Epilogue
EPILOGUE
CORA
THE FOLLOWING AUGUST
[Social Media Post from the Taste of Magnolia]
It’s National Watermelon Day and what better way to celebrate than with a wedding! One year ago, Talon Banks stole a watermelon out of the grasp of our very own Cora Delaney! They didn’t know it then, but that was the beginning of something beautiful. If you see the happy couple, make sure you congratulate them!
#supportlocal #tasteofmagnolia #magnoliapoint #lowcountryautomotive #nationalwatermelonday
I snort as I read the post and then look up to see Aspen smirking at me. “Was this necessary?”
“Lie to me and tell me that you didn’t start writing your happily ever after that day.”
I shrug. “I didn’t know it at the time.”
Looking down at the engagement ring on my hand, the square diamond sparkling, I can’t help the smile that spreads over my face.
“I got really lucky,” I manage as my eyes cloud with tears. “We both did.” She nods but doesn’t respond as Navy comes bounding into the room.
“It’s time! It’s time!” She gasps and claps her hands. “You look like a princess!”
Bristol chuckles behind her, but her eyes are glassy. “You really do. My brother won’t know what to do with himself when he sees you.”
“This is crazy, right?” I say out loud to no one in particular.
“Oh, Cora, you look beautiful.” My father’s voice is full of awe as he takes my hands in his and squeezes. My white satin dress is simple but elegant with a sweetheart neckline and a split front skirt—it is South Carolina, after all.
“Thank you. This suit looks great on you—very handsome.” I wink and he chuckles.
“I know it’s customary for the groom to have a pocket square,” my father says as he pulls the folded fabric from the inside of his jacket and hands it to me, “but then I remembered your dress has pockets, and I thought you might like this today.”
My grandfather’s initials are embroidered in the corner, and my heart is bursting with happiness as I trace the letters and smile.
“It’s perfect.”
“Is everyone ready?” the wedding planner asks as she pops her head in. “Navy, you’re going to lead Chip down the aisle.” I grin as she looks over her list. “Then Bristol and Aspen. Vienna Greene is officiating, and when I give you the signal…” She beams at me and I nod.
“Let’s do this.”
Because while there might never be a right time, I’m pretty in love with the right now, and I’ll never take for granted the path that led me back to Talon.
That—and a watermelon.
THE END