Epilogue

EPILOGUE

Autumn

A few months later…

My heart is racing wildly, almost beating out of my chest now that our wedding day is finally here.

Our official wedding day, where all of our friends and family get to celebrate with us this time.

We managed to slide in a free weekend between what is shaping up to be an amazing wedding season for the first year of the Bassetts' new venue at the barn. I'm loving every minute of being a part of each couple's special day. Every wedding I've taken photographs for is unique to the next. It's also given me a lot of inspiration for themes for my and Beau's big day, thanks to Eden.

I've quickly realized I love all things romantic and whimsical. That's why we chose peonies, roses, vintage and lace as our theme. We also threw in some magnolias for good measure.I can't wait to use my flower press on these too, so I can keep the memories forever.

I wanted to incorporate all of it into our real wedding and add touches of the things Beau likes too. Though I have to say, he's been very easy-going about every single thing. Like last night when we were putting the finishing touches to the To Do list:

"You know I love helping you make lists." He grins.

I look up. "Oh, why's that?"

He cups my chin, planting a kiss on my lips. "Because you look so cute wearing my glasses."

I only wear them for reading, and I keep saying I need to go and have my eyes tested.

"Now I know you're lying."

"Never." He glances down at the list. "What you got for me?"

"The cake. We decided on lemon butter cream, right?"

"Verne's specialty."

"This will be three tiers so you have to be super careful."

"You've only told me like eight hundred times," he whispers against my lips.

We also have Aunt May making her famous lemon bars for our guests to take away.

"I've got something for you," Beau goes on.

I raise his glasses onto the top of my head. "It better be something I haven't seen before."

He smirks, then leans over to the bedside table as I watch, wondering what he's doing.

Then he produces a little package wrapped in tissue paper.

"So you know how you liked those cake toppers?"

My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "Those custom ones?"

"Yeah."

"The ones that take three months to make as the woman who makes them is so busy?"

He taps his nose. "It's not what you know around here. Unwrap it."

Beau's always doing sweet things like this.

I quickly rip the tissue paper and two toppers fall out. The first is me: a country girl dressed in jeans and a flannel sitting on a hay bale with a camera slung around my neck. Beau is sitting on the other side of the bale with his gaming station, controls in hand, with jeans and a hoodie. It's the sweetest thing I've ever seen. The detail is amazing.

"Oh, Beau! These are amazing!"

"You like them?"

I wrap my arms around him excitedly. "I love them! I hope you didn't have to do anything too unpleasant to get a special order."

He kisses my nose. "Nope. Just used my southern hospitality charm, ma'am."

I laugh as he puts on a strong southern accent. Beau's way of getting anything in life is by being nice. He hasn't got a mean or demanding bone in his body. "I'm glad to hear someone finds you charming."

He starts to tickle me. "Yeah, you wanna say that again?"

"Beau, no!"

He doesn't let up and I fall on my back trying to kick him off as he pins me down. My attempt is futile. "That's unusual, you're normally screaming, ‘Beau, yes!'"

"Stop it!"

"Don't pretend you don't love it when my hands are on you."

"Not when you're tickling me!"

I smile at the memory, as well as the day I drove to Memphis to spend the weekend with my friends as well as Mom and Gran to pick out my wedding dress. I wanted it to be special, and share those moments with all of them. Since the night of the dinner, Mom and I have been on much better terms. She's really making an effort, and our relationship continues to grow. It's not perfect, and maybe it never will be, but at least we don't fight every time we see each other.

Gran cried when I walked out in a beautiful 1940s inspired lace wedding dress. "You look so beautiful." Her hands were shaking as she took me in. I could see the pride written all over her face as I twirled around on the podium.

"You really do, Autumn," Mom agreed. "You look absolutely stunning."

We all cried. The dress I chose is a long A-line style. White and silky, with long floaty sleeves, an open V at the back with a lace trim, and V neckline which has a modest plunge.

Now the day is finally here, I'm more giddy than ever. Carrie curled my hair for me; I'm wearing it down but she added some beautiful baby's breath flowers to the vintage clip on one side of my hair to set it back. Gran gave me the clip for good luck, and for something borrowed; she wore it on her own wedding day.

Georgia-Blue wanted to do my makeup since she did make-up artistry years ago and loved it. I went to the salon yesterday so Dolly could do my nails. She did a pretty French polish with tiny pink nail art bows on each one.

"I'll never forget you doing this for me," I say. Georgia finishes off the soft pink blush to my cheeks and steps back in her fluffy slippers to look at me. We're in her casita enjoying the morning and drinking champagne.

"Doing your makeup?" She slides back toward me to add a little more highlighter with her brush.

"Yes, it's so sweet of you."

She waves it off. "At least we're invited to this one."

I laugh and she flashes me a wink.

I hired another makeup artist to help Georgia today because it's not like she could do the entire bridal party herself. I want all the girls to feel pampered.

"Who's up for another round of champagne!" Gran pops the cork on a bottle of pink and us girls all shriek with laughter.

"Gran!" I giggle. "Are you trying to get me tipsy before my wedding day?"

"I wouldn't dream of it, my darling." She sounds a little too smug for her own good.

Ever since our ‘chat' that day, we've been closer than ever. I don't want to keep secrets from my parents, but they don't need to know the real reason Beau and I first got together.

"Let me help." Eden takes the bottle from Gran and tops up the glasses.

Eden, Carrie and Georgia-Blue are all my bridesmaids, and Skye, Hartley, Celeste and Gayle have come over to have a champagne breakfast with us so we can all get ready together.

Trinity and Blake are here too, playing on the floor before they put their flower girl dresses on. Both are a delicate pastel pink with a gorgeous tulle tutu underneath. They were both so excited when we asked them if they wanted to be flower girls.

"You all look so pwetty!" Trinity runs around with her favorite bunny rabbit, Bunnykins.

"And so do you!" Hartley gushes as Trinity runs at her to give her a big cuddle.

"Did you tell Aunty Autumn how excited you and Bunnykins are to hold the rose petal basket before she walks down the aisle?" Skye gives Trinity a little nudge.

Trinity nods excitedly. "Me and Bwake were pwactising," she tells us proudly.

I can't help but giggle as I take a sip of champagne. "Practising, wow! You two are so dedicated."

"Let's show everyone," Blake suggests.

The girls both line up next to each other and give us their best demonstration — even pretending to throw rose petals as they walk.

"That's amazing!" I beam. "You two are going to win everyone's hearts."

Celeste rubs a hand over her little bump. She's the most gorgeous pregnant person I've ever seen. "We can't wait to see you both in your pretty dresses." She smiles.

My heart swells watching them. I can't believe this day has come around. I've photographed a lot of weddings over the last two months, and I've been able to buy my new videography with my inheritance. And now, it's my turn.

We've hired another local photographer and a videographer to capture our memories.

Butterflies swirl in my stomach. I know we did this once before, and I'll never forget the day Beau and I went to that registry office to make it official.But here, with all the people we love and care about, it feels different. It feels so right.

When it's time to step into my dress I smooth myself out and look in the mirror.

My mom hands me the beautiful bouquet of roses, peonies and the magnolias from the Bassett family farm.I plan to preserve them at a later date with my flower press Beau gave me.

"Your father can't wait to walk you down the aisle." She has tears in her eyes as we hug.

"Thank you, Mom." A lump forms in my throat. "I can't wait either."

She nods. "I can see how happy you make one another. I only ever wanted you to be happy, above anything else."

There's been no more talk about me giving up my job, or Mom looking down her nose at it. Or me quitting to have children. Or being a stay-at-home wife. None of those things are off the cards, but right now, this is about me and Beau. My husband.

I never thought this was possible, that she would accept Beau and things would be good again. But here we all are. "Are we ready?"

"You look stunning." We hug again and Georgia scolds us both for attempting to ruin the makeup.

Anton and Callan meet us just outside the casita and look like they've just become acquainted. "You look beautiful," Anton says, pushing off the wall. He gives me a quick hug, trying not to mess up my dress or veil.

"You really do." Callan smiles.

"Thank you." I can't wipe the smile off my face as Anton escorts me over to one of the golf carts where Dad is waiting.

"Honey, you look beautiful," he says, a tear in his eye. "Stunning."

"Thanks, Dad." I smile as he kisses me on the cheek.

Callan is going to drive me and Dad down to the archway, while Anton will drive the bridesmaids ahead of us. The ceremony will take place on the edge of grass where Stoney Creek meets the treeline, not far from the barn. Soft pink and white roses interlaced with baby's breath are intricately woven through the archway. I can see the rows of chairs all set up with a white bow on the back of each one. They've even made a beautiful red carpet down the middle.

I know Eden and her assistant went to town with every last detail and it shows. Georgia and Gayle had a hand in helping set up the barn too. Everything is perfect.

Dad sits beside me on the golf cart as Callan waits for the girls to follow Anton to the other one. Callan takes off a minute or so after them. My heart racing even more as we get closer.

"You're going to be fine, princess." He leans in to give me a kiss on the cheek before he lowers my veil.

"Thanks, Dad."

"Just promise to love and take care of each other always."

Tears brim in my eyes. I knew it would happen before I even got down the aisle, I'm an emotional crier from way back. Luckily Gran gave me one of her vintage hankies when she gave me the antique hair clip. I know I'm going to need it. "Always," I say. "We'll never break it, Dad. I love him so much."

Dad grins. "Well, then. Let's go get you married… again ."

I laugh as Dad helps me off the cart. My eyes search for Beau waiting at the pretty flowered archway.

There he stands at the end of the long aisle with his brothers; Gabe is fastening a rose to the pocket of his tuxedo jacket. He went all out this time. He looks fantastic.

My eyes meet his and I'm back there again. To the time I first fell in love with him when we were clowning around on the couch in the distillery lunchroom.

His hair is slicked back. His scruff is tidy and his blue eyes shine along with his bright smile.

My husband. My heart feels so full it could burst. I'm so ready to do this.

I'm ready to make him mine, again.

??

Beau

"Just hold still while I fasten the damned thing." Gabe attempts to pin one of Brook's prized rose buds through my jacket pocket.

"Just don't put a hole in the Hugo Boss," Gray chuckles.

Gray bought me the suit as a wedding present. He said everyone should own at least one decent outfit. Plus, there'll be more weddings and christenings and parties to come in the near future.

I straighten myself out as Gabe steps back to look at me. "Now it's perfect," he says.

"Who are you, the rose whisperer?" I laugh.

Gabe shrugs. "I've learned a thing or two over the years."

I smile. "It means a lot that you all agreed to be my groomsmen."

Fletcher is standing next to me as my best man. Things are going from strength to strength with him and Penny. The bouquet of roses worked a charm on that second date, which led to a third, and a fourth. One of these days he might actually kiss her.

"You do look good," Fletcher quips. And coming from him, that says a lot.

"You clean up real nice." Brook pats me on the back with a thud. "Nice goin', bro."

I pull a face. "Did I look so bad before?"

"No, it's just been a while since any of us wore a suit," Brook explains, then rolls his eyes. "Except Gabe, of course."

"Well I couldn't exactly get married in flannel. And thanks to Gray, I've now got a quality tux for any future weddings that might pop up." I raise my eyebrows toward Gray.

Brook and Gabe both turn to look at him. "Something you wanna tell us?"

Gray shrugs. "Soon. Maybe."

"You're thinking of proposing?" I whisper so only the five of us can hear.

"Not thinking about it." He quirks a smile. "But y'all keep it on the down low for now. It's Beau and Autumn's day."

And here we all were thinking Gray would never get married again after the first nightmare. Hartley isn't anything like his ex-wife, thank God.

A grin spreads across my face just as the music starts and we all look up to the back archway where Callan pulls up in the golf cart. "Way to go," I whisper to Gray as we all form a long line and I straighten myself out. "Proud of you."

He gives me a side eye. "Thanks, bro. But eyes on your bride."

I take a few deep breaths. This is nothing at all like the first time. My heart races in a similar way though; my palms are a little clammy, but the fact it's fucking official this time and we don't have to pretend, makes me feel different. I feel… on top of the world. Like this was all part of some major plan.

My heart feels so full knowing that Autumn is mine. All the years we were friends when others came in and out of our lives; she was always there. We've seen each other through quite some episodes already. Heartbreak. Highs and lows. And now she's my wife… for the second time.

I feel tears already forming in my eyes, threatening to leak from the corners as I see her dad helping her out of the cart in the distance and everyone stands.

"Showtime." Fletcher gives me a nudge in the side.

I take a few more deep breaths as I see our flower girls, Blake and Trinity, getting ready at the end of the red carpet, followed by the bridesmaids.

I look down the line at my brothers as Trinity and Blake both start the procession in time to the soft music. They're wearing pretty pink dresses and holding a basket each, sprinkling rose petals as they walk. When I catch a glimpse of Gabe, he wipes a tear from the corner of his eye as he watches them. It's so darned cute, I have to say. The one thing about weddings is it brings everyone together, and I love that.

"You two sure made pretty kids," I comment to Gabe and Brook. Gabe smiles with pride as Brook gives his daughter a wink.

Autumn's bridesmaids follow; Eden, Carrie and my sister. We didn't do the traditional thing of the groomsmen walking the bridesmaids; we wanted the girls to have their moment to shine.

Finally, my eyes latch onto my wife. It's not going to be long now, she isn't going to be too far behind the bridesmaids. My Autumn Leaf. She's more fucking glorious than any woman I've ever seen in my life. Watching her walk to the edge of the red carpet as she holds onto Chase's arm, I flex my fingers and ball them up a few times to shake off the nerves. I mean, I'm not nervous about her. I'm not even nervous about us. But everyone is watching and I'm not one for a big audience.

We both deserve this special day with our family and friends, and I know how much it means to have her dad walk her down the aisle.

"And here comes my wife," I hear Brook mutter as he watches Eden walk behind the girls. They're all wearing a similar pink colored dress to Trin and Blake's, but they're all slightly different. Eden's is a long silky gown with thin straps and a lower neckline. Carrie's wears an off the shoulder number with a floaty little train at the back, and Georgia-Blue — I have to laugh to myself — hers is knee-length with a thick tutu underneath to puff out the silk so it looks kind of sixties.

She gives me a wink as she floats on by.

I can see my parents at the front, sitting next to Ruth and Autumn's gran. Anton slides in on the end seat.

Callan slips his way in next to Celeste; they hold hands and smile over at me. Hartley sits next to Celeste, then Skye, Hudson and his dad, Huck, Owen and Daniel with his family.

Verne from the bakery and her husband Keith sit behind them, then I spot Aunt May and Uncle Mike on the same row. My eyes flick back to Autumn as her and Chase stand at the end of the long aisle. This is it. My beautiful girl and I are going to have our happily ever after.

We've decided for now we'll keep living in my casita while we work on the major repairs for Autumn's place; including re-tiling the roof. Then we'll get our own place on the farm, possibly a modular home or something similar. Brook is going to help me look into something sustainable where we can add solar panels and make the place environmentally friendly. Autumn will rent her house out as wedding guest accommodation when all the repairs are done. And as for kids, neither of us think we will take the plunge in starting a family, not in the near future, anyway. We're both happy as we are, the two of us. If things change in time, then so be it. But for now, we just want to enjoy each other.

Tears cloud my eyes as I watch Autumn and Chase walk slowly toward us. She looks absolutely gorgeous in her long, flowy, white gown. I almost have to hold myself upright as I watch her. Her eyes are on me the whole way; her smile is as bright as the sun. Her father steps forward and shakes my hand. "Look after her," he says simply.

"I will," I promise. "Always."

He gives Autumn a kiss on the cheek and places her hands in mine. Then he takes a seat next to Ruth at the front. Even Ruth has a tissue up to her eyes as she dabs them, clearly overcome with emotion.

I can feel the energy buzzing between us as Autumn blinks up at me. It's palpable. She takes my breath away. So much so, I feel my heart pulsating and my body humming. I place her hand on my heart before we start our proceedings. "You feel that?" I whisper.

She already has watery eyes, there's no way either of us are going to last through the whole ceremony without crying. "I feel it, Beau."

"I love you," I mouth.

"I love you too," she whispers back before the celebrant steps forward. Yes, we found Leonie again to perform the ceremony once more, but this time we've written our own vows and I know it's going to be even more memorable than it was the first time.

"You ready, Wifey? " I hear Fletch chuckle next to me.

"I'm ready, husband ."

And so our wonderful journey continues.

**

Later that night

Everything aligned for us today. The weather stayed perfect and the barn looked beautiful, set up with all the pretty place settings and flower arrangements that Eden organized. The food was amazing. We had vegetarian options for Blake and Brooklyn and the dessert went down a treat. The cutting of the cake was fun, and neither of us pushed any cake into each other's faces.

I carry my wife over the threshold as I boot the door open to my casita. Tomorrow, we fly out for a Caribbean honeymoon that I'm surprising her with. I managed to arrange us both a week off; Autumn doesn't have another wedding booking for two more weeks and Gabe was more than happy to take the load for a week. Laughter escapes her beautiful lips as she clings to me in the dark of my garage studio.

"You know I've had a gallery interested in my sketches in Nashville," I tell her as I sit her down on the trestle table where she first discovered my artwork of her and Moses.

Our app is going even better than we expected, with all the social media advertising we've been doing. The mailing list was a big success, thanks to Fletcher's connections. I think things can only go up from here.

She shrieks. "What?" I move on in between her legs, pulling her hips to mine. I bob my head down to kiss her.

"Don't worry, my warrior princess and Moses are not for sale."

She insisted I bring the bigger of the sketches into the house and mount it above our bed. It's something I never thought I would ever have the guts to have on display, but with Autumn by my side, anything is possible. And I have to admit, it is pretty cool seeing my art hanging up.

"You'd better not, hubs. Or I'd have to hunt the buyer down and tackle them to the ground."

I chuckle, nuzzling into her neck. Inhaling her gorgeous, subtle scent of vanilla and peonies, I sigh. "Like I would at any price, Wifey ."

"I'm so happy, Beau. I can't even describe it."

"It's the best day of my life," I declare, then pause. "Aside from the first time I married you."

She swats my arm with her hand but we both laugh. We've come a long way since then, and it wasn't even that long ago.

I know that we are perfect for each other, and what started out as a way for Autumn to get her inheritance and for me to get my folks off my back has turned into something so amazing. I wonder how I got this lucky.

"You look so beautiful in that dress," I say. I know she has sexy lingerie on underneath, she's been teasing me about it all day. "I'll never forget this, Autumn Leaf ."

"Me either." She reaches up to kiss me.

"But now, I'd like to make love to my wife on my art table."

She giggles, pulling up her dress to her hips. "Please do, Hubs. Your wife is getting impatient."

I laugh, reaching down again to hold her and take her in, touching her softly on her cheek as my other hand reaches down to cup her breast through the floaty fabric of her dress. "Your wish is my command."