Epilogue

epilogue

HENRY

Six months later . . .

I watch as Hazel makes her way in her little pink and white dress down the aisle toward where Felix and I are standing.

It’s just us up here, along with the officiant performing the very simple, yet beautiful ceremony as Hazel drops flower petals along the way. It didn’t take long for Felix to plan our wedding. I meant what I said about marrying him the night I forced him to propose, but I’m glad we waited for this.

For our friends to be sitting in chairs out in the backyard behind our house, while Hazel and Caleb are the flower girl and ring bearer.

We say our vows, exchanging rings and a kiss before we’re pronounced married. Felix scoops Hazel up in his arms, and we celebrate with our friends. We have a catered meal and laugh and dance the night away.

Felix is filing the paperwork to officially adopt Hazel next week, when we get back from our honeymoon, paid for by Brooks at a very Brooks-approved tropical setting. Thanks to Maggie, the process should be seamless, but it doesn’t matter.

No amount of paperwork can make him her father. He already is. But it’s a beautiful thing, making it official.

Just like he was already mine long before we got married.

Things are as close to perfect as they’ve ever been for me. And yeah, maybe sometimes I still feel the doubt that it can’t all be real. But then Felix holds me just a little bit tighter. His instincts are so much better than mine, and he knows I need him.

I don’t have to ask.

He just loves me hard with everything he has, and I’ll always make sure I do the same for him.

He’s my husband and the very best friend I’ve ever had.

The End