at Nick, she squeezed his hand. “We’re so freaking ready. Let’s do this!”
Bianca gripped Michael’s shoulders, excitement in her tone as she exclaimed, “Our grandbaby is coming!”
And just like that, Alexis and Nick’s wedding ended, paving the way for a new beginning filled with hope and anticipation under the star-filled September sky.