EPILOGUE
Valentina
Streetlamps provide a soft glow over the retreat center as Jason and I follow Ethan, our footsteps mingling with the splash of water from the pool. My diamond’s sparkle catches my eye. I move my hand and lift my finger. A brilliant-cut diamond nestles in the center of the asymmetrical gold band, carrying me away to Jason’s proposal a week after I declined NWAY’s job offer. Now I’m marrying the love of my life in four days.
We pass a seating area where the guests’ laughter and conversations blend with the ambient background music and the rhythmic splash of those in the pool.
For our final premarital counseling, we opted to meet Ethan here since he had a prior engagement. Only last week, did I discover Ethan started this retreat center to help people escape as they overcome their struggles.
He stops, his attention caught by something—or someone—near the pool. He squints against the low light, lifting the papers he’s carrying toward the illuminated water. “Is that Ruby?”
“Should I know Ruby?” Jason asks.
I follow Ethan’s gaze across the pool, intrigued by the connection Meadowbrook already has to our lives and the new memories we’re about to create here. Clad in a black dress, a woman with tawny-brown skin strides with purpose. Beneath short well-styled hair, her silver earrings bounce against her cheeks.
“Who’s Ruby?” Jason repeats.
But Ethan’s steps quicken and he almost collides with another guest. He steadies the man with a hand and an apologetic nod, then resumes his pursuit. “Ruby!”
In his haste, his foot catches a table leg. Water bottles clatter to the tiles, and he plunges into the pool, sending a giant splash over a couple passing by. His papers scatter and float like water lilies on the surface.
“What’s gotten into him?” Jason snatches a towel from a nearby stack. He takes my hand and leads me toward the spectacle.
“He’s acting like a madman,” I say. Over the three months we’ve worked closely together, I’ve witnessed countless single women from church test Ethan’s calm with casseroles and baked goods. Yet, he’s always unperturbed.
Now, he’s the center of attention, all eyes fixed on his sopping-wet figure standing in the pool. “Sorry!” he shouts, waving a hand, then wiping his face.
The woman—Ruby—approaches, her heels clicking rapid-fire steps against the tile. Her hand flies to her mouth as if to hide the smile widening her lips. “Ethan?”
Ethan, still in the pool, chuckles and attempts to regain some dignity.
“We have a lot to ask our pastor,” Jason quips beside me. “It’s clear they’ve met before, and she’s not just any woman.”
“I can’t believe it’s you.” Ruby shakes her head, then squishes her face. “It’s unfortunate I have to be on stage in five minutes.” Then, with a wave, she strides away, disappearing through one of the back doors, leaving gawking onlookers.
Snickering, Jason and I exchange a look before he offers his hand to help Ethan from the pool and hands him the towel. “Who is she?”
Ethan’s face glows pink, his button-down shirt clinging to him, dripping water. “Someone from my past.”
“Sounds interesting.” I’ll definitely pry for more details.
He wipes his hair. “It’s a long story. For another time.”
Jason chuckles and slides an arm around my waist. “Looks like our pastor has a few stories of his own.”
“Perhaps he can fill us in on those details during tonight’s counseling session.”
“You two are going to be just fine.” He swipes the towel over his arms and chest. “Just remember to keep open communication and support each other.”
Jason kisses the top of my head. His chest rises as he inhales as if he can’t get enough of my scent.
I love how he smells too, so I lean my head against his arm, feeling safe and cherished.
“You’d better not pull this stunt on Saturday.” Jason wags a finger.
But his friend swings the damp towel in his direction, smirking back. “No promises if you have anything distracting in your backyard.”
My joy bubbles free. “Distraction or not, I’m ready to be Mrs. Sterling in four days.”
Even though hints of yellow and gold already tint the green leaves, Saturday arrives with just enough warmth for me to be comfortable in my flowy sleeveless gown.
As Mendelssohn’s soft “Wedding March” begins, my heart swells with each note, guiding my steps down the aisle. Carlos’s palm is clammy around mine. My poor brother must be nervous under the spotlight. Every head turns, gazes following us as we tread over the red-petal-sprinkled white runner.
My gaze stays fixed ahead on Jason. He looks every bit the man of my dreams, sharp in his dark suit and white shirt, and the red rose boutonnière adds a splash of color. Russ and Liam stand to his left, the twins, our ring bearers, adorable in their suits in front of the men. Ethan is to his right. If he hadn’t been officiating, he’d be Jason’s best man. Next to Ethan, Eden, Leah, and Willow all wear dresses as red as my bouquet.
Lanterns dangle from the tree branches in our backyard, and elegant string lights crisscross tree to tree. The arch boasts red and white flowers against the backdrop of golden and yellow leaves.
Halfway down the aisle, Carlos relinquishes me and Jason steps forward to meet me. Our hands join, and we walk toward Ethan, ready to seal our vows.
We stop before the altar, and Jason leans in. “You’re breathtaking,” he whispers.
Emotion clogs my throat. “And you’re so handsome.”
Ethan smiles at us before inviting the gathered friends and family to take their seats. “We are gathered here today to witness the union of Jason and Valentina....”
Jason and I clasp our hands, Ethan’s words become a gentle hum, and I lose myself in Jason’s gaze. We exchange vows, reaffirming promises we’ve made in quiet moments between us—promises of dedication, protection, and unwavering support.
Jason’s vows are clear, his eyes shiny. “With your confidence in those you love—your love for me and my family—I could be gone for a month or a year and be assured you’d be home waiting for me....”
Each vow binds my heart tighter to his, the depth of our commitment girding every word spoken.
“I, Jason, take you, Valentina, to be my wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part.”
A single tear escapes as I echo the sentiment, my voice steady but lodged with emotion. “I, Valentina, take you, Jason, to be my husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death do us part.”
Ethan declares us husband and wife. Cheers and claps fade into the background as Jason kisses me and I kiss him back.
Way after the reception, the food, and the dancing, and when everyone has gone, Jason’s parents take the kids to Manhattan for the weekend. Now, it’s finally Jason and me. We’ll leave for our honeymoon to Venezuela next week, and our moms will stay here alternating taking the kids to school.
With our hands clasped, we approach the door beneath the porch light. Jason swings it open, then scoops me into his arms, and carries me across the threshold of our house. I’d been staying in the annex until last week when I moved back to Brooklyn with my family.
“I’m glad we had our wedding here.” I kiss his ear as he closes the door with his foot.
“Whatever my bride wants”—his voice is soft and hoarse—“I’m happy to please.”
“I hope it’s okay with you that I wanted our first night to be here, in our home.” My fingers trace the contours of his clean-shaven jaw.
“It couldn’t be more perfect.” His lips brush my cheek as he steps on the red petals creating a path to the hallway and his bedroom.
It’s much bigger than my old room. He carries me to a bed sprinkled with roses, the air scented with fresh blooms. The bed dips beside me when he sits.
“Your bed is so big.” I’d never peeked into his bedroom before.
“This is the new bed you helped choose.”
My hands glide over the soft fabric. My smile widens as I take in the California king bed. Flowers adorn every flat surface of the room, and vases almost overshadow the essential oils and candles arranged on his dresser.
“I took the honor of getting some of your things.” He winks.
He went shopping for essential oils and candles? I look at him, the love reflected in his eyes mirroring the emotions in my heart. “I love you so much, Jason.”
He stands and draws me close. The steady beat of his heart merges with mine. “I love you, Valentina.” Every word, every syllable, strings together like a thread connecting us tighter.
“Ready for a bath, Mrs. Sterling?”
“Yes, Mr. Sterling.” I spin around, my back to him. “Could you help me out of this dress, please?”
“The pleasure is all mine.” His breath warms my neck as the zipper slides down. His fingers trace the exposed skin of my back, sending a shiver through me. His lips follow, pressing soft reviving kisses that leave a trail of desire in their wake.
There are no reservations now, and under the weight of his love, I feel utterly cherished. If God decides to start expanding our family tonight, I’m more than ready to embrace every moment and every possibility with the man I love and in a place where I belong.