Epilogue

December…

A s organ music played inside the church, Raine stood in the vestibule by herself, shifting her weight between her white Chucks. She'd chosen comfort over style. Not that many would notice. Her wedding gown, made from pieces of vintage wedding dresses, covered her feet.

Almost time.

She clutched the beautiful bridal bouquet of red poinsettias, roses, berries, pinecones dabbed with white paint and silver glitter, and greenery. Pippa had tied a lovely red ribbon around the stems and decorated the church ends of the pews and the altar with similar arrangements.

I'm having a Christmas wedding.

Raine couldn't believe this was happening.

But when it's right, why wait?

Keaton had said that to her. They weren't making a rash decision. But eloping was off the table thanks to Garrett and Taryn. His parents wanted a wedding, but Raine and Keaton didn't need to wait and plan a big shindig. Small and intimate would work.

As he'd logically gone through his list of reasons to marry right away, Raine agreed with each one.

And here she was.

She peeked through a crack in the double doors.

Timmy, her man of honor, reached the altar with Autumn, the Norwegian Elkhound she and Keaton had adopted from a rescue group in Seattle. Timmy's bleached blond hair was void of color because he didn't want to clash in the photographs. He took his position on the left with the dog, who was their ring bearer.

The organist played the opening strains of Raine's bridal song.

This was really happening.

Two volunteers from the church, who were also members of the First Avenue Business Association, appeared and opened the doors fully.

Raine took a breath and entered the church.

Mr. Jones had offered to walk her down the aisle, but she politely declined. Mom and Dad weren't physically there, but they were with her, one on either side, as she walked toward Keaton.

Friends and his family sat in pews, but their faces blurred.

All she saw was Keaton, who looked dashing in his tuxedo and mirror-shiny shoes.

One step followed another, but she felt as if she were standing on an automatic walkway being propelled toward her future.

And her love.

Eyes gleaming, he watched her.

Garrett leaned across Flynn to whisper something to Keaton. All three men laughed, but Keaton's gaze never left hers.

Not for a second.

When she reached the altar, he held out his arm. His fingers slid between hers as if they belonged there.

They did.

This is really happening.

Raine kept telling herself that. Through the readings, the songs, and the vows.

Timmy removed the rings from the pouch tied to Autumn's special white wedding-day collar and handed them to the officiant.

As Keaton slid a Rosemaling-pattern wedding band that matched her engagement ring onto her ring finger, it hit Raine.

This is real.

She wouldn't be jolted out of a daydream by a customer. She wouldn't be woken up from the lovely dream by an alarm. She would always wear his ring on her left hand.

She and Keaton were getting married.

Joy overflowed from her heart and spread to the tips of her green—to match his eyes—toes.

His gorgeous eyes full of love and excitement met Raine's.

A wedding band slightly wider that matched hers rested in Raine's palm.

She expected to be trembling, but contentment filled her, a peace she'd never thought possible, given the nerves she'd woken with this morning, but she knew.

Not only in her gut, but deep inside of her.

In her heart.

This was exactly where she was meant to be.

Marrying Keaton was the right decision and a dream come true.

Their choice of wedding attire showed how different they were. But Keaton had shown her how their differences made them better…stronger. They complemented each other in the best possible of ways.

She slid the band onto his left ring finger.

Autumn barked.

Timmy slipped the dog a treat.

Keaton's bright smile brought a burst of tingles. It might be December, but Fourth of July fireworks exploded inside her.

The celebrant held out her hands. "By the power vested in me by the state of Washington and God, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Raine's heart slammed against her rib cage. She glanced up at the same time Keaton lowered his mouth to hers.

His kiss was warm, possessive, all him.

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. She arched closer, deepening the kiss.

"Get a room," Flynn said under his breath.

That would happen after the reception, during their two-night mini moon at a resort not too far away. They didn't have time for an official honeymoon with the holidays and starting his new job at Summit University in January, but they had plenty of time for that later.

Keaton drew the kiss to an end and then kissed her once more. Just a peck. Raine would have preferred to keep kissing him, but their guests were watching.

He side-eyed his eldest brother and co-best man. "You're supposed to be supportive."

Flynn rolled his eyes. "I am. Supportive of the poor people in the pews having to watch the two of you slobber over each other."

The organist played the opening strains of "Ode to Joy."

"And on that note," Keaton muttered. "Ignore the arrogant surgeon, my love. He's jealous."

"Am not," Flynn shot back. "I could have a wife if I wanted one."

"You sure he's the oldest of the four?" Timmy handed over the bouquet.

Raine winked. "That's what I've been told."

Autumn panted.

Timmy shrugged. "Well, he's acting more like Brecken's youngest brother."

"They don't let him out of the O.R. much," Keaton joked.

"I heard that," Flynn said.

Garrett nudged him. "Quit while you can, Doc."

Timmy nodded, appearing amused by the Andrews brothers. "Yes, let's get going, or we'll never get to have champagne."

"And cake," Garrett said. "My lovely, talented wife created the most amazing wedding cake for you guys."

Their fingers entwined, Raine and Keaton strolled up the aisle. Smiling faces blurred once again. She only had eyes for the man next to her.

When they reached the vestibule, he hugged her. "Such a stunning bride, and now my lovely wife."

"Love you in this tux." Raine ran her fingers along his lapel. "Never thought I'd find this more attractive than a leather jacket or vest, but I do."

He placed his forehead against hers, and then she kissed him.

"Enough with the kissing." Margot clapped her hands. "You need to take photos so you can head over to the Falls Café for the reception."

"You need champagne and cake, too?" Keaton asked.

"That's a given, but there's still work to be done." Margot glanced around as if searching for something.

Raine had no idea what she meant. "What kind of work?"

"Two Andrews brothers are married and living in Silver Falls, that leaves—"

"Don't get your hopes up." Keaton appeared to be holding back laughter over Margot's matchmaking obsession. "Flynn's not leaving L.A."

Margot brushed her hand through the air. "All he needs is a good reason…like falling in love. I have two candidates in mind for Flynn."

"Did I hear my name?" Flynn followed Garrett and Timmy.

"I was just saying you're one of the few single men here tonight." Margot didn't miss a beat. "Be sure to dance with Anna."

"No, thanks." Flynn shook his head as if to emphasize the point. "I want nothing to do with my little sister's BFF and her annoying troublemaker of a dog."

"Then ask Pippa, the florist," Margot suggested.

Flynn tilted his head as if he were considering it. "I can dance with her."

Oh, Flynn. His condescending tone made it sound like he'd be doing Pippa a favor. And Raine had no idea what he had against Anna, who was beautiful and kind, even though Milo did get into a fair amount of trouble.

Flynn, however, needed to learn some lessons from his two younger brothers unless he planned on staying single.

Wait. Raine stopped herself. She was sounding like Margot. "Come on. Let's get the pictures taken. I can't wait to see the cake Taryn made for us."

Keaton brushed his lips over hers. "I can't wait until we're alone."

Neither could Raine, but they had a reception to attend and enjoy first.

"I knew you two would be perfect together." Margot rubbed her hands together, her gaze zeroing in on Flynn, who spoke to Timmy, while Autumn wagged her tail. "Your oldest brother thinks it won't happen to him, but I'm an expert at matchmaking. I can't wait to watch the doctor fall. It'll be like a sequoia toppling."

Keaton put his arm around Raine's dress. "I'm just happy you told Callie to invite me to Silver Falls. Thank you, Margot."

Her blue eyes twinkled. "Happily ever after is what I live for."

"We plan on living happily ever after." Raine leaned into Keaton. "And thanks for not listening to me when I asked you not to play matchmaker."

"I'm happy you're happy." Margot glanced around and then lowered her voice. "Between us, I only don't listen to people when I know they're wrong. And Flynn, he's the worst of the bunch."

Uh-oh. Raine blew out a breath. "This might get ugly."

"That's my brother's problem." Keaton brushed his lips over her hair. "We have each other. That's what counts."

She gazed into her husband's eyes. "We do have each other. And I don't plan on letting you go. You're mine, and I'm yours."

Raine kissed him, a kiss full of love, gratitude, and anticipation for the future.

Their future.

Together in Silver Falls.

The End

Want more? Check out Taryn and Garrett's story in A Slice of Summer !

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