Epilogue
Three months later.
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. That’s what the old wives’ tale says when you’re about to walk down the aisle. The bride must wear something that represents each of these things for good luck in the future.
To say I was stunned puts it lightly when I think about Phillip proposing. He barely waited a whole week after graduation to surprise me by popping the question. I know we’re young, but I’m so in love, I can’t imagine a single day without him.
“You’re a real glamour babe.” Cynthia smiles after finishing my makeup. “My brother’s gonna go nuts when he sees you.”
I can feel my face bloom.
“I know they say blushing bride, but dang girl! You’re turning tomato. You’re going to ruin my perfection.”
“I’m fine. I just want to be perfect for Phillip. We’ve been through so much. I want this day to be the best for him.”
“It’s your day too.”
“Says my maid of honor.”
“I do,” Cynthia winks.
“Hey, that’s my line,” I chuckle, turning to look at my reflection in the mirror. My dress is exquisite, a simple but beautiful beaded bodice that flares at the waist, flowing to the floor. A gown fit for Cinderella herself. My hair is softly curled and flowing beyond my shoulders, one side pulled up with a bedazzled clip for accent.
“You have new covered.” The dress.
“And old and borrowed.” Roxy points to the clip in my hair explaining it belonged to her mother. “I never had a reason to wear it. Not my style exactly. Too pretty.” She smiles at me, fluffing my dress to check for wrinkles. “But perfect for you, kiddo.”
“Knock knock?” A timid voice appears in the doorway. When I turn toward the voice, I see a short woman with mousy-brown hair and glasses, dressed in a pant suit and heels.
“Meredith?”
“Hi sweetheart. Am I allowed back here?”
“Yes, of course! Come here!” I wave her close to give her a hug. Over the years, she’s been the person responsible for sending me birthday cards and Christmas gifts. My mother’s assistant.
“Hi Meredith,” Roxy smiles. “Glad you could make it.”
I don’t miss the inflection in her voice when she points out her own daughter didn’t make it.
Meredith’s smile dims slightly. “You know how it is.” She returns her focus to me. “However, I wasn’t going to miss it. I can’t wait to meet him.”
“You’ll be able to as soon as I get down the aisle. I think we’re about to start.” I keep looking around though because I’m not sure we remembered the last item.
“What’s wrong?” Meredith and Cynthia both look around to see what I’m hunting for.
“Blue?” I look to Roxy. “Did we forget blue?”
“Don’t panic.” Roxy tilts her head. “We had something here...”
Meredith steps forward. “If I may, I brought you something.” She has a giftbag hanging from her arm.
“Thank you so much, but I’ll have to do gifts afterward.”
“Please. I insist. I think it’ll help.”
We all stop what we’re doing to see what Meredith brought me. With a maternal smile, she hands me the gift and watches as I pull out a shoebox. Cynthia and Roxy’s eyes bulge out when they read the label.
“Jimmy Choos? Holy shit!” Cynthia yells.
I pull them out and they’re a pair of ice blue stilettos made in Italy. “These are expensive.”
“They’re blue for your wedding. And they’re yours.” Meredith looks hopeful.
“I don’t know what to say.” I hesitate because while they’re gorgeous, it bugs me that Meredith made the trip to see me on my wedding day instead of my own mother. Roxy and Cynthia are waiting with bated breath to see what I do. They know my frustration. It’s been going on for years. Why would today be any different?
“They’re from me, not her. I do hope you like them.”
That changes everything.
“Thank you,” I beam. “Help me try them on.”
*
Phillip can’t lookany better than he does as he turns to see his bride. The look in his eyes tells me I take his breath away and when he grabs his chest, eyes glassy, I know that with every step I take, I am walking toward my future.
I’m in a dreamlike state throughout the ceremony, focusing only on him. He’s the guy that grew up with me, the one that saw me when no one else did, the one that stayed by my side through sickness and health already, and the one that promises me the rest of our lives to love me. I’m dizzy with emotions but couldn’t be happier.
“Samantha.” Phillip swallows hard, the light shimmer still in his eyes. “I’ve never been more certain that you’re the best decision of my life. My dreams begin and end with you.” He flashes a brilliant smile. “You’ve captured my heart and today, I’m ready to devote myself to being your best friend, your lover, and your husband for the rest of our days.”
We smile at each other, lost in our gaze as several seconds tick by. I sway slightly, overcome by how handsome he is and caught up in the moment. His eyes narrow slightly but I squeeze his hand, steadying my breath in preparation to say my own vows. He pledged himself to me so easily. I don’t want to screw this up. So when it’s my turn to say my vows, I take another deep breath in, ready to declare these words to him.
“I can’t take credit for originality because I’m swiping this from a movie I watched recently.” He chuckles, watching me intently. There’s a light tremor in my hands. “Phillip, I take you to be my husband and in return all I ask is that you never steal, lie or cheat. But if you must steal...then I ask you to steal away my sorrows.” Phillip’s eyes swim with love. “If you must lie...lie with me all the nights for the rest of my life.” He nods and smiles, his face stoic and emotional. “And lastly, if you must cheat, then please, please, please...cheat death. Because I cannot live a single day without you.” A tear falls down his cheek before one falls down my own. “I love you, Phillip.”
“I love you too, Wallflower.”
The preacher smiles and holds his arms out wide. Phillip squeezes my hands, his expression changing. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” We look at him and he announces, “you may kiss your bride.”
Phillip turns to me, gently sweeping me into his arms, our mouths touching right when our friends and family erupt in applause and cheers. I hear the clicks of cameras capturing our moment. He parts my lips enough for our tongues to meet, warming my insides, sealing our vows with a silent promise before he pulls back and we catch our breath.
I smile, feeling my cheeks tingle. Phillip holds our joined hands in the air before we slowly start down the aisle toward the back of the church. Friends and family smile and clap, all their faces blurring together as I try to stay focused on my husband. It’s when he turns to me that his face changes to an anxious expression.
“Samantha?”
“Phillip, I—”
Everything goes black.
“Samantha? Baby?! I can’t lose you now! Somebody call 9-1-1!”
This isn’t the end! There’s more to their story...
in book 2! Find out what happens next in Reunion
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Reunion by CM Neff
Same hometown. Someof the same faces. When classmates of Hurricane High School’s graduated class of 2014 return for their 10-year high school reunion, dreams and expectations prove to wreak havoc when only love forged a decade prior can keep hopes alive.